D092 Concerning the Exclusion of Same-Sex Spouses of Bishops from Lambeth Conference 2022
Resolved, the House of Bishops concurring,
That this 80th General Convention express to the Most Reverend and Right Honorable Justin Welby, Archbishop of Canterbury, its dismay at the decision to exclude same-sex spouses of LGBTQ+ bishops from participating in Lambeth Conference 2022; and be it further
Resolved, that we deeply regret that the exclusion of same-sex spouses of bishops sends a message to LGBTQ+ people around the world that the Church does not appreciate the value of the gift of God’s LGBTQ children, and that their families, relationships, and experiences are invalid, shameful and wrong; and be it further
Resolved, that we implore the Archbishop of Canterbury to consider the devastating emotional impact on bishops and their spouses, knowing that other bishops will be able to share in the conference with their opposite-sex spouses while LGBTQ+ bishops and their spouses face exclusion and discrimination; and be it further
Resolved, that we call on the Archbishop of Canterbury to acknowledge the value and benefit of diversity and the inclusion of LGBTQ+ bishops and their families for the good of the Body of Christ whose members cannot faithfully say “I have no need of you.”
Explanation
This resolution is meant to express gratitude for the spouses of LGBTQ+ Bishops in light of the decision to exclude same-sex spouses of LGBTQ+ bishops from participating in Lambeth Conference 2022. The exclusion of same-sex spouses of bishops sends a message to LGBTQ+ people worldwide that the Church does not appreciate the value of the gift of God's LGBTQ children and that their families, relationships, and experiences are invalid, shameful and wrong. We understand the devastating emotional impact on bishops and their spouses, knowing that other bishops will be able to share in the conference with their opposite-sex spouses. In contrast, LGBTQ+ bishops and their spouses face systemic exclusion and discrimination. This resolution is a way to affirm the many ways LGBTQ+ Bishops, their spouses, and families have been a blessing to the Church serving as a reminder of God's inclusive and abundant love.