The following is a noncomprehensive collection of events which mark our
history as gay and lesbian Episcopalians in the Diocese of California. Much of
the information has been compiled through archival data from Oasis/California,
Integrity, the Parsonage, the Diocese of California, the Church Divinity
School of the Pacific, the Gay and Lesbian Historical Society, and the San
Francisco Public Library. Special thanks to the Rev. Armand Kreft, Dr. Bonita
Palmer, Cathy Gordon, and the Rt. Rev. William E. Swing for contributing oral
history. I believe that it is essential for us to understand our history as a people
and to know from whence we came in order for us to see clearly together a
vision for the future. There remain many influential persons to be interviewed
and many more documents to be sorted through. But for now, I must put this
project to rest. I hope that by posting it to our web site, interested
individuals might come forward who are willing to pick it up and develop it to
its fullest potential. I would be happy to assist you in getting started.
Jump to A Specific Year: | 1964 | 1966 | 1967 | 1969 |
| 1971 | 1972 | 1973 | 1974 | 1975 | 1976 | 1977 | 1978 | 1979 |
| 1980 | 1981 | 1982 | 1983 | 1984 | 1985 | 1986 | 1987 | 1988 | 1989 |
| 1990 | 1991 | 1992 | 1993 | 1994 | 1995 | 1996 | 1997 | 1998 | 1999 |
The Episcopal Diocese of California was founded in 1849 to encompass the
entire state of California. In 1874 the Diocese of Northern California was
formed, and in 1910, the Diocese of San Joaquin. Later the Dioceses of Los
Angeles and San Diego also became independent. 1964 Council on Religion and the Homosexual founded. The Rt. Rev. James A. Pike is Bishop of California. 1966 Aug 22-24 - Consultation on Theology and the Homosexual, sponsored by Glide
Urban Center and CRH in San Francisco. Produced paper: "Homosexuality: A
Contemporary View of the Biblical Perspective" by the Rev. Dr. Robert L.
Treese. Sept 15 - Kilmer Myers elected Bishop of California. 1967 62nd General Convention Resolution: "WHEREAS, Man having been created a sexual being, sexuality
is of the very nature of life and is good; and WHEREAS, Attitudes about sexuality should be focused less on specific sexual
acts and more upon the development of human personality and relationships in the
context of social responsibility; and WHEREAS, With respect to civil laws which govern social conduct, a
distinction should be made between those laws which are necessary for the
protection of society and those which attempt to regulate private moral choice: THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the General Convention instruct the Executive
Council to initiate studies to express Christian attitudes with respect to birth
control; contraception; abortion; sterilization; illegitimacy; divorce and
remarriage; marital, premarital, postmarital, and extramarital sexual behavior;
sexual behavior of single adults; and homosexuality." 1969 Dec 14 - Richard Daller had been honorably discharged from the Navy. After
moving to San Francisco, he was among the founders of the League for Civil
Education in the early 1960s, which became the Society for Individual Rights
(SIR). He was also an Associate of the Society of St. Francis. He was inspired
by Robert Cromey's advocacy for gays and wrote to Bishop Pike to ask him how to
become an Episcopalian. Pike included a copy of his book "Canterbury
Pilgrims" with his reply. Daller joined the Cathedral and taught Sunday
School and served as an acolyte and lay reader. He heard that CDSP was screening
out gay applicants, and this discouraged him. He talked to Cromey about his idea
to make a statement during a service at Grace. Cromey encouraged him to do it
and notified the press. One Sunday morning, Daller stood up to read a lesson at
Grace, but instead of reading Scripture, he read a prepared statement of his
own. His request: "that this great Diocese of California undertake the
leadership in this nation, as part of its Christian Ministry, quick action in
regards to the pursuant of the elevation of the social injustices done to the
homosexual by pushing for change in the State Penal Codes of the nation, making
it legal for consenting adults ... and changing the Federal Government's policies
towards entering and serving in the Armed Forces of this country along with
Civil Service Employment, and lastly, changing the Church's policies towards
homosexual applicants to its divinity schools throughout the country." The
Very Rev. C. Julian Bartlett, Dean of the Cathedral, responded, "we must
consider what pain has compelled our Christian brother to do something his
training, commitment, and the traditions of the Church must have cried out
against." Richard Daller is today still a member of Grace Cathedral. 1971 The Rev. Robert Cromey became inactive as a priest, choosing private practice
as a family therapist. Diocese of California authorized a study commission [Committee on Human
Sexuality?] which reported in 1973. 1972 July - House of Bishops censured Pike (after his resignation) for his
interpretations of the Trinity, the omnipotence of God, and the virgin birth.
The Rt. Rev. John E. Hines, Presiding Bishop, prevented heresy trial. 1973 American Psychological and Psychiatric Associations removed homosexuality
from "abnormal psychology" category. Parish hall of St. John the Evangelist, San Francisco, burned in arson fire. 1974 Integrity founded - Ellen Barrett and Jim Wickliff copresidents - see "Changing the Church: Lessons Learned in the Struggle to Reduce
Institutional Heterosexism in the Episcopal Church" by Louie Crew. Ellen Barrett moved to Berkeley to complete graduate work at the Graduate
Theological Union. She attended St. Mark's, Berkeley, with her partner, Cathy
Gordon. After her ordination, served as Priest there; then returned to New York
in 1981. Mar 13-14: Subcommittee on Human Sexuality of the Joint Commission on the
Church in Human Affairs: "With the assistance of consultants, areas of the
family and human sexuality were discussed, ranging from sex typing in early
childhood, sexual needs of the elderly, problems in the prisons, attitudes about
women seeking ordination, to ministry to homosexual persons." 1975 Sept 19-26: House of Bishops: Resolution on Homophiles from the Task
Force on Homophiles and the Ministry/Committee on Pastoral Development:
"... assure that the continuation of the dialogue between the Church and the
leaders of the organizing forum for homophiles who are active members of the
Episcopal Church ..." Designated JCCHA as agency through which dialogue with
the homophile community within the Church should be continued. 1976 Jan 28-30: JCCHA meeting to respond to House of Bishops resolution:
Consultants invited; stated "Homosexual persons are children of God, who
have a full and equal claim with all other persons upon the love, acceptance,
and pastoral concern and care of the Church. We make grateful recognition of the
substantial contributions which homosexual persons have made and are making to
the life of our Church and society." Confusion and tension over causes of
sexual orientation and ethical implications. "We are conscious of the
personal suffering experienced by many homosexual persons and the various
unnecessary ways in which society contributes to that suffering."
Recommended General Convention resolutions for diocesan study and urged states
to repeal sodomy laws. Integrity/SF Bay Area chartered. 65th General Convention (Minneapolis) Resolution: Homosexuals are the Children of God (A-69)
Used language from the JCCHA report in January. Resolution: Homosexuals - Equal Protection (A-71)
"... this General Convention expresses its conviction that homosexual
persons be entitled to equal protection of the laws with all other citizens and
calls upon our society to see that such protection is provided in
actuality." Resolution: Ordination of Homosexuals (substitute for B-101, B-102 and D-58)
"... direct the Joint Commission of the Church in Human Affairs to study
in depth the matter of the ordination of homosexual persons and report its
findings, along with recommendations to the church-at-large for study (and
especially to the bishops, standing committees, commissions of the national
nhurch) ...." 1977 Jan 10 - Ellen Marie Barrett ordained a priest by Bishop Paul Moore Jr. of
New York. Ordained Deacon by Moore in Dec '75. Letter of protest from President
of Episcopal Church Women. Barrett was an unsalaried member of the St. Mark's,
Berkeley, staff while completing doctoral work at GTU. Assisted in liturgy and
worked with homosexual church group. Jan 26 - Letter by Bishop Myers to clergy regarding ordination to
priesthood of "alleged female homosexual" by Bishop of New York (Paul
Moore):
"Opinions of the Diocese are plural. Only godly dialogue will help. Let us
listen to each other and pray for each other. God is speaking to his
Church." Jan 26 - The Rev. Ellen Barrett: "If the Church is to be a house of
prayer for all people, then gay people belong in it, too. And if love is what
the church is all about -- and it says it is -- then indisputably I belong in
there, too, because my way of living is a way of loving .... It's important I was
ordained as a lesbian. Gay people should have a place in the ministry as they
should in the rest of the world. But I have a hard time grasping that, to a lot
of the world, it's the only important thing about me -- it's not! I'm a lot more
than that." At the altar of her ordination, Episcopal priest James Wattley
spoke out during the service and called it "a travesty and a scandal."
Barrett: "The changes in the Church have always been to broaden and include
-- not cut off and turn away .... I care less about the Church as a structure
than as a community of Christians. I think that community is founded on love,
and I think that love belongs in everyone -- including women and lesbians." Feb 7 - The Rev. Bernard Mayes of Bay Area Association for Suicide
Prevention, Inc. was organizing a conference on sexual orientation for the
California Council for the Humanities in Public Policy. Offered to coordinate
efforts with Bishop Myers and the Future's Planning Council in the area of
sexual orientation. Mar 8 - Memo from the Rev. George Hunt III of CDSP to Myers: Should go ahead
with clergy conference on sexuality, rather than spirituality, as previously
planned. Any move to open the ordained ministry to practicing out-of-the-closet
homosexuals in this diocese would be political disaster. Suggests that bishop
should renew license to officiate for Ellen Barrett and issue pastoral letter to
clergy. Mar 16 - Letter from rector of a church in the Diocese of San Joaquin to
Shunji F. Nishi, Acting Dean of CDSP: Refers to Bishop Rivera's remarks against
CDSP at Diocesan Convention; suggests that financial contributions from parishes
in the diocese will decline until CDSP "takes a stand on the homosexual
issue similar to that of the Virginia Seminary of a couple of years ago .... It
stated that they regard homosexual practices as sinful; that they are forbidden on
seminary property, and any students found violating that rule would promptly be
expelled; and that any student admitting such practices would be given
professional (including psychiatric and pastoral) counseling and would not be
recommended for ordination ...." Mar 22 - Response from Shunji Nishi to priest in San Joaquin: "...the
national church has a competent commission undertaking a thorough study of the
question of ordaining homosexuals.... I am sure that our faculty feel that the
issue cannot be so simply solved as by a paragraph in the catalog. On the other
hand, I am equally sure that no member of the faculty irresponsibly urges
homosexuals to seek ordination." Mar 23 - Shunji F. Nishi's response to the Rev. George N. Hunt III, Diocese of
California regarding memo of Mar 8: "At the moment my stand (which is
subject to change) is that the question is not so much regarding sexuality as it
is a matter of the responsible ways in which a person handles his or her sexual
orientation and preferences. More immediately, however, I am concerned that a
refusal to ordain homosexuals who are 'out of the closet' seems to
penalize those who are accepting their sexual identities with both integrity and
responsibility in favor of those who may desire to conceal their homosexual
tendencies." April - Myers delivered an address on sexuality and Christian faith to
"Partners in Mission" consultation in Sacramento. May 5 - Statement to the Clergy Conference (topic: "sexuality")
- Diocese of California - the Rev. William H. Barcus III: "Gay men and women have made enormous contributions to the
Church ... daring all, risking all -- to serve unfalteringly people who if they
knew they were homosexual would turn on them in confusion, or horror, or unease .... It is only from the outcast that we can ever be redeemed, only from
that which we want to cast out of ourselves that in finally facing honestly we
can ever become whole men and women again. Jesus' whole life is a statement
about that .... If homosexual men and women are not good enough to serve at the
altars of the Lord who went to a cross for us all, then perhaps they are not fit
in any capacity to serve or minister .... The Church, like all institutions, has
always accepted homosexuals when it was to its profit, convenience, and benefit.
