Fall 2010 House of Bishops Meeting

Standing Commission on Liturgy and Music

Consultation on 2009 General Convention

Resolution C056

Resolution C056 and the SCLM

Resolved, That the Standing Commission on Liturgy and Music, in consultation with the House of Bishops,

collect and develop theological and liturgical resources, and report to the 77th General Convention

Resolved, That the Standing Commission on Liturgy and Music, in

consultation with the House of Bishops, devise an open process for the conduct of its work

inviting participation from provinces, dioceses, congregations, and individuals who are engaged in such theological work, and

inviting theological reflection from throughout the Anglican Communion

Enriching Our Worship

Enriching Our Worship 4

The Renewal of Ministry and the Welcoming of a New Rector or Other Pastor

C056 Task Groups

Theological Resources

Liturgical Resources

Pastoral and Teaching Resources

Canonical and Legal Considerations

“open process . . . inviting participation”

• Province I hearings

• Church-wide consultation

• Anglican Communion reflection

• Digital archives

Theological Resources Task Group

The Rev. Jay Emerson Johnson, Ph.D.

Diocese of California

Core Doctoral Faculty Member, Graduate Theological Union, Berkeley, CA

Senior Director of Academic Research and Resources,

Center for Lesbian and Gay Studies in Religion, Pacific School of Religion, Berkeley, CA

Theological Resources Task Group

Background:• Blessing committed relationships in

faith communities is a blessing not only for the couple but also for the wider community

Opportunity:• Sacramental• Eschatological

Theological Principles

• Vocation

• Spiritual Discipline

• Covenant

• Household

• Fruitfulness

Liturgical Resources Task Group

The Rev. Patrick Malloy, Ph.D.

Diocese of Bethlehem

H. Boone Porter Chair in Liturgics, General Theological Seminary, New York

Rector, Grace Church, Allentown, PA

Liturgical Resources Task Group

Foundational assumption:• Consistency with 1979 Book of

Common Prayer, with its . . .

Underlying assumption:• The entire life of the Church

finds its origin in the baptismal font

Liturgical Principles

First principle:

• Express Anglican liturgical qualities: – Literary– Formal– Holy– Meaningful– Metaphoric– Performative

Liturgical Principles

In addition:

• Contemporary speech

• Provide rubrics

• Expression of the Church, not the couple

• Reciprocal blessing of couple and community

• Provide options

• Expression of eschatological fulfillment

• Liturgical prayer

Pastoral and Teaching Resources Task Group

The Rev. Canon Thaddeus BennettDiocese of Vermont

CREDO faculty/consultant, Fresh Start author/faculty/trainer

Recently retired Canon for transition ministry, parish priest

The Rev. Canon Susan Russell Diocese of Los Angeles

Senior Associate, All Saints Church, Pasadena, CA

Pastoral and Teaching Resources Task Group

Purpose of the Task Group:

To research and recommend:

• Pastoral resources to prepare couples for ceremonies of blessing

• Teaching resources to prepare congregations for ceremonies

And to consult with the House of Bishops in that process.

Resolved, That the Standing Commission on Liturgy and Music, in consultation with the House of Bishops, collect and develop theological and liturgical resources . . .

Therefore . . .As Chief Pastor and Teacher for your

diocese:

• What pastoral and teaching resources do you most need in your diocesan context?

And as a bishop knowledgeable about your diocese and the wider church . . .

• What are your and/or others’ best practices for preparing same-gender couples for the blessing of their relationships?

• What are your and/or others’ best practices for helping a church take seriously the ministry of supporting all couples in their commitment to Christ and to each other?

With thanks in advance for your help with data gathering

and insights both now and in the months to come!

Table Questions

Question 1. What pastoral needs must the resources developed meet in your diocese?

Question 2. To what extent do the theological principles address the questions that people in your diocese are asking?

Question 3. How well do the liturgical principles reflect your understanding of Anglican theological and liturgical sensibilities?

Question 4. How can this work be done in a way that will both resource the church and strengthen the body of Christ?

Question 5. How do you want the SCLM to consult with the House of Bishops for the duration of this triennium as this work goes forward?

Please join us . . .

. . . for informal conversation during lunch.

The C056 Task Group chairs and SCLM members

will be available for informal conversation during the lunch break.

After Eucharist, please pick up your lunch

and join us HERE.