Rio Grande Votes on Controversial Issues
Diocesan Press Service. April 23, 1975 [75147]
SANTA FE, N.M. -- Episcopal delegates to the 23rd Annual Convention for the Diocese of the Rio Grande meeting in Santa Fe, N.M., April 12-13, were able to pass, but perhaps not reconcile, three controversial issues that have plagued them for at least three years.
A conservative, but vocal diocese, it has been split almost equally over the issue of ordination of women and the changing of the Prayer Book. The legality of abortion has been of great concern to the people but has not been as radicalized as the other two issues.
Expecting the Convention to be riven by the three issues, the Rt. Rev. Richard Trelease told the delegates in his opening address, "Let us enter into debate and have our differences of opinion, but with the joyousness which should characterize the Christian family. Let us do our voting and leave this place united and at peace, not only with ourselves and our individual churches, but also with having done our very best for the whole of God's people in and out of the church. "
Women to the priesthood, while volatile in debate, resulted in an affirmative vote by a narrow margin. Priests voted 34 to 32 in favor of women priests and bishops while the lay delegates, voting as parishes, were in favor by a 20 to 16 majority.
The vote favoring the ordination of women to the priesthood and episcopate had no legislative authority, since only the General Convention, scheduled to meet in the fall of 1976, can change the Canon Law.
Prayer Book revision received stronger support, requiring only an affirmative voice count. The resolution on the Prayer Book change asked that a revised Second Trial Service be included in the Prayer Book. The Third Service and an order for celebrating the Holy Eucharist, which may be used on occasions other than the Sunday service, should also be included in the Prayer Book. The resolution proposed the First Trial Service be abandoned and the 'present 1928 Rite be retained with textural and rubrical changes.
The statement on abortion recognized that life is the most divine gift of God, that various groups have sincere and humanitarian motives toward the issue but in the final analysis, abortion is a matter of individual conscience. The resolution said, "abortion must be approached within the context of the relationship of priest to parishioner and of God over man. "
Bishop Trelease expressed appreciation to the Convention for supporting his views. "I am delighted that the Diocese of the Rio Grande has approved the ordination of women to be priests and bishops. It is my hope that the leadership in a conservative diocese will help the whole church to make the ordination of women possible at the 1976 General Convention in Minneapolis. "
In other action the Convention voted to reduce the voting age in the diocese from 18 to 16 years old. A budget of $505, 184 was accepted after being trimmed more than $17,000 by the Standing Committee. Bishop's appointments were announced and deputies to General Convention elected as well as members to various diocesan committees.