The basis for the filings is twofold. One is based on the the statute of limitations and the other that clergy are not employees of the Vatican.
As previous debates have shown, a majority of the members of the House strongly support the admission of women to the episcopate. At the same time there remains a strong commitment on the part of the House to preserve an honoured place within the Church of England for those unable to receive this development. Most members of the House consider that it is crucial to keep faith with the present process. They see no grounds for believing that the issues with which the Church is grappling will become significantly easier to resolve with the passage of time.
Gay sex is still illegal in 37 countries in Africa. A recent poll by the Pew Research Centre found that 98% of people in Cameroon, Kenya and Zambia disapprove of homosexuality. But encouraged by legal advances in South Africa, a new wave of activist movements are making a stand and pushing the boundaries in Kenya, Ghana, Malawi, Zimbabwe and other countries in ways unthinkable a generation ago.
“In the past ten months we have prayed, reflected and worked together,” said Pat Micklow, search committee representative from Diocesan Council. “We recognize that our first search process and our commitment to mutual ministry were not well understood, and we are committed to being transparent and communicating clearly as we undertake this search. We want to move forward together with the support of the wider Episcopal Church.”
The ratification will make Portugal the sixth country in Europe to allow same-sex marriage after Belgium, Spain, Norway, the Netherlands and Sweden. The announcement comes days after Pope Benedict, on a visit to Portugal, told pilgrims they should oppose the law.
While the economy appears to be recovering from the worst downturn in generations, more clergy are facing unemployment as churches, irrespective of denomination, continue to struggle with drops in donations. Clergy that are let go may face a particularly tough time because churches aren’t subject to unemployment taxes; laid-off employees can’t collect those benefits available to other workers. Severance pay is not a guarantee in all cases.
First James Jones of Liverpool, now Michael Perham of Gloucester, another English bishop who seems to understand that neither God nor history are on Rowan Williams’ side when he attempts to hold the Anglican Communion together at the expense of gay and lesbian Christians
If form holds, the Episcopal Church and perhaps the Anglican Church of Canada will receive an invitation from Rowan Williams, the Archbishop of Canterbury, suggesting that its representatives consider absenting themselves from some upcoming meeting or meetings of some Anglican or ecumenical bodies.
Diane and Mary are bishops in good standing in the Episcopal Church, and hence, in the Anglican Communion. They will be welcome where they are welcome, and rebuffed where they will be rebuffed: actions entirely within the competency of any diocesan bishop outside of Los Angeles. Deal with it.
“I do not think going off in a little partisan group with all of your exact, like-minded friends and proclaiming yourself right and everyone else wrong, or yourself saved and everyone else damned, is particularly courageous.”