Furthermore, she added, there are aspects of mission that are more appropriate and effective at the congregational and diocesan level.
“We might also consider putting in that category the big picture issues we can’t yet agree on – the ones for which we have many, more local, and varied understandings, recognising the different contexts may require different responses,” she added, possibly suggesting that congregations should be allowed to decide individually on the issue of homosexual clergy and same-sex unions as the Presbyterian Church (PCUSA) voted to do.
Episcopal leaders at this year's convention, which takes place in Anaheim, California, will be considering resolutions that would allow the consecration of openly gay bishops. Some dioceses, or regional bodies, have asked the General Convention to repeal or retract B033, a resolution passed in 2006 that calls for restraint in ordaining bishops "whose manner of life presents a challenge to the wider church" – mainly noncelibate homosexuals.
One new resolution that will be introduced and debated at this week’s General Convention will seek to extend a key marriage ritual to gay and lesbian couples, particularly in the six states that recognise same-sex marriages – Massachusetts, Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Iowa and Connecticut.
"In all six states, faithful Episcopalians are asking that their church provide the pastoral support and blessing of the church for their marriages," reads an explanation attached to the resolution. "Clergy in those same states are caught between the authority given them by the state and the discipline of The Episcopal Church as it's currently described."
Anglican leaders overseas, however, have warned The Episcopal Church against rescinding resolution B033 this year or passing any resolution that would "imperil" the future of the Anglican Communion.
In her opening address Tuesday, Jefferts Schori reminded the General Convention that its triennial gathering is always a time of critical decision-making.
“The decision-making we face here is an opportunity to choose the direction of our journey into God’s mission,” she said.
“We will fail if we choose business as usual,” the presiding bishop added.
This week’s General Convention, the 76th, comes months after the Anglican Consultative Council, a decision-making body of bishops, clergy and laity, reaffirmed the moratoria on the consecration of partnered gay bishops and the authorisation of public rites blessing same-sex unions.
