General Theological Seminary Trustees Will Consider Revision of Housing Policy
Episcopal News Service. November 4, 1993 [93193]
The board of trustees of the General Theological Seminary (GTS) in New York City has agreed to reconsider the seminary's current housing policy that prohibits domestic partner households.
The decision, reached at an October 19-20 meeting, follows a monthlong controversy after a tenured faculty member alleged discrimination on the basis of marital status and sexual orientation.
Last June, Deirdre Good, professor of New Testament at GTS, filed a complaint with the New York City Commission on Human Rights when the seminary requested that her female companion vacate their shared apartment. Seminary officials told Good at the time that the housing policy must support the institution of marriage "as understood by the Episcopal Church."
At the board meeting, trustees consulted a variety of legal opinions and met in small groups to consider options. Trustees also received a number of documents, including a letter signed by faculty members of the Union Theological Seminary in New York and a draft statement signed by nearly 50 GTS students and spouses -- both calling for a change in the current housing policy.
Bishop Craig Anderson, dean and president of GTS, reminded trustees that there is a variety of opinion in the church regarding homosexual relationships. "I am convinced of the need for time and space to continue dialogue," he said, adding that the ultimate goal of the seminary must be to develop a way of living together that promotes honesty and justice.
Anderson spoke about his own struggle with the issue of homosexuality and the church, admitting that he had come to accept the validity of lesbian and gay relationships that are marked by commitment and love. He also said that he supported the ordination of gay and lesbian persons.
In suggesting a future policy, Anderson said that he supported an approach involving shared responsibility between GTS and diocesan bishops who recommend students to the seminary.
In an executive session, the board of trustees reached a consensus that the present policy needed to be changed. A housing advisory committee will draft a new policy by early December so that trustees will be prepared to act on the measure at their meeting in early January.