What it has not done is to be honest about that, to be forthright, to give back
the love it has received. I have seen a fine and distinguished bishop of this
Church, Kilmer Myers, walk unfalteringly to a cross on this issue, as he asks us
to look again at a Christ who holds out hope, confrontation, forgiveness, new
possibilities, and redemption for all of us equally. If Ellen Barrett...if
homosexual men and women want out of their sadness and joy, to reach out
lovingly -- what about that is so threatening to us? ... Can we look at what the
Church's legalisms have done to people? I call the Church to not only look at
that. I call the Church to repent .... The real business of the Church ... is to
reach out and help bring in the Kingdom of God to our world .... In the name of
God, I urge you to help this saintly bishop to start the process now. May - The Rev. James Brown, Vicar of St. John the Evangelist, along with
seminarian Douglas McKinney were beaten by youths, yelling "f***ing
faggots" near Castro at midnight. The Rt. Rev. C. Kilmer Myers - Minority Report to the Theological Committee
of House of Bishops: Quoted Resolution A-69. "Gays in very large number we have with us. We
always have." Sexual promiscuity not condoned -- destructive and
dehumanizing. Should we deny baptism as well as ordination, since all other
sacraments come from baptism? Question of law and grace. "It is humanness
that matters. To be Christian is to be radically human. The model for humanness
is Jesus. God's cause is our full humanization. Our options are - to reject them;
- to accept them as persons, but not accept their homosexual
lifestyle;
- to accept their lifestyle (including their responsible genital
expression of it) without making any claims about its equality with
heterosexual lifestyles, yet recognizing that a minority of human beings are
oriented in this direction.
If the third option is chosen, we need to evaluate the kiss of greeting,
holding hands, dancing in parishes -- otherwise merely theoretical. Don't see it
happening in Church or Diocese of California in near future, but must begin to
enable it. Specifics regarding homosexual ministers: good character; not flaunt
sexuality; if they have a companion, not dissemble the fact; ethical standards
in such a union same as heterosexuals. Calls for spirit of reconciliation. July 3 - "On the Celebration of this Nation's Independence," sermon by
the Rev. William H. Barcus III at St. Mary the Virgin, San Francisco: Refers to
Anita Bryant's inadequate training as a moral theologian. "The whole
invisibility of homosexual men and women is part of the problem. Any slander can
be raised against the invisible. Invisibility means there is no defense to
combat by clear example the myths and stereotypes and ugly rumors of this most
feared aspect of human life -- sexuality! People who have borne on their own
shoulders all of the slander and the lies and the incredible bigotry. The heart
of all the confusion, of our fear, of our ignorance and consequent unthinking
brutality to homosexual men and women is that the Church has never faced
honestly the whole basic fact of sexuality in anything other than a frightened
posture made up of myth, old Semitic ideas, old wives' tales and -- shall we
dare to say it -- hatred. The Church has never dared to face this last problem
of human liberation in the light of contemporary achievement, insights in
psychiatric understanding, or better biblical scholarship. God calls all of us as
sexual beings to be responsible to each other." Marched in the Gay Pride Parade with members of St. Mary the Virgin, SF, and
300,000 others, carrying a sign which read, "The Church cannot continue
doing business as usual. The Church must again become the conscience of the
community. This Episcopal priest demands for gay people basic human rights.
Christ lived for them. Christ went to his own cross for them. Love, compassion,
and honor affirm humanity. March with us for the oppressed." Sept - Bishop Myers appointed Diocesan Task Force on Human Sexuality. Oct - Statement on Homosexuality to the House of Bishops by the Rt.
Rev. C. Kilmer
Myers, to a small committee hearing in Florida: Lesbian Ellen Barrett, ordained
deacon and priest in New York, has moved to Berkeley to pursue doctoral studies
at GTU. Licensed to function as deacon in Diocese of California. License as
priest in New York expired 4/17/77. Told her I would have to discuss matter at
Spring Clergy Conference. Controversy over homosexuality and priesthood
widespread in Church and diocese. Myers had been threatened that his retirement
or resignation would be forced if he licenses her. Three parishes made moves to
leave communion over prayer book, women's ordination, and ordination of
"avowed" homosexual. He was subjected to vilification. San Francisco
plagued with tension over homosexuality. Recently a priest in Mission District
attacked and called "faggot." City gardener (Robert Hillsborough)
stabbed to death (in late June) and called "faggot." Buried from
cathedral with 3,000 in attendance. Fire bombings in gay areas. "I propose to license the Rev. Ms. Ellen Barrett to function as a minister in
my diocese. It is my conviction that when a homosexual person meets the usual
requirements of the canons I can see no valid reason not to proceed with
ordination to any of the ministerial offices of the Church, including, of
course, that of bishop. And if my conclusions differ from those of the majority
at the Denver Convention, then I must be willing to face whatever consequences
may be derived from that disagreement. And so also must they." Oct - Statement of House of Bishops "Concerning the Ordination of
Homosexuals": "it is crucial to distinguish between an advocating
and/or practicing homosexual and one with a dominant homosexual orientation
only. In the case of an advocating and/or practicing homosexual, ordination is
inadmissible; ... the ordination of an advocating and/or practicing homosexual
would require the Church's sanction of such a lifestyle, not only as
acceptable, but worthy of emulation. Our present understanding of Biblical and
theological truth would make this impossible." Statement of the House of Bishops "Concerning Holy Matrimony":
Both in the Old Testament and in the New Testament, the understanding of sex is
rooted in the conviction that the divine image in humanity is incomplete without
both man and woman. Hence, the aim of sexuality, as understood in Christian
terms, is not merely satisfaction or procreation but completeness. Interpersonal
completeness -- 'The two shall become one' -- is the ancient prescription, a
union of differences. This does not mean simply genital differences, but all the
differences, biological and cultural, that distinguish male and female all
gathered into the symbol of 'two shall become one'. The biblical understanding
rejects homosexual practice. Heterosexual sex is clearly and repeatedly affirmed
as God's will for humanity .... It is not clear from Scripture just what
normality attaches to homosexual orientation, but the Christian message of
redemption and sanctification is one of graceful acceptance leading to graceful
wholeness for all people. The Church, therefore, is right to confine its nuptial
blessing exclusively to heterosexual marriage. Oct 13 - Statement by the Standing Committee of the Diocese of
California (Pres: the Rev. Dwight W. Edwards) sent to all clergy with cure:
Myers' decision to license Ellen Barrett was within his authority and no action
will be taken against him. Concur with the bishop's statement that he will not
ordain "any persons who openly advocate the practice of homosexuality"
before General Convention 1979. Standing Committee has considered for two years
the issues involved in the relation of homosexuality to ordination. Endorsed
statement by House of Bishops in Miami in Oct. 77 in contrast to Myers'
minority report. Oct 19 - Ellen Barrett licensed to officiate in the Diocese of California. Oct - 128th Diocesan Convention Bishop Myers told of licensing Ellen Barrett: "The whole issue of human
sexuality needs to be aired in the Church. In so doing we should rely upon the
best resources available in all the related fields: Scripture, theology,
sociology, psychology." Referred to Kinsey continuum of sexuality. Resolution passed, "Whereas persons of homosexual orientation are
pressing for unprejudiced consideration in all areas of life, including
ordination to the diaconate and the priesthood; ... Resolved, this convention
urges the congregations of this diocese to undertake (a study of human
sexuality) ... that the 129th Convention may ... address a memorial on the subject of ordination of declared
homosexual persons ... to the next General Convention ... that this study be
undertaken as expeditiously as possible by members of both the heterosexual and
homosexual communities and address itself to the psychiatric, legal, and moral
issues involved, in the light of current and emerging data." 1978 April 26 - John Bogart, Director of Continuing Education at CDSP, met with
Task Force on Human Sexuality at Grace Cathedral. Focus was changing
expectations of the ordained ministry. July 17-21 - Theology of Human Sexuality Conference at CDSP- Twenty-one attendees from around country: the Rev. Judson Leeman, MD (priest and
psychiatrist from Sacramento), Professor Marianne Micks (VTS), Professor Shunji
Nishi (CDSP). Workshops on Basic Human Sexuality, the Doctrine of Creation as
related to basic human sexuality, Homosexuality, Theological and Practical
Implications of Homosexuality (The Church's Discipline), Heterosexuality, Holy
Matrimony and other heterosexual living arrangements' theological implications. July 18 - A Self-Debate on the Ordination of Homosexuals, by Shunji F.
Nishi, presented at above conference: Pro: There are homosexuals already
ordained in the Episcopal Church, who have been of valuable service. If you
ordain people still in the closet, but will not ordain those who are out of the
closet, you breed dishonesty. Exercise of ministry is obligation which comes
with baptism; ordained ministry is specialized expression of this fundamental
ministry. Responsibility of Church and society that people are forced to conceal
sexual orientation. Con: Homosexuality is a sign of emotional immaturity and
leads to socially unacceptable behavior, such as seduction of children. Biblical
injunctions against homosexuality. Homosexuality is against nature. Both sides
rebut. Sept 12-14 - A Weekend Program on Human Sexuality, cosponsored by the Rev.
Robert W. Cromey and the Franciscan Brothers at Bishop's Ranch. Workshops:
"Sexual Values Clarification; Self- Love and Self-Awareness; Loving Persons
of the Same Sex; Sexual Decision Making; Sex, Love and Theology." Oct - The Witness - Topic: "Gays in the Church: Is there a
place?" Oct 22 - Sermon preached by the Rev. William H. Barcus III at St. Mary
the Virgin: Came out as a gay man. "Human rights for all people, all races,
all classes will never change for the better if we remain invisible. We stand
in love. That is our ultimate statement. And we will stand. For we offer to the
world more honesty and more hope by standing. We offer fuller life, living out
God's own promise of affirmation and validation of all people." Spoke
against the Briggs Amendment, California Prop. 6, which called for firing of gay
teachers. Oct 28 - 129th Diocesan Convention Study Guide by Diocese of California Task Force on Human Sexuality: For
use by congregations; units are: I. "He Created What?" (to enlarge our
concept of sexual wholeness), II. "The Church's Role in Developing Moral
Values" (to examine what the Church's role has been and should be in
effecting a basis for moral behavior), III. "The Family: What is it? Where
Did it Go?" (to understand what and why changes in the family have come
about and to consider responsible Christian attitudes and actions regarding
those changes), IV. "Homosexuality" (to allow informed discussion and
decision making about homosexuality within the context of the Church), V.
