76th General Convention

Anaheim, 2009

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Editorial - Shhh. . . We're Listening

Talking has never been a problem for Episcopalians. But maybe, just maybe, we’re developing another talent at this General Convention: listening.

The House of Deputies is off to a good start with yesterday’s hour of paired conversations on B033, the last-minute compromise resolution on human sexuality from 2006. But tough decisions lie ahead.

It’s no wonder you can almost hear sighs of resignation at the prospect of yet another round of passionate debate about sexuality. After all, as the Archbishop of Canterbury noted yesterday, there has been a cost to these discussions.

Some feel impatient, some undervalued. Others are frustrated that this process threatens to once again all but monopolize the energy of a Church called to vital mission work on so many fronts.

It doesn’t have to be this way. We need to remind ourselves that the debate over human sexuality is not a political process based on who can round up the most votes on a particular resolution. It is, as the Windsor Report noted way back in 2004, “a pilgrimage towards healing and reconciliation.” And despite concerns over foot dragging and never-ending cycles of committees, that journey is far from over.

Look around the Anglican Communion, from Christ Church in Alexandria, Va., to primates’ statements issued in Alexandria, Egypt, and you will see that a rich pilgrimage could still await us. The notion that we’re spinning our wheels, that there is nothing left to learn, is understandable. But it’s wrong.

So what’s happening?

The primates of the Anglican Communion, along with the Anglican Consultative Council, have called for “urgent conversations” with the Episcopal Church and other provinces over the sexuality issues that have divided our church.

The proposed Anglican Covenant, now in its third draft, will soon undergo further review before being referred to the provinces for discussion.

The Listening Process may have had a sputtering start across many parts of the Communion, but there are signs of acceleration.  In the United States, a number of initiatives are underway. The Diocese of Virginia this year endorsed a Listening Process on the issue of whether parishes should be allowed to bless same-gender unions.

So there’s still much to discuss. That’s why this General Convention must take no action that would negate Resolution B033. That crucial compromise has been recognized by the Anglican Communion’s Windsor Continuation Group as a clear and honest sign that the Episcopal Church has heeded the pleas of others in the Communion to desist from unilateral actions on topics related to human sexuality.

A lifting at this time of the moratoria on the consecration of gay bishops and same-gender blessings would snuff out a Communion conversation that could enrich our Church.

It’s wrong to assume that all minds are made up on these issues and that the time for compromise is past. The journey continues.