The Diocese of New York, meeting in convention, passed resolutions on marriage equality and on Occupy Wall Street.
On marriage equality clergy ask to be allowed to act as agents of the state in all marriages:
[ 7 ] RESOLVED, That, the 235th Convention of the Diocese of New York
urges the 77th General Convention to revise the current Canons of The
Episcopal Church with regard to marriage, to provide for the marriage of
same-gender couples in those jurisdictions that have or will have civil
marriage for same-gender couples; and be it further
[ 8 ] RESOLVED, That the Diocese of New York urge General Convention
diligently to continue the work called for in its Resolution C056, to
“collect and develop theological and liturgical resources” for the
blessing for same-gender couples;, and be it further
[ 9 ] RESOLVED, That the Diocese of New York, in light of its continued
support of faithful and committed same-gender couples, including the
support for civil marriage equality by the 232nd Convention of the
Diocese and our Diocesan Bishop and other leaders, encourages the Bishop
to interpret Resolution C056 of the 76th General Convention (“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”) to mean that clergy throughout the Diocese are permitted
(but not required) to sign marriage licenses and officiate at marriages
for couples legally eligible for marriage in the State of New York.
The Rev. Canon Susan Russell comments at An Inch at a Time:
The fact that the Episcopal Diocese of New York stepped up today on marriage equality is good news not just for gay and lesbian Episcopalians but for everyone tired of having bigotry masquerade as Christianity on issues of LGBT equality.
On Occupy Wall Street:
An Occupy Resolution adopted by the Episcopal Diocese of New York on January 14, 2011
RESOLVED: In response to the Bishop’s Address, the 235th Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of New York joins in affirming:
[1] that the Occupy movement has shed light on the challenges we face as both citizens and followers of Jesus Christ;
[2] that unfettered capitalism has resulted in unacceptable inequities within the fabric of our society;
[3] that non-violent protests and direct actions of the Occupy movement, including actions of conscientious civil disobedience, have a time honored place in the formation and growth of a more civil society;
[4] that, in contrast, protests and direct actions that are mindfully designed to provoke confrontation and violence are to be discouraged in any social or political movement;
[5] that in all cases, we call upon law enforcement to respond to any protest and any direct action with restraint and respect for the safety and human dignity of protestors, and in respect of the rights of a free press to witness and record such events;
[6] that we affirm those members of each order of ministry in the Episcopal Church – laity, deacons, priests, and bishops – as well as some parishes – who have made decisions, based on their local circumstances, abilities, and resources, to open their hearts and doors in support of local Occupations;
[7] and that we encourage all members and institutions of the Diocese to prayerfully consider their own level of interest, engagement, or support of the Occupy movement; acknowledging that some will choose to engage, and some will not.
submitted by The Rev. Wm. Blake Rider, Rector
Christ Episcopal Church
Poughkeepsie, New York
Explanation
For over a year, since the self-immolation of Mohamed Bouazizi in Tunisia in December of 2010, the world has watched the rise, in country after country, of social and political movements calling attention to inequities within the basic economic, civic, and in some cases political systems of each country. In the United States, this phenomenon has become known as the Occupy Movement – once centered upon Occupy Wall Street – but now widely spread across the country. Each county within the bounds of the Diocese of New York has experienced some manifestation of the Occupy Movement.
The Movement has been characterized by conversation and debate in its General Assemblies, in rallies, the Occupy camps, protests, and direct actions. Many individuals within the Diocese of New York – lay and ordained – and many parishes – have engaged the conversation regarding the economic inequities that have been highlighted by the Occupy Movement, and considered their response, if any.
The intent of this resolution is:
• to acknowledge the (presumed) broad consensus that inequities in our social, economic, and political life do exist
• to acknowledge that the rights of protest, peaceful assembly, and a free press are worthy of our unqualified support
• to acknowledge that civil disobedience likewise holds an honored place within our society – when accompanied by the conscientious decision to accept the civil consequences of one’s actions
• to call upon law enforcement to always plan, strategize, and perform their duties with an aim to bring no harm to participants in any protest or direction action, much less to those who are merely standing as witnesses or as members of the press
• to affirm those members of the Diocese and parishes who after prayerful reflection and due consideration have decided to stand with the Occupy Movement
• and to acknowledge that after the same prayerful reflection and due consideration, some members of the Diocese and parishes will hold the contrary position, and not be in support of the Occupy Movement.