"Changing Expectations of the Ordained Ministry" (to understand that
models of ministry evolve to meet the religious needs of society and to know
what present day expectations of the ordained ministry are in order to have a
foundation for considering the relationship of sexuality to the ordained
ministry). Future units will be "Masculinity and Femininity in the
Godhead" and "Sexuality and the Law." Bibliography lists Human
Sexuality by Kosnik et al, Catholic Theological Society of America, Paulist,
1977 as "recommended to all parishes and missions by resolution of Diocesan
Council." Resolution passed for fuller study of human sexuality, urging congregations
to use materials developed by Task Force on Human Sexuality. Resolution passed: "Whereas the Anglican concept of authority is rooted
not only in Holy Scripture but also in "tradition and in God-implanted
human reason"; ... demand from the Church a deep and acted-out concern for
the dignity of all human beings; ... Resolved, the Diocese of California record
its vigorous disapproval of the threat to human dignity and human rights
represented by Proposition 6 and all further attempts to legislate limitations
on basic human rights." Oct 2 - G. B. Hall's response to letter from Louie Crew: We have a number of persons at CDSP who are members of or knowledgeable about the work of
Integrity, ... the GTU community provides courses and forums to discuss these
issues. 1979 Apr 29 - William E. Swing elected Bishop of California on 15th ballot. Greeted by persons in religious orders, persons from various ethnic
groups, and gay and lesbian persons. The Rev. Bill Barcus led Presiding Bishop
Jack Allen into the cathedral for his installation. Bishop Swing describes
himself at the time as "invincibly ignorant" of the complex issues he
would face in his new post. He attempted to be open to the views of all persons
in the diocese and looked forward to "growing up together." 66th General Convention (Denver) Report on Ordination of Homosexuals - Commission on Human Affairs and
Health, Robert H. Spears Jr., Chairman (response to directive of 1976 General
Convention): Recommends that "no particular human condition" be
singled out as a barrier to ordination. It is at least suspected that many
homosexual persons have been ordained over the years, the report says. "The
problem of hypocrisy, integrity, and suffering remain unsolved" in those
situations ...." The various homosexual adaptations result, in some cases,
in behavior which most Christians regard as abnormal, immoral, and/or
antisocial. Such behavior, as in the case of some expressions of
heterosexuality, constitutes a disqualification for ordination. The question,
with regard to any ordinand, is whether he or she can and will lead a life which
is a wholesome example to Christ's flock. There should be no barrier to the
ordination of those homosexual persons who are able and willing to conform their
behavior to that which the Church affirms as wholesome .... Clergy are expected
to render compassionate and understanding pastoral care to homosexual
individuals, but not to promote or foster a homosexual adaptation as a generally
acceptable alternative for Christians." Resolution: Sexuality and Ordinands (A-53s) "We reaffirm the traditional teaching of the Church on marriage, marital
fidelity, and sexual chastity as the standard of Christian sexual morality.
Candidates for ordination are expected to conform to this standard. Therefore,
we believe it is not appropriate for this Church to ordain a practicing
homosexual, or any person who is engaged in heterosexual relations outside of
marriage." Disassociation Statement on A-53s signed by more than 21 bishops. Members of the
House of Deputies associated themselves with this resolution. "We cannot
accept these recommendations or implement them in our dioceses insofar as they
relate or give unqualified expression to Recommendation 3 [quoted above]. To do
so would be to abrogate our responsibility of apostolic leadership and prophetic
witness to the flock of Christ committed in our charge; and it would involve a
repudiation of our ordination vows as bishops, in the words of the new prayer
book, 'boldly [to] proclaim and interpret the Gospel of Christ, enlightening the
minds and stirring up the conscience of [our] people, and to encourage and
support all baptized persons in their gifts and ministries ... and to celebrate
with them the sacraments of our redemption'; or in the words of the old [Prayer
Book], 'to be to the flock of Christ a shepherd, not a wolf.' Our appeal is to the
conscience and to God. Amen." Resolution: Recognition of Ministry among Homosexuals (C-35) "... That the 66th General Convention of the Episcopal Church ... expresses gratitude for the work of
all those groups which are ministering pastorally among homosexual persons in
our society." Resolution on Sexuality (D-107) "... That every Diocese use the Report and accompanying bibliography of
the Standing Commission on Human Affairs and Health to the 66th General Convention in developing programs to enhance a mature understanding of
sexuality and our Christian Responsibility as faithful stewards in this regard.
Care should be taken that persons of differing attitudes, professional
experience, and sexual orientation are appointed to insure a full spectrum of
conviction ...." New Book of Common Prayer ratified, including new catechism and baptismal
vows to uphold the dignity of every human being. Sept 7 - Address by the Rt. Rev. C. Kilmer Myers, Bishop of
California, on the occasion of his receiving the Integrity Award in Denver,
Colorado: "Through the centuries of the life of this still-young Church, the
chains which shackle humankind slowly have been breaking. The reason for this
liberation is not that the Church herself possesses courage and will, but
because some few, both within and without that beloved Church, have heard the
clear voice of the liberating Christ, and, as a result, have acted without
thought of life or limb .... The Church is measured by the cross of Christ. And
so are we all -- especially the outcast, the marginalized, those outside the
'Hedge of Israel' .... The question raised so aptly by William Stringfellow, 'Has
God abandoned the Episcopal Church?' is the central question before this General
Convention. I speak only for the House of Bishops. That house does not know this
to be a question at all ... as a corporate body it feels quite sure that God is
with the present Church .... Since the late Fathers, since Thomas Aquinas, the
Church's God has been omnipotent, timeless, immutable, disinterested, not an
involved participant in human and cosmic history .... How far from the God of the
prophets and the Father of the Lord Jesus Christ! The God he called 'My Father'
was like the Song of Mary. He ate and drank with the poor and the dispossessed,
the marginal, those outside the 'Hedge of Israel'. He joined his Son on the
cross .... The trouble with the House of Bishops is God." Sept 17 - Resolution adopted by the House of Bishops: "Whereas, we are conscious of the mystery of human sexuality and how deeply personal matters related to human sexuality are ... the Church must
continue to study these matters in relationship to human sexuality, Christian
faith and tradition, and growing insights; ... Whereas, all the clergy and laity
of the Church are expected to render compassionate and understanding pastoral care to one another and to all persons; therefore be it Resolved, that the 66th General Convention recommend to bishops, pastors, vestries, commissions on
ministry, and standing committees, the following considerations as they continue
to exercise their proper canonical functions in the selection and approval of
persons for ordination: - There are many human conditions, some of them in the area of
sexuality, which bear upon a person's suitability for ordination;
- Every ordinand is expected to lead a life which is 'a wholesome
example to all people' (BCP). There should be no barrier to the
ordination of qualified persons of either heterosexual or homosexual
orientation whose behavior the Church considers wholesome;
- We reaffirm the traditional teaching of the Church on marriage,
marital fidelity, and sexual chastity as the standard of Christian sexual
morality. Candidates for ordination are expected to conform to this
standard. Therefore, we believe it is not appropriate for this Church to
ordain a practicing homosexual or any person who is engaged in
heterosexual relations outside of marriage."
(Motion carried by vote of 99 to 34.) Sept 17 - Statement of Bishops Dissenting from the Resolution: "We affirm our belief that Holy Matrimony between a man and a woman as a
covenanted, exclusive, and (by God's help) a permanent relationship is the
predominant and usual mode of sexual expression, blessed by God, for Christian
people particularly and for humankind generally. To this state the vast majority
of persons have clearly been called. We also affirm the sacrificial sign of
celibacy, for the small minority genuinely called to that state, as a valid and
valuable witness to a broken and selfish world of the virtues and spiritual
power of Christian self-denial in the service of others. Nothing in what follows
is intended to deny or to weaken either the vocation to Christian marriage or to
Christian celibacy, and nothing, especially, is intended to weaken or demean or
deny the centrality of the institution of the Christian family. However, there
is a minority of persons who have clearly not been called to the married state .... We ... are deeply conscious of, and grateful for, the profoundly
valuable ministries of ordained persons known to us to be homosexual formerly
and presently engaged in the service of this Church .... In the relationships of
many of them, we have seen a redeeming quality which in its way and according to
its mode is no less a sign to the world of God's love than is the more usual
sign of Christian marriage .... We are conscious of ordained homosexual persons
who are wrestling responsibly, and in the fear of God, with the Christian
implications of their sexuality and who seek to be responsible, caring, and
nonexploitative people .... This action makes a mockery of the vow and
commitment which the Church has made to them in that same sacrament of baptism
to 'do all in [its] power to support these persons in their life in Christ' and
calls into question the vows of us all to 'strive for justice and peace among
all people, and respect the dignity of every human being.' ... We have no
intention of ordaining irresponsible persons or persons whose manner of life is
such as to cause grave scandal or hurt to other Christians, but we do not
believe that either homosexual orientation as such nor the responsible and
self-giving use of such a mode of sexuality constitutes such a scandal in and
of itself. Our position is based ... on the current findings of modern science and
psychology on this subject. But even more, our position is based on the total
witness of Holy Scripture. For we are persuaded that modern exegesis and
interpretations of the Scriptures -- in the light of the original languages and
our enhanced understanding of the cultural context of the particular passages
which relate, or seem to relate, to the subject of homosexuality -- give no
certain basis for a total or absolute condemnation either of homosexual persons
or of homosexual activities in all cases .... The total witness of human
sexuality is to a gracious God of justice, mercy, and love. It is on that
witness we take our stand, and it is to that God we make our appeal .... We
cannot accept these recommendations or implement them in our dioceses insofar as
they relate or give unqualified expression to Recommendation 3." --Entered into the record of the House of Bishops by the Rt. Rev. John Krumm,
Bishop. of Southern Ohio
--Signed by C. Kilmer Myers, Bishop of California and more than 20 other
bishops CRH filed suit against KVOF-TV, Channel 38, which had given air time for
Anita Bryant. Resulted in equal time for opposing views. Recent speakers were
the Rev. Malcolm Boyd, the Rev. Ellen Barrett. Plan of Action (3/24/79): Reach
out to religious leaders to create awareness that religion can play part in
liberation process for gay people. Harvey Milk and George Moscone assassinated. White Night Riots -- according
to Armand Kreft, this was the end of innocence in the gay community. It was the
end to their rosy picture of the future. They realized they needed laws to
protect them. They took to the streets. They also began to look to the Church
and ask, "Where do you stand?" -- to hold the institution accountable. The Rt. Rev. Kilmer Myers resigned as Bishop of California. 130th Diocesan Convention Passed resolution moved by Mrs. Augie O'Connor of the Task Force for the
Study of Human Sexuality that the Task Force continue "in its studies and
in providing resources to assist congregations, where requested, in their study
and dialogue." Oct 12 - Open letter from six CDSP professors, in response to the
resolution dealing with homosexuality and the ordination of homosexuals passed
at General Convention: "We question the advisability of asking bishops and
others to judge what would be a mature, wholesome, and exemplary lifestyle
fitting persons for ordination without taking into account individual and
pastoral circumstances .... Human sexuality is an aspect of God's good creation,
and ... sexual relations are intended as the means of procreation but also in
human life as a way of sharing, loving, protecting, and giving .... We realize the
power of God's grace and love to help us redeem and revalue our expressions of
sexuality .... We are still more certain that the Gospel, in this as in all other
respects, prompts us in God's name to offer an affirmative and life-giving
message to the Church and world. 1980 Diocese of El Camino Real formed, leaving the Diocese of California to
encompass the greater San Francisco Bay Area. CRH adopted new bylaws which made it an umbrella for gay caucus groups.
