tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2761538946854485154.post4033878754768304762..comments2024-03-11T03:02:29.875-06:00Comments on Simple Massing Priest: Some Odds and EndsMalcolm+http://www.blogger.com/profile/08469936715413110334noreply@blogger.comBlogger6125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2761538946854485154.post-7948491226261201272008-10-02T13:38:00.000-06:002008-10-02T13:38:00.000-06:00This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.Fred Preusshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06438368833909384043noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2761538946854485154.post-43692845368121744802008-08-22T18:31:00.000-06:002008-08-22T18:31:00.000-06:00Malcolm, it makes sense. Actually, I believe that...Malcolm, it makes sense. Actually, I believe that you are correct that the process should be done properly. The priests who do the blessings act out of pastoral concerns, and I understand their side, too.<BR/><BR/>My wish is for the church to get out of the marriage business altogether. The priest doesn't marry the couple. The couple marry each other. Leave the legalization of the couple's union to the civil authorities, and then, perhaps after a waiting period, The church community discerns that the commitment is true, and a church blessing of the union can follow.June Butlerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01723016934182800437noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2761538946854485154.post-14117609323255801692008-08-22T16:46:00.000-06:002008-08-22T16:46:00.000-06:00My reservation is about process, not direction. A...My reservation is about process, not direction. At the end of the day, the decision about whether or not to bless same sex unions (or, to be more honest about it, to solemnize same sex marriages) and the decision to ordain partnered gays and lesbians needs to be a synodical decision, and the onus is on those proposing the innovation to make the case for it.<BR/><BR/>To a great extent, we have skipped the synodical process and skimped on making the case. Indeed, with the exception of certain dioceses in Canada regarding blessings, the entire synodical process has been sidestepped. From a process perspective, this really isn't the right way to proceed.<BR/><BR/>In the case of New Westminster and the other Canadian dioceses, there is also a technical question as to whether the decision to proceed with same sex blessings was within the competence of a diocesan synod - particularly since General Synod has now made a deliberate decision not to proceed to same sex blessings at this time. But that is a separate question.<BR/><BR/>So, it isn't that I stand opposed on either score. For me, it is an issue of process.<BR/><BR/>Notionally, this also provides some time for the Holy Spirit to let us know if we've got the wrong end of the stick. While I don't think we do, I differ from our worthy opponents in admitting that I don't know the mind of God with certainty.<BR/><BR/>I know that you are a relatively recent Episcopalian, so I don't know if you are aware of the case of the so-called Philadelphia 11 - 11 women ordained in the Episcopal Church prior to the formal decision to ordain women. Subsequently, those ordinations were deemed irregular - although I don't know what process of regularization occured.<BR/><BR/>I'd argue that (with the possible exception of the blessings in New Westminster), those blessings and ordinations we've done to this point are similarly irregular.<BR/><BR/>At its worst, the ever-so discrete blessings of same sex unions, occuring without synodical approval and with nods and winks from diocesan bishops are uncatholic freelancing just as surely as the episcopi vagantes wandering around pretending to be under the jurisdiction of foreign prelates.<BR/><BR/>I'm quite convinced that the legitimate North American provinces will formally approve the blessing of same sex unions (or, more honestly, the solemnization of same sex marriages) at some point in the next ten years. Once that happens, I'll happily preside at such. Until then, I won't.<BR/><BR/>It's a process issue.<BR/><BR/>Does that make any sense?Malcolm+https://www.blogger.com/profile/08469936715413110334noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2761538946854485154.post-30910191513858487772008-08-22T13:43:00.000-06:002008-08-22T13:43:00.000-06:00Malcolm, the commercial is excellent. I hope it w...Malcolm, the commercial is excellent. I hope it works.<BR/><BR/>Why wouldn't a nasty little reappraiser like you (I am a nasty little reappraiser, too) support solemnizing same-sex marriages? Are the civil authorities to move ahead of the church? In my humble opinion, we should be leading them in doing the right thing.June Butlerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01723016934182800437noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2761538946854485154.post-89010647947629440932008-08-20T09:26:00.000-06:002008-08-20T09:26:00.000-06:00Thanks for the correction. You'd think an amateur...Thanks for the correction. You'd think an amateur royal watcher would get such a thing straight.<BR/><BR/>I've corrected the text.Malcolm+https://www.blogger.com/profile/08469936715413110334noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2761538946854485154.post-38398075730254749312008-08-20T06:29:00.000-06:002008-08-20T06:29:00.000-06:00Olav is the name of the penguin, after the late Ki...Olav is the name of the penguin, after the late King Olaf 5 who died in 1991, probably.<BR/><BR/>Harald 5 is the name of the present King.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com