The Rev. Charlie Holt, an Episcopal priest whose election as bishop is contested, has promised that, if put in power, he would allow same-sex unions to be blessed in the diocese.
The Rev. Charlie Holt was twice elected coadjutor bishop for the Episcopal Diocese of Florida this year, only to have the results of both elections officially contested by delegates.
Holt published a statement Tuesday on whether he would allow the blessing of same-sex unions and the ordination of people in same-sex relationships, as a reported problem some have with the bishop-elect is his opposition to same-sex marriage.
“To unite with each other and with the broader Episcopal Church, we must strive together to move beyond the things that divide us and set a new course in Christian discipleship, the renewal of congregation and theevangelization community,” Holt said.
Holt explained that it would allow “each parish” to decide whether to bless same-sex unions, making it “a matter of conscience and context” in which opponents of same-sex marriage should be respected.
“The pastoral conscience of the clergy will be respected across theological differences. No one, progressive or traditional, will be forced, coerced or manipulated to hold or change a matter of conscience,” he said.
Holt added that “prospective ordinands and candidates for employment will be welcomed into the discernment and appeal processes based on their gifts and call to ministry without discrimination.”
“We are looking for ministers who proclaim a life-changing gospel. Ordination will not depend on sexual orientation or political perspective, but solely on the Church’s canonical process of discernment of the mystery of God’s call to holy orders,” he continued.
For years, several dioceses in the Episcopal Church, including the Diocese of Florida, were allowed to prohibit the blessing of same-sex unions if their diocesan leaders objected.
However, in 2018, the General Convention of the Episcopal Church adopted Resolution B012 which required all dioceses to permit same-sex unions, but with certain conscience protections for clergy opposed to same-sex marriage.
Holt cited Resolution B012 in his statement as authoritative, explaining that the conscience protections he advocated are “consistent with the spirit and intent of” the resolution.
“I would welcome the opportunity to implement these policies using a collegial process. I am excited to begin a new era in the Diocese of Florida,” he added.
[irp]
The article was written by: Michael Gryboski from www.christianpost.com
[irp]
Link to publication source
[irp]
