Windsor Compliant? Really?

Regarding the report from the "gang of four", I must admit some surprise and disappointment. There are many political and strategic reasons why the report tries to make a purse from the sow's ear that was GC '06, but it really isn't worth losing too much sleep over this baffling report.

I was a Deputy in Columbus. I participated in all the debate on the various resolutions pertaining to Windsor. I heard deeply emotional and sincere testimony on both sides of the issue. I was shocked that the most important Windsor resolution (A161 which is not mentioned by the "gang of four" in their report) was soundly defeated by almost a 2/3 majority. Yes, I voted against the resolution because it was not sufficient to meet the standards of Windsor.

I was amazed at the super-extraordinary arm twisting by she who shall remain nameless on the floor of the House of Deputies. And I was saddened by the passage of the weak and worthless resolution, B033, which not only failed miserably to meet even the most generous of tests on Windsor compliance but inflicted a real slap in the face to all those who had less than 24 hours earlier been cheering (yes, cheering) over the revisionist victory.

Yet, maybe in retrospect, the slap wasn't all that stinging. Immediately after the vote on B033, a significant number of progressive bishops announced that they would not recognize the provisions of the resolution. In the months since GC '06, there have been at least two openly homosexual men standing for election to the episcopate in two different dioceses. Neither was elected, but their presence on the ballots was heralded as a significant step forward by many.

Now, we have this report that asserts that ECUSA has indeed met 2 of the 3 criteria necessary for Windsor compliance. We apparently are still shaky in the same-sex blessing arena, but B033 has been interpreted as sufficient on the other two. How they came to this stunning conclusion, I have no idea; but I surmise they must have gleaned something hidden within the words of the document that we unenlightened mortals lack the 'gnosis' to discern.

Despite the continued drift toward same-sex blessings (if not outright marriage), the prominence of non-celibate homosexual men in episcopal elections and an very shaky apology with a prominent lack of repentance, ECUSA can say, "We have complied (mostly) with Windsor so give us a seat, don't harass us anymore and leave us alone because it's our Church and our polity so you can't tell us what to do! Let's have no more talk of this, or we'll sick Bonnie on you."

Will this work? No. The Primates of the Global South know what B033 said and what it means. They have been watching and listening with ears far more highly attuned to the theological issues of the day than most bishops in America, Canada and Great Britain. And while the +++ABC may privately acknowledge how transparent this report is, the Global South has already proved their willingness to stand to the fore and loudly declare that the emperor has no clothes. If anything, this report could be seen as a slap in the face of the orthodox Primates who, in the words of one notable revisionist of the highest rank are only one generation removed from the trees.

Oh my! What inclusion. What sensitivity.

There has been much rhetoric surrounding this meeting and much speculation regarding the possible outcomes. From the beginning of our current unpleasantness, I have believed that, in the end, the Church, guided by the Holy Spirit, will emerge stronger and more resolute in its profession of the Good News of Jesus Christ.

Shall we all stand and recite the Nicene Creed.

To God be the Glory.

Michael Millard
Nashotah House '08