Sponsored Gay/Police Orientation Program to educate police about positive
aspects of gay/lesbian life. Held workshop at Trinity, San Francisco. Swing introduced the "Dream of California." Invited the people of
the diocese to share their dreams and visions. Accumulated 10,000 dreams, which
were compiled into 27 categories. The budget for accomplishing them was $7
million; raised $5 million. One of those dreams was offered by the Rev. Bernard
Mayes and John Williams to begin a ministry of advocacy and pastoral care to
the gay and lesbian community. Swing supported the idea, provided it emphasize
more the pastoral. Became the Parsonage in 1981. Because the needs of gay and
lesbian people were considered alongside those of other people in the diocese,
fundraising for the Dream of California was dampened. Task Force on Human Sexuality. Originally set up by convention, it has
resulted in substantial research and education, which has been used by this
diocese and others. Diocesan Council asked it to study the Spears Commission
Report of the General Convention on the ordination of homosexual clergy. Report
at Diocesan Convention by Augie O'Connor: "Our bias is the desire that each
individual grow to see him or herself more lovingly, to see each other more
lovingly, as God sees us, and to love God more fully, rejoicing in the gifts of
Creation, to celebrate life more reverently and more abundantly. Our own
sexuality is a marvelous ingredient of that abundance. It is the task force's
experience that knowing more about ourselves and living more comfortably and at
ease with our sexuality in proper relationship with our lives helps to empower
us to more fully love and serve God and each other." Task Force on Human
Sexuality given $500 for 1981 budget. 1981 The Parsonage (named after a former Bishop of the Diocese) was founded
on Pentecost Day as a "Ministry of reconciliation between the Church and the gay
and lesbian community. We serve individuals, groups, and the Church -- all people
concerned with the reconciliation between spirituality and sexuality". Lay
people were trained in listening skills, certified by the diocese, and installed
as parsons with a full liturgical rite at Grace Cathedral. The Parsonage given
$3,000 as part of the Dream of California. Located on Castro Street, in a former
S/M dungeon behind Herth Realty, it served as a drop-in space, library, and
location for gay Christians to gather and organize. Used by 12-step groups.
Parsonage became active in domestic partner legislation, gay/lesbian Christian
coalitions, ecumenical Pride Week liturgies. Hosted daily office, but Eucharist
not allowed on regular basis. Swing did not want Parsonage to become a gay
mission. The Rev. Robert Cromey became rector of Trinity Church, San Francisco, and
continued his advocacy for gay and lesbian people. 1982 June - The newly created "Religion" category in the
"Resources" section of Pride Parade program listed Integrity/The
Parsonage. "Challenge to Be" - a six-Saturday course devoted to personal
exploration and growth in the areas of spirituality and sexuality begun by the
Parsonage. Continued for several years. AIDS Chaplaincy at SF General Hospital formed by Augie O'Connor and Armand
Kreft. Ward had five beds. Assistance from Shanti, Sharon McKnight, and three local
porn stars: Alan Parker, Bruno, and Richard Locke. Early to mid-80s - series on safe sex sponsored by Trinity, SF, planned by
Richard Ploe, Cecil Baker, Bonnie Ring. 67th General Convention (New Orleans) Resolution: Civil Rights of Homosexuals (D-61a) "... That the 67th General Convention reaffirms the actions taken by the General Conventions of
1976 and 1979 affirming that homosexual persons are children of God and are
entitled to full civil rights." 1982/83[?] - Diocesan Convention - Resolution passed to begin using
liturgy called "Celebration and Blessing of a Covenant of Love." [?!]
Swing felt it needed theology to back it up and to reflect on the pastoral
implications. This led to formation of the study group in 1984. 1983 March - News of proposed "gay wedding" to be held at Trinity, San
Francisco, reached the attention of the bishop and the public. The bishop had
forbidden use of the church for the purpose of either a "wedding" or a
blessing of the union. The rector of Trinity, the Rev. Robert Warren Cromey,
invited a visiting theologian to perform the ceremony, thus thwarting discipline
from the bishop. April - Swing called a special clergy conference to discuss gay/lesbian
issues. Swing describes this as a "major turning point, producing the
policy which is still in force today." Affirmed his commitment to be as
discerning about gay/lesbian aspirants for ordination as he is for those who are
straight, to not see this as a faceless issue, but about the lives of human
beings. April 28 - The Episcopal Bishop of California's statement on recent
controversies concerning homosexual issues, addressed to the clergy of the
diocese, summarizing Swing's understandings following the special clergy conference
that same month: "Aware of the admirable level of caring and mutual help
that abided" in many heterosexual and homosexual couples who lived outside
of marriage. "Somehow this deserves to be honored ...." As an
institution (proposed by our city), a 'domestic partnership' was sadly lacking.
It was casually assumed to be coterminous with the institution of marriage .... I
suggested that the mayor veto the proposed change in the city ordinance and go
back and build an ordinance change which would respect the relationships and
rights of the people involved without insinuating a new definition of marriage .... I have gained a genuine awareness of a longing among many
homosexuals to continue or to enter into relationships of monogamous fidelity.
They express a feeling of incompleteness because they want to call their friends
together for a service of public commitment and celebration and to receive a
blessing from the Church. Furthermore they sense that the Church discriminates
against them by withholding such a blessing .... Over a year ago ... I called an ad
hoc group of diocesan leaders to consider [the matter of blessing same-sex
unions] in light of the existing policy and in light of the human situation ....
After long discussions it became clear to me that regardless of how it is
phrased, such a liturgical act would suggest a marriage and be understood as
derivative of marriage .... Therefore I refused to permit blessings of same-sex
unions." There is merit in the suggestion by the Rev. Robert Cromey, Rector
of Trinity Church, that a commission be appointed to explore same-sex blessings.
"The question of the Church responding liturgically, pastorally, and with
theological integrity to same-sex couples is, in my opinion, worth considering .... To this end I authorized, this past Winter, the Diocesan
Liturgical Renewal Commission to make a study of this matter and to make a
report to me...and to the larger Church .... Matters of human sexuality are
intensely complicated. Perhaps there is more to be understood than we presently
understand. On the one hand, I will defend the biblical prerogatives of
heterosexuals. I am a man under authority, and I will respect that authority. On
the other hand, I have to be open to see injustices that might be inflicted on
homosexuals. Therefore a door has to be open for the Spirit to lead us into
fuller truth .... I ask your patience with me as I find my way in this volatile
arena. Through it all I hope that the Creator's glory might be revealed in us,
Christ's mercy may be found in us, and the Spirit's pilgrimage toward unity and
truth might abide in us." Swing is invited to speak across the country on gay/lesbian issues
throughout the '80s and '90s. Often greeted by gay/lesbian people and their
families, thankful for his message. Women in leadership at the Parsonage (Sandy Ellis, Susan Bergmans, and Bonita
Palmer) form the Women's Leadership Guild to focus on issues of inclusive
language. Cynthia Black invited to speak; attracted women from MCC as well as
Episcopalians. Later formed Matrifocus and Christian Women's Support Group for
the purpose of sharing ritual and community. 1984 Fall 1984 - Bishop Swing, the Diocesan Commission on Liturgical Renewal, and
the Parsonage hosted the first in a series of meetings to review, with members
of the Gay and Lesbian community of faith, the proposed liturgy for the
"Celebration and Blessing of a Covenant of Love" and to consider what
liturgical response might be appropriate to same-sex couples seeking the
blessing of the Church on their commitment to each other. The commission had
already explored adaptation of "The Blessing of a Home" from the Book
of Occasional Services. This group became the Bishop's Theology Group and
was chaired by the Rev. Jack Eastwood soon after his arrival in the diocese. Lesbian couple, Dottie Fuller and Gil Grady, former members of St. Aidan's,
San Francisco, refused communion by their rector in Placerville (Diocese of
Northern California). Had been together for 25 years and actively serving the
parish. Told they couldn't be cupbearers unless they were celibate. Called the
Parsonage for help with a letter-writing campaign. 1985 Monthly AIDS healing services at Grace Cathedral begun. Summer - A Report by the Parsonage: The Blessing of a Covenant in Love:
Series of five meetings held between Dec 1984-Mar 1985. Only 5% of those
attending meetings were lesbian. There is no canonical objection to blessing gay
couples. Attempted to offer liturgical possibilities for many types of
relationships, not necessarily sexual or homosexual. Many clergy already
participating in and officiating at. liturgical blessings of same-sex couples.
Most based on BCP "Blessing of a Marriage." Emphasis of this rite is
placed on permanence and lifelong commitment; recommends counseling of the
couple prior to blessing; presupposes that the couple is within the community of
faith; couple has joined out of a sense that each is to the other an evidence of
God's grace; the couple chooses to make a public affirmation, in faith, of their
relationship; the relationship is a creative influence in Church and community;
the couple is faithful to each other. Study contains essay by John Boswell, as
well as "The Blessing of Relationships: A Study Document prepared for the
Lesbian and Gay Interfaith Council of Minnesota" by William D. Phillips
(Dignity/Twin Cities) and Leo Treadway (Wingspan, St. Paul Reformation Lutheran
Church). Distributed at General Convention. Dissenting Report by the Rev. William T. Rontani, a member of the
Bishop's Theology Group - Claims that the proposed rite is a marriage service.
