St. Mark's Resolution in Response to the Actions of the 74th General Convention

August 28, 2003

Dear Friends:
As most of you are aware, the 74th General Convention of the Episcopal Church made two significant decisions. The Convention consented to the consecration and ordination of an openly non-celibate homosexual as the next Bishop of New Hampshire. The Convention also recognized that “local faith communities are operating within the bounds of our common life as they explore and experience liturgies celebrating and blessing same-sex unions.” As a Vestry, we are deeply distressed by these actions and feel that these decisions challenge the legitimacy of Scripture and the historical traditions of the Church. As a result, at a special meeting on August 28th, the Vestry unanimously passed the following resolution:

ST. MARK’S RESOLUTION IN RESPONSE TO THE ACTIONS OF THE 74TH GENERAL CONVENTION OF THE EPISCOPAL CHURCH
(1) The policies and teaching of St. Mark’s Episcopal Church have not been changed by the actions of the General Convention;
(2) Although we approach Bishop Persell with profound disagreement regarding his views on these issues, we will maintain respect for the office of Bishop as we pursue considered responses to these actions;
(3) We will continue to be a parish that welcomes and cares for all people, including those who struggle with sexual issues;
(4) We strongly disassociate ourselves from the election of a non-celibate homosexual man as a Bishop in this Church, and we reject the claim that celebrating and blessing same sex unions is “within the bounds of our common life”;
(5) We call on the parishioners of St. Mark’s to pray – pray for the Church, pray for St. Mark’s and our clergy, and pray for upcoming meetings in Plano, Texas on October 7th to 9th, for the primates of the Anglican Communion meeting in London on October 15th and 16th, and our own Diocesan convention on November 7th and 8th.

We continue to seek God’s guidance for the days ahead (and covet your prayers as well). We encourage you to “be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Jesus Christ” (I Thessalonians 5:16-17).

Serving Him with you,
The Vestry of St. Mark’s