Proposed Resolution for General Convention in 2006
(Updates are indicated in Red)
"Common Ground in Areas of Human Sexuality"
Resolved, That this 75th General Convention of the Episcopal Church supports the traditional teaching of the Church in areas of human sexuality and, while this resolution outlines conditions for providing pastoral care to gay and lesbian persons, we affirm that sexual activity outside life-long committed relationships can be harmful and is wrong, and be it further
Resolved, That in our understanding of gay or lesbian persons, differences exist among us about how best to care pastorally for those who intend to live in monogamous, non-celibate unions; and what is, or should be, required, permitted, or prohibited by the doctrine, discipline, and worship of The Episcopal Church concerning the blessing of the same, and be it further
Resolved, That as a pastoral response to members of this church who believe they are gay or lesbian with no choice in their sexual orientation and wish to join in life-long commitments, local faith communities shall be allowed to offer the blessing of same-sex unions under very specific conditions as outlined below, and be it further
Resolved, That the rites for these blessing shall follow the model of the rites attached to this resolution and shall be based on the understanding that these relationships should include the same commitments of fidelity, monogamy, mutual affection and respect, forsaking all others through sickness and in health as found in marriage, and be it further
Resolved, That same-sex couples seeking a blessing from any local faith community, are required to join in civil unions if they are available and, in the event they are not, join in legal and financial commitments similar to those applied under civil law in marriage and obtain blood tests with results shared between partners, and be it further
Resolved, That in order to define the expectations of the Church for these relationships and protect partners in the event of a separation, the standard contract attached to this resolution outlines basic legal and financial commitments between the partners and must be signed by every same-sex couple who's relationships are blessed in the Church, and be it further
Resolved, That a copy of these contracts be retained in the local faith community where the relationship is blessed and, in case there is a change of residence or Church affiliation, a system shall be established to record these commitments at the Church Center and make basic information regarding these unions available to the public, and be it further
Resolved, That other local faith communities and individual members of this Church who cannot is good conscience support the blessing of same-sex unions are welcome to disassociate themselves from these pastoral decisions and continue offering non-coercive efforts to heal gay and lesbian persons who seek their pastoral care, and be it further
Resolved, That we agree there is homosexual and heterosexual behavior that is condemned in scripture and our pastoral guidance should warn that feelings of friendship and love can be confused with sexual attraction and, whether homosexual or heterosexual, sexual experimentation, promiscuity, prostitution, pornography, exploitation and abusiveness of any kind are wrong, and be it further
Resolved, That the Church's guidance also teach that any sexual activity outside of committed relationships blessed by the Church is wrong and can have serious life-changing consequences that include unwanted pregnancy, sexually transmitted diseases or confusion of one's sexual identity and can harm a person's emotional, physical and spiritual well being.
