“Opening the Doors to All People”

 [The Living Church Nov 9, 2003)

Western Michigan Diocesan Convention Report

The Diocese of Western Michigan decisively established its own official policy on homosexual clergy in 1996 when the Rt. Rev. Edward L. Lee, Jr. (since retired) ordained two persons living in committed same sex relationships. Two diocesan convention resolutions this year, both of which sought hospitality toward “Orthodox/Traditional Episcopalians” in the aftermath of General Convention, were replaced by substitutes no longer acceptable to the original resolution sponsors. Convention met Oct. 14-15 at Park Place Hotel in Traverse City.

The first resolution sought to direct the Rt. Rev. Robert Gepert “to issue a pastoral letter indicating an acceptance of a diversity of opinion” concerning the actions of 2003 General Convention. The second resolution called for recognition of “the contributions of Orthodox/Traditional Episcopalians” in the life of the diocese. Both sought also to require 30 percent representation of such Episcopalians “on all councils, committees, courts, and delegations….” The 30 percent figure was based on the percentage of votes received by the “Orthodox/Traditionalist” candidate during the bishop election two years ago.

Substitute resolutions were introduced for both. The substitutes spoke of “acceptance of diversity of theological opinion” and encouragement “to be sensitive to the need for representation” of those who hold what were called “minority positions.” Both substitute resolutions were approved.

“I was disappointed in the substitute resolutions that some specific provisions were not actually made for the inclusion of loyal Episcopalians who do not share the views of our bishop and our deputies to General Convention,” said the Rev. John English, a retired priest and present chair of the diocesan chapter of the American Anglican Council. The diocesan ACC group has held two meetings, and “a number of very, very talented lay persons have stopped going to an Episcopal Church,” Fr. English noted. “I have received a large number of calls, e-mails, and letters from lay persons in our diocese who see no biblical support for the stand taken by our bishop and deputies, and the General Convention.”

The theme of this, Bishop Gepert’s second diocesan convention, was “Hospitality: Opening the Doors to All People.” The proposed canonical changes, resolutions, and study time were focused toward opening the Church to welcome diverse persons, particularly “the poor the crippled, the lame, and the blind” as noted in the Gospel of Luke14:1,7-14, which was the Scriptural passage used for Bible study and the Convention Eucharist.

The proposed diocesan budget of $1,062,517 was approved. It represents a $275,000 increase over 2003 and anticipates 12 percent voluntary contribution from the 60 congregations.

Bishop Gepert believes delegates should always “learn something to take back to our congregations” at convention, and consequently has introduced a study day replacing other business. This year the study time featured Suzie Miller, a congregational development specialist, who enthusiastically led the delegates in looking at the hospitality of their facilities, their congregations, and their programs. “When we open our hearts and welcome new people in, we are changed for they bring a new dimension of God,” Miller stressed.

(The Rev.) Joseph C. Neiman