Finding Ubuntu in the Shadow of B033

I figured I would write at least one blog dealing with B033, although I actually don't feel like the ordination of gay bishops is the main focus of this convention, which is great to see. And for someone who was not at the last convention, I understand and experience B033 more by story than by experience.

The House of Deputies (my legislative body) went in to what they were referring to as the "Committee of the Whole" on Thursday afternoon and Friday morning - which basically means that we just can talk about an issue without parliamentary procedure, motions, and without the threat of action. It clearly allowed people to listen to each other far more easily since every one knew that no legislation would be passed right that second and that they could not even speak to a specific resolution.

The Committee on World Mission led the discussion and, on Thursday, outlined the history of B033, the Windsor Report, and everything that had happened between last Convention and this Convention. Then they had us break into pairs and just talk to people about our experience and opinions on whether or not to repeal B033 (which essentially puts a moratorium on ordaining gay bishops and developing a marriage rite for same sex couples). I was pretty nervous about doing that, and also didn't really think I could fill a half hour of conversation about something that I wasn't around to witness and that hadn't really affected our parish.

I was very surprised. I spoke with a 5-time lay deputy from the diocese of Easton (Maryland). She started off, helpfully, with a story of how she experienced B033 when it was passed last Convention. She explained how truly troubled she was when it came from the House of Bishops, how it felt like she was being torn between her beliefs and loyalty to the new Presiding Bishop Elect who asked for deputies to vote for it. She said it was the first time that she had ever been ashamed of her vote at General Convention. She voted for it.

She told a couple stories of others who felt similarly torn, and of gay and lesbian friends who voted for it, too, in order to cede to the wishes of the PB. It really sounded horrible. Then we talked about what it is to be a "young adult" in the church, that most young people don't think of gay rights as a particularly painful decision, or sometimes even a decision at all. That we have grown up in a different time, with a different set of values, and that it is hard for us to understand what older members are going through.

In the end, we ended up talking about other things, too, and both expressed relief that despite our age differences, and the fact that her diocese is in a conservative area, that we agreed overall with each other, but could still learn something. (I continue to give thanks for the experienced deputies here, and their willingness to share their stories and insight.)

On Friday, people lined up at the microphones and addressed the Convention, with the opinions pretty split between "move on or repeal" and "no action or reaffirm." It is clear that whatever comes to the floor will be another difficult decision for many, but, at least for me, dialogue helped me articulate a stance and gave me a context for my decision, both of which are true gifts from God.