Back in April, almost a full 3 months ago
now, I declared that I would soon be back on this blog. My how time flies!
Cranking the old blog back up after taking
a hiatus has been much more difficult than anticipated. This is not because I
haven't had had much to say. Instead, it is because the church that I serve has
not slowed down one bit for the summer. To the contrary, St. George's in
Summerville has done nothing but ramp up, heat up and speed up. That's a
beautiful thing, because it means life is happening here. Although I have never
been one for "taking my ease", I have not on purpose created this
"busy-ness", either. People are responding to the Gospel of love, and
are paying attention to their lives in Christ. They are growing deeper, and are
inviting others into those depths where the pulse of God's heart beats
strongly. Thanks to my colleague and partner --and boss (he hates when I call
him that)-- the Rev. Rick Luoni for the honor and privilege of joining him in
the work of God in this place.
Now the Episcopal Church in South Carolina
is defending herself in a lawsuit brought against her by Mark Lawrence and the
congregations that are aligned with him. I have written at length about my
experiences in the run-up to, and the experience of, the schism in my blog
series entitled "Why I Stayed". So now I intend to write about good
things, positive things; indeed, healthy things a la Philippians 4: 8-9.
Our diocese last week announced that
clergy now have permission, under certain pastoral guidelines that were
developed by Bp. Charles von Rosenberg and a committee working with him, to use
the approved rite of the Episcopal Church, "The Witnessing and Blessing of
a Lifelong Covenant". I served on that committee with some truly
outstanding minds who are equally respectful and loving of heart. The conveners
of the four deaneries of the diocese, along with representative laity from
those deaneries, met regularly with the bishop and members of his staff. The
bishop wanted to put this policy in place for the protection of all involved:
same-gender couples who desire to have their life-long covenants blessed by the
church, the congregations to which they belong, those who have opposing views,
and finally their clergy. Our process included consulting with other dioceses
around the country as to their processes, their conversations, their policies
and their experiences. We dialogued, we did theology, we developed a curriculum,
and a suggested method of conversation. We prayed together, we included
provision for follow-up and evaluation, and we provided links and a
bibliography to assist those who are interested in further study on their
own.
Resolution A049, which was passed by the
General Convention of the Episcopal Church in the summer of 2012, stipulates
that while permission to use this rite as a pastoral response to those who
request it is granted, no bishop, priest, deacon or lay person may be coerced into
using the rite, or be punished for conscientiously objecting to use it. I, for
one, value and treasure the bonds of fellowship that I have with those who will be
using this rite in our diocese. I say this as a past Diocesan Examining
Chaplain in Ethics and Moral Theology (for 19 years) and as a former adjunct
professor in Systematic Theology and Ethics and Moral Theology for Trinity
Episcopal School for Ministry.
Our diocesan policy states that in order
for this rite to be used in the church, among other guidelines, there needs to
be a couple affiliated with a congregation who desires the rite, a willingness
on the part of the rector to do so, and finally that there must be dialogue on
the matter and approval by the vestry of that congregation to use the rite.
As it happens in our parish at St.
George's, to my knowledge we do not currently have any gay couples in a
committed relationship who wish to have their love blessed by the church
in a covenant of lifelong commitment. While this is true for us, there
are other congregations in our diocese for whom this is a pastoral reality.
Due to the past environment in our geographical region, we, as with other
parishes, have not been afforded open dialogue about this pastoral question.
While the question, then, is moot for us St. George's now, we will have
opportunities for dialogue sometime in the future. True to the character
of the Episcopal Church, everyone's position will be respected, and everyone
will respect the dignity of every human being, as we promise in our baptismal
vows.
Later I want to take up certain aspects of
this topic and perhaps even wax theological. But for now I ask that we all
remember that there are people behind this issue; people who deserve respect
and dignity because we are children of God. People who are members of the Body
of Christ, and who are valued members of our community. I am glad that people
are finally being affirmed for who they are by the church. I am glad that Love
trumps Law, and that at the Cross the ground is absolutely,
unequivocally, and thoroughly level. Without exception.
CH +
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