The Episcopal Church's politics re: status of LGBTs since 2003 and Bishop Gene Robinson's election
by: NancyP
Tue Jan 20, 2009 at 19:42:38 PM EST

http://pamshouseblend.com/showDiary.do;jsessionid=E59340BF557A0535525528AA1532E468?diaryId=9130

(The Episcopal Church has been roiling for some time over inclusion and openly LGBTs. This diary has is interesting detail on where things stand. - promoted by Pam Spaulding)

This is background material in response to some comments on the "Bishop Robinson at Inauguration" threads.

A late 1970s bylaw indicates that gender, orientation are not to be considered in eligibility for seminary and for ordination, but a separate bylaw specifies that sexual activity should be conducted within the bounds of marriage. At the present, there is no official rite of marriage for same-gender couples in the Prayer Book; experimental rites have been used in some dioceses before 2006, and probably on the quiet after 2006 (see below). In actual practice, many gay or lesbian priests serve, and many have partners who are fully recognized as the (monogamous) spouses of the priests. Priests are hired by their parishes, but must be acceptable to the bishop of the diocese. Many bishops are actively welcoming, many are indifferent on the issue, and about 10% of the dioceses' bishops will not license gay/lesbian priests to serve in their dioceses.

Since 2003, the Episcopal Church (TEC) has been threatened with schism by the 10% of bishops who will not license gays/lesbians (and women, in some cases) as priests. TEC General Conference (House of Bishops, and House of Deputies (deputies are layfolk and parish priests)) approved Robinson as bishop in 2003, after his valid election by his diocese. My impression is that Robinson's support has increased considerably since then, and 90% of bishops find him perfectly satisfactory.