Free Fallin’ – General Convention Day 7

The day began with stop by Beverly Hills High School for the 9 am service at Mosaic.  Alas, we had bad information.  No 9 am service, only 11.  We also get the news Erwin’s not preaching at any of their venue’s.  Oh well.  Drove over to Bel Air Presby – it had a crazy view of the San Fernando Valley - on Mulholland Drive.  Reminded me of one of my favorite songs:

We arrived too late for the sermon.  But hung around for a while and talked to the pastor.  Nice guy.  Daron had a connection to him through a mutual friend.  I’d heard good things about him – he’s in the PCUSA – as wacky as TEC  - and he’s done a great job leading and growing the church.  Very similar heart, focus and values as St. Andrew’s.  I enjoyed meeting him.

Drove back to Anaheim via UCLA and the Rose Bowl.  Half of LA was at the Rose Bowl for what has to be the world’s largest flea market.  Passed on the chance to go in for free – too many bad memories (OSU losses in the Rose Bowl).    Had wanted to pop over to USC to see the Coliseum but I got lost.

Since it was Sunday we only had the afternoon legislative session.  Who’d have imagined that one session could do so much damage?

The first matter before the House was consideration of Resolution D025.

Here’s the money language:

Resolved, That the 76th General Convention recognize gay and lesbian persons who are part of such relationships have responded to God’s call and have exercised various ministries in and on behalf of God’s One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church and are currently doing so in our midst; and be it further

Resolved, That the 76th General Convention affirm that God has called and may call such individuals to any ordained ministry in The Episcopal Church, which call is tested through our discernment processes acting in accordance with the Constitution and Canons of The Episcopal Church . . .

As you might imagine, there was quite a bit of energy around this resolution.  Wade Logan, deputy from SC, called for a vote by order.  Having secured the consents of three other deputations this was not a matter open for debate or vote.  A deputy from Central Florida asked, twice, for clarification.  ”Does this repeal, overturn, supersede Resolution B033?”  Both times Gay Jennings, a deputy from Ohio and the Chair of the World Missions Commission – which was responsible for the discharge of this resolution – simply read the paragraphs noted above.  No direct answer.  Which, of course, is the answer.

Twice there were efforts to separate the resolution into two parts.  Both times the efforts failed.  Four SC Deputies sought to address the matter.  Lydia Evans and myself both made it to microphones at separate stations just as the President of the House called time.  Here’s one video of a deputy speaking, I’d have videoed more but I had to get to a microphone.

We voted by order, which means 1 aggregate clergy vote and 1 aggregate lay vote per diocese.  If the 4 deputies in the order are split 2-2 the vote is a “no” vote.  Here are the results:

Laity
Yes: 77
No: 31

Clergy
Yes: 74
No: 35

As you can see, the resolution passed by a very large margin.  This resolution now goes to the House of Bishops and awaits their action.  The Bishops have to adopt it without amendment for this resolution to pass.  I don’t know when it will go to their house for consideration.  I have no idea how they will vote.  I wouldn’t be surprised either way.

The second matter that came to the floor for consideration was Resolution A089.

Here’s the money language:

Resolved that the 76th General Convention direct the Standing Commission of Liturgy and Music to continue to collect, develop and disseminate materials that assist members of the Church to address Christian anti-Judaism expressed in and stirred by portions of Christian scriptures and liturgical texts, including the preparation of a pamphlet explaining Christian anti-Judaism and ways to address it in teaching, evangelism, and congregational life; the development of age-appropriate educational materials for children; the identification and evaluation of available resources pertaining to liturgy and music, giving special attention to Holy Week and Easter liturgies and to the diverse traditions of song in The Episcopal Church . . .

Read it again, slowly.

That’s right, the New Testament propagates anti-Judaism in its teaching.  Jesus, a Jew; Matthew, Mark, John, Paul, Peter – all Jews, all wrote anti-Judaic material.  The grasp of Scripture in The Episcopal Church is staggering.  Your story is more authoritative and more persuasive than the Written Word of God.  Hold your breath . . . it passed, easily.  It goes to the Bishop’s now.

Looks like Tom Petty’s not the only one in a free fall.

At the end of the evening I went the Webcast studio of Stand Firm for a live interview.  They’re great guys.  You can check out their site here – I believe the interview is archived.  The rest SC Deputation went to the White House, a well-known local restaurant, for dinner.  I was sorry to miss the festivities.

As I close, I want to wish The Rev’d David Thurlow a very Happy Birthday!  Here’s a shot of the Birthday Boy at the podium – making a good point (I think Madame President likes our boy, she’s been very nice to him):

Good night from Anaheim.