"One wonders what the witness of the Church would be to society as a whole
when it is prepared to bless, and thereby approve of, relationships which are seen
by the law as illegal or pure fiction? One also wonders what the role of the
Church is which has been called to challenge society and transform it rather
than to accept its present standards .... There is a hint that fulfillment of
life or genuine wholeness depends upon one's ability to experience another
person and express one's self sexually .... Above and beyond the immediate issue
at hand, the proposed rite is seen by a significant number of Episcopalians as
being about a crisis concerning the authority of Scripture and an authentic
Anglican stance based on Scripture, tradition, and Spirit-led reason .... For
Anglicans who take seriously the injunctions of Scripture as divine revelation
that break through the barriers of time and culture, homosexual marriage and the
rite that enables it is wholly unacceptable." The Bible, Change, and Christian Sexual Ethics by Irene Lawrence, MDiv,
PhD - Response of the Liturgical Renewal Commission, Diocese of California, to
the Bishop's request that it propose some appropriate liturgies for serious
Christian relationships other than traditional heterosexual marriage. Focuses on
respect for persons (agape), honesty, and care in the use of power as a sexual
ethic. 68th General Convention (Anaheim) Parsonage at General Convention - First time official organization of any
diocese with a special ministry with the G/L Community has been represented at
General Convention. Passed out rainbow ribbons as symbol of love and compassion
for suffering and loss of life from AIDS; showed slide show at booth; worked
with Integrity on lobbying resolutions. Virginia Mollenkott came out as a lesbian during keynote address at
Triennial. Resolution: Understanding of Homosexual Persons (D-082s) "... That the 68th General Convention urge each diocese of this Church to find an effective way to
foster a better understanding of homosexual persons, to dispel myths and
prejudices about homosexuality, to provide pastoral support, and to give life to
the claim of homosexual persons 'upon the love, acceptance, and pastoral care
and concern of the Church' as recognized by the General Convention Resolution in
1976." Defeated Resolution: "That Title I, Canon 16, Section 5 be amended as
follows: No one shall be denied rights or status in this church because of race,
color, ethnic origin, gender, sexual orientation, physical handicap, or age
except as otherwise specified by canon; That Title III, Canon 9 be amended by
adding a new Section 2 as follows: No one shall be denied access to the
ordination process in this Church because of race, color, ethnic origin, gender,
sexual orientation, physical handicap, or age, except as otherwise specified by
canon." Resolution introduced by the Rev. George Foxworth of Grace Cathedral passed:
Calls for end of the "condemnation and rejection of persons with
AIDS." Also directs the Church to develop special prayers, ministries, and
educational programs on AIDS and to make funding of those programs a high
priority. Asks the Presiding Bishop to establish and lead a national day of
prayer and healing and to request the Reagan administration and Congress to
increase funding for AIDS research. Edmond L. Browning elected Presiding Bishop. Pledged to continue to "be
as supportive as I can for gay rights on every level .... In this Church there
will be no outcasts." Bishop Swing and Bishop Paul Moore of New York hosted group of more than 40
bishops during convention in a discussion of AIDS in the Church. Dr. Bonita
Palmer of the Parsonage gave a presentation on recent knowledge of transmission
of the virus. Swing prepares a statement saying he's ready to take the lead in
responding to the AIDS crisis: "The Episcopal Church needs to embrace the
issue and to go through the isolation and hostility that comes from
participating in it. We have to be willing to die with the people who are dying,
to push for solid information, encourage money to be spent on it, and develop a
network of concerned people who can offer leadership to face this." Many
bishops showed great compassion and returned to their dioceses with conviction
to be involved in the fight against AIDS. Swing serves on the American
Foundation for AIDS Research. Bishop Swing's pastoral letter regarding the common cup and the AIDS epidemic
to be read in congregations on Sep 22 or 29 (reissue of statement written and
distributed at General Convention): AIDS virus has been found in saliva. No
case of AIDS has been traced to saliva. AIDS is not transmitted through the
common cup. "I beg your pastoral understanding for the AIDS patient who
declines to use the common cup because he or she is afraid of contacting a
harmful bacterium that might devastate a system devoid of immune powers. I beg
your pastoral understanding for the cautious person who now only receives the
bread. And I call upon the family not to heighten divisions by making the common
cup a political issue. Please keep it as a pastoral issue .... As for me, I
intend, when I celebrate, to eat the bread at the beginning of the holy meal,
and at the end after everyone has drunk from the chalice, I intend to receive
from the cup .... I ask you in the mercy of our Lord to translate this pastoral
letter into pastoral living." Healing ministry of the diocese rejuvenated at Grace Cathedral in response
to the AIDS epidemic and through the work of the Parsonage. Hope and Help
Center established at the Parsonage with first Church-sponsored national
hotline on AIDS. 1986 January - Standing Liturgical Commission issued "AIDS and the Common Cup"
- Counsels against diminishing the sign value of the common cup; scientific
evidence that AIDS is not transmitted through saliva. Bishops Moore and Swing
had written pastoral letters. Mar 8 - Integrity/SF Bay Area resurrected. Bonita Palmer and Deborah
Frangquist began Women's Focus Liturgy with inclusive language liturgies and
feminist topics. March - The diocese and the Parsonage cosponsored the National Episcopal
Church Conference on the AIDS Crisis, coordinated by Bill Lorton, Lay
Academy/Nancy Axell. Oct 24-25 - 137th Diocesan Convention Provision of small amount of money for Parsonage in diocesan budget passed
without discussion. No opposition on the floor due to meetings with Southern
Alameda Deanery weeks ahead. Swing address: "During this past year, this diocese took the lead in
helping the entire religious community move away from detached pronouncements of
condemnation, and began to pick up crosses and follow Jesus into the passion of
these deaths. The first national AIDS conference by any religious body in the
world was held here, and most of the hard work to make it happen was provided by
the Parsonage people. Yes, I know that many of the Parsonage people are
homosexual persons, and thus struggling with the Church on our traditional
mores. Nevertheless, when faced with the magnitude of massive, untimely deaths,
our people at the Parsonage, our family, came through. I will never forget their
heroism." Passed substitute resolution, overriding Cromey's, calling for education of
all parishes and missions in the diocese on issues of homosexuality. Parsonage
and Lay Academy asked to be the educators. Bishop Swing's response to diocesan resolution submitted by Cromey:
"Called for our Diocese to petition the Presiding Bishop and the General
Convention to develop appropriate liturgies for the use in this Church for the
blessing of the relationship between people of the same sex. The resolution was
never voted on directly because the Rev. Donald Seaton and the Rev. Peter Lawson
submitted a substitute resolution ... passed by a vote of 169 to 156. Basically it
pointed out that the Book of Common Prayer gave the bishop prerogative to
initiate special liturgies to cover various pastoral situations, same-sex
couples among those situations. Therefore, Convention 'requests the bishop ... to
develop such rites ....' The blessing of same-sex couples is vastly more serious a
matter than should be decided on a convention floor after a 35-minute debate ....
It did not represent a clear statement of the mind of this diocese nor of the
national church .... Our Church is deeply divided on this matter .... It is almost
impossible to carry on a sensitive experiment with alternative liturgies. This
is easily exploited .... At a time when the diocese voted overwhelmingly to
investigate and study issues related to homosexuality and when the national
church has focused on human sexuality for its next General Convention, I do not
intend to preempt this Church and lead us into an arbitrary stance. I do
rejoice in the midst of the AIDS epidemic to find same- sex couples who are
faithful and responsible. Homosexuality is not synonymous with promiscuity, just
as heterosexuality is not synonymous with monogamy. In the city I live in, I am
far more concerned at this moment about promiscuity than homosexuality. If there
were an appropriate liturgy or affirmative action for monogamous same-sex
couples, I think that it deserves the Church's best consideration and debate.
But thus far, everything I've seen appears to resemble a second- class or
derivative marriage. It appears to me that 'blessing a same-sex union' is only a
euphemism for 'marriage' .... What is Jesus saying to us in the Bay Area when he
says 'male and female created he them ... and the two shall become one'? And I
intend for us to face into the agony of homosexuals who have been created by
God, despised by the Church, rejected in their most responsible and exemplar
faithfulness. We will pray for guidance and the wisdom of the Spirit; and we will
enter more deeply into dialogue; and we will vote again on another day." Nov 8 - AIDS mini-convention for the diocese called by Bishop Swing and
staffed by Parsonage representatives. Two hundred attended. Kreft led workshop on
chaplaincy. National Episcopal AIDS Commission formed. Living Church article on how to treat purificators in order to kill AIDS
virus. [?!] Swing letter to editor of Virginia Episcopalian squelching rumor that
AIDS virus is found in communion cup. 1987 Jan - A Study Document Based on the Proposed Rite "The Celebration
and Blessing of a Covenant in Love," (continuation of the 84-85 study)
prepared by the Bishop's Theology Group, Episcopal Diocese of California, group
formed by Bishop Swing in May 1985 to discuss the rite created by the Diocesan
Liturgical Renewal Commission in 1984. Contained summary statements on Scripture
and homosexuality, as well as history, theology, ethics, and pastoral
implications. (BTG: Chris Butler, Valerie Corpuz, the Rev. Prof. L. William
Countryman, the Rev. Dorothy Curry, Dennis Delman, the Rev. Dr. Jack Eastwood,
the Rev. David R. Forbes, the Rev. Rollie Jones, Kay Hayes Langsen, Irene
Lawrence, the Rev. Canon Michael Merriman, Bonita Palmer, the Rev. William T.
Rontani). May 29 - Third Annual Bishop Parsons Award Dinner sponsored by the Parsonage
at Grace Cathedral. Bob Smith Award for Community Service presented by Bill
Lorton to Irene Herrold. Parsons Award for Social Justice presented by Bishop
Swing to the Rev. Cecil Williams. Thus far, the Parsonage had "provided listening ministries, a prison
ministry to San Francisco Jail's 'Gay Tank,' men's and women's support groups,
Bible studies, social hours, safer-sex seminars, and the 'Challenge to Be'
program." The Parsonage News had a circulation of 1,300 people worldwide.
The AIDS Hope and Help Center was founded by and housed by the Parsonage as a
nationwide ecumenical network. A parish outreach program provided speakers and a
slide show to diocesan congregations. Sexuality: A Divine Gift -- A Sacramental Approach to Human Sexuality and
Family Life, prepared by the Task Force on Human Sexuality and Family Life
in cooperation with the National Association of Episcopal Schools (including the
Rev. Canon David Forbes, Grace Cathedral). Mandated by 1982 General Convention. 1987-88 Program called "Homosexual People in the Church -- Their Own
Stories", sponsored by Parsonage and Lay Academy as a result of a diocesan
resolution of 1986. Storytelling format in which speakers relayed own
experience. Legitimacy of Lay Academy and Department of Education allowed the
Parsonage to reach congregations outside San Francisco. Oct 23 - 138th Diocesan Convention Bishop Swing's address: "This year the Family Link began its operation
of providing affordable housing for parents who visit their children with AIDS.
This year the Rev. William Barcus was appointed as Canon to the Ordinary for
AIDS ministries because of the heavy volume of requests that keep pouring in to
our diocesan office. This year AIDS ministries carried out by members of this
diocese started popping up in most every deanery. This year at SF General
Hospital, the Rev. Connie Hartquist was training 41 chaplains for AIDS ministry .... There is no authentic vision of response to the epidemic welling up
in our churches and synagogues, just silence in our pulpits." Swing spoke
internationally and served on committees regarding AIDS. "I was given the
Responsibility of writing the official lead article on human sexuality for next
summer's General Convention in Detroit." Oct 31 - AIDS interfaith service at Grace Cathedral "Confessions of a San Francisco Bishop on Homosexuality" by the Rt. Rev.
William E. Swing (revision and wider dissemination of 1983 document to clergy):
He is heterosexual, married 25 years, holds to conviction of sexual fidelity in
marriage; has been to homes of gay and lesbian people, heard their life stories
and stories of their relationships to each other and to the Church; has appointed a
study group on same-sex union; has been part of care-giving community to people
with AIDS, including priests. He is against same-sex blessings by the Church.
"The Bible or tradition or Church politics mitigate against such blessings .... But they are not absolutely determinative for me in informing my
thinking about homosexuality and same-sex blessings. What also causes me to
demur from the prospect of same-sex blessings is that I do not have a vision of
what life would look like and be like if blessings for homosexual couples were
similar to blessings for heterosexual couples .... I cannot visualize a world set
up to carry out equal but separate institutions culturally prompting homosexual
and heterosexual youngsters toward matchmaking, dating, courting, engagements,
and solemnizing .... The Church by offering a blessing is not simply blessing
people in a liturgy, but people in context of an entire institution of mating.
If the Church cannot bless the parallel institution, then it should not give a
parallel blessing .... I am wary about the sexual competition between
heterosexuality and homosexuality. I think that the Church is culpable for a
great deal of the sufferings of homosexuals .... They have been hated and
banished by church people. Not loved! A colossal hypocrisy and injustice has
been perpetrated by heterosexual Christians toward homosexual Christians and all
under the rubric of compassion .... The disintegration of the parent/(gay)child
relation was concomitant with censorship, formal or informal, by the Church ....
Gay ghettos with all their bizarre life and heroism and tragedy are monuments to
the failure of many Christian families around the land where parents did not
claim and embrace their homosexual offspring .... Through history the homosexual
child has been told that he or she is morally defective from birth .... This
theological assumption must be addressed now by the Church before more harm is
done. The AIDS epidemic has shown the homosexual community to be ready to
respond to sufferers and to lead this nation in caregiving. Again, this is done
against the backdrop of much of the Church's condemnation .... The most
responsible monogamous homosexual relationships are equally branded as sinful
along with the most promiscuous bathhouse frequenter. No moral distinctions are
made because the Church cannot tolerate the possibility of a homosexual person
doing anything positive with human sexuality other than to deny that it exists.
In all of this, the intrinsic worth of homosexuals is dramatically minimized ....
