Diocese of Central New York: Bp. Skip Adams

Episcopal Diocese session to start
Resolution defining marriage as commitment between man, woman might be topic.
Friday, November 18, 2005
By Renée K. Gadoua Staff writer
Syracuse Post-Standard

One local parish hopes this weekend's Episcopal Convention will include respectful dialogue about homosexuality, an issue some say threatens to split the church.

"We're calling for a conversation," said the Rev. Craig Swan, rector of St. Luke's Episcopal Church in Camillus.

Swan submitted a resolution calling that sexual contact be reserved for marriage, defined as the lifelong commitment between a man and a woman.

The resolution would "require all individuals seeking ordination, and all ordained individuals, to live in accordance with this teaching until a time occurs when the General Convention of the church amends this teaching based on Scripture, tradition and reason."

Swan said Thursday he is likely to withdraw the resolution because the conference includes a listening session at which his parishioners and other local Episcopalians can discuss their concerns about the denomination's policies on homosexuality and its relationship with the worldwide Anglican Church.

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