FINAL VERSION
Resolution:C015
Title:Consent to Episcopal Elections
Topic:Consecration of Bishops
Committee:08 - World Mission
House of Initial Action:Deputies
Proposer:Diocese of El Camino Real

Resolved, the House of Bishops concurring, That the 76th General Convention affirm that standing committees and bishops with jurisdiction are not bound by any extra-canonical restraints-including but not limited to the restraints set forth in Resolution B033 passed by the 75th General Convention-when considering consents to the ordination of any candidate to the episcopate.


EXPLANATION

As a result of the Windsor Report, the 75th General Convention was under extraordinary pressure to enact a moratorium on the election, consent, and consecration of further gay or lesbian bishops. The House of Deputies rejected such a resolution (A161) on June 20, 2006. However, the very next day, the Presiding Bishop used highly unusual parliamentary tactics to force a vote on Resolution B033-which called upon "Standing Committees and bishops with jurisdiction to exercise restraint by not consenting to the consecration of any candidate to the episcopate whose manner of life presents a challenge to the wider church and will lead to further strains on communion." To everyone present, it was clear that "manner of life" was code for "gay and lesbian persons with same-sex domestic partners." The Presiding Bishop Elect expressed her reluctant support for the resolution, as did a few gay and lesbian deputies. The resolution was passed by both houses with great emotion.