C056 clears the HOB with revisions

Moving forward in faith and the conviction of the Holy Spirit, the house of bishops voted 104:30:2 to approve C056. The resolution approves that the Standing Commission on Liturgy and Music, in consultation with the House of Bishops, collect and develop theological, and liturgical resources for use in same gender celebrations of union.

Before you get your hopes up, or go off on a "heresy" fit, please note that this does not approve same-gender blessings for the church. What it does is to direct the CLM to study the issue and to develop rites to be presented at GC12.

Resolved, the House of _______ concurring, That the 76th General Convention charge the Standing Commission on Liturgy and Music with development of liturgies of blessing for same-gender commitments to be presented to the next triennial General Convention in 2012 for inclusion in "Book of Occasional Services"; and. be it further

Resolved, That in the meantime the Ecclesiastical Authority of each diocese may authorize for use in the diocese liturgies for blessing same-gender committed relationships of enduring love, mutuality, and fidelity; and be it further

Resolved, That, with respect to such blessings, no bishop or clergy of this Church or any other person acting on behalf of this Church shall be required or expected to perform an act contrary to a deeply-held position of conscience.

Resolved, the House of Deputies concurring, 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 and liturgies 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 design liturgies and report to the 77th General Convention; for further action; 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 continue to 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.

Once again, take note that no rite for "gay marriage" has been sanctioned by the house of bishops. This is merely a directive to study the issue and develop possible rites in response to the legal status of same-gender marriage in the United States and elsewhere in the Western World.

I particularly like the opening statement: [T]he 76th General Convention acknowledge the changing circumstances ... that call forth a renewed pastoral response from this Church...

I think the resolution will pass the house of deputies, but one never knows.

Although I am not physically present at GC09, what I sense is that there is no divisiveness at this convention. That is in start contrast to GC06. Both houses have made the same statement - that all God's children are welcome without reservation -- the mechanics just have to be worked out.

Make sure to read Jim Naughton's excellent post on this resolution.