Resolution Number: 2003-B001
Title: On the Topic of Endorsing Certain Historic Anglican Doctrines and Policies
Legislative Action Taken: Rejected
Final Text:

Resolution Rejected. See Legislative History for original text of resolution.

Citation: General Convention, Journal of the General Convention of...The Episcopal Church, Minneapolis, 2003 (New York: General Convention, 2004), pp. 130-131.

Legislative History

Author: The Rt. Rev. Keith L. Ackerman (Quincy)
Originating House: House of Bishops
Originating Committee: Committee on Miscellaneous Resolutions

House of Bishops

The House of Bishops Committee on Miscellaneous Resolutions presented its Report #1 on Resolution B001 (Endorse Certain Historic Anglican Doctrines and Policies) and moved the resolution, recommending rejection.

Original Text of Resolution:

(B001)

Resolved, the House of Deputies concurring, That the 74th General Convention affirm that "Holy Scripture containeth all things necessary to salvation: so that whatsoever is not read therein, nor may be proved thereby, is not to be required of any man, that it should be believed as an article of the Faith, or be thought requisite or necessary to salvation," as set forth in Article VI of the Articles of Religion established by the General Convention on September 12, 1801; and be it further

Resolved, That the 74th General Convention re-affirm that "it is not lawful for the Church to ordain [that is, establish or enact] any thing that is contrary to God's Word written, neither may it so expound one place of Scripture, that it be repugnant to another," as set forth in Article XX of the Articles of Religion established by the General Convention on September 12, 1801; and be it further

Resolved, That the 74th General Convention affirm that every member of this Church is conscience-bound first of all to obey the teaching and direction of Our Lord Jesus Christ as set forth in Holy Scripture in any matter where a decision or action of this Church, or this General Convention, may depart from that teaching; and be it further

Resolved, That the 74th General Convention reaffirm that the statements known as the Chicago-Lambeth Quadrilaterial of 1886, 1888, as set forth in the Book of Common Prayer, 1979 continue to be true and accurate statements of the faith and policy of this Church, and the Anglican Communion; and be it further

Resolved, That the 74th General Convention affirm that councils of the Church have, and sometimes will, err but that Our Lord Jesus Christ, present through the person of the Holy Spirit, can and will correct such error; and be it further

Resolved, That the 74th General Convention direct the Office of the Presiding Bishop to forward a copy of this resolution to every diocese within The Episcopal Church.

The Retired Bishop Suffragan of Massachusetts moved to table the resolution.

Motion defeated

There was a request for division.

Motion defeated

There was a request by five bishops for a roll call vote on Resolution B001.

66yes84no8abstain

Motion defeated

Resolution rejected

(Communicated to the House of Deputies in HB Message #73)

Resolution Rejected.

Abstract:   The 74th General Convention rejects a resolution to endorse certain historic Anglican doctrines and policies.
Notes:  

For the record of the roll call vote, see Appendix D on pages 139-146 of the Journal of General Convention 2003.