[ASAP] A few questions.

[Indie Pereira]

Gender and sex are not technically the same thing though we sometimes use
them interchangeably
On Dec 12, 2015 8:12 AM, "ThomDCInut via ASAP" <asap at episcopallists.com>
wrote:

> Greetings!
>
> I am quite disheartened with the bishop's current decision as I feel that
> I'm discriminated against because of the way that God has made me.  One
> issue with one word that I see continually being used.  We keep on saying
> "Same sex marriage".  This tends to emphasize "sex".  Could we change the
> wording to read: "Same gender marriage"?  Perhaps this would be more
> palatable?
>
> Just a thought.
>
> Thom
>
> Sent from my iPhone
>
> On Dec 10, 2015, at 3:29 PM, David Phillippi via ASAP <
> asap at episcopallists.com> wrote:
>
> Thank you Ben and Ann for your reply. I'm slowly getting a picture of the
> challenge ahead of us.
>
> Given that we are only asking for the option for priests to perform
> weddings, I wonder if we could make a strong case that inclusion would
> actually help protect established institutions. Now that marriage equality
> is a reality, the Episcopal Church is one of the few places that people can
> go who want to make such a commitment within a Christian community, or who
> want to be in community with those who do. Refusing to allow *any* priest
> to perform the ceremony is a drag on growth within the diocese. And those
> who are worried about losing members over this, could continue to practice
> exclusion...we would welcome those members at our churches :-).
>
> David
>
> On Wed, Dec 9, 2015 at 10:05 AM, Ben Whitehouse <whitehba at yahoo.com>
> wrote:
>
> Hadn't seen an answer to David's questions and I was hoping someone with
>> more knowledge than what I've been able to gather on this process would
>> respond first- so please reorient me if I'm misstating anything
>>
>> 1. Short of the Bishop changing his mind, what else could effect change? *A
>> strong showing of displeasure at the diocesan convention can't hurt.
>> Getting the convention to vote for Henry Walker's resolution that was
>> circulated here a few days ago is a good way of showing that. Also, getting
>> like minded clergy and lay members elected to leadership positions (like
>> bishop and council) within the diocese also would be helpful. I would hope
>> diocesan convention delegates would inquire of candidate for these diocesan
>> leadership positions their position on this issue. *
>>
>> Could the National Church change its mind and require all dioceses to
>> allow priests the option of administering this sacrament? * It can but
>> only at the next general convention in 2018. I believe that the 2017
>> diocesan convention will elect the deputies for the 2018 general
>> convention. Working to elect deputies who support all sacraments for all
>> people is important step too. *
>>
>> 2. Who else needs convincing? How much support is there for the Bishop’s
>> decision in the larger Diocese?* I think the consensus is that this is
>> very conservative diocese. I've already heard of leaders from one local
>> parish declaring that under no circumstances would same sex weddings be
>> conducted there. The best we can realistically expect is similar to what
>> neighboring dioceses have done which is to call on each parish to go
>> through a discernment process to decide if they were going to allow these
>> liturgies to be used. I don't think it's realistic to expect even a
>> majority of parishes in the diocese would be open to conduct same sex
>> weddings. For now we at least need to work to open a path for parishes and
>> chapels that want to celebrate all marriages can do so, and equally as
>> important, for clergy that are resident or working in this diocese to be
>> free to administer the sacrament of marriage to a same sex couple without
>> fear of retribution from the bishop. *
>>
>>
>> *The diocese has already lost several parishes (including the one that
>> used to occupy the building where the bishop's administrative office now
>> sits) who have left as the episcopal church has gotten more progressive.
>> We've also had several whole dioceses break off and leave the national
>> church. (South Carolina, Fort Worth). I'm sure one of the main arguments in
>> opposition is fear that we could lose more parishes and members who no
>> longer would want to be a part of this diocese. Perhaps some may be worried
>> that if the bishop did allow for these sacraments, the diocesan convention
>> could likewise vote to leave the national church. *
>>
>>
>> *That being said - I am also very frustrated because with these kinds of
>> controversies- the conversation will quickly turn toward protecting
>> established institutions and away from recognizing the people that are
>> harmed. At the same time, institutions don't just spring up overnight and
>> it's the nature of this church to work together in spite of profound
>> disagreement. *
>>
>
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