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CAMP ALLEN TEX: House of Bishops Hears Theological Papers on Same-Sex Marriage
www.virtueonline.org
March 26, 2010
Two years ago The Episcopal Church House of Bishops asked a panel of eight theologians, four "conservative" and four "liberal," to produce a study document addressing the issue of same-sex marriage. The Rev. Dr. Grant LeMarquand, Trinity's Academic Dean, was one of the theologians on that committee.
Their work is now done.
Along with Dr. Willis Jenkins of Yale, Grant went to the Spring 2010 meeting of the House of Bishops to present the work of the panel. Both Willis and Grant gave ten minute presentations summarizing the two positions, for and against same-sex marriage. The bishops then discussed among themselves in table groups following which there was an hour for the bishops to ask questions.
Perhaps the most interesting thing which happened during that question period was a short speech by Gene Robinson, Bishop of New Hampshire, who expressed dissatisfaction with both papers and stated that it was time to move beyond speaking simply of "GLBT" (Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgendered) orientations: "there are so many other letters in the alphabet," he said; "there are so many other sexualities to be explored."
He did not elaborate as to what those other sexualities and other letters of the alphabet might be. As the preface notes, "this project was commissioned in the spring of 2008 by the House of Bishops of the Episcopal Church, to be overseen by the Theology Committee."
The postscript to the document written by the Theology Committee of the House of Bishops expresses gratitude for the work of the report, noting however that "their work is for study and reflection and does not constitute a position paper of the Theology Committee" (p. 86).
Neither is the document the official position of The Episcopal Church. It reflects only the opinions of the panel members themselves.
The document contains statements by two parties or affinity groups offering two different interpretations. The work of the theology panel was difficult, but certainly congenial, but there was never a hint from anyone on the panel that we would ever come to one mind on this contentious subject.
----The Rev. Dr. Grant LeMarquand is Academic Dean and Professor of Biblical Studies & Mission at Trinity School for Ministry in Ambridge, PA.
Dr. LeMarquand's paper can be read here: http://www.tsm.edu/Documents/LeMarquand%20Writings/Summary%20Statement%20of%20the%20Conservative%20Position.pdf
Willis Jenkins' paper representing the liberal side can be found here: http://notbeingasausage.blogspot.com/2010/03/same-sex-relationships-in-life-of.html
The full document entitled "Same-Sex Relationships in the Life of the Church" is now posted here. http://www.collegeforbishops.org/resources