I believe that homosexual and heterosexual people are created by God and have a
right to live and work and love and die in the mercy of God. Quite frankly, I do
not know how to work out the necessary sexual moral standards that should
rightly apply to homosexuals if those standards are to be, in any way, different
from the standards of heterosexuals. I do not know if same-sex blessings should
ever come about. But I do know that we have got to get back and work on our
doctrine of Creation that implies that there are two species of human beings on
this earth, i.e., the ordered and the disordered. We are never going to be able
to address with justice the hard incidents of human sexuality as long as we
perpetuate the idea that there are two kinds of human beings. Finally I intend
to go right on working on a faithful, monogamous relationship with my wife,
teaching against premarital and extramarital sexual relationships, and
teaching that husband and wife can aspire to a full grace of physical, emotional,
and spiritual unity. But I am convinced that all of us have got to cease from
dehumanizing those who can never be husbands and wives but still aspire to enter
profoundly into the mystery of regenerative human relationships. There appears
to be an unwillingness among a preponderance of Christian homosexuals to agree
that an ideal of sexual fidelity is necessary as a basic premise for
institutionalizing same-sex relations .... What is being sought is an
institutional blessing that approaches a nuptial blessing, but what is avoided
is a commitment to honor the call to faithfulness. I realize that my insight
does not hold in some situations of monogamous same-sex couples. But these by no
means seem to represent a consensus of the homosexual people I have listened
to." 1988 Mar - The Rev. Jack Eastwood, rector of St. John's, SF, distributed Swing's
"Confessions" and a questionnaire to his congregation. Blue Book Report - Standing Commission on Health and Human Affairs -
Homosexuality (Sec. II, B.3.): "Implores the Church to gain new wisdom
about the lives of people who are homosexual .... Currently, hostilities toward
homosexual persons in our society are rising .... Misuse of Scripture that leads
to bashing homosexuals physically, spiritually, or emotionally in the name of
God is in conflict with the comprehensive spirit of Jesus Christ as manifest in
the Gospels .... What many homosexuals never received in their nuclear families,
to wit, a compassionate ear, needs to be provided them within the Body of
Christ. The homosexual issue must be approached, first of all, as a family issue by the Church .... How can thousands of our parents go about nurturing and
loving their homosexual children? And how can our Church help families with
homosexual members to enjoy the grace of family life? ... What role should the
Church play? ... Standing Commission on Health and Human Affairs challenges this
Church to suspend -- just for a moment -- the ancient judgments against our
present homosexual Episcopalians and simply allow them to tell the stories of
their lives .... This moment cries out for us to find a nonjudgmental occasion to
listen and talk and to lay aside, for a while, our chronic adversarial
posturing." Parsonage and Lay Academy made presentations on G/L issues to two deaneries,
including Marin. Continuing the Dialogue; Sexuality: A Divine Gift; A Sacramental Approach to
Human Sexuality and Family Life, Curriculum prepared by the Task Force on
Human Sexuality and Family Life in cooperation with the National Association of
Episcopal Schools, Education for Mission and Ministry Unit, the Episcopal Church. The Rev. Prof. L. William Countryman of CDSP published Dirt, Greed and
Sex: Sexual Ethics in the New Testament and their Implications for Today. 69th General Convention (Detroit) Bishop Swing to the House of Bishops:
Described the bashing of a gay man. Asks where bashers, gay teens who commit
suicide, parents who disown their gay kids get their values? "I wonder
about the Church's role in all of this? I believe that the Church genuinely
mourns the death of homosexuals. But I find it hard to believe that the Church gives proper value to the life of a homosexual." Parsonage sponsored booth and lobbied with Integrity, represented by Weston
Milliken, Holly McAlpen, and Bill Lorton. Attempt to reverse 1979 Resolution (not appropriate to ordain a
practicing homosexual) defeated by one lay vote "That Title III, Canon 8,
be amended by adding a new Section 2 as follows: No member of this Church shall
be denied access to the selection process for ordination in this Church except
as specified by Canon. No right to ordination is hereby established."
Twenty additional bishops signed the Statement of Dissent from the original 1979
resolution. Resolution D-120, Sexual Morality, did receive final approval by the House of
Bishops during their closing session at General Convention; therefore, it passed.
"Biblical and traditional teaching on chastity and fidelity in personal
relationships is a response to, and an expression of, God's love for each one of
us; and that all Christians are called to be exemplary in all spheres of
morality, including sexual morality; and that holiness in life is particularly
required of Christian leaders .... [We] strongly urge each diocese and
congregation to provide opportunities for open dialogue on human sexuality, in
which we, as members of this Church, both heterosexual and homosexual, may
study, pray, listen to, and share our convictions and concerns, our search for
stable, loving, and committed relationships, and our journey toward wholeness and
holiness." Sources of authority are Scripture, tradition, reason, and
experience. Calls for findings to be reported to Standing Commission on Human
Affairs and composite be presented to 70th General Convention. Council on Women's Ministries opened to lesbian representatives of The
Parsonage/Integrity (Katherine Boghart and Bonita Palmer). Portion of Names Quilt displayed in lower level of convention hall. Oct 22 - 139th Diocesan Convention Resolution passed: "Whereas, we are all made in the image of God, and we
are all equally and unconditionally loved by God just as we are; and whereas, we
are all called upon to love one another in the spirit of God's love for each of
us; and whereas, in Christ we learn that all people have right to respect and
justice; and whereas, we envision the community of the Diocese of California as
embracing the values of human relationships revealed by God in Christ; and
whereas, lesbians and gay men are often scorned by society and feel alienated
from many communities in our culture; therefore, be it resolved, that this 139th Convention of the Diocese of California affirm that all men and women of any
sexual orientation are welcome within the congregations of the Diocese of
California to share equally in the liturgy and life of our parish families and
are welcome to seek employment and leadership in our diocese. Resolution passed: "Whereas, couples of the same sex who have made a
commitment to one another desire and have repeatedly requested the Church's
blessing of their loving and committed relationships; and whereas, a couple's
unity is strengthened by the public and familial support provided and affirmed
in the ritual blessing of their union; and whereas, such public affirmation is
found to support love's commitment, love's faithfulness, and the determination
of the couple to keep faith and commitment in loving union; and whereas, the
vows made in a covenanted relationship may be better supported, affirmed, and in
many ways aided by family, friends, and pastoral services; and whereas, the
stability of a loving couple is beneficial to the physical, mental, and spiritual
health of the partners and to the well-being of the church and society; and
whereas, the open blessing of same-sex couples affirms their validity and
acceptance of God's gift of diversity; now therefore be it resolved, that this
139th Convention call on the Bishop of the Diocese of California to support the
development and use of a liturgy for the blessing of same-sex
relationships." Parsonage sponsored program of storytelling by lesbian clergy and laywomen
for the 12th meeting of the Council on Women's Ministries in San Francisco. Oct 25 - Letter from Glenn Thomas, treasurer of the Parsonage:
Parsonage plagued by "inhospitableness" and lack of communication. It
is "all but dead. There is no participation, no activity." Called
meeting for November 12. Nov 12 - Meeting of the Parsonage regarding possible closure. At that time
the Parsonage had a budget of approximately $30,000, funded mostly by small
individual donations. The Parsonage News was a focus of the ministry. The Rev.
Gary Ost, Bill Lorton, Deborah Frangquist, and Bonita Palmer formed Interim
Leadership Team to work with the diocese to discern the future of the Parsonage.
Bishop Swing recognized the value of the Parsonage's location in the Castro and
would not allow it to close. Interim team wrote new bylaws calling for
inclusiveness on the board and a new mission statement "to witness to
justice for gay and lesbian people and to the godliness of gay and lesbian
love." Took a proactive stand on blessings and ordinations. Took stand
against the Rt. Rev. Jack Spong's disassociation by the House of Bishops. 1989 April 24 - Bishop Swing endorsed the plan for reorganization and renewal of
the Parsonage. HIV Commission formed in Diocese of California. National Integrity Convention meets at Grace Cathedral. Speaker: the Rev. Ellen Barrett, first openly gay ordinand in the Episcopal
Church. Standing Commission on Human Affairs held five hours of open hearings at
Grace on the topic of homosexuality, answering a complaint from Integrity and
the Parsonage at the 1988 General Convention that the commission spoke about
homosexual persons without talking with us. The Rev. Robert Williams of Newark, New Jersey, visited the Parsonage in
search of a model for diocesan gay and lesbian ministry. Returned to Newark to
organize the Oasis. Sept 13 - The Most Rev. Edmond L. Browning met with Dr. Bonita Palmer of the
Parsonage; Tom Tull, member of the National AIDS Commission; Kim Byham,
President of Integrity, Inc.; the Rev. Thad Bennett, President of National
Episcopal AIDS Coalition; the Rev. Gene Robinson, Secretary of Province I; and
Kathleen Boatwright, Western Regional VP of Integrity. Also participating were
the Rt. Rev. George Hunt, Bishop of Rhode Island and Chair of the Human Affairs
Commission for the national church; the Rt. Rev. Hopkins of Minnesota and
Director of the Pastoral Development Office of the House of Bishops, and Mr.
