Thoughts from our Bishops and Deputies regarding General Convention

From our Bishops

Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

It is hard to adequately describe the atmosphere and tenor of General Convention. Most of us are worked to the bone with committee meetings, hearings, sessions of the House of Bishops and House of Deputies, punctuated with special interest group meetings (often over breakfast, lunch, or dinner) running from 7 a.m to 10 p.m.every day for a week and a half. Your Bishops are proud of our Church. The Holy Spirit is much in evidence, there are many moving moments, people of very different and often ardently held positions regularly embrace (figuratively and actually) as we live into an atmosphere of forbearance, mutual respect and a shared dedication to Christ, to the Bible, and to the community of God's people we call the Church.

As it has ever been, when the Church gathers, emotions run high. There is elation and profound sadness, laughter and tears. On the extremes, members are often angry. Some become passive-aggressive and try to manipulate —the center holds. All this and more have been in evidence over the his 75th General Convention. Approximately 30% of our bishops and deputies go away feeling predominantly saddened that their particular agenda did not receive adequate support - this breaks down to about 15% in camps on the right and left. Oddly, these two extremes were often united in their attempts to defeat the resolutions which address the Windsor Report; those on the right wanting to make our Church look dysfunctional and unwilling to comply with the requests of Windsor, those on the left wanting to forge ahead and throw caution to the wind.

The center held (often in moving ways.) Both the Presiding Bishop and Presiding Bishop-elect were helpful in keeping our feet to the fire: we responded faithfully to all the requests of the Windsor report and also pledged to continue to work for full inclusion of gay and Lesbians in our Church and in the Communion. Compromise has always been at the heart of Anglicanism, and we were all asked to make sacrifices for the good of the whole. Sacrifice hurts -all of us have felt wounded in this Convention- yet most of us acknowledge that the cross is the very basis of our Christian faith and an avenue to deeper life. The cross requires that we willingly elect to make sacrifices- the good people who gathered in Columbus did just that.

Contrary to the report in the Baltimore Sun today, General Convention passed several resolutions addressing the Windsor Report: A159- our commitment to interdependence in the Anglican Communion; A160- our expression of regret; A163- our commitment to pastoral care of all people including delegated pastoral oversight; A166- our pledge to cooperate in dialogue with Anglicans around the globe in the development of a possible Anglican Covenant; A167- “Full and equal claim” for all baptized- we call on the Communion to honor past commitments to include gay and Lesbian members in dialogue; B033- restraint in the election and consecration of bishops. We encourage you to read carefully the texts of these resolutions available from The Episcopal News Service.

The Archbishop of York, the President of the Anglican Consultative Congress, and a host of foreign bishops were with us and have joined in praising our work. Bishops and deputies on the extremes have already expressed their disassociation from the fine work of the Convention. Feelings in our own Deputation are mixed, but Maryland stood with the center. None of us is completely satisfied, yet in microcosm we represent the very best of our Church - people of substantial difference finding our unity in the love of Christ Jesus and reflecting His love to one another.

We are proud of our Deputies, proud of our Church. We believe the election of Katharine Jefferts Schori heralds a new and wonderful day both for us and for the Communion. Much good work was accomplished beyond “Windsor.”! Most of that will not be reflected in the newspapers. Our commitments to the Millennium goals, to issues of justice and peace, our Ecumenical partnerships, our dedication to education and renewal and evangelism and so much else needs to be shared over time. You can take pride in being members of a Church truly dedicated to transforming this world.

Faithfully yours,
+Bob and +John

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Thoughts from our General Convention Deputies

The Maryland Deputation to the General Convention gathered daily to talk about events and to discuss the work ahead. Members of the deputation sent daily reports in order that we here at home can have a better sense of what happened in Columbus and, hopefully, get a little of the “flavor” of what it's like be be a deputy at the General Convention. ALL of the dispatches from the Convention are archived on this page.

If you have an idea, a comment, a thought, a prayer… anything that you want to share with our friends in Columbus, you can use this form to send your message to the Maryland deputation. We can't promise a response to every message we receive, but we CAN promise that every message will be read!

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Another View from General Convention - Community

Monday, June 26

By David Mallery, Deputy to Convention

There were several “C” words included in the many conversations and Resolutions discussed since the General Convention convened on June 13th in Columbus, Ohio. The most prominent in my mind were the following:

Communion
Community
Covenant
One in Christ in Communion

How are/were these connected to the theme, “Come and Grow?” Was there a pattern here?

