Episcopal Priests Working Outside the Prayer Book Box

If there was ever any doubt as to the meaning of resolution C056 passed by the 2009 General Convention of the Episcopal church, please be reassured that there is no truth in the rumor that the resolution restricts in any way an Episcopal priest from officiating at a same sex marriage.

What was C056? For the uninitiated it said,

* FINAL VERSION - Concurred Resolution: C056
Title: Liturgies for Blessings
Topic: Liturgy
Committee: 13 - Prayer Book, Liturgy and Church Music
House of Initial Action: Bishops
Proposer: Diocese of Missouri

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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 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.

Here is the headline from Boston.com:

"Five years after same-sex marriage became legal in Massachusetts, the local Episcopal bishop yesterday gave permission for priests in Eastern Massachusetts to officiate at same-sex weddings."

The article quotes renegade Bishop M. Thomas Shaw III,

“The time has come,’’ Shaw said in a telephone interview. “It’s time for us to offer to gay and lesbian people the same sacrament of fidelity that we offer to the heterosexual world.’’

Another blatant violation of ordination vows as well as the doctrine and discipline of this church. Will the bishop be disciplined? I doubt it.