This resolution was adopted with no opposition at the Diocesan Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of Eastern Oregon on Oct. 16, 2011.
Resolution
Subject: The Anglican Communion Covenant
Submitted by: The Rev. James Mosier and the Rev. Kathryn Macek on behalf of the Clergy Collegium meeting in Cove, September 9, 2011
Rationale
WHEREAS: The churches of the Anglican Communion are held together in an indissoluble spiritual bond as members of the body of Christ and are called, individually and collectively, to “be imitators of God, as beloved children, and live in love, as Christ loved us” (Ephesians 5:1-2); and
WHEREAS: Within that indissoluble bond of love, each member church must discern where the Spirit of God is calling them as they live out their promise made in baptism “to seek and serve Christ in all persons, loving our neighbor as ourselves,” ever mindful of their primary call to further the present-and-coming reign of God; and
WHEREAS: After prayerful consideration of The Anglican Communion Covenant, the Episcopal Diocese of Eastern Oregon, in Province VIII of The Episcopal Church, believes that the Covenant does not further the reign of God; and
WHEREAS: We believe that Section Four in particular by its adjudicatory nature -introduces an adversanal element that could wound the Communion;
Resolution
NOW, THEREFORE: We recommend that The Episcopal Church respectfully decline to ratify The Anglican Communion Covenant as proposed.