Showing items filed under “The Rt. Rev. George Sumner”

GC July 5

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Photo: The Rev. Catherine Plummer from Navajoland with Bishop George Sumner. 

Bishop’s blog from General Convention 

Greetings in Christ from Austin. Convention officially starts today, but the side of the event which is more like a church bazaar and reunion is in full swing. Guests from around the Communion are here, and the exhibit room has vendors whose wares include clergy shirts, social causes, and seminary educations! Clergy greet friends in the lobby. Koinonia includes the grassroots.


Last night was the listening session for Convention’s expression of #MeToo. It had morphed into a liturgy of testimony and repentance against a musical backdrop of Taize, all of which I thought was a wise. The personal statements, read by bishops and protecting privacy, were from young and old, men and women. As a theologian, I was struck by the need, here as everywhere, for a robust doctrine of sin and redemption to come to terms with the brokenness of the Church.


On a happier note, Stephanie and I enjoyed dinner with Bishop Michael and our friends, the deputies from North Dakota.
Be assured that your deputation is working diligently and is led very ably by Mother Victoria. The major resolutions concerning the Prayer Book and marriage are still in committee. Let me remind everyone that, no matter the outcome of these debates here, we will remain steadfast in the teaching of the Church catholic and continue with traditional Prayer Book worship. Keep praying for us!

Peace

+GRS

Posted by The Rt. Rev. George Sumner with

Resolution B012

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Dear Brothers and Sisters,

         Greetings in Christ. A recent article from The Living Church ‘Marriage for the Whole Church’ describes a resolution (B012) proposed to the General Convention by the bishops of the dioceses of Pittsburgh, Rhode Island, and Long Island, as well as the case for it from the latter. On the new Communion Partners’ website may be found a response titled ‘The Vocation of the Anglican Communion.’ I have received several questions about these, so here is how to access them.

     In my recent pastoral letter, I reiterated that, come what may. I will continue to teach and guide the congregations I oversee in Dallas according to the traditional teaching of the Church. Secondly, we will not leave the Church, and thirdly, we will endeavor to live these two out with as much charity as God grants us. I spoke for myself, but believe these to be consistent with the Communion Partners’ approach.

    My intention is to cleave to these three principles in the all deliberations of the Convention. The Communion Partners’ statement leaves us free to vote in accordance with our conscience on resolutions concerning marriage. At the same time, we will carry on with our ministry collegially within the terms of whatever decisions the Convention reaches, which in B012 would include DEPO. Thirdly and finally, we would indeed appreciate the creation of a ‘Communion Across Difference’ taskforce such as that resolution mandates, to work together toward a ‘safe space’ for traditional Episcopalians in a spirit of charity and mission.   Please pray for us and for the whole Convention in the coming days.

Peace,

+GRS

Posted by The Rt. Rev. George Sumner with

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