This is a web version of the ECUSA General Convention Daily. Anglicans Online has produced this web version, from the official PDF edition, for your reading convenience. Other days' issues are here.
Bishops take up non-marital unions
BY TOM BECKWITH
The House of Bishops spent the better part of the day July 12 discussing the amended resolution (D039s)on relation- ships outside of marriage which was passed by deputies Tuesday. During the morning, bishops spoke on the resolution as it was received from deputies, which consisted of the first seven resolves as originally received from Committee 25.
The afternoon session was devoted to debate on a proposed amendment that would have restored an eighth resolve calling for the development of rites to support couples in relationships outside of marriage.
Late in the afternoon, bishops voted to reject the amendment to restore the eighth resolve, (85 against, 63 for, 4 abstaining) but today will consider a substitute calling for study, on the theological basis, of "long-term committed, loving relationships of persons living outside the sacrament of marriage."
If bishops pass an amendment to the resolution, it must return to the House of Deputies for concurrence. If they elect not to make additions or changes, they will vote on the resolution as received from the House of Deputies sometime today.
