Neweek Ending 5/25/2015

Ireland votes to approve same-sex marriage

In an historic referendum on May 22, 2015, the Republic of Ireland voted by an overwhelming margin to allow same-sex marriage. Ireland thus became the first country in the world to adopt same-sex marriage by popular vote, rather than through legislation or court action. Reuters reported this story May 23. The (Anglican) Church of Ireland issued a statement that the referendum does not change the stand of the church on gay marriage (it’s against it). Thinking Anglicans reported voting statistics here.

Zavala visits breakaway S.C. diocese; nothing of substance changes

Bishop of Chile and Presiding Bishop of the Anglican Church of South America Hector “Tito” Zavala visited the unattached “diocese” that broke away from the Episcopal Diocese of South Carolina on May 20, 2015.The next day, the “diocese” issued a press release suggesting that Zavala was an emissary of Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby and would be under the oversight of the South American church. Neither of these things is strictly true, according to a blog post by Ronald Caldwell, who explains a private communication from Lambeth Palace. Pittsburgh Update has obtained a similar statement from Lambeth Palace and believes the explanation of Caldwell is correct.

Boy Scout president calls policy against gay leaders unsustainable

Former Secretary of Defense and President of the Boy Scouts of America Robert Gates has told a national meeting of the organization in Atlanta that “the current rules ‘cannot be sustained.’” Presently, gay boys can be scouts but gay leaders are not allowed. Episcopal Café covered this story.

Entire Blue Book available in one file

The so-called Blue Book reports for the 78th General Convention can be found here. Most of this material is now available in a single PDF file. That file does not include supplementary liturgical materials from the Standing Commission on Liturgy and Music. Other resources, including a draft schedule and draft triennium budget can be found here.

Same-sex marriage study guide available

Claiming the Blessing has issued a study guide promoting same-sex marriage aimed at General Convention deputies. The 16-page document, “The Case for Marriage,” can be found here. More information about the document is available in a story from Episcopal Café.

PEP board member analyzes TREC report

Progressive Episcopalians of Pittsburgh board member and independent blogger Lionel Deimel has just completed a series of essays analyzing the report to the General Convention from the Task Force for Reimagining The Episcopal Church. Generally, the TREC report, which is expected to be a major topic of discussion at the General Convention, has not been well received. Deimel is going with the crowd in this case. His six essays are titled “Analyzing the TREC Report.” An index to all six essays can be found here.

Newport Beach sold

St. James Episcopal Church in Newport Beach, California, was the subject of a long-running property dispute that ended in favor of the Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles in 2013. (See Pittsburgh Update story here.) Anglican Ink reported May 18, 2015, that the diocese is selling the property. The fate of the remaining Episcopal congregation is unclear.

Diocese to return to Trinity Cathedral

The Episcopal Diocese of Pittsburgh has announced that it will complete a move from its Monroeville offices to refurbished offices in Trinity Cathedral downtown. The announcement was made on the diocesan Web site, and the story was picked up both by The Living Church and Episcopal Café.

Indiana rector to run for Episcopal Relief & Development

The Rev. Bill Geiger, rector of Christ Church, Indiana, will take part in a 194-mile relay race in Utah before the beginning of the General Convention. The event is a fund-raiser for Episcopal Relief & Development, and Geiger is looking for sponsors. Details can be found on the diocesan Web site.