177th Annual Council of the Diocese of Mississippi

At its 177th Annual Council, deputies of the Diocese of Mississippi
rejected resolutions to withhold funds from the "National Church", to
declare the Diocese of Mississippi to be in a state of impaired
communion with the Diocese of New Hampshire and all diocese allowing the
blessing of same gender unions, to seek alternate primatial oversight,
and to express its disagreement and regrets over the confirmation of
Bishop Gene Robinson.

Other resolutions to reevaluate 21% proportionate giving to the 
"National Church" and to hold as "null and void and of no effect, in
the... Diocese of Mississippi" the actions of General Convention with
regard to C051 and the confirmation of Bishop Robinson were discharged.

The Annual Council approved resolutions supporting the unity of the
Church and Bishop Gray, III's leadership and efforts to preserve that
union. A resolution to study and inform congregations about property
issues was also approved.

In his address to Council, Bishop Gray, III reaffirmed his intention to
stay in ECUSA, to not permit the blessing of same gender unions, and to
not ordain practicing homosexuals. He stated that he could not bless the
relationship of parishes and missions which might want to affiliate with
AAC and the Network at this time because of his concern over comments
by  representatives of AAC. He further stated that the trauma and
turmoil over issues of sexuality were sapping the energy of the diocese
and distracting us from our primary mission. He argued that the
woundedness of the world was calling us into a new understanding of 
what it means to be the Church, one Church in common mission of
Invitation, Transformation and Reconciliation.

A balanced budget was passed which cut in half the funding to the Canon
for Hispanic Ministry and the Canon for Service Ministry. Other cuts
were made to New Congregational Starts and the Chaplain at the U. of Ms
Medical School. The giving to the "National Church" was cut from 21% to
15%. An amendment to approve a deficit budget and restore full funding
to the "National Church" was narrowly defeated in a vote by orders. The
clergy vote was 56 to 34 in favor; and the lay vote was 85 to 78
against. In the discussion prior to the vote on the amendment, it was
strongly stated that this reduction in funding to the "National Church"
was in response to financial exigency and not to be seen a judgment on
any actions of General Convention and the Presiding Bishop. Bishop Gray,
III indicated that he would so inform the Presiding Bishop by letter. An
impassioned speech by one delegate pointed out that there was no
we-and-they; that we were one Church; that the parishes and missions
were the Diocese and the dioceses were the "National Church".

Ed Sisson
L4 Mississippi