From: covert@COVERT.ENET.DEC.COM (John R. Covert 06-Nov-1992 1308)
Newsgroups: bit.listserv.catholic
Subject: Massachusetts Episcopal Diocesan Convention
Date: 6 Nov 92 18:17:37 GMT
Comments: Gated by NETNEWS@AUVM.AMERICAN.EDU
Apparently-To: catholic@american.edu

Please pray for the guidance of the Holy Spirit upon the Convention of the
Episcopal Diocese of Massachusetts, beginning this afternoon and continuing
through Saturday afternoon.  There are a number of important resolutions
being discussed, which will, of course, not "define the faith", as no local
council can do so, but will show just what the leadership of this diocese
is willing to support.

The titles of the resolutions introduced by the Episcopal Synod of America,
by NOEL (the National Organization of Episcopalians for Life), and by
Episcopalians United are grouped in categories below.  Detailed information
about them was posted to this list about a month ago.

A. A return to the teaching of historic theology; as stated primarily in
   the following resolutions:

    1. ON THE TRINITY
    2. DISTINGUISHING GOD FROM CREATION
    3. ON THE DIVINITY AND HUMANITY OF JESUS
    6. ON THE AUTHORSHIP AND SUFFICIENCY OF THE HOLY SCRIPTURE (*)
    7. ON THE VIRGIN BIRTH
   10. ON THE RESURRECTION
   11. ON REFERENCES TO THE DIVINE PERSONS   [EU]

B. A return to the teaching that Christianity is the religion that the entire
   world is called to embrace:

    4. ON SALVATION ONLY THROUGH JESUS CHRIST   [EU]
    5. ON EVANGELISM   [EU]
    8. ON THE SUPREMACY OF GOD OVER IDEOLOGY
   14. ON THE CHURCH'S MISSION   [EU]

C. An active rejection of strange teachings clearly contrary to Christianity:

    9. ON PARTICIPATING IN FALSE WORSHIP
   12. ON REINCARNATION
   13. ON OCCULTIC PRACTICES
   19. ON FINANCIAL SUPPORT OF HETERODOXY

D. A call for those who call themselves Christians to live lives of holiness
   in keeping with God's moral commandments and for the Church to teach that
   we should not let ourselves succumb to temptation.  Those who sin must
   recognize their actions as sin, repent, and seek reconciliation:

   15. ON THE ORDINATION OF PEDOPHILES
   16. ON THE ORDINATION OF TRANSVESTITES
   17. ON THE ORDINATION OF HOMOSEXUALS   [EU]
   18. ON THE ORDINATION OF WOMEN
   24. ON ADULTERY
   25. ON FORNICATION
   26. ON FAITHFULNESS IN MARRIAGE AND CHASTITY
   27. ON PORNOGRAPHY
   28. ON SEXUAL INTERCOURSE BETWEEN ADULTS AND CHILDREN
   29. ON SODOMY   [EU]
   30. ON SAME SEX MARRIAGE   [EU]
   31. ON PERMISSIVENESS TOWARD SIN

E. A strong affirmation of the sanctity of life:

   20. ON UNBORN CHILDREN   [NOEL]
   21. ON ABORTION AS CHILD ABUSE   [NOEL]
   22. ON EXPERIMENTATION WITH THE BODIES OF UNBORN CHILDREN   [NOEL]
   23. ON EUTHANASIA   [NOEL]

Obviously, some of these, such as the one opposing the ordination of women,
don't have any chance of passing.  I'll report to you on Monday how we did
on the rest.  The resolutions, along with about 35 _other_ resolutions (a
few of them exactly opposite these) have only about two hours of time
alloted on the agenda.

Almighty and everliving God, source of all wisdom and understanding, be
present with those who take counsel in the Diocese of Massachusetts for
the renewal and mission of your Church.  Teach us in all things to seek
first your honor and glory.  Guide us to perceive what is right, and
grant us both the courage to pursue it and the grace to accomplish it;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.

/john
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