Editor’s Note:  Bp Lawrence of SC evidently informed his canon theologian, Kendall Harmon, that a bishop read a statement signed by several bishops on the floor of the House of Bishops this morning while it was in private session.  Kendall posted news of this statement on his site.  I post below the text that was read and is now being called “The Anaheim Statement.”  The text below is reportedly an accurate copy, for it was given directly to Greg Griffiths by Bp Howe and published by Greg at his Stand Firm site.  It is believed that as many as 20 or more bishops have signed this statement.

Bishop Gary Lillibridge read a statement to the House of Bishops that a number of us helped craft, and then invited any who wished to sign on to do so. As of our recess at 5 PM 26 had done so. The Statement is as follows:

The Anaheim Statement, General Convention, 2009

At this convention, the House of Bishops has heard repeated calls for honesty and clarity. As the conversation has proceeded within the HOB, repeated attempts to modify wording which would have been preferable to the minority in the vote were respectfully heard and discussed, but in the end most of these amendments were found unacceptable to the majority in the House. Many in the majority believed the amendments would make the stated position of this House less honest about where they believe we are as The Episcopal Church.

It is apparent that a substantial majority of this Convention believes that The Episcopal Church should move forward on matters of human sexuality. We recognize this reality and understand the clarity with which the majority has expressed itself. We are grateful for those who have reached out to the minority, affirming our place in the Church.

We seek to provide the same honesty and clarity. We invite all bishops who share the following commitments to join us in this statement as we seek to find a place in the Church we continue to serve.

* We reaffirm our constituent membership in the Anglican Communion, our communion with the See of Canterbury and our commitment to preserving these relationships.

* We reaffirm our commitment to the doctrine, discipline, and worship of Christ as this church has received them (BCP 526, 538)

* We reaffirm our commitment to the three moratoria requested of us by the instruments of Communion.

* We reaffirm our commitment to the Anglican Communion Covenant process currently underway, with the hope of working toward its implementation across the Communion once a Covenant is completed.

* We reaffirm our commitment to “continue in the apostles’ teaching and fellowship” which is foundational to our baptismal covenant, and to be one with the apostles in “interpreting the Gospel” which is essential to our work as bishops of the Church of God.
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When will the list of signers be made public?

Bp Howe just said the names will be published tomorrow!

The reaffirmations are well put. It is the first section that is troubling. I understand HOB protocol/courtesy may dictate, at least in part, the approach taken. However, some of the wording is anemic and borders on the obsequious.

For example, “preferable” (in the context of amendments) means “more desirable.” This wording suggests that there is merit in the resolutions passed by GC 2009 from the perspective of biblical authority and two millennia of tradition. Such is not the case.

Another example: “Move forward on matters of human sexuality” is most unfortunate in its suggestion that those upholding biblical and traditional positions on such matters are somehow “backward” or resistant to the advancement of human civilization.

A final example: Being “grateful for those who have reached out to the minority, affirming our place in the Church” comes across as somewhat fawning.

I believe that the situation calls for a clear protest on the part of CP and other like-minded bishops. Perhaps they will provide such a protest at a later date.

We are waiting.

Dick Wire