Reconciliation Group Discusses Similarities and Differences
Episcopal News Service. November 30, 2000 [2000-215]
(ENS) The third session of reconciliation conversations sponsored by the New Commandment Task Force met October 30-November 3 at All Saints Church, Pasadena. The group of 24 lay people, priests and bishops representing a range of theological positions -- 10 conservatives, 11 liberals and 2 moderates -- reported finding "great value" in "putting a human face on the issues," sharing stories, worshiping, praying, reading Scripture and breaking bread together.
The group agreed on certain points, including the uniqueness of Jesus Christ, an awareness of their commonalities, and a recognition of their differences. They also concurred on the need for a "national conversation" about the authority and interpretation of Scripture, and recognized "the need for all Episcopalians to ask the question, 'Could we be wrong?'"
On specific areas of concern, the Pasadena group reached agreement that there is "neither a mandate nor a prohibition" with regard to the ordination of gay men and lesbians and blessings of committed same-gender relationships.
The group suggested that, in conflicts between parishes and bishops where alternative episcopal oversight is denied, the parties involved should move to binding arbitration. If one party failed to comply with an arbitration agreement, the group said, the national church should "convene a panel of six bishops, three conservatives and three liberals, to review and implement arbitration" without coercion or retribution.
Participants began what they called a "pivotal conversation" about parishes leaving ECUSA, calling for "leave-taking with grace....without blaming or shaming." The report stated, "All members of the Church can continue to be effective ministers of the unity of the church of Jesus Christ even in a new situation which might allow for two units of the Anglican Communion in the United States."
The group suggested that Episcopalians discuss the possibility that, in such cases, the national church should offer "leadership of the separation process and pastoral care to all," with relationship issues taking priority over property claims. The group also affirmed freedom of affiliation with no prejudice to the ecclesiastical status or pension rights of persons departing ECUSA.
Participants in the Pasadena meeting included David C. Anderson, Ed Bacon, Tom Bates, J. Jon Bruno, Brian Cox, Markus Dunzkoher, Debbie East, Barry Hollowell, Coe Hutchison, Ron Jackson, Elizabeth Kaeton, Richard Kew, Jenny Ladefoged, Francis B Maguire, Ted Mollegen, Dennis J. Parker, Jose Poch, Christopher Seal, Bill Thompson, Nancy A. G. Vogele, Gert Walker, Erica Wood, and Cathie Young.