the 2009 Anaheim Appeal
AN URGENT REQUEST FOR YOUR SUPPORT
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The 76th General Convention of The Episcopal Church (TEC) will be held July 8 - 17, 2009, in Anaheim, California. IntegrityUSA will be there, as it has for the last eleven of these triennial gatherings. In order to have the most effective presence and participation possible, however, we need your support.
What Is at Stake: The Full Inclusion of All the Baptized in All the Sacraments
Thanks to the hard work of IntegrityUSA, General Convention 2003 passed resolution C051−which recognized that “local faith communities are operating within the bounds of our common life as they explore and experience liturgies celebrating and blessing same-sex unions.” Although several dioceses have official, written policies permitting clergy to bless same-gender relationships−and many other dioceses unofficially allow them−none have yet promulgated a rite. This is especially problematic in the ten states that allow civil marriages, unions, or domestic partnerships between two adults of the same gender.
During General Convention 2006, resolutions to implement moratoria on additional LGBT bishops and rites for blessing same-gender relationships failed due to Integrity’s advocacy. However, on the last day of convention, outgoing Presiding Bishop Frank Griswold used highly unusual parliamentary tactics to force a vote on resolution B033−which called upon “standing committees and bishops with jurisdiction to exercise restraint by not consenting to the consecration of any candidate to the episcopate whose manner of life presents a challenge to the wider church and will lead to further strains on communion.” To everyone present, it was clear that “manner of life” was code for “gay and lesbian persons with same-gender domestic partners.” Incoming Presiding Bishop Katherine Jefferts Schori expressed her reluctant support for the resolution, as did a few LGBT deputies. The resolution was passed by both houses with great emotion. Many of those who voted for B033 at the time have since expressed their profound regret. Even though B033 violates the nondiscrimation provisions of the national canons, it has effectively prevented any qualified LGBT candidates from being elected, confirmed, and consecrated as bishops within TEC.
IntegrityUSA believes that TEC is on the tipping-point of becoming unequivocally welcoming and affirming of LGBT people. General Convention 2009 is a decisive opportunity for TEC to move beyond its de facto moratorium on additional LGBT bishops and forward on the blessing of same-gender relationships. We need YOUR help to make this happen!
Integrity’s Plan
Integrity once again has a detailed plan for our presence and participation at General Convention. With a team of over 30 committed and well-trained volunteers, we will lobby bishops and deputies, coordinate and prepare the testimony of witnesses at important public hearings, track legislation, monitor the work of committees, maintain a visible presence in the exhibit hall, communicate our perspective to the press, and work cooperatively and strategically with a multitude of allies to achieve a full and equal place within the Church.
Integrity’s Goal
Our legislative agenda for this General Convention is clear and simple−to pass a resolution that will effectively nullify the effects of B033 and to pass a resolution that will significantly advance rites for blessing same-gender relationships. Integrity’s field organizer and inclusive activities have been working for over a year to accomplish this end by electing LGBT and LGBT-friendly deputies and by submitting LGBT positive resolutions to diocesan conventions.
A Request
Given the magnitude and the consequence of the work before it, IntegrityUSA seeks the financial significantly of all who desire to see this goal realized−a future that is so close at hand and so far from where we were 35 years ago. Any and every contribution will make a difference not just this summer but for years to come.
Integrity’s Estimated Expenses for General Convention 2009 = $80,000
Travel assistance for 30 volunteers
Conventions registrations
Lodging for two weeks
Space rental for the exhibit booth
Printing of monographs and brochures
Advertisements in Episcopal Life
and the General Convention Daily
Space rental for the “Nerve Center” that provides logistical support
5 computers
1 local area network hub
1 printer
High speed Internet access
Miscellaneous office supplies
Service leaflets for the Integrity Eucharist
Videotaping the service
Food and drink for the reception following the service
