Episcopal Press and News
Los Angeles Diocese Rejects Resolution Affirming Same-gender Relationships
Episcopal News Service. December 12, 1990 [90320]
Ruth Nicastro, Missioner of Communication for the Diocese of Los Angeles.
The convention of the Diocese of Los Angeles has declared itself unready to "uphold and celebrate" relationships between persons of the same gender.
Delegates to the convention on December 1 defeated a resolution that asked delegates to "affirm that the church does act appropriately and for the good of the people of God when it upholds and celebrates, in the name of Jesus Christ, any two persons who are willing to make a lifelong covenant of fidelity and love with each other."
On a vote by orders, the resolution passed 91-55 in the clergy order but was clearly defeated in an uncounted standing vote of the laity.
During debate on the resolution, many delegates argued that the church is not ready for such an action. Lay delegate Betty Connelly of Newport Beach acknowledged that people tend to speak about human sexuality with deep feelings and emotions. "But those feelings are real," she declared. "We're not ready to make a decision on this subject."
The Rev. Richard Belliss of Riverside said he conducted a survey in his parish the week before the convention and reported that only 10 persons indicated they were in favor of the resolution and 70 voiced strong disapproval.
The issue had received widespread publicity and discussion throughout the diocese after the Rev. Dr. George Regas of Pasadena said in a November 11 sermon that he was "solidly committed to bless same-sex covenants." Regas is rector of All Saints, the largest Episcopal parish west of the Mississippi River.
In his sermon Regas indicated that he would "not jump into a radical policy" but wanted the congregation, "gay and straight together, to discern the best way to move on this decision."
Regas said that he had witnessed tenderness, fidelity, and remarkable love among gay and lesbian members of his parish. "The Holy Spirit is speaking to this congregation in and through the experience of gay and lesbian Christians," he said.
In a statement mailed to diocesan clergy the following week, the Rt. Rev. Frederick Borsch, bishop of Los Angeles, said that he does not have authority from the Episcopal Church to bless the covenants of gay and lesbian couples. He said, "Speaking personally, however, I have long held that the church should support and uphold faithful and committed Christians in such covenants, and I continue to work toward that goal. I believe that this blessing, together with support from the Christian community, can be strengthening for the couple, for their service and commitments, and for the larger society."
Borsch also said that at this time God may be calling Christians to somewhat different responses. "The deepest truths are often complex," he noted, "and may best be approached from several different perspectives."
Borsch chairs the committee on theology of the House of Bishops and is also a member of the church's Standing Commission on Human Affairs, which has been studying sexuality issues during the past triennium. At the September meeting of the House of Bishops in Washington, D.C., Borsch posed for the bishops the question that is before the whole church: "Can dedicated gay or lesbian disciples, who are in relationships which show the characteristics of faithfulness, commitment, vulnerability, and a readiness to sacrifice for the other, be affirmed in their sexual practice?"
The answer from the Diocese of Los Angeles was "Not yet."