UPDATE:
ABC News reports that over half of all Americans now support marriage equality. General Convention 2009 C056 (see below for full text) called on the Standing Commission on Liturgy and Music to “collect and develop theological and liturgical resources” for liturgies of blessing for gay and lesbian couples and to devise an open process for its work with participation by provinces, dioceses, congregations and individuals.
Thanks to a grant from the Arcus Foundation Deputies from The Episcopal Church were able to attend a consultation held this Friday and Saturday in Atlanta. Plenary sessions can be viewed here.
The Rev. Dr. Caroline Hall reports on Day 1 of the Consultation:
…here are the highlights of the theological principles as they were presented today by Jay Johnson: Reflecting theologically on same-gender unions should be grounded in baptism and how we live out our baptismal covenant which suggests three key theological touchstones;
1) The loving faithfulness of faithful relationships exhibits the character of a sacrament;
2) Christian life generally, but in particular committed relationships, shares in God’s Trinitarian life characterized by inclusive, dynamic and mutual giving
3) Committed relationships can renew our hope – the gospel promise of union with God
The group working on liturgical principles has sifted through a huge quantity of material, (ed. note: some so old, they were originally made on a Mimeograph machine) which they hope to make available digitally in cooperation with the Church Archives. Patrick Malloy explained that they have created an outline liturgy which follows the lines of most of our other rites, placing the covenanting between the liturgy of the word and the liturgy of the table. They have also selected “liturgical units” such as collects or litanies which they particularly liked which might be put into the framework.
As the plenary session closed this evening (Friday) deputies are being asked to consider some of these liturgical units to see what works and what doesn’t work for them – and to explain why.
UPDATE:
Part 2 of Hall’s report of the meeting is here.
From the Press Conference:
Q Will this be a liturgy that can be used by all couples.
A No – the SCLM is interpreting the Resolution in the most narrow sense and only developing rites for same sex couples.
Q. How will you interact with the rest of the Communion?
A. 1. Will be attending the Inter Anglican Liturgy Conference in Canterbury this summer. Have a half day on the Agenda and will engage with others for feedback and theological reflection. 2. House of Bishops charged with interacting and reflection with diocesan partners and with their Indaba group members. Materials will be provided for this. 3. HoB meets next week and will hear the report from the Deputies meeting and discuss next steps. 4. Committee members met with Phil Groves of the Anglican Communion Office who is charged with the continuing Indaba process.
Q. Will the meeting affect GC 2012.
A. First time a mid term meeting of Deputies has ever been held. Relationships built between new and old Deputies, theological reflection process. Speaking from the heart from many points of view. Respect and care for one another. Many skills and gifts emerged that hopefully will carry over to GC 2011
The Rev. Canon Susan Russell “live tweeted” the sessions. Read her notes here.
Episcopal News Service report and photos here
An interesting factoid: The Diocese of South Carolina won the prize for highest participation in same gender blessing study survey.
UPDATE:
First hand report by Deputy and Dean Brian Baker of Cathedral in Sacramento.
General Convention 2009 C056
Resolved,.. That the 76th General Convention acknowledge the changing circumstances in the United States and in other nations, as legislation authorizing or forbidding marriage, civil unions or domestic partnerships for gay and lesbian persons is passed in various civil jurisdictions that call forth a renewed pastoral response from this Church, and for an open process for the consideration of theological and liturgical resources for the blessing of same gender relationships; and be it further
Resolved, That the Standing Commission on Liturgy and Music, in consultation with the House of Bishops, collect and develop theological and liturgical resources, and report to the 77th General Convention; and be it further
Resolved, That the Standing Commission on Liturgy and Music, in consultation with the House of Bishops, devise an open process for the conduct of its work inviting participation from provinces, dioceses, congregations, and individuals who are engaged in such theological work, and inviting theological reflection from throughout the Anglican Communion; and be it further
Resolved, That bishops, particularly those in dioceses within civil jurisdictions where same-gender marriage, civil unions, or domestic partnerships are legal, may provide generous pastoral response to meet the needs of members of this Church; and be it further
Resolved, That this Convention honor the theological diversity of this Church in regard to matters of human sexuality; and be it further
Resolved, That the members of this Church be encouraged to engage in this effort.