Episcopal Press and News
Diocese of Washington Endorses Two Resolutions on Gay Rights
Episcopal News Service. February 9, 1995 [95020]
(ENS) At its 100th annual convention, the Diocese of Washington (DC) January 28 passed two resolutions affirming its support for gay and lesbian people.
By endorsing a statement that Bishop John Spong introduced at the House of Bishops meeting during the 1994 General Convention in Indianapolis, the diocese put itself on record in support of blessing same-sex unions and opening the ordination process to gays and lesbians, whether or not they are celibate.
Spong's Koinonia Statement declared that sexual orientation is "morally neutral" and that both homosexuals and heterosexuals can live their lives "with beauty, honor, holiness and integrity." The statement also says that "faithful, monogamous, committed, life-giving and holy relationships" among gays and lesbians should be recognized and supported by the church. It also affirms the ordination of gays and lesbians who meet the qualifications for priesthood. To date, 71 bishops have signed the statement.
During his convention address, Bishop Ronald Haines cited the struggle, during a century of ministry for inclusion around race, gender and, more recently, sexual orientation. After what he characterized as a "lengthy but irenic debate," He commended the delegates for conducting their deliberations in an atmosphere of mutual respect. He pointed out that, while the resolution did not call for any action, it will obviously be part of the on-going theological debate in the church. "Theological insight flows out of the church's life in community -- our worship, our prayers, our study of Scripture and, yes, sometimes through our debate over resolutions." He said that the convention had proven, "at least today," that it is possible to "disagree and still keep the bond of shared faith." The final vote was 134 to 52, with 11 abstentions.
The other resolution expressed support for Maryland legislation that would make it illegal to discriminate against gays and lesbians in housing and employment. "The unanimous passage of the Maryland civil rights resolutions shows legislators that most people of faith support non-discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation," said John Bradley, co-convener of Integrity, a group of gays and lesbians that initiated the resolution. The diocese includes several counties in southern Maryland.