By Thaddeus M. Baklinski
DALLAS, Texas, July 24, 2009 (LifeSiteNews.com) – Bishop James Stanton of the Episcopal Diocese of Dallas said he will not join in the Episcopal Church's growing acceptance of homosexuality in the clergy nor participate in the blessing of same-sex unions.
In a recent letter to his clergy Stanton wrote, “We will not consent to the election of a bishop living in a same-sex relationship, and we will not allow the blessings of same-sex relationships.”
Stanton's pastoral letter is seen as a response to the US Episcopalian Bishops' vote to officially allow and affirm the ordination of practicing homosexuals “to any ordained ministry” at their 76th General Convention in Anaheim, California, earlier this month.
Referring to homosexuals in “lifelong committed relationships,” the General Convention resolved to “affirm that God has called and may call such individuals, to any ordained ministry in The Episcopal Church.”
The General Convention also passed a resolution noting that in states that allow same-sex “marriage,” the denomination is called to “develop theological and liturgical resources,” and “may provide generous pastoral response” for homosexuals seeking “marriage” in the Episcopal church.
Stanton said such language appears to give a “green light” to blessings of homosexual unions.
Stanton concluded that his diocese will continue “affirming the primacy of scripture, the sanctity of marriage and the call to holiness of life.”
The Episcopal Dioceses of San Joaquin, California, and Fort Worth, Texas, have seceded from the United States Episcopal Church in protest over the denomination's support of homosexuality and women's ordination, and aligned themselves with the Anglican Church of the Southern Cone, based in South America.
Link to the full text of Bishop Stanton's letter to the clergy is available here.
To contact Bishop Stanton:
The Episcopal Diocese of Dallas
Diocesan House
1630 N. Garrett Ave.
Dallas, TX. 75206
Phone: (214) 826-8310
Toll Free:(800) 851-8497 (inside Texas)
Fax: (214) 826-5968
Email: [email protected]
See related LSN coverage:
US Episcopalian Bishops Vote to Affirm Ordination of Homosexual Clergy “to Any Ordained Ministry”
https://www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/2009/jul/09071508.html
Diocese Secedes From Episcopal Church Over Ordination of Gay Bishops
https://www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/2007/dec/07121009.html
No Hope for a Return to Orthodox Christianity from Lambeth: US Traditional Anglican Leader
https://www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/2008/jul/08071714.html