Barry Menuez, Executive Officer for Education for Mission and Ministry,
designated contact person at the National Episcopal Church Center for lesbian
and gay concerns. Browning asked them to "help me better understand the
issues, needs, and concerns surrounding gay/lesbian ministry in the Episcopal
Church, and my role as Chief Pastor .... I wish to look at: A) The status of gay
& lesbian ministries in these areas: Integrity, Inc., the Parsonage,
National AIDS Ministries, provincial and piocesan; B) Pastoral roles which the
national church & the Presiding Bishop should examine." The Presiding
Bishop expressed a need to have ongoing consultations to plan for the 1991 and
1994 General Conventions. November 9 - The Most Rev. Edmond Browning, Presiding Bishop, established a
day of prayer and intercession for people with AIDS and those who minister to
them. 1990 Jan - Response by Province VIII Bishops to Bishop Spong for ordaining Robert
Williams in Dec 89. "... We are concerned ... that this ordination was
undertaken with little or no consultation with other bishops, as though to say
that the shared wisdom and collegiality of the bishops as teachers and leaders
of the Church, along with the will of the General Convention, was to be given
little or no regard .... We recognize that he may have believed he was attempting
to act in a prophetic way, but we ask him to acknowledge the harm that has been
done to collegiality, the process of dialogue and discussion, and perhaps to the
very cause he was seeking to further .... We recommend that Bishop Spong make an
apology to the Church or else that his actions be censured so that their
inappropriateness be known." Signed by Swing and 13 others. Swing's comments: "After the immediate cry for ecclesiastical trials and
low-grade witch-hunts and heterosexual loyalty oaths, I suspect that we will
return to the sober exploration of the full acceptance of the humanity of
homosexual people. Personally, I feel the weight of the harm that the Church has
visited upon its homosexual children. I do not have a clear vision of what the
most desirable outcome should be, and I am committed to being a responsible
pilgrim into our unknown destiny as a "defender of the faith." May - Bishop Alexander Muge of Kenya was prohibited by the Rev. Gary Ost to
preach at St. Luke's, Walnut Creek, a sermon condemning homosexuality. Swing
claims that Eric Heers of St. Michael and All Angels, Concord, set up the
confrontation between the bishop and the gay priest. Early 90s - Gay Clericus in Diocese of California - Thirty-three openly gay/lesbian
clergy gathered regularly for informal discussion and lunch. "Our Church has AIDS" Conference in Cincinnati - Tom Tull (former
Parsonage cochair) sermon - "AIDS as the Epicenter of our Lives":
Episcopal Church has mostly responded to AIDS crisis in terms of education and
caregiving. We need to help focus the Church's movement in terms of public
policy advocacy measures. Advocate for available medications for everyone around
the globe, regardless of ability to pay. Pastoral Statement on Homosexuality by the House of Bishops: "We
are not of a single mind in our understanding of the demands of Holy Scripture,
of faithful obedience to tradition, or informed awareness of the actual lives
and choices faced by homosexual men and women .... We urge each of you to pray
for the strength and will to enter into this dialogue .... Pray for the will to
nurture and practice the art of listening .... Pray for patience .... We recognize
that it would not be faithful to the Gospel to ignore the anguished cries of
homosexual men and women who feel hurt, rejected, and angry by what they see
about them. At the same time, we recognize that it would not be faithful to the
Gospel to ignore or simply label as homophobic the anguished cries of men and
women who feel hurt, rejected, and angry that what they see as sin is not being
reaffirmed as such. In acknowledging the pain and sense of powerlessness of both
groups in the face of a delay in the time for decision, we acknowledge the
extent to which the whole Church groans in travail, waiting for the guidance of
the Holy Spirit." Oct - 141st Diocesan Convention Passed resolution to request Presiding Bishop and President of the House of
Deputies to name not less than one gay man and one lesbian to Standing
Commission on Human Affairs. Passed resolution to go to General Convention: "That Title III, Canon 8
be amended by adding a new Section I ... as follows: There is no right to
ordination in this Church. Subject, however, to specified canonical
requirements, all members of the Church shall have equal access to the selection
process for ordination in this Church." Passed resolution requesting "the President of the US to issue an
Executive Order ending all discrimination against homosexual people in the Armed
Forces." Oct - United Thank Offering Fund of the Episcopal Church announced the
commitment of funds to "Respect All Youth," a program being undertaken
by the Federation of Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays to develop and
furnish training material to those who work with youth in an attempt to prevent
gay and lesbian suicide. 1991 70th General Convention (Phoenix) Parsonage shared booth with the Oasis (Newark). Defeat of Bishop William Frey's resolution proposing canon insisting that
clergy "abstain from genital sexual relations outside of Holy
Matrimony." House of Deputies passed canonical language giving equal access
to the ordination process "to all members of this church." The House
of Bishops never voted on this "California Resolution" (see Diocesan
Convention 1990). House of Bishops resolution to censure Bishop Haines of Washington for
ordaining Elizabeth Carl, a lesbian, in June, and to censure Bishop Righter of
Newark for ordaining the Rev. Barry Stopfel to the diaconate. No vote was taken
on this resolution, but a substitute resolution (A-104-S/A) was put forward by
the Bishops' Committee on Ministry and passed both houses: Affirmed that
teaching of the Episcopal Church is that "physical sexual expression is
appropriate only within the lifelong, monogamous 'union of husband and wife,'
followed by description of Holy Matrimony in the Book of Common Prayer."
Church resolves to reconcile "discontinuity" between this teaching and
experience. Diocesan commissions to be formed to report to next General
Convention. House of Bishops pastoral teaching to be prepared. Passed Resolution regarding representative membership of Standing Commission
on Human Affairs. Passed Resolution calling upon seminaries to educate clergy ministering to
gay/lesbian community. Oct 19 - 142nd Convention of Diocese of California passed three Resolutions: 1) to urge federal Secretary of Health and Human Services to disseminate
widely the report of the Secretary's Task Force on Youth Suicide, including
a 32-page paper on "Gay Male and Lesbian Youth Suicide." 2) provided for implementation of 70th General Convention's Resolution A-104S/A. 3) deploring the veto of AB101 "to protect the right of all
Californians to freedom from workplace discrimination."
In God's Image: Christian Witness to the Need for Gay/Lesbian Equality in the
Eyes of the Church by the Rev. Robert Warren Cromey, rector of Trinity
Church, San Francisco, published. The Rev. Armand Kreft became vicar of Holy Innocents, San Francisco. 1992 April - The Rev. Eric Heers and 100 parishioners of St. Michael and All
Angels, Concord, joined Antiochian Orthodox Church, Archdiocese of North America. Oct 16 - Memo from Executive Committee to Board of Trustees of CDSP regarding
inclusion in the antidiscrimination statement for CDSP a specific reference to
sexual orientation: "The Executive Committee, by unanimous vote, recommends
to the Board of Trustees that no change be made in the present
antidiscrimination statement of CDSP. The present CDSP antidiscrimination
statement fully complies with federal and state law and regulations. We are
unwilling to expand the legal obligations of the school beyond those imposed on
us already." Concerned with having to open married student housing to
gay/lesbian couples. Don't want to "commit CDSP to one side on an issue on
which the Church has diverse views. CDSP is a seminary for the whole Church; it
would be unfortunate for the school to become identified within the Church with
one particular view of this issue." Oct 22 - Memo from ombudsperson to Community Life Committee at CDSP: Need to
"intentionally seek and create opportunities to promote dialogue about
these issues (human sexuality) in ways which respect the dignity of every
individual and the diversity within our tradition. I therefore move that the
community Life Committee, in response to General Convention meeting in Phoenix,
1991, develop and implement a plan of study, dialogue, and reflection about
the issues surrounding Human Sexuality." Oct 27 - Memo from the Very Rev. Charles Perry at CDSP: Community Life
Committee will create an ad hoc subcommittee charged with designing a process to
engage the entire seminary community, including provincial bishops, alumni and
alumnae, and trustees in a discussion of human sexuality. "While most of
our current students probably favor the ordination of gay and lesbian persons
and tolerate, if not support, gay and lesbian same- sex unions, many do not. Most
of those who have serious and conscientious questions about homosexual behavior
do not wish to make public their concerns because of very strong informal
seminary community pressures to conform to a stance favorable or at least
tolerant toward gay and lesbian persons. Some tell me privately that they find
these pressures oppressive .... No one inside CDSP would openly refute the
anecdotal testimony of our own gay and lesbian members who claim they personally
have been given a sexual orientation over which they have no control ....
Students fear taking a public position which is contrary to the norms of their
home diocese and this fear is sometime based on punitive actions which have
resulted from such public positions .... Gay and lesbian persons in the CDSP
community are good citizens and serious students and have just as high a
percentage of likable individuals as any other group of students. Getting to
know one another may indeed make for greater harmony in community. It doesn't
prove anything about whether the Church should change its policy confining
sexual activity to these joined in Holy Matrimony." Dec 8 - Letter from student to Dean Charles Perry - Though grateful and
loyal to CDSP, will withhold financial support until Board of Trustees changes
nondiscrimination policy to include gays and lesbians. 1993 Jan 5 - Memo from Dean Charles Perry to Ad Hoc Subcommittee of the Trustee
Committee on Community Life at CDSP - suggests using materials proposed by the
national church, one adapted from Lutheran materials, one designed by Province
VII, or one designed for use in the Diocese of El Camino Real. "The process
will have to be perceived to be nonpolitical, noncoercive, and protective of
individual and minority views. This will be difficult to achieve .... For the
process to be helpful to the community, it must be perceived to be inviting and
open." Jan 26 - Report from the Committee on Human Sexuality at CDSP: Program
(Jan-May) will include four weeks of Bible study, a daylong program of reflection
and dialogue, comment forms, forum with Board of Trustees. Packet of background
information and resources will be provided. Chaplains will be available at the
daylong event. Using "A Study on Human Sexuality" from the Diocese of
El Camino Real. Lenten Series at St. Mark's, Berkeley: "Human Sexuality: A Christian
Perspective" uses national Church curriculum. "We stress that this
series will be a dialogue, not a debate." Sept - The Rt. Rev. Otis Charles, former Bishop of Utah and retired Dean of
the Episcopal Divinity School, came out to bishops; moved to SF (known he's gay
for 45 years). Oct - Swing estimated 95% of bishops won't ordain practicing gay/lesbian
people. James Jellinek, rector of St. Aidan's, SF, elected Bishop of Minnesota;
will ordain gay/lesbian people. 144th Diocesan Convention St. John the Evangelist, San Francisco, sponsored a resolution on same-sex
blessings. This resolution was passed and was carried to General Convention in
1994. Dec 4 - Letter from representatives of five San Francisco churches in
response to memo from Parsonage board; proposed that these representatives (the
Revs. Kenneth Schmidt, Bill Rhodes, Juan Oliver, Paul Strid, Armand Kreft) form
an interim steering committee to relieve the board for a period of six months
(beginning 1/1/94) to refocus the goal of the Parsonage from a "one-on-one
counseling drop-in center to an extended Christian evangelism outreach to the
surrounding community, as well as providing a welcoming environment for
disseminating information about all Episcopal congregations in San
Francisco." Dec - Open meeting regarding future of the Parsonage. Bishop Swing and 45
others attended. Lost lease on building in Castro. 1994 July 29-31 - Integrity Western Regional Conference in Burlingame; Special
Guest: the Rt. Rev. Otis Charles. 71st General Convention (Indianapolis) Resolution C026a - Calls the Church to seriously address issues of youth
suicide, especially over issues of sexuality; Department of Education for
Mission & Ministry, through the Youth Ministries Office, prepare educational
materials; $15K allocated (Gay and Lesbian Youth Suicide Prevention Packet). The National Episcopal AIDS Coalition was endorsed and funded as the
Episcopal Church's AIDS ministry. Resolutions defeated forbidding same-sex blessings and the ordination of
noncelibate gay and lesbian persons. Integrity honored for 20 years of ministry. Louie Crew honored as its
founder. Two canonical changes first proposed in 1985 were passed, putting the term
"sexual orientation" in the canons for the first time: "No person
shall be denied rights, status, or an equal place in the life, worship, and
governance of this Church because of race, color, ethnic origin, national
origin, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, disabilities, or age, except as
otherwise specified by canon." (I.17.5) and "No one shall be denied
access to the selection process for ordination in this Church because of race,
color, ethnic origin, sex, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation,
disabilities, or age, except as otherwise specified by these canons. No right to
ordination is hereby established." (III.4.1) Passed resolution calling on civil legislative bodies to "approve
measures giving gay and lesbian couples protections...." Passed resolution directing Standing Liturgical Commission and the Theology
Committee of the House of Bishops to study the issue of same-sex commitment
blessings and report back to the 1997 Convention, but forbade either body to
develop any actual rites. A pastoral teaching had been prepared by a committee of the House of Bishops,
in accordance with the 1991 resolution. The document was leaked prior to
convention, and 101 bishops signed a dissenting statement: "Affirmation of
Traditional Church Teaching on Human Sexuality." The pastoral passed the
House of Bishops with several changes, and the name was changed to "Pastoral Study
Document." The Rt. Rev. John S. Spong, Bishop of Newark - Koinonia Statement -
"We believe that sex is a gift of God .... Homosexuality and heterosexuality
are morally neutral, that both can be lived out with beauty, honor, holiness,
and integrity and that both are capable of being lived out destructively.
Wherever sexuality is lived out destructively this church must witness to its
negativity .... Marriage is to be held in honor .... Celibacy is an honorable
vocation .... Those who know themselves to be gay or lesbian persons, and who do
not choose to live alone, but forge relationships with partners of their choice
that are faithful, monogamous, committed, life- giving and holy are to be honored .... God is indeed present in their life together .... The ordained ranks
of the Church are open to all baptized Christians. We are aware of the presence
in the Church of gay and lesbian clergy ... as bishops, priests, and deacons ....
