By Nancy Jane Moore
That is, they are agreeing to hold back on appointing any more gay bishops. Although the statement they approved is milder than the one that was voted down earlier in the convention, it amounts to the same thing. I, for one, am very disappointed.
Newly appointed Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori told the deputies.
I am fully committed to the full inclusion of gay and lesbian Christians in this church. . . . I certainly don't understand adopting this resolution as slamming the door. I think if you do pass this resolution you have to be willing to keep working with all your might at finding a common mind in this church. I don't find this an easy thing to say to you, but I think that is the best we are going to manage at this point in our church's history.
In the end, I don't think those who oppose gay bishops – and let's not forget that some of those same people also oppose female bishops – are going to change their minds just because the Episcopal Church said they'd exercise "restraint." They're just going to demand more.
So I'm disappointed. But I'm still proud to note that the Episcopal Church includes openly gay priests and bishops in its clergy – including some in active relationships. Most other mainstream churches are dragging their heels on the issue; some will allow gays so long as they remain celibate; others won't allow them at all.
I'm hoping that by the next Episcopal general convention, the church stops compromising and goes back to taking a firm stand. We have plenty of compromisers in this country. What we need are leaders.
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