Bishops Discuss Paradoxical Votes on Consecrations, Blessings

Douglas LeBlanc
July 24, 2009

As General Convention debated its two most-examined resolutions in July, about ten bishops cast paradoxical votes.

Most of these bishops voted against Resolution D025, which reopens the possibility of consecration for openly gay or lesbian bishops. In contrast, most also voted for C056, which authorizes the Standing Commission on Liturgy and Music to “collect and develop theological and liturgical resources” for blessing same-gender couples, and allows a “generous pastoral response to meet the needs of members of this church.”

Some bishops discussed their votes with The LivingChurch. Others spoke only through letters they wrote to the clergy and laity of their dioceses. Others did not elaborate on their votes.

The Rt. Rev. John Rabb, Bishop Suffragan in the Diocese of Maryland, said he was pleased by most of D025 but that its final resolve left him unsatisfied.

“My fear was that it will be read as prescriptive, and that made me uncomfortable,” he said. the rest