Last Man Standing – Good Bye from Anaheim!

And so, I’m King.

Thanks to the early departures of the SC deputation Lydia Evans and I remained as the sole representatives of SC in the House of Deputies (who amongst the clergy of the diocese would have guessed that I, the one who loves meetings, would still be here – how’s that for irony!)  I felt funny about assuming the vacated “chair” of the SC deputation, so I declared myself “King”, and, appropriately, Lydia offered fealty and obeisance.  Really, it wouldn’t have mattered except that there was a call for a vote by orders on Resolution C056: a resolution authorizing “liturgical resources” to be developed for blessing same-sex unions.  

I had hoped for a point of personal privilege after the vote (assuming the worst) so that I might make a statement of repudiation on behalf of SC.  However, after conferring with a senior deputy and a page regarding the proceedure and timing I was directed to make any statement I felt necessary as a part of the debate.  I stood at  the microphone at microphone 8 for 8 minutes and was never acknowledged by the President (it’s hard not to become cynical).  Here’s what I had prepared to say:

South Carolina stands before you with broken hearts. By passing Resolution D025 and C056 this General Convention has overturned the clear and consistent teaching of Holy Scripture and the Christian Church. We will have repudiated the teaching and practice of the Anglican Communion. The Communion’s patience and generosity toward the Episcopal Church makes our persistent refusal to heed their requests to us to honor the two called for moratoria all the more devastating.

Many of us us here this morning, and in Dioceses, parishes, and pews throughout the Episcopal Church, disavow this General Convention’s actions. We will now prayerfully seek ways to be faithful to the Anglican Communion and to the mutual responsibility and interdependence to which we are called, no matter what the cost.

When time was called I gave a copy of this to Mary Ailes, aka, Baby Blue.  I also gave a copy to the page to deliver to the President of the House of Deputies.  Kendall Harmon had a copy as well.

Time to vote and after conferring with myself, I cast a unanimous clergy ballot.  Lydia would do the same for the laity.  SC would remain faithful to the end.

The resolution passed by more than a 2/3 margin.

Two personal notes.  I really missed Kendall Harmon.  While I fully understand and support his rationale for not attending this General Convention we (the entire orthodox Anglican witness, not just SC) were sorely lacking with the absence of his leadership, his sharp mind, his eloquence, his national stature and his parlimentary knowledge.  He helped greatly, though, via texts and phone calls.  Thanks, Kendall!

Also, I wish to express my thanks for the notes, phone calls, care packages and prayers these past two weeks – they meant more than you’ll know.  

Now that Convention is over, what’s next?  Here’s what’s going to happen:

1.  I’m going on vacation.  I’m tired.

2.  When I return I will hear what the Bishop has to say and particpate in the clergy day on 13 August at which time the matters of General Convention will be reviewed and discussed.

3.  I will talk with the Vestry about all I’ve heard and observed these past two weeks, adding in whatever arises at the clergy day.

4. I will talk with the church, probably in an adult forum as we’ve done in the past, about all that has happened.

5.  You can be assured that I will keep you up-to-date on all of these matters and as soon as dates are set I will let you know those as well.

Thanks for the prayers.  See you at home.