Finding Leeway in the Diocese of Albany

The March, 2014 issue of Anglican & Episcopal History features a profile of Christ Church, Hudson, in the Diocese of Albany, written by The Rev. Dr. J. Barrington Bates, the journal's church editor.

The facet of Christ Church's ministry that gives it mention in this scholarly history journal of our church is the fact that it is under  Delegated Episcopal Pastoral Oversight from the Diocese of Central New York. Christ Church obtained DEPO status in May, 2013.  John Perry, rector at the time, wrote to the local newspaper that DEPO would allow his parish to "benefit from the spiritual nurture, support, and access to resources of a bishop more in accordance with its own theology, which differs substantially from that of the Diocese of Albany."

DEPO is a relatively little known provision of General Convention "formalized in 2004 as a response to conservative parishes' reactions to the ordination of gay clergy and other issues related to sexuality," according to J. Barrington Bates.  Albany's Bishop Love agreed that DEPO was intended to address theologically conservative parishes that are located in more liberal dioceses," but that "the reverse is occurring in the Diocese of Albany," which has historically followed a theologically conservative course.

So the Diocese of Albany is unique in The Episcopal Church in that liberal parishes have opted to come under pastoral care from bishops in adjacent, more liberal dioceses than Albany.  So far five parishes have voted to accept the provisions of DEPO, with the agreement of Bishop Love.

The article briefly reviews the recent history of the Albany diocese and gives a history of the city of Hudson, which recently "has become a destination for gay people," who have contributed to the city's revival.  Gay worshippers are welcome in Christ Church, which recently voted to become affiliated with Believe Out Loud.  The latter is "a national ecumenical movement working for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender equality in the church."  Sponsored by Integrity USA, "the hope is that Believe Out Loud will become The Episcopal Church's inclusive brand."

Bates appears fine with that, as he is with Christ Church being "at the forefront of the progressive movement in the Diocese of Albany," and seeking leeway through DEPO:

The leeway they have sought from their diocese is simply in offering God's inclusive love freely to friend and stranger, without reservation.  Reassuringly Gospel-based, that.

Indeed it is! 

 

 

 

Christ Church, Hudson

Comments

[Robert T Dodd]

Unfortunately, the price of DEPO is prohibitive for many parishes. DEPO parishes in the DoA must commit to pay their full diocesan assessments and do so monthly. No other parishes are required to do so.