wfn.org | Reconciliation group discusses similarities and differences

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For more information contact:
Jan Nunley
Deputy Director
jnunley@dfms.org
http://www.ecusa.anglican.org/ens

2000-215

Reconciliation group discusses similarities and differences

by Jan Nunley

     (ENS) The third session of reconciliation conversations sponsored by the New 
Commandment Task Force met October 30-November 3 at All Saints Church, Pasadena. 
The group of 24 lay people, priests and bishops representing a range of theological 
positions--10 conservatives, 11 liberals and 2 moderates--reported finding "great 
value" in "putting a human face on the issues," sharing stories, worshiping, praying, 
reading Scripture and breaking bread together.

     The group agreed on certain points, including the uniqueness of Jesus Christ, an 
awareness of their commonalities, and a recognition of their differences. They also 

concurred on the need for a "national conversation" about the authority and interpretation 
of Scripture, and recognized "the need for all Episcopalians to ask the 
question, 'Could we be wrong?'"

     On specific areas of concern, the Pasadena group reached agreement that there is 
"neither a mandate nor a prohibition" with regard to the ordination of gay men and 
lesbians and blessings of committed same-gender relationships.

Arbitration of conflicts

     The group suggested that, in conflicts between parishes and bishops where 
alternative episcopal oversight is denied, the parties involved should move to binding 
arbitration. If  one party failed to comply with an arbitration agreement, the group 
said, the national church should "convene a panel of six bishops, three conservatives 
and three liberals, to review and implement arbitration" without coercion or 
retribution. 

     Participants began what they called a "pivotal conversation" about parishes 
leaving ECUSA, calling for "leave-taking with grace….without blaming or shaming." The 
report stated, "All members of the Church can continue to be effective ministers of the 
unity of the church of Jesus Christ even in a new situation which might allow for two 
units of the Anglican Communion in the United States."

     The group suggested that Episcopalians discuss the possibility that, in such 
cases, the national church should offer "leadership of the separation process and pastoral 
care to all,"  with relationship issues taking priority over property claims. The group also 
affirmed freedom of affiliation with no prejudice to the ecclesiastical status or pension rights 
of persons departing ECUSA.
     Participants in the Pasadena meeting included David C. Anderson, Ed Bacon, Tom Bates, 
J. Jon Bruno, Brian Cox, Markus Dunzkoher, Debbie East, Barry Hollowell, Coe Hutchison, 
Ron Jackson, Elizabeth Kaeton, Richard Kew, Jenny Ladefoged, Francis B Maguire, Ted 
Mollegen, Dennis J. Parker, Jose Poch, Christopher Seal, Bill Thompson, Nancy A. G. Vogele, 
Gert Walker, Erica Wood, and Cathie Young. 

--The Rev. Jan Nunley is deputy director of the Office of News and Information for the 
Episcopal Church.