Letter to Priests and Bishops in Diocese of CT from Bishop Andrew Smith

Beginning October 1, 2005, the civil laws of Connecticut will include a new provision, which will enable and allow persons of the same sex to enter into civil unions. A civil union is defined as a legally recognized relationship only between two men or two women, both of whom must be at least eighteen years old (unless an emancipated minor), and neither of whom can be immediately related to the other. The legal requirements for a civil union are much like those for a marriage. Marriage, however, continues to be reserved by law to heterosexual couples, for whom civil unions are not allowed.

The new law allows any person who is licensed to perform a marriage also to officiate at a civil union. The law specifically names clergy. That, of course, raises the question of whether priests and bishops of the Episcopal Church may officiate at civil unions.

A long-standing policy of the diocese, which I have not changed, is that priests and bishops serving in the diocese, whether canonically resident or by the privilege of a license, are not authorized to officiate at blessings of same-sex unions. With this letter I am extending that
policy to include civil unions. Priests and bishops in this diocese are not authorized to officiate at civil unions or at blessings of same-sex unions.

In promulgating this policy, I am aware that clergy of other denominations and faiths will officiate at civil unions, and that our church will differ from legislated civil standards. And I am deeply aware of the inequality and anguish this policy brings to the lives and consciences of many faithful members of this diocese, lay and clergy, gay and straight.

At the same time, the Episcopal Church has not spoken by resolution through its General Convention on the questions of same-sex blessings or civil unions. We ourselves are not of one mind as a diocese, and we haven’t engaged the issues in a way that brings light rather than division. And as a bishop with jurisdiction, I voted with the vast majority at the last meeting of the House of Bishops to support the intent of the Windsor Report. Part of that covenant we made was that none of us would authorize public rites concerning same-sex relationships at least until General Convention 2006.

I must ask your compliance with this policy. It is not a “don’t ask, don’t tell” situation. We – bishops and priests — serve in this diocese as members of the Episcopal Church in the Anglican Communion. And we are bound together by our ordination vows and covenants we have made.

This winter we all as laity and clergy must address the theological, personal and evangelical questions before us, before General Convention meets next June. I ask you to participate in the regional discussions that will be offered. Always we will welcome and care for all members of the Church, and all whom we meet, thereby seeking and serving Christ. In everything, thank you for your understanding in this time, and for the faithfulness of your ministry.

Right on the tail of that, this:

Proposed Resolutions in the Diocese of Connecticut,
titusonenine

RESOLUTION #5 – On Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Rights and Equality

Submitted by: The Rev. Michelle Hansen, STM

RESOLVED: That this 221 st Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of Connecticut supports the rights, liberty and equality of all individuals based on gender identity or expression as well as sexual orientation, so that all members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community will be protected from discrimination in our parishes and have access to all sacraments and privileges afforded to members of the Diocese;

And, be it further RESOLVED: That the Secretary of this Convention convey this resolution to the 75th General Convention of this Episcopal Church to be considered at that General Convention.

RESOLUTION #6 – Presiding at Civil Unions

Submitted by: the Rev. Dr. James Bradley, the Rev. Malinda Johnson and Ms. Donna Dietch (St. John’s, Waterbury), Mr. Lyn Meyer (St. James’, Danbury), the Rev. Dr. Barbara Cheney (St. Paul and St. James, New Haven), the Rev. Jack Parker, the Rev. John Carter (St. John’s, Salisbury), the Rev. David Gurniak (St. Mark’s, Bridgewater), the Rev. Robert Hall, the Rev. Michael Spencer, the Rev. Clinton Jones.

RESOLVED: That the 221 st Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of Connecticut urges the Diocesan Bishop to authorize priests in the Diocese of Connecticut to preside at civil unions;

And, be it further RESOLVED: That, just as with marriage, no priest is required to preside at civil unions.

RESOLUTION #7 – On Baptism Is Full Initiation
Submitted by: The Diocesan Commission on Liturgy and Music

RESOLVED: That the 221 st Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of Connecticut submit the following Resolution to the 75 th General Convention of the Episcopal Church:

RESOLVED: The House of _________concurring, that the Standing Commission on Constitution and Canons be directed to prepare such amendments to the Canons as will clarify that Baptism, being “full initiation by water and the Holy Spirit into Christ’s Body the Church”, shall be the only membership requirement (other than any age limitation) for eligibility for licensing to office in accordance with the provisions of Canon III.4 (Of Licensed Ministries) or of access to the ordination process;

And be it further RESOLVED: That wherever the terms “reaffirmation” and “reception” are used in the Canons, they shall be the equivalent to “confirmation” for any and all Canons.

RESOLUTION #8 — Affirmation of the Via Media

Submitted by: The Rev. Jennings Matheson and the Vestry of St. Michael’s Parish, Litchfield

RESOLVED:That this 221 st Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of Connecticut affirm and communicate its strong support for the core values of the Episcopal Church, as expressed through:

A community and culture which provides a loving and safe place for people of good will from a wide spectrum of political, social and theological beliefs to express their views, tell their stories, be respected and heard;
A Christian community for which worship is central, and Holy Communion the act which connects us and unifies us into the Body of Christ in our community, our region, the nation, and the world;
A dynamic Christian community that carries on the missionary work of the church in our communities, the region, the nation, and the world
And be it furtherRESOLVED: That this 221st Convention expresses its love for the Church as the body of Christ and passion for its ministry and mission.

And be it further RESOLVED: Tha t this Convention calls all Episcopalians within the Diocese to engage in a period of intentional study and corporate consideration of the differing points of view which threaten to divide us, specifically issues regarding scriptural and ecclesial authority, that we may prayerfully and in good order discern God’s will for our common life.

RESOLUTION #9 — No Taxation Without Representation

Submitted by: The Rev. Canon Robert J. Brooks and Social Concerns and Witness Committee

RESOLVED: That the 221 st Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of Connecticut submit the following Resolution to the 75 th General Convention of the Episcopal Church:

RESOLVED: The House of _________ concurring, that the Budget of the Domestic and Foreign Missionary Society of the Episcopal Church for the 2007-2009 Triennium be amended to escrow any funds budgeted for payment of any assessments for the support of the Anglican Consultative Council;

And be it further, RESOLVED: That the Executive Council of the Episcopal Church, upon certifying the restoration of the Episcopal Church to its seats in the Anglican Consultative Council, including its qualification to serve on the Standing Committee and Inter-Anglican Finance and Administration Committee of the Anglican Consultative Council, may release such budgeted funds from escrow, at any time during the Triennium, in payment of the assessment to the Anglican Consultative Council.

For more information, go here.

Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.

Artist: Caroline O'Connor and Chorus Lyrics

Song: Anything Goes Lyrics