The only
officially authoritative body in the Episcopal Church on moral matters is the
national, triennial General Convention. The best way to find its decisions is
to go to the Journals of Convention, because these contain significant reports
referred to in various resolutions. Journals and resolutions may be accessed at
www.dfms.org and the Archives
of the Episcopal Church at
www.EpiscopalArchives.org.
Resolutions are regarded as the mind of the Convention at a particular time.
Advisory, they are neither infallible nor unchangeable.
On
doctrinal matters (see "Anglican-Episcopal Theology") and moral issues a
reasonable latitude of interpretation and dissent is permissible. If it appears
that a member of the clergy has recklessly or thoughtfully stepped outside the
bounds of the Anglican spirit, (s)he may be brought to trial in a church court
provided for in the Church's canons (regulations). This is rarely done, because
a heated trial may be more harmful to the Church's ministry than the utterances
of one cleric. More likely a "this too shall pass" attitude is taken.