The Archbishop of Canterbury has been misinformed about the purpose and import of Resolution D025, the Bishop of Lexington told The Living Church at a July 13 press conference at the 76th General Convention in Anaheim, Calif.


On July 12, Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams urged the House of Bishops to reject Resolution D025, saying “I regret the fact that there is not the will to observe the moratorium in such a significant part of the Church in North America but I can't say more about that as I have no details.”


Bishop Sauls said Archbishop Williams was “laboring under a misconception,” about D025 and had been misled by the “sensational headlines” surrounding the resolution, which circumvents B033’s ban on consecrating gay clergy by affirming that “God has called and may call such individuals to any ordained ministry in the Episcopal Church.”


He said he could “not get into Archbishop of Canterbury’s head” but if Archbishop Williams believed D025 offered anything new, he was mistaken. It simply “states the reality of this church.”


Minnesota Deputy Sally Johnson noted that D025 “does not repeal B033,” as it contained no language expressly overturning the 2006 resolution. General Convention was engaged “in a conversation on this controversial issue.”

The Rt. Rev. Michael Smith, Bishop of North Dakota, however stated that D025 was a “very serious issue in the life of the church,” and the bishops were “very sensitive” to the concerns of the wider church.


“We are aware of the gravity of the situation,” he said.


No date has been set for debate on D025 in the House of Bishops.


(The Rev.) George Conger reporting from General Convention in Anaheim.