Resolution D025

Convention 2009 passes Resolution D025 which allows for the ordination to anyone in the church through the discernment process outlined in the Constitution and Canons of the church.
The final wrote in lay order was 78 yes, 21 no, and 9 divided. In the clergy the vote was 77 yes, 19 no and 11 divided. The resolution had previously passed the House of Deputies on Sunday and sent to the House of Bishops who passed it with amendments on Monday. The amended version was sent back to the House of Deputies in order for the resolution to be adopted.
This concludes discussion and debate that took up most of the 9 days of Convention thus far not to mention the two plus years since the passing of the controversial passing of B033 at Convention 2006 which called for restraint in consenting to the consecration of bishops whose "manner of life" - widely understood to mean homosexuality - and would cause concern for other members of the Anglican Communion.
There were 13 resolutions submitted that addressed B033 and six of them called for 'direct repeal of B033'. D025 is seen as an attempt to move past B033 and continue the work of the church.
If the passing of this resolution further separates the Episcopal church from the Anglican Communion is left to be seen. It is apparent that the world is changing and the church will have to change also. We may lose some members, parishes, and even dioceses but when one reads the sign "The Episcopal Church Welcomes You" no one can feel excluded.