Proposed Resolution for General Convention 2006 - Draft #2
"Common Ground in Areas of Human Sexuality"
Resolved, That this 75th General Convention of the Episcopal Church affirms the traditional teaching of the Church that sexual activity is only appropriate within the marriage of a husband and wife; however, we acknowledge that for pastoral reasons, it is part of our common life for local faith communities to explore and experience liturgies celebrating and blessing same-sex unions as an exception to this teaching, and be it further
Resolved, That this exception to our traditional teaching should only be offered in pastoral support of members of this Church who believe they are gay or lesbian with no choice in their sexual orientation, who wish to join in life-long committed relationships based on holy love and are willing to accept the conditions outlined below, and be it further
Resolved, That the rites for these blessings 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 for communicable diseases 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 in good conscience support the blessing of same-sex unions, are welcome to disassociate themselves from these pastoral decisions and continue having the option to offer 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 should condemn any sexual activity outside of marriage, civil union or committed relationships blessed by the Church, and explain that such activity 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.
Explanation:
To promote stability, provide guidance and protect the vulnerable, clear decisive action is needed to define common ground in areas of human sexuality. In order to be inclusive, this action must welcome those who support the traditional teachings of the Church as well as those who wish to bless same-sex relationships. The positions that scripture is silent or culturally biased, both exclude supporters of the Church’s traditional teaching. There is no consensus on these positions and they also undermine the application of scripture and tradition to future decisions of the Church. The only theological explanation that is close to being inclusive is the position that these blessings are offered as an exception to scriptural guidelines and this resolution outlines conditions under which this exception could be offered.
In addition, this resolution provides protections for individuals who wish to enter into same-sex relationships and guidance for those who look to the Church for advice in areas of human sexuality. The responsibility of the Church to provide pastoral care and protect the vulnerable is too great to neglect providing specific guidance in these areas. The goal is to address all these issues in a way that avoids the need for continuing study or adoption of “official” rites so that the Church can continue to welcome all while providing a pastoral response to those whose sexual orientation takes away the option of marriage. It is not expected to satisfy all, but may provide a compromise that can preserve the unity of the Church and allow us to shift the focus to other ministry needs.
