Episcopalians condemn same sex unions at annual conference

The Episcopal Diocese of Central Florida passed two anti-gay measures at its annual convention in Lakeland the last weekend in January. The votes come after the national church leadership’s recent moves toward gay acceptance.

In 2003, Gene Robinson, a gay man, was elected Bishop of New Hampshire. Late last year, the church officially approved the appointment of gay bishops, including lesbian Mary Glasspool as Bishop Suffragan of the Diocese of Los Angeles. A few days later, church officials decided to allow bishops to bless same-sex unions. Over the years, these actions have caused a number of the regional dioceses to split from the main church.

Rob Michaels, who is on the vestry of a church in Fruitland Park, says these splits mean the Central Florida Diocese is the most conservative in the country.

The first anti-gay measure passed on Jan. 30 condemned the appointment of Bishop Glasspool. Most resolutions were decided through “yay” or “nay” votes, but this decision was so close that convention delegates had to stand and be counted. Still, it passed, 174 in favor and 152 against.

The other measure affirmed the diocese’s commitment to marriage being strictly between a man and a woman, in direct opposition to the national stance. It was introduced just four days before the convention, meaning there had to be a vote to even consider the resolution. Despite the approval, many delegates rose to request more time. Others spoke both in favor and against the resolution. Michaels was a member speaking against it, calling it “pious self-righteous talk” and pointing out that although scripture also requires a single, lifetime marriage, one of the presenters of the resolution has been married more than once.

Still, the resolution passed soundly, no counting required.

A young female priest who wished not to be identified by name was among the “nay” votes.

“The Bible has to be interpreted and my interpretation includes blessing gays and lesbians who want unions,” she said.

She agrees that the Central Florida diocese’s attitude is different from the church at large.

“It doesn’t seem like that here and we aren’t allowed to discuss it even though discussion needs to happen,” she said. “Gays and lesbians have a lot of friends here, and we are the majority in the church as a whole.”