Report from General Convention
August 5, 2003
The Right Reverend Thomas C. Ely
Bishop of Vermont

To the people of the Diocese of Vermont:

The past few days have been very important days for the Episcopal Church. On Tuesday night, August 5th, the House of Bishops concurred with the House of Deputies in giving consent to the consecration of The Reverend Gene Robinson as Bishop Coadjutor of the Diocese of New Hampshire. Prior to that decision, after the House of Deputies had given its consent, two concerns about Canon Robinson became public that properly caused a voting delay in the House of Bishops. Since a parishioner in Vermont raised one of those concerns, the Diocese of Vermont suddenly became a center of attention. At the request of Presiding Bishop Frank Griswold, the Right Reverend Gordon Scruton of Western Massachusetts undertook a thorough investigation of this concern. The conclusion of that investigation was that the concern did not warrant further investigation and that there was no reason on these grounds to prevent the bishops with jurisdiction from moving forward with the consent process. The same conclusion was reached with regard to a second matter, namely Canon Robinson’s connection with a pornographic web site linked to the Concord New Hampshire chapter of Outright, an organization providing support and counseling for young people concerned about their sexuality.

I wrote in my summer Mountain Echo column that I planned to vote my consent for Canon Robinson’s consecration as Bishop Coadjutor of New Hampshire. Tonight I did give that consent and I am pleased that the House of Bishops voted its consent. I am sad that this decision has caused concern, pain and anger for other Episcopalians, including some in our diocese. I stand ready to talk with any member of our diocese about our church’s decision and the need for us to stay together as a church.

I also want you to know that I have been and continue to be in contact with the parishioner from Vermont who raised his concern about Gene Robinson with me and other bishops, a concern that swiftly became very public. For obvious pastoral reasons, I cannot discuss the details, but I can tell you that our church is blessed to have a process that takes these concerns seriously, seeks the truth and extends pastoral care to all people involved. Over the course of the past two days I have experienced that process firsthand and believe that the Episcopal Church is second to none in the way we handle situations like these.

My role in this process has been one of providing pastoral care to a brother in Christ. In the course of that, I have witnessed the care, diligence and faithfulness of others involved in different aspects of the investigation. I have been especially proud of our Vermont deputation and all the others from Vermont who are here at General Convention. Each in his or her own way has been a credit to our diocese. I am especially grateful to Tom Little, our Chancellor, and to Lynn Bates, Canon to the Ordinary, for their roles in support of the investigation and me. Because of my role in this investigation I have remained circumspect in my communication with the media. Members of the Vermont media have understood and respected this and I appreciate that very much.

There are still three more days of legislative work for General Convention. Much has been accomplished that will strengthen our life together in the engagement of God’s Mission. Your deputation and I look forward to sharing all that with you when we return. Still before us, among other things, is the matter of blessing same sex relationships. I believe that the substitute resolution (C-051) now before us from the Prayer Book, Liturgy and Music Committee is a sensitive and appropriate next step in this regard. This subject is also a very delicate matter and one on which people of faith hold differing opinions. This matter is of particular interest to Vermont Episcopalians because of our state’s unique position of offering couples the opportunity for being joined in Civil Union.

Thank you for your prayers and the many communications that we have received from Vermonters who are following the proceedings of General Convention. Time does not allow a response to every communication, but I do appreciate all the ways in which the people of Vermont have offered their opinions, support and concerns. Quite frankly, Ann and I are ready to come home, but there is still work to do and knowing that you are keeping us in your prayers is a tremendous source of strength and support.

Faithfully,
+Thomas