Conservative Groups Praise Theology Committee's 'Gift of Sexuality' Report
Episcopal News Service. March 28, 2003 [2003-069-5]
The American Anglican Council (AAC) and Episcopalians United for Reformation, Renewal and Reformation (EURRR) welcomed the final report of the theology committee of the House of Bishops, urging the 2003 General Convention not to pass legislation sanctioning the development of blessing ceremonies for gay and lesbian relationships.
'Though we don't agree with every element of this report, it is apparent that the bishops have offered measured and thoughtful recommendations intended to prevent schism in both the Episcopal Church and Anglican Communion,' said the AAC president, the Very Rev. David C. Anderson, in a statement released March 27. 'We find many of the suggestions helpful in moving the Episcopal Church toward unity and we appreciate the hard work put in by the committee.'
'The strong affirmation by both the Theology Committee and the House of Bishops that we are part of the world-wide Anglican Communion is what Episcopalians United has worked toward for almost a decade,' said the Rev. Todd H. Wetzel, executive director of Episcopalians United. 'The coalition we have built among bishops from Africa, the Southern Cone and Asia has been a work of great joy and has finally shown fruit. I thank God that the bishops of the Episcopal Church in the USA are finally ready to acknowledge their interdependence on the mind of the Communion. Any other action would have produced chaos in our church and certainly, more schism.'
Anderson noted that the AAC had not officially agreed to participate in a 'national reconciliation conversation' between members of the Claiming the Blessing coalition, including Integrity, and members of conservative groups, set for May 7-10 at St. James Episcopal Church in Wilshire, California. Episcopalians United also declined an invitation. 'Reconciliation is the act of a penitent. There is nothing penitent about the stance of Claiming the Blessing or Integrity. They know what they want and they want it now, regardless of the price,' Wetzel remarked.