Pastoral Letter from Bishop Herlong

By the time you hear these words you will be well aware of the actions of the 74th General Convention which met in Minneapolis July 30-August 8, 2003. While the Convention dealt with a great many issues and opportunities facing the church, the media attention was focused on issues of human sexuality. All of the mail and calls I have received also centered on those issues. And while I hope we will have opportunities to highlight the Convention actions on which most of us would agree, this letter is written to address the two major "hot button" issues: the passing of a resolution that acknowledges the blessing of same sex unions is happening in this church and the approval of the election as a bishop of the church, an openly gay man living in a homosexual relationship. Some people see this as a sign of progress and prophetic witness of the church. But for many others, and me, it is a clear departure from the historic faith and a travesty.

There are two interpretations of Resolution C-051, dealing with the blessing of same-sex unions. The controversial section (5) reads: "We recognize that local faith communities are operating within the bounds of our common life as they explore and experience liturgies celebrating and blessing same-sex unions." While some are saying that this section authorizes "local option" for blessing same-sex unions, it is clear to me that this simply acknowledges the reality of what is actually going on in the church. The resolution does not authorize services or endorse "rites" for such blessings.

All people, regardless of their sexual preference or opinions about sexual behavior are welcome in all of our churches all of the time. But it is not appropriate to bless or hold up as a "wholesome example" behavior that is contrary to biblical teaching and historic faith. Therefore the present rule and practice of this diocese will continue in the future. I will not ordain persons sexually active outside of marriage nor will I allow the blessing of same-sex unions.

The approval of the House of Bishops and the House of Deputies of the election of Canon V. Gene Robinson has serious consequences for the whole church. Bishops are elected and consecrated for the whole church. That is why the ratification of elections is part of our polity. The General Convention in its action represents the action of the whole church. What happens in one part of the body affects us all.

It is important to remember that the 1998 Lambeth Conference of Anglican Bishops overwhelmingly reaffirmed that sexual intamacy is only appropriate within the context of traditional marriage. The vote was 526-70. Therefore, it is not surprising that a significant number of Primates (Archbishops) and Bishops from around the world have expressed their disapproval and dismay of the decisions made in Minneapolis. The Archbishop of Canterbury has called an extraordinary meeting in October of all of the Primates of the Anglican Communion to address the crisis the Convention's action has produced in the life of our worldwide church. This action has not only caused consternation in our own church, but also has had a very negative effect on our ecumenical relationships. In approving an active gay man for consecration as a bishop, the General Convention has changed the clear teaching of the church and ignored the biblical basis for that teaching.

What are we to make of the decisions of our General Convention? First, we are to remember what the trial of Bishop Walter Righter taught us, that resolutions of the General Convention are not doctrine or mandatory, but advisory. Second, and more important, we are to remember that God is still in charge and it is the will of God that will ultimately prevail. Third, we cannot control what others in the church believe and do, but we do not have to let their actions and beliefs destroy our unity and purpose.

Many have told me that they are leaving the church. Others wish to restrict or withhold pledges. I beseech you not to do so. That will only weaken our congregations, the diocese and our mission. I am working diligently with clergy and lay leaders and other bishops to deal with this situation. In the meantime, I ask you not to act from anger and disappointment but on the basis of our faith in Jesus Christ. All of us continue to be called to be faithful, to continue our work, to preach the Gospel and to teach the faith and to reach out in ministry and service to the world for which Christ died. That mission has not changed. All of us are called to reconcilliation with each other, to work together in spite of our differences, to let the love of Christ rule our hearts and minds.

The Tennessee Deputation to the General Convention will hold two informational meetings for the clergy and people of the diocese. The first will be held at 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, September 6, 2003, immediately following the Diocesan Leadership Conference II, at St. George's Church, Nashville. The second will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, September 14, 2003 at Trinity Church, Winchester. At these meetings there will be ample opportunity to hear from our elected deputies and bishop to answer questions and hear the concerns of the clergy and people regarding the actions of the 74th General Convention. I hope that all of you who have concerns and questions will attend one of these meetings.