After trying to understand these words in their own context during the initial days of convention, I realized that I was trying too hard and that the answer lay before me each morning when the daily Eucharist service convened at 9:30. For this service, all Deputies, Bishops and ECW/Triennial delegates were assigned to tables of eight people. After the homily, there were discussion topics printed for each day and leaders were assigned to get conversation going at our tables for approximately seven minutes. I was blessed to be part of a WONDERFUL group of folks from all parts of the USA- Maine to California( including the Bishop of Easton-- a good friend) and the U. S. Virgin Islands. Sometimes we followed the recommended topics. Other days we decided to have our own conversations relative to something we all felt needed to be discussed. In other words, we were flexible and recognized the needs of the others in our group.

It was, to say the least, the foundation of my daily spiritual life which supported me throughout long and sometimes difficult debates. I felt that I was experiencing first hand ALL the "C" words by the spirit of Community at our table. We were in Communion with one another. We made a Covenant, not only with God through Christ, but with ourselves to be honest, loyal and faithful to one another, both at Convention, and in the months ahead ( via email, of course!) The group,officially known as Table # 174, was acting as One in Christ in Communion. And, we were only one table… God was working through the Holy Spirit in that Eucharistic setting, 24/7.

David Mallery,
Lay Deputy,
Maryland, GC 2006

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Finish

Thursday, June 22

At the Closing Eucharist of the 75th General Convention, the Most Rev. Frank T. Griswold celebrated, and Presiding Bishop-elect Katharine Jefferts Schori preached. The theme of Bishop Jefferts Schori's sermon was “Do not be afraid.” As we seek to be in relationship with one another, as individuals and as churches and provinces in the Anglican Communion, we need to do so out of the sureness of God's love for us all and the love that we have for one another so that we may share and spread that love in the world.

The Eucharist was followed by a special Joint Session of both Houses. Bishop Griswold addressed both Houses and submitted Resolution B033, which reads, in part, “…that this Convention therefore call upon Standing Committees and bishops with jurisdiction to exercise restraint by not consenting to the consecration of any candidate to the episcopate whose manner of life presents a challenge to the wider church and will lead to further strains on communion.” This resolution passed first in the House of Bishops, then in the House of Deputies.

During the final Legislative Session yesterday afternoon, the House of Deputies passed a greater number of resolutions than on any other day of Convention. Because it was the final day of Convention, all of these resolutions took the form of concurring with the House of Bishops. Among the more important resolutions we acted upon were three resolutions having to do with our need to eradicate the evil of racism. The three resolutions were titled: “Slavery and Racial Reconciliation,” “Church Responsibility in Reparations” and “Restorative Justice,” and call upon our church to study our own history with respect to slavery, repent of the sin of slavery and seek to repair the brokenness, segregation and discrimination that continues to plague our society. I am proud of the considerable contribution the Diocese of Maryland made to this discussion through the work of the Reparations Task Force, the Anti-Racism Commission, both of our bishops, and our Deputation.

May the Peace of Christ be with you all
Mary Glasspool+

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Wednesday, June 21

Struggle

Yesterday was a long and strenuous day for both the House of Bishops and the House of Deputies. In the case of the latter, we held three legislative sessions instead of the usual two, adding an evening session from 7:30 p.m. until close to 9:30 p.m. The day was filled with parliamentary wrangling and frustration all around. In spite of all of that, we managed to pass some significant legislation. We passed the Budget for 2007 - 2009. We voted unanimously to “reaffirm the abiding commitment of The Episcopal Church to the fellowship of churches that constitute the Anglican Communion and seek to live into the highest degree of communion possible.” We affirmed the Anglican Convenant Development process. And we passed the Title III revisions that have to do with Ministry.

Today, following our Closing Eucharist, at which Presiding Bishop Elect Katharine Jefforts Schori will preach, we will hold a Joint Session of both Houses (the Bishops come to the much larger hall of the House of Deputies and sit with their Deputations) for the purpose of hearing from our current Presiding Bishop, the Most Rev. Frank T. Griswold, on the controversial issues (election of bishops and blessings of same sex unions) contained in Resolution A 161 - a resolution rejected yesterday by the House of Deputies. It is my belief, as I write this, that we will be asked to revisit that resolution in some form in order to make the fullest possible response to the Windsor Report.

