Fall 2010 House of Bishops Meeting Standing Commission on Liturgy and Music Consultation on 2009 General Convention Resolution C056

Resolution C056 and the SCLM Resolved, That the Standing Commission on Liturgy and Music, in consultation with the House of Bishops, collect and develop theological and liturgical resources, and report to the 77th General Convention Resolved, That the Standing Commission on Liturgy and Music, in consultation with the House of Bishops, devise an open process for the conduct of its work inviting participation from provinces, dioceses, congregations, and individuals who are engaged in such theological work, and inviting theological reflection from throughout the Anglican Communion

Enriching Our Worship Enriching Our Worship 4 The Renewal of Ministry and the Welcoming of a New Rector or Other Pastor

C056 Task Groups Theological Resources Liturgical Resources Pastoral and Teaching Resources Canonical and Legal Considerations

“open process... inviting participation” Province I hearings Church-wide consultation Anglican Communion reflection Digital archives

Theological Resources Task Group The Rev. Jay Emerson Johnson, Ph.D. Diocese of California Core Doctoral Faculty Member, Graduate Theological Union, Berkeley, CA Senior Director of Academic Research and Resources, Center for Lesbian and Gay Studies in Religion, Pacific School of Religion, Berkeley, CA

Theological Resources Task Group Background: Blessing committed relationships in faith communities is a blessing not only for the couple but also for the wider community Opportunity: Sacramental Eschatological

Theological Principles Vocation Spiritual Discipline Covenant Household Fruitfulness

Liturgical Resources Task Group The Rev. Patrick Malloy, Ph.D. Diocese of Bethlehem H. Boone Porter Chair in Liturgics, General Theological Seminary, New York Rector, Grace Church, Allentown, PA

Liturgical Resources Task Group Foundational assumption: Consistency with 1979 Book of Common Prayer, with its... Underlying assumption: The entire life of the Church finds its origin in the baptismal font

Liturgical Principles First principle: Express Anglican liturgical qualities: – Literary – Formal – Holy – Meaningful – Metaphoric – Performative

Liturgical Principles In addition: Contemporary speech Provide rubrics Expression of the Church, not the couple Reciprocal blessing of couple and community Provide options Expression of eschatological fulfillment Liturgical prayer

Pastoral and Teaching Resources Task Group The Rev. Canon Thaddeus Bennett Diocese of Vermont CREDO faculty/consultant, Fresh Start author/faculty/trainer Recently retired Canon for transition ministry, parish priest The Rev. Canon Susan Russell Diocese of Los Angeles Senior Associate, All Saints Church, Pasadena, CA

Pastoral and Teaching Resources Task Group Purpose of the Task Group:  To research and recommend: Pastoral resources to prepare couples for ceremonies of blessing Teaching resources to prepare congregations for ceremonies

 And to consult with the House of Bishops in that process. Resolved, That the Standing Commission on Liturgy and Music, in consultation with the House of Bishops, collect and develop theological and liturgical resources... Therefore...  As Chief Pastor and Teacher for your diocese: What pastoral and teaching resources do you most need in your diocesan context?

 And as a bishop knowledgeable about your diocese and the wider church... What are your and/or others’ best practices for preparing same-gender couples for the blessing of their relationships? What are your and/or others’ best practices for helping a church take seriously the ministry of supporting all couples in their commitment to Christ and to each other? With thanks in advance for your help with data gathering and insights both now and in the months to come!

Table Questions Question 1. What pastoral needs must the resources developed meet in your diocese? Question 2. To what extent do the theological principles address the questions that people in your diocese are asking? Question 3. How well do the liturgical principles reflect your understanding of Anglican theological and liturgical sensibilities? Question 4. How can this work be done in a way that will both resource the church and strengthen the body of Christ? Question 5. How do you want the SCLM to consult with the House of Bishops for the duration of this triennium as this work goes forward?

Please join us for informal conversation during lunch. The C056 Task Group chairs and SCLM members will be available for informal conversation during the lunch break. After Eucharist, please pick up your lunch and join us HERE.