Two resolutions approved at the Lambeth Conference were affirmed by delegates to the convention of the Diocese of Dallas Oct. 17 at the Episcopal School of Dallas. The resolutions concern human sexuality and the ordination of women as priests.

Delegates voted 155-87 that all the diocese's "agencies, committees, commissions, parishes and missions be guided by the moral authority of the 1998 Lambeth Conference," which voted that homosexual practice is "incompatible with scripture" [TLC, Aug. 30]. Delegates also voted 144-93 to remove recently enacted provisions of the Episcopal Church that require dioceses to make arrangements for the ordination of women into the clergy.

A resolution introduced on the floor was titled Lambeth Assent Resolution I, authored by the Rev. Robert G. McBride, rector of Good Shepherd, Terrell. It calls upon the diocesan institutions to "not enact or continue in force any policy or take any action in conflict" with Resolution 1.10, as well as Resolutions III.I and III.5 (of the Lambeth Conference) concerning the authority of the Bible and holy scriptures.

A motion to table the motion failed 133-119, beginning a short but passionate debate. Susybelle Gosslee, of St. Michael and All Angels, said she would prefer that parishioners at all churches have a chance to discuss the matter. Daniel Beck, of St. Thomas' Church, asked delegates not to disenfranchise others. "I am a gay man and I am the face of the rejection you would be approving by passing such a resolution," he said, "I would like the opportunity to participate within the life of the church. Please do not apply litmus tests to those who wish to worship with you."

After the resolution's passage by a 64-36 percent vote, the Rt. Rev. James M. Stanton, Bishop of Dallas, asked that both sides "refrain from getting hysterical" about the vote. "We are simply affirming the traditional teachings of the church and this diocese," the bishop said.

Responding to the 1997 General Convention decision on the ordination of women, Fr. McBride introduced a resolution stating that the diocese, its "clergy and all of its respective agencies, committees, commissions, parishes and missions will be guided by the moral authority of the 1998 Lambeth Conference in this matter." It calls upon General Convention to "remove all such provisions of the canons of the Episcopal Church as are inconsistent with Resolution III.2 of the Lambeth Conference and to make such canonical provisions as are consistent therewith." The resolution passed with 61 percent of the vote.

Delegates approved the 1999 diocesan budget of $2.685 million.

Evangelical Lutheran Bishop Mark B. Herbener of the Northern Texas-Northern Louisiana Synod offered the sermon at the convention Eucharist.