San Joaquin Passes Constitutional Amendments

Titusonenine has this notice about the vote in the diocese of San Joaquin today. It appears that a "first reading" of a substitute amendment was passed that effectively removes references to the Episcopal Church from the diocesan constitution. (This new wording is less clear cut with respect to a break with TEC than the original proposal, apparently on the grounds that the new wording will make the diocese "more flexible" in responding to the Primates next February.) The amendment would require passage on a second reading at their next convention to become effective. The majorities in favor of the amendment were overwhelming.

Here is a portion of Titusonenine's report on the vote:

During the 47th Annual Convention of the Diocese of San Joaquin, an amendment to Article II of the diocesan constitution was approved that identifies the diocese specifically as “Anglican”, the term most commonly used through out the world-wide Anglican Communion, whose historical center is the Church of England.

The language of article II, “Anglican Identity” was passed as follows:

Article II
Anglican Identity
The Diocese of San Joaquin is constituted by the Faith, Order, and Practice of the One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church as received by the Anglican Communion. The Diocese shall be a constituent member of the Anglican Communion and in full communion with the See of Canterbury.

In a vote by orders, 68 of the clergy voted in favor of the amendment, while 16 were opposed. The lay delegates voted 108 in favor, with 12 opposed to the amendment to Article II.