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The Bishop's letter dtd July 6th, 2015
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Monday, July 6, 2015
Dear Friends in
Christ,
On June 26 the
Supreme Court ruled that the right to enter into a civil marriage applies
equally to everyone: opposite-sex and same-sex couples. At our General
Convention the Episcopal Church authorized trial rites that may be used for
same-sex couples.
Reactions to the
Court's ruling and the General Convention's actions range from jubilation to
outrage. There has been no shortage of news stories, blog posts, and social
media comments on the subject. Unfortunately, much of this talk has resulted
in more confusion than clarity. Some commentators seem more interested in
fueling anger than in providing clear, rational explanations.
One effective way to
get at the truth and to regain emotional self-control is to ask a clear
question. That question is this: What do the Supreme Court ruling and the
actions of General Convention mean in the Diocese of Western Louisiana?
We are a
majority-traditionalist diocese. And we are also a gracious diocese. There is
a place at the table for minority points of view. No congregation, no priest,
will ever be forced to perform same-sex marriages. However, we recognize an
array of opinions about marriage and make a space for progressive voices.
Before the Supreme
Court ruled and the General Convention voted, two of our congregations
requested permission to use trial liturgies for same-sex blessings. I granted
that permission with the clear understanding that there is no expectation for
any other congregation to do so.
Just as I have asked
traditionalists to respect the brothers and sisters with whom they disagree,
I have urged our progressive congregations to embody that same respect.
Staying together in disagreement is difficult work. But it is holy work.
General Convention
provided liturgies and made canonical changes to make it possible for
progressive congregations to perform same-sex marriage and for traditionalist
congregations to refrain from doing so. The canon we passed contains the
provision that no clergy person can be coerced to preside at a same-sex
marriage.
At the same time,
the new canon requires that each bishop make some provision for access to
these liturgies for couples seeking them. The congregations that already have
permission to make use of the previous trial liturgies have permission to use
the newly authorized ones. So, as a diocese we are in compliance with canon
law, and no additional congregations are required to make use of these
liturgies.
We do not all agree.
Living together amid our differences is our vocation. We are one in our
belief in the risen Christ and in the Triune God. On these two doctrines we
do not and cannot waver. However, there are matters-weighty matters-on which
we can disagree while retaining our unity.
The House of Bishops
recognized this. As a result, we issued a Mind of the House resolution. In
that resolution we acknowledged our love and respect for one another in our
differences. We stated clearly our need for one another and urged that we all
move forward together in the one Christ.
I urge us in Western
Louisiana to yield to that same spirit. The Holy Spirit is guiding us through
a season of sometimes turbulent social and cultural changes. By his guidance
we are groping our way forward. Together.
As we move forward
together, stay focused on Jesus. It is he that binds us together. His love
for us and our love for him binds us together into a communion not of our own
choosing.
I will close by
reminding you how deeply I love you and how grateful I am to serve as your
bishop. Let's use this time of differences as an opportunity to show the
world what real love looks like. Let's embrace each other and move forward
together. The world will know that we are Christians by our love.
Faithfully in
Christ,
The Rt. Rev. Jacob
W. Owensby, PhD, DD
IV Bishop of Western
Louisiana
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