A healthy discussion

On Sunday we held a discussion forum about the results of General Convention 2009. I think our discussion was candid, forthright, and helpful. About 25 people attended.

I opened the discussion by giving an overview of the resolutions passed at General Convention. Then we focused on the two controversial resolutions, C056 and D025.

Resolution C056 recognizes changes in state and national legislation regarding homosexual unions and calls for the liturgical commission to collect and develop theological and liturgical resources” for the 2012 convention to consider. The effect of this resolution is to open the door to future rites of blessing for gay and lesbian relationships, perhaps in 2015.

Resolution D025 recognizes that the baptized membership of the Episcopal Church includes same-sex couples living in faithful, lifelong committed relationships, and affirms that “God has called and may call such individuals to any ordained ministry in the Episcopal Church." This opens the door to the election and consecration of a gay or lesbian person as a bishop.

Our discussion began with questions about these resolutions and their affect on the church, but it quickly moved to the nub of the matter: are homosexual relationships morally acceptable or not? Some folks asked, "Why shouldn't gay and lesbian couples have the same opportunities as heterosexual couples?" Other folks countered with the Biblical view that there's nothing wrong with being homosexual as long as you stay celibate.

After some back and forth, we all began to recognize that we were going over the same ground that's been covered many times before, and it was obvious that we weren't going to solve the issue in one morning. We ended our session with a sense of good will and generosity.

What I liked about the discussion is that we were able to discuss these prickly matters and not get angry or huffy about it. Clearly there were different points of view in the room, but we were able to listen to each other.

Several people told me they were grateful to have the opportunity to express themselves in a relatively relaxed and open atmosphere. People feel strongly on both sides of this issue, and it's helpful to provide a non-defensive environment where all comments are accepted without censure.

I hope we can have diverse viewpoints within our congregation while at the same time maintaining our sense of oneness. Unity with diversity.