(Community Matters) Anticipating summer approval at the General Convention, Texas Bishop Doyle yesterday issued a document outlining how congregations within the Diocese of Texas* may bless same sex unions and how more conservative congregations may opt out. Bishop Andy explains how this will proceed upon approval at the Convention (Texas doesn’t yet allow for same sex marriage).
In a document titled Unity in Mission he announces what former Secretary of State Baker calls an all-are-welcome-approach, a system that allows both sides of the controversy to agree to disagree, and to maintain respect for one another in the process. In the document, Bishop Andy references the Very Rev. Doug Travis’ “Conversation Covenant” which notes “frank, confident, and trustful conversation is the hallmark of Christ’s love in our midst.” It reminds us to listen as well as speak, to show kindness and humility, and to acknowledge that we might be wrong.
Friends know I am working hard to pivot from political warfare to finding consensus, focusing on common values while not compromising my personal advocacy for equality. Yet, while acknowledging no possibility of being wrong that no American should be discriminated against because of their sexual orientation or gender identity; I could certainly be wrong about how best to bring change forward in the Episcopal Diocese of Texas.
It saddens me that our Bishop will personally vote against the blessing of same sex unions at the General Convention; though I’m not so sure it doesn’t sadden him as well and that he’s not sacrificing in order to preserve unity in the diocese in a manner that might bring about broader acceptance in the long run.
I’m appreciative for all who counseled the Bishop during his year of discernment, especially Austin LGBT leader, Laurie Eiserloh.
*the diocese of Texas is not the entire state; it runs from northeast Texas (Jefferson) down through Waco, to Lampasas, then Southwest to the coast – incorporating the metropolitan areas of Houston and Austin (but not Dallas, Ft. Worth or San Antonio)
there are details that trouble me, such as the requirement for specific blessing approval. More broadly and knowing the conservativeness of the largest congregations in Houston, this approach seems well-founded
Steven and I were married within the Episcopal community of Vancouver in 2004 and since 2000 our many Episcopal clergy friends have helped us celebrate our union
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