Children of God
More than 650 bishops and 480 spouses representing the 42 independent provinces of the Anglican Communion arrived in Canterbury, England this week to participate in the Lambeth Conference. Called together by the Archbishop of Canterbury, the conference is held roughly every 10 years (though the current gap has been 14).
The theme for this year’s conference is God’s Church for God’s World – Walking, Listening and Witnessing Together. Unfortunately, the theme was turned on its head before the conference began mostly because of three sentences in the Lambeth Call on Human Dignity which the bishops have been asked to affirm: “It is the mind of the Anglican Communion as a whole that same gender marriage is not permissible. Lambeth Resolution I.10 (1998) states that the ‘legitimizing or blessing of same sex unions’ cannot be advised. It is the mind of the Communion to uphold ‘faithfulness in marriage between a man and a woman in lifelong union.’”
As you might imagine, there was an uproar of protest by many bishops, not only from the United States but also from several other countries, who strongly disagree with a statement on marriage which is contrary to current positions affirmed by The Episcopal Church and other provinces. These bishops, including Bishop Jennifer, have been a chorus of affirmation for the full inclusion of the LGBTQ community in our churches.
Here's the good news. In response to the outcry, the authors revised the Call on Human Dignity. Here is a portion of the revised text.
It is the mind of the Anglican Communion as a whole that “all baptized, believing and faithful persons, regardless of sexual orientation are full members of the Body of Christ” and to be welcomed, cared for, and treated with respect (I.10, 1998). Many Provinces continue to affirm that same gender marriage is not permissible. Lambeth Resolution I.10 (1998) states that the “legitimizing or blessing of same sex unions” cannot be advised. Other Provinces have blessed and welcomed same sex union/marriage after careful theological reflection and a process of reception. As Bishops we remain committed to listening and walking together to the maximum possible degree, despite our deep disagreement on these issues.
This is not a perfect statement, but it is significant. It has taken an issue which has divided the Communion for more than 20 years and found a positive way forward. As far as I know, this is the first statement recognizing a diversity of thought on human sexuality and committing the Communion to be in conversation instead of conflict. Despite our differences, it is possible to walk, listen and witness together. What a positive model for a divided world!
Finally, let me be clear about where we stand at St. Paul’s: Whoever you are, whoever you love, whatever pronouns you use, you are welcomed, loved and accepted here. You can be baptized, married and receive communion at St. Paul’s. You can hold a position of leadership on our vestry or be a member of our staff. You can serve at the altar, sing in the choir, teach Sunday School, participate in youth ministry and serve the wider community through our outreach ministries. Whether you are ordained or a lay person, you can be you. For you are a child of God. We are all children of God bearing witness together to the expansive love of Jesus.