Resolution Number: | 2006-D038 |
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Title: | Consent to the Consecration of the Bishop Coadjutor of Northern California |
Legislative Action Taken: | Concurred |
Final Text: |
Resolved, Pursuant to Article II, Section 2, and Canon III.16.3 of the Constitution and Canons of the General Convention, the House of Deputies consents to the ordination and consecration of Barry L. Beisner as Bishop of the Diocese of Northern California.
Citation: | General Convention, Journal of the General Convention of...The Episcopal Church, Columbus, 2006 (New York: General Convention, 2007), p. 323. |
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Legislative History
Author: | The Rev. Mary A. Royes (Eastern Oregon) |
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Originating House: | House of Deputies |
Originating Committee: | Committee on Consecration of Bishops |
House of Deputies
The House of Deputies Committee on Dispatch of Business presented its Report #34 on a Special Order of Business for consideration of Resolution D038 (Consent to the Election of the Rev. Canon Barry L. Beisner as Bishop Coadjutor of the Diocese of Northern California) and moved adoption.
Motion carried
Special Order adopted
(Communicated to the House of Bishops in HD Message #152)
The House of Deputies Committee on Consecration of Bishops presented its Report #7 on Resolution D038 (Consent to the Election of the Rev. Canon Barry L. Beisner as Bishop Coadjutor of the Diocese of Northern California) and moved adoption. Deputy Lawrence of San Joaquin presented the Minority Report.
Original Text of Resolution:
(D038)
Resolved, Pursuant to Article II, Section 2, and Canon III.16.3 of the Constitution and Canons of the General Convention, the House of Deputies consents to the ordination and consecration of Barry L. Beisner as Bishop of the Diocese of Northern California.
Deputy McAlben of California moved the previous question. [See "Note 3"of this resolution, below, for the minority report--Ed.]
A vote was taken to terminate debate.
Motion carried
Debate terminated
A vote was taken on Resolution D038.
Motion carried
Resolution adopted
(Communicated to the House of Bishops in HD Message #154)
House of Bishops
The Presiding Bishop read HD Message #154 on Resolution D038 regarding consent for the consecration of the Rev. Canon Barry L. Beisner as Bishop Coadjutor-elect of the Diocese of Northern California.
The House of Bishops Committee on Consecration of Bishops found all to be in order regarding this candidate. The committee moved the resolution for the consent to the consecration of the Rev. Canon Barry L. Beisner as Bishop Coadjutor-elect of the Diocese of Northern California and ballot #6 was taken.
Ballot #6 taken
The Presiding Bishop read the results of ballot #6 on the consent to the consecration of Bishop Coadjutor-elect Beisner of the Diocese of Northern California. Of 106 bishops with jurisdiction, 68 have given consent.
The House concurred
(Communicated to the House of Deputies in HB Message #243)
Resolution Concurred by Both Houses, June 16.
Abstract: | The 75th General Convention consents to the ordination and consecration of the Rev. Canon Barry L. Beisner as Bishop Coadjutor of the Diocese of Northern California. |
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Notes: | Note 1. Barry Beisner was elected on May 6, 2006 and consecrated to the office of Bishop Coadjutor of Northern California on September 30, 2006. Note 2. The final floor action in the Journal was recorded as "The House consented". The phrase has been changed to "The House concurred" in this publication in accordance with standards for The Acts of Convention. Note 3. MINORITY REPORT Believing that the work of Legislative Committee 07: Consecration of Bishops is more than merely a verification of correct procedure, but is equally concerned with the appropriateness of the candidate’s wholesomeness of life; and that this wholesomeness of life is not merely a model for an individual diocese, but also for The Episcopal Church, there are some troubling impediments to granting consent for this election. Therefore, we the undersigned are constrained to bring this matter before the House of Deputies at this 75th General Convention. All of these impediments are concerned with the fact that the Reverend Canon Barry L. Beisner is twice divorced and presently in his third marriage. It must be stated clearly at the outset that we do not wish to impugn his present ministry in the diocese of Northern California, where he is obviously loved and appreciated. This was resoundingly expressed at the public hearing of our legislative committee meeting. We state even more emphatically that we do not wish to question God’s gracious forgiveness nor the sincerity of Canon Beisner’s repentance. He has publicly acknowledged the wrongfulness of his prior actions and we affirm him in seeking God’s forgiveness of which we all stand in need. Indeed, we trust, as all Christians should, that Christ’s redeeming work is greater than any of our moral failures or mistakes. Nevertheless, assurance of forgiveness does not determine the appropriateness of advancement to higher office. We are cognizant of the fact that the Episcopacy is the sacramental symbol of our unity with the apostles and the catholic Church throughout the world. He or she represents the Church to the world as well as to the faithful. He must, as St. Paul states, “be above reproach” (1 Timothy 3:2). So, before this house proceeds with consenting to this election its members need to rightly weigh the following concerns:
In conclusion, it needs to be remembered that there are consequences to a person’s actions and that one is often required to live with these consequences. Forgiveness through Christ is sure. Nevertheless, one lives with the consequences. For this body of the Church catholic to attempt to disregard this truth is not only inappropriate, it puts the Church and her members in unnecessary compromise. Finally, it needs to be noted that the above points are a compilation of concerns, and all are not necessarily held by every signatory of this report. We the undersigned respectfully file this minority report and suggest denial of the consent to this election, which is before you as Resolution D038. The Very Rev. Mark J. Lawrence, Diocese of San Joaquin The Rev. Richmond Webster, Diocese of Alabama Alma Thompson Bell, Diocese of Maryland Christopher Hart, Diocese of Pennsylvania The Rev. Hayden G. Crawford, Diocese of Southwest Florida The Rev. Richard S. Westbury, Jr., Diocese of Florida |