Executive Council Approves "Visitors" to Dioceses not Ordaining Women
Episcopal News Service. February 9, 2001 [2001-30]
Jan Nunley
(ENS) A nine-member team has been selected by the Executive Council to review the progress made by three dioceses which have not ordained or deployed women priests to date.
But the council was careful to emphasize that the team should operate with "sensitivity and flexibility" as it monitors progress toward full access for women to the ordination process and deployment in every diocese of the Episcopal Church, as required by canons passed by the General Convention.
"The tone of our discussions was one of openness, compassion, careful listening and commitment to the responsibilities assigned by General Convention," the council said in a statement issued at the meeting in Parsippany, New Jersey February 5-8. "The Council acknowledged the complexity of the issue throughout our church...[as well as] the diversity of the dioceses involved and the need for the Council's response to respect the integrity of the life in each diocese.
"Visitors, chosen by the Presiding Bishop and Council, are encouraged to begin with an extensive listening and fact-finding process and to be flexible in their approach to each situation. The Council anticipates regular reports and feedback and understands that acting in good faith the process may have to continue beyond the September 2002 deadline."
Positives and negatives
Discussion of the controversial resolution took up most of the council's meeting. Council members listed potential negative and positive effects associated with the resolution. Some of the negatives included its potential for "endangering the fragility of the Anglican Communion," legalistically violating the spirit of Jubilee and Anglican comprehensiveness, and serving as political fodder for battles over sexuality and other issues. On the positive side, respondents saw A045's potential for affirming the gifts and ministries of all baptized Episcopalians--particularly women and girls--while upholding the authority of the canons and structures of the church.
Council members also heard from representatives of two of the three dioceses under scrutiny--San Joaquin and Quincy--and heard a report from House of Deputies president George Werner on a visit to the Diocese of Fort Worth late last year.
"I'm glad people are willing to see how difficult this is--that they're willing to listen," remarked Bishop Keith Ackerman of Quincy, a member of Executive Council. "I represent Anglicans and Episcopalians who feel powerless...I don't hold a position that's all that remarkable in the wider Anglican Communion. I don't want to hurt people. I just want to be faithful." Ackerman said he is still somewhat apprehensive about the process of implementing the resolution, despite reassurances by council members.
Executive Council members of the team will include the Rev. Ann Coburn (Rhode Island); the Rev. David Chee (Los Angeles); Sarah Harte (Los Angeles); Diane Pollard (New York); and Bishop Catherine Roskam (New York). Also on the team will be Bishop John Lipscomb (Southwest Florida); Bishop Peter James Lee (Virginia); the Rev. Scott Kirby (Eau Claire); and Polly Getz (San Diego).
Text of the statement by Executive Council on A045 implementation
The Executive Council, meeting in Parsippany, NJ, February 5-8, 2001, spent the greatest portion of its time discussing the implementation of A045 (Continue Monitoring Implementation of Ordination of Women) in an atmosphere of prayer and mutual respect. The tone of our discussions was one of openness, compassion, careful listening and commitment to the responsibilities assigned by General Convention. The Council acknowledged the complexity of the issue throughout our church and the need for sensitivity and flexibility in our implementation of the resolution.
The Council recognized the diversity of the dioceses involved and the need for the Council's response to respect the integrity of the life in each diocese. Visitors, chosen by the Presiding Bishop and Council, are encouraged to begin with an extensive listening and fact-finding process and to be flexible in their approach to each situation. The Council anticipates regular reports and feedback and understands that acting in good faith the process may have to continue beyond the September 2002 deadline.
The Council's hope is that this ongoing process enabling the full inclusion of women in the life of the church can be accomplished with grace, wisdom and sensitivity through the work of the Holy Spirit.