They have served and continue to serve this Church with effectiveness and
integrity. By their willingness to accept and acknowledge their own sexual
orientation and by the very witness of the committed nature of the lives they
live with their partners, they have brought both the hope and love of Christ to
communities of people long oppressed, long denigrated, and long judged by
various religious authorities to be inadequate human beings in whom the image of
God is somehow flawed. We pledge to these clergy ... our support and protection. A
wholesome example to the flock of Christ does not exclude a person of homosexual
orientation, nor does it exclude those homosexual persons who choose to live out
their sexual orientation in a partnership that is marked by faithfulness and
life giving holiness." Aug - "An Illustration of a Rite for the Celebration of Commitment to a
Life Together, Suggestions for Education Regarding Such a Rite, and Theological
Reflections on the Need for Such a Rite" - Result of national consultation of
Episcopalians held July 10-12, 1993. Report to Bishop Swing from Good Shepherd, Berkeley: "In All Our
Loving, We Praise You, O God: Celebrating Relationships at Good Shepherd." Theology Today article - "How to Decide? Homosexual Christians,
the Bible, and Gentile Inclusion" by Jeffrey S. Siker God's Gay Tribe: Laying the Foundations of Communal Memory by the Rev.
M. R. Ritley, deacon at St. Gregory of Nyssa, San Francisco. July - "The Parsonage: A New Vision, a Report to the Bishop from the
Steering Committee" - Steering Committee formed to develop a new vision for the
Parsonage: evangelistic arm of the Episcopal Church among the G/L community.
Decided to spend money on advertising, rather than rent, and to rent meeting
space at MCC. Holy Innocents' donated office space. First diocesan-wide
involvement and presence in the parade. Low attendance at workshops; problems
with publicity. Recommend that the Parsonage be closed; ministry to the
gay/lesbian community belongs in the hands of the parishes. Bishop declined to
end this ministry, and put the Parsonage "on sabbatical." The Rev. David Norgard, former Executive Director of the Oasis in Newark
became rector of St. John the Evangelist, San Francisco. Bishop Swing asked him
to look into reorganization of the Parsonage. Norgard organized ad hoc Parsonage
Redevelopment Committee. 1995 Jan - The Rt. Rev. Walter Righter, retired Bishop of Iowa, charged with heresy by 10 other
bishops for the 1990 ordination of the Rev. Barry Stopfel,
who has a long-term relationship with a man. Accused of teaching contrary to the
faith. Like Righter, an estimated 108 Episcopal bishops across the US have
ordained noncelibate gays and lesbians. April - Parsonage Redevelopment Committee presented to Bishop Swing and
Diocesan Council a mission statement, program, development and administrative
plans for Oasis/California. Ad hoc committee became the Board of Directors of
Oasis/California, with the Rev. Amy Lawrence as its first president, the Rev. David Norgard
as vice-president, and the Rt. Rev. Otis Charles as executive director. June - Steve Silver, creator of Beach Blanket Babylon, died of AIDS at age
51. Donated children's garden to Grace. More than 1,000 mourners filled
Grace Cathedral for his funeral. Bishop Swing: "Steve put us in touch with
the child in all of us. He left us with a sense of wonder and magic. His trees
will dance in front of the cathedral for the ages." 146th Diocesan Convention Diocese of California endorsed Statement of Koinonia, signed by Swing and 69
other bishops at 1994 General Convention; total of 106 as of May 1997. Dec - Keith Haring altar piece, a white gold-leaf triptych featuring winged
angels, adorns new AIDS Chapel in Grace Cathedral, five years after his death from
AIDS. Was the first AIDS memorial chapel to be dedicated in the city. Dedicated on World
AIDS Day; Bishop Swing officially consecrated the chapel in 1996. 1996 Jan 13 - Oasis/California Inaugural Event at Grace Cathedral - preachers: the
Rt. Rev. Walter Righter, retired Bishop of Iowa; the Rt. Rev. William E. Swing,
Bishop of California; the Rt. Rev. Otis Charles, openly gay bishop. Funds
collected for the Righter Defense Fund. May - Heresy charge dropped against Walter Righter, who ordained a
"practicing homosexual." A panel of eight Episcopal bishops ruled that
Righter could not be tried for heresy under a 1979 church Resolution against
ordaining "practicing homosexuals." The resolution was simply a
recommendation and not binding on individual bishops. There was no grounds for
the presentment since there was no "core doctrine" prohibiting the
ordination. July - Report of the Second Consultation of Episcopalians on Same-Sex
Unions - Fifty people participated from all over the country. Developed rite
and presented theological foundations and pastoral considerations. Oct - 147th Diocesan Convention Oasis presented resolution, requesting the 72nd General Convention to "direct the Standing Liturgical Commission to
develop ... a rite or rites for the blessing of committed relationships between
persons of the same sex...." Oct 20 - St. Aidan's, San Francisco, became the first Oasis Covenant
Congregation in the Diocese of California. Dec - With a loan from the Episcopal Diocese of California, the Family Link purchased a home in the Castro for $340,000. Since the Castro Street house
opened its doors, more than 200 relatives of people with AIDS have stayed there.
Sister Ruth Hall, an Episcopalian Franciscan nun, founded the Family Link in the
mid-1980s. At first she housed relatives in a room at the convent where she was
living. 1997 Jan 18 - Oasis/California First Anniversary Celebration at Grace Cathedral,
the Rt. Rev. Catherine S. Roskam preaching. 72nd General Convention (Philadelphia) Mandated Standing Commission on Liturgy and Music to write a report for
General Convention 2000 on blessing gay couples. Passed: "The 72nd General Convention apologizes on behalf of the Episcopal Church to its members
who are gay or lesbian and to lesbians and gay men outside the Church for years
of rejection and maltreatment by the Church; and that this Church seeks
amendment of our life together as we ask God's help in sharing the Good News
with all people." Frank T. Griswold III elected Presiding Bishop. Urged Church to heal their
divisions over homosexuality. 1998 Jan - Oasis/California's Second Anniversary Celebration at Grace Cathedral. The Rev. Prof. Peter Gomes preached. July - Lambeth Conference of Bishops at Canterbury. For text of the Human
Sexuality Resolution, Pastoral Statement of Bishops, and other documents, see
the Integrity Home Page. Aug 12 - Swing's statement (read at Oasis/California's Liturgy of
Lament and Hope at Grace Cathedral): "The most important thing to know
about the resolution on homosexuality passed at the 1998 Lambeth is that it is
not binding. It only 'advises.' Thus the Diocese of California and its bishop
are duly advised, but nothing will change in our practice. The second most
important thing to keep in mind is that a valiant struggle was waged by the
bishops of Section One (which had to address this issue), and these bishops came
up with a very balanced and sensitive resolution. The bishops who were positive
toward homosexuals this time around were bishops who were negative 10 years
ago.... The Anglican Communion has come a long way in 10 years and there is every
reason to believe that more progress will be made in the next decade before
Lambeth 2008.... When all is said and done: a) The feeling level in the debate was
actually a lot worse than the final resolution. It was worse than liberal vs.
conservative; it was black vs. white, imperialists vs. natives, North vs.
South. It was raw. b) There was a sense of being hijacked. Leadership was in the
hands of the bishops of Section One, and they gave every indication that a
workable compromise was unfolding. At the last second, a questionable procedure
allowed the amendment to come forward with the backers well prepared for it and
its detractors off guard. c) The Archbishop of Canterbury did not rise to the
occasion of being a symbol of unity afterwards. He was content to bask in the
victory and announce that we can get on to important matters. d) The experience
will force the American Church to become clearer on its biblical approach,
rather than to rely so heavily on experiential insights. Personally, it was a draining, deeply sad, and isolating experience. I know
that what we do in the Diocese of California is right according to the Gospel of
Jesus Christ. And, most important, the bishops in my daily Bible study do not
agree with me, but they trust me to do the best that I know how to do. The
Anglican Communion holds together because of this kind of trust, not by
resolutions. My message to you: Do not be discouraged. Real life always wins at
last. You are cherished in this Church, and together we will keep moving
forward." Oct 11- University of Wyoming student, Episcopalian, and gay man, Matthew
Shepard, murdered outside Laramie. People across the nation grieved. Oct. 17 - 149th Diocesan Convention - Rainbow ribbons distributed by Oasis/California in
memory of Matthew Shepard. Bishop and hundreds of others wore them. Swing's address: Called for formation of a Theology Task Force to produce a
document representing the voice of the Diocese on the Lambeth Human Sexuality
resolution, to be presented at General Convention. "I have a deep
conviction that Lambeth erred in its understanding of Holy Scripture and of
homosexual people. [Standing Ovation] The basic problem was that Lambeth thought
that it could make a balanced statement. Homosexuals should be treated with
compassion on the one hand and with the Bible on the other hand. This is similar
to saying 'we must love the sinner but hate the sin.' The problem is that the
hatred inspired in the literal acceptance of the Bible is vastly stronger than
the compassion encouraged in the resolution. Biblical blood lust is stronger
than mild resolutions about compassion. Matthew Shepard chose the Episcopal
Church and was confirmed at 15. He was given last rites by an Episcopal priest
in Fort Collins, Colorado. When Matthew Shepard was pistol whipped and strapped
to a deer fence in Wyoming by, allegedly, Russell Henderson and Aaron McKinney,
the Bible was blatantly clear in its judgment. An uninterpreted, unmistakable
rendering of the Bible would find Matthew Shepard guilty of an abomination for
being gay. Also, it would find Russell Henderson and Aaron McKinney justified in
their actions. Leviticus 20:13, 'If a man lies with a male as with a woman,
both of them have committed an abomination; they shall be put to death; their
blood is upon them.'" The Bishop stated that he knows this is wrong and
that the people of the diocese know it is wrong, but that we need to determine
how to state why it is wrong. Swing continued, "The Bishop of the Diocese
of California does not believe that an appeal to a few words of Leviticus should
take precedence over the Bible's comprehensive, total wisdom. I do not believe
that it is right for the Church to side with the forces that dehumanize and
demonize homosexuals and rob them of their God-given dignity. And I do believe
that in the life, teaching, and Spirit of Jesus Christ, we will at last be led
to wholeness in recognizing heterosexuals and homosexuals as full human beings,
with no legislative, canonical, or quiet bias separating them from their
rightful status as children of God. Therefore I look for no quick resolutions at
this Convention. I look for us to say our prayers, search the Scripture, trust
our experience, and create a unique and eloquent statement to share throughout
the Anglican Communion. Our aim is truth in the sight of God, not mere
manipulated victories in hothouse ecclesiastical gatherings. What we are about
is not just the San Francisco Bay Area; it is about life all over the world. Let
us continue on the pilgrim's way." 1999 June - Interview with Bishop Swing - Where do you see us going in terms of
same-sex blessings?: "I think this is one of those 51-49% deals where we're
going to be locked here for a long time. And I think it's very important to be
locked here. I think if it's a 47-53% victory, that's not real victory. That's
just ... that's like Lambeth, throwing it down your throat. You don't grow much
with that .... You don't get rid of the taboos in society by a simple vote or a
few conventions. You can change relationships and people, but the institutions
and the way you think of them ... you don't get rid of taboos like that
overnight."
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