Episcopal Church House of Deputies Passes Substitute Covenant Resolution

Just a little while ago, the House of Deputies of the Episcopal Church General Convention passed a revised version of Resolution B005. The resolution states that the church is too divided to made a decision on the Anglican Covenant now and asks for yet another task force on the Covenant to report to the General Convention in 2015. An amendment was defeated that would have removed both provisions about being divided and about creating a task force. When it came time to speak to the resolution itself, which the No Anglican Covenant Coalition opposed, five speakers had spoken in favor of B005 and none against when the question was called. Three of the speakers were from the committee that drafted the substitute resolution. Before the actual vote, one deputy expressed disappointment that no dissenting voices had been heard.

A voice vote only was taken. The ayes were in the majority, but, I think, not by much. It is not at all clear that the will of the majority has been served.

The resolution now goes to the House of Bishops, where passage seems likely, but by no means is a sure thing.