Someone has said, "issues divide, mission unites." For ten years I have been calling the clergy and people of this diocese to the mission of the church: "to restore all people to unity with God and each other through Christ." Together, and with God's help, we have done some good work, grown significantly and increased our outreach and service to others. We cannot, we must not let the actions of one convention deter us from what I believe God is calling us to do.

Now in the midst of this crisis, I am calling on every Episcopalian in this diocese, to renew their commitment to Jesus Christ and join me as I seek to do God's will in this place. The future is uncharted and unknown. However, we do not face the future with fear and trepidation. For although we don't know what the future holds, we do know who holds the future. We are assured again and again of God's love for us and for all people. We know and experience that love not only through our "creation, preservation and all the blessings of this life," but above all through God's "immeasurable love in the redemption of the world by our Lord Jesus Christ."

This letter was read from the pulpit of St. Andrew's this past Sunday by the Bishop's Cannon (assistant). He congratulated the parish ("You have gone from being marginalized and mocked by many in this diocese to being the leader."), and endorsed our protest (removing "episcopal" from our signs).

The same stone rejected by the builders has become the chief cornerstone.

Our attendance was double that we usually get in August. The media was there as well, so maybe we will get even more next Sunday.

I was disappointed in this letter. There was no hope or plan of action. I also interpreted the resolution the way the gay lobby did and not the way our bishop did. I don't see how he came to that understanding. Are you going to the DLC in September?

I also interpreted the resolution the way the gay lobby did and not the way our bishop did.

I was pleased with the Bishop's letter (I even smiled when I thought of it being read in Christ Church and St. Anne's). About the resolution I thought the Bishop's crucial statement was, "I will not ordain persons sexually active outside of marriage nor will I allow the blessing of same-sex unions." Canon Dedmon really stressed the words "not allow." I got the message that anyone trying to do blessings would face stiff episcopal discipline.

Maybe I'm being wishful...

But will the little church in Franklin or the one at Vandy try him on those issues? Or the Cathedral? Those are the three that voted for the new bishop. The letter wasn't read in our church but was on the back table for us to read at our leisure. Of course, our pastor made his feelings plain last Sunday, with more enthusiasm than the bishop's letter.

And I hate to burst your bubble, but do you know any examples of stiff Episcopal discipline? Last I heard, Spong retired on his own time and he should've been run out of town on a rail.

do you know any examples of stiff Episcopal discipline?

Yeah. Look at what (liberal) bishops did in Pennsylvania and Maryland. What's good for the goose ...

Spong is in a class (universe?) all his own. He was a bishop himself, so who could discipline him? The HOB? Not bloody likely.

the mood at St George's

Word is that a lot of parishoners are very upset. St. George's Rector is a known liberal, but he's a coward as well. He was a delegate to the General Convention, but resigned (I was told he resigned so he would not have to vote on Robinson). Then he went on vacation, is not returning calls, etc. So when the vestry and congregation want to know what is going on and what will happen to St. George's, he is unavailable.

We had some folks from St. George's visit last week (looked for you, BTW), so maybe some of the St. George's folks will move half a mile east.

They're welcome, but I don't know if it will do much for the tone of the place.

Very disappointing letter. This situation calls for righteous anger, not platitudes and hand-wringing. Where is the outrage? This letter indicates to me that there is absolutely no hope for the Episcopalian church. In 20 years it will be a small Unitarian-type church having less tham 1,000,00 members. Headed to well-deserved obscurity.

The sitrep on St Georges doesn't suprise me much sadly.

My wife is sort of enthusiastic about the PCA church we've started going to....but we will still come to visit.

I like visiting...not as a dilletante just because I like it that way. I will probably always be a member of Calvary Baptist Church on Capital St in Jackson Miss. even though it's now surrounded by Dodge City ghetto and will probably die or move.....it was home for many years....but I never say never..lol

The preacher last Sunday coincidentally gave a sermon condemning homosexual marriage and declaring it in direct contrast with the word. My wife was thrilled.

Regards.

About the resolution I thought the Bishop's crucial statement was, "I will not ordain persons sexually active outside of marriage nor will I allow the blessing of same-sex unions."

But when he retires...?

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