Bishop’s Blog – July 16 – Compassionate Process

Again at this convention I have been reminded that the process for making decisions is as important as the decisions made.

In the midst of a much more positive tone and atmosphere in the House of Bishops it is clear that certain decisions toward being and open and inclusive church could pass without extended debate.  For expediency we could move right along.

However, we have learned how important it is to take time, to hear all voices, and to consider not just the immediate result of our voting, but also the impact on all in the HOB and the dioceses we serve.

On the topic of resources and liturgies for blessings of relationships, the House chose to step back, take time for bishops to collaborate, then bring a reflective, considered report.  This was done seeking to afford room for “generous pastoral responses” throughout the church.

In doing so the overall spirit, and import, of the resolution (C056), was significantly modified.  It still serves basically the same purpose, but is more gracious and more truly “inclusive” in that all people, from divergent perspectives, are taken into consideration.  The win/lose voting system is a losing proposition.  But necessary legislative action can have a compassionate quality.

That’s not to say that everyone is happy with the result or that the actions are impotent; neither is true. But how we get there continues to be as important as where we go.  And it definitely does have to do with “respecting the dignity of every human being,” when we agree and especially when we don’t.