Stand Firm has part of the story, and the Living Church website is linked here but is experiencing heavy traffic this Friday (I wonder why.)
For the record, I would agree with the Living Church’s interpretation of the canon. It states “Bishops eligible to vote”, not “bishops present.” The term “Bishops eligible to vote” is a term of art in the Episcopal Church’s Constitution and is used for determining whether a quorum is present.
Clearly, the House of Bishop’s action did not meeting canonical requirements, and the actions of TEC as treating Bishops Schofield and Cox as deposed is illegal.
Which means, I guess, that Bishop Schofield is still the Bishop of San Joaquin. And if the Episcopalians bring in another bishop, they are engaged in the very boundary crossing they claim to deplore. Considering how they plowed under the canons in order to get Schofield and Cox, though, I don’t guess that will stop them or even slow them down.
Brad, please let us know what’s being said on the HOB/D Listserv!
I bet they are just chompin at the bit over this “false accusation and propoganda” by those “right-wing fundamentalists”!!!!
(I hope so!!!!!)
Well this is certainly a relief!
The TEc Ministry of Truth and Light early this morning released a statement by the chancellor (and backed up by the parliamentarian) affirming the vote. It seems we all were reading the canons incorrectly. They don’t mean what they say at all.
I’m so glad TEc has such a bright and good chancellor who can correct us about these things that are so complicated and beyond us simple laymen.
It’s also very good there is no superior review process to muddle the facts with a potentially overriding decision.
This news from TEc makes me feel so much better.