Calif. Episcopal Diocese Nominates Gay, Lesbian Ministers as Next Bishop
Wednesday, Feb. 22, 2006 Posted: 2:12:25PM EST
The Episcopal diocese of California nominated an openly gay man and lesbian woman to be its next bishop, reigniting the flame over homosexuality that has nearly divided the worldwide Anglican Communion.
According to the Church of England Newspaper, the Diocese of California included the Rev. Robert Taylor, Dean of Seattle, and the Rev Bonnie Perry, Rector of All Saints’ Church in Chicago, on the list of five nominees for election in May.
The gay-rights group “Integrity” welcomed the nomination, saying that “Whether or not Robert or Bonnie is elected by the Diocese of California, it is inevitable that another gay or lesbian person will eventually elected, confirmed and consecrated.”
The controversy surrounding homosexuality exploded in 2003 when the Episcopal Church USA elected an openly gay man as bishop of New Hampshire. Since then, the worldwide communion nearly split over geographical lines – the more conservative “Southern” churches in Africa, Asia and Latin America versus the more liberal “Northern” churches in North America and Europe.
Under the direction of the Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams, the communion also produced a 100-page study called the “Windsor Report” that was meant to serve as a guideline for dialogue between the opposing parties. Among the recommendations was for the ECUSA to place a moratorium on the appointment of gay bishops in the Anglican Communion.
Taking note of this recommendation, Williams expressed his unease over the Diocese of California’s new move.
“If there is ever to be a change on the discipline and teaching of the Anglican Communion [on homosexuality] it should not be the decision of one church alone,” he said.
“The Church must have the highest degree of consensus for such a radical change,” Williams argued, saying he was uneasy about how the ECUSA has handled this issue.
To be elected as bishop the nominee must first win the majority of votes within the California diocese in May. The winner must then have their election affirmed by the Church’s General Convention in June.
Wednesday, Feb. 22, 2006 Posted: 2:12:25PM EST
The Episcopal diocese of California nominated an openly gay man and lesbian woman to be its next bishop, reigniting the flame over homosexuality that has nearly divided the worldwide Anglican Communion.
According to the Church of England Newspaper, the Diocese of California included the Rev. Robert Taylor, Dean of Seattle, and the Rev Bonnie Perry, Rector of All Saints’ Church in Chicago, on the list of five nominees for election in May.
The gay-rights group “Integrity” welcomed the nomination, saying that “Whether or not Robert or Bonnie is elected by the Diocese of California, it is inevitable that another gay or lesbian person will eventually elected, confirmed and consecrated.”
The controversy surrounding homosexuality exploded in 2003 when the Episcopal Church USA elected an openly gay man as bishop of New Hampshire. Since then, the worldwide communion nearly split over geographical lines – the more conservative “Southern” churches in Africa, Asia and Latin America versus the more liberal “Northern” churches in North America and Europe.
Under the direction of the Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams, the communion also produced a 100-page study called the “Windsor Report” that was meant to serve as a guideline for dialogue between the opposing parties. Among the recommendations was for the ECUSA to place a moratorium on the appointment of gay bishops in the Anglican Communion.
Taking note of this recommendation, Williams expressed his unease over the Diocese of California’s new move.
“If there is ever to be a change on the discipline and teaching of the Anglican Communion [on homosexuality] it should not be the decision of one church alone,” he said.
“The Church must have the highest degree of consensus for such a radical change,” Williams argued, saying he was uneasy about how the ECUSA has handled this issue.
To be elected as bishop the nominee must first win the majority of votes within the California diocese in May. The winner must then have their election affirmed by the Church’s General Convention in June.