News for Week Ending 3/29/2010

Bishops’ report on sexuality released

The Episcopal House of Bishops has released a draft of the document on same-sex relationships discussed at its recently concluded retreat in Camp Allen, Texas. The document was prepared under the auspices of the bishops’ Theology Committee. Although bishops expected a single paper from the committee, the document, “Same-Sex Relationships in the Life of the Church,” includes an essay from the “traditionalist” viewpoint, an essay from the “liberal” perspective, as well as rebuttals from each side. Apparently, the authors were unable to agree on a single paper. “Same-Sex Relationships” is considered a draft and will undergo future changes. Episcopal News Service reported on the document here. The ENS story also includes details of other matters dealt with by the bishops at their retreat.

Living Church urges PB not to be Glasspool chief consecrator

In a March 26, 2010, editorial, The Living Church suggested that Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori not be the chief consecrator of the Rev. Canon Mary D. Glasspool on May 15. (See Pittsburgh Update story here.) The editorial suggested that the Presiding Bishop “consider exercising her own gracious restraint” by not attending the consecration.

Newport Beach case moving toward conclusion

The Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles announced March 29, 2010, that the California Court of Appeal has instructed the Superior Court of Orange County to enter an order for judgment enforcing diocesan property rights over the property of St. James’ Episcopal Church, Newport Beach, California. The congregation of St. James’ voted in 2004 to leave The Episcopal Church. The court action follows the determination by the California Supreme Court that parish property is held in trust for the diocese and The Episcopal Church.

South Carolina convention passes proposed resolutions

Episcopal News Service reported March 26, 2010, that the convention of the Episcopal Diocese of South Carolina approved all the resolutions brought before it. (See Pittsburgh Update story here.) The resolutions, as passed, can be found here. Taken together, the resolutions attempt to assert diocesan authority over that of the General Convention. Bishop Mark Lawrence’s address to the South Carolina convention can be viewed and read here.