Our work is not yet done, but I think I can write for the entire Deputation of Maryland that we are all looking forward to coming home!

Faithfully yours in Christ,
Mary Glasspool+

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Tuesday, June 20

Work

It's really difficult to describe where we are right now as a Convention. On the one hand, we've elected the 26th Presiding Bishop: the Rt. Rev. Katharine Jefferts Schori; and the next President of the House of Deputies: Bonnie Anderson, of the Diocese of Michigan. On the other hand, we have yet to pass the budget for the next triennium (2007-2009), and agree on an appropriate response to the Windsor Report. We have much work to do in these last two legislative days of the 75th General Convention.

We have, however, proposed that Thurgood Marshall be honored in the Book: Lesser Feasts and Fasts. All the material connected with this proposal will be sent to the Standing Committee on Liturgy and Music to be studied. If the materials are treated favorably, this resolution would come up again before General Convention 2009, and then finalized in 2012.

Before our Joint Session yesterday, for the purpose of hearing the Proposed Budget, Deputations were given the opportunity of having their pictures taken! Here, for the record, is the Deputation from Maryland.

Faithfully yours in Christ,
Mary Glasspool+

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From: Marjie Mack (St. James', Lothian)

Maybe it is because this is not my first General Convention, but I feel as if the entire body here in Columbus has taken a number of steps forward in understanding what it means to be a church, to be in communion, and to do God's work since the last General Convention three years ago. With the emphasis on Millenium Development Goals, peace and justice issues, and mission, I feel that we are finally working toward having the kinds of discussions that will make us value sharing our many resources with others around the world and end poverty and disease. For the first time in my life, I believe that it is possible to do so-and to do it in our lifetime if we only have the will to do it. The idea that all parishes and dioceses around the world would contribute 0.7% of their income to help others seems so simple and so doable, and it would raise enough money to ensure that every person had the basic necessities in life that we take for granted and that everyone is entitled to.

On the other hand, I do not feel that we have gotten much legislation passed, but I think it is because I am discounting all the resolutions that did not require debate since we largely agreed on them within the House of Deputies and also with the House of Bishops. There have been a lot of those resolutions passed. I'm sure we will have a flurry of legislation and maybe a late night session on Tuesday evening.

We are still discussing our response to the Windsor Report, and I have been very impressed with the decorum of the House and the kindness being shown to each other despite some strong disagreements. I hope this will continue as we discuss the more controversial resolutions. People are caring about each other, the Anglican Communion, and trying to discern the will of God when it is clear that we do not all agree on many aspects of these issues. It has been encouraging to see people give up their personal desires and try to work for the good of the body. Surely, the Lord's presence is in this place if we will only continue to pray and listen.

One of the great joys about convention is the Official Youth Presence! The youth speak up on issues, attend committee meetings, write a newsletter, learn about our church, and teach us a great deal. Their joy and different perspective helps us open our minds and hearts to God. One of the youth has the nickname “The Bishop” and he wears a mitre made out of folded newspaper!

There is also much camaraderie and humor prevalent among different deputations, and it is a joy to be here where the Holy Spirit is obviously working among us. The posts marking the different deputations are friendly ways to learn a little more about our friends. We have our bright red crab; the Diocese of Florida has an orange; Spokane, an apple; Bethlehem, a star; East Carolina, a lighthouse; Southeast Florida, a pink flamingo; Utah, a carton from Polygamy Barter beer; Kentucky, a horse with a miniature Louisville Slugger baseball bat attached to the saddle; and now Nevada has a new one-a Bishop's mitre!

Much to be thankful for-good friends; good weather; a warm welcome from friendly people; a variety of languages, cultures, worship and music; a chance to serve God and his church; and mostly the opportunity to spend time in God's presence.

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A Youth Perspective by Cat Crowder (Cathedral Youth)

I'm here at General Convention, and if you're watching the news / reading the papers / checking your e-mail / breathing you've probably guessed that this is a pretty exciting place to be right now. Oh, who am I kidding - this convention has been nothing short of inspiring and hopeful. I've been working with Episcopalians for Global Reconciliation all week, and they are a fantastic group.

Yesterday the Rt. Rev. Catherine Jefferts Schori, bishop of Nevada, was elected to be the 26th presiding bishop of the Episcopal Church. I wanted to write as soon as I heard, but I somehow knew that if I didn't take the time to sleep on it, the message would have been just a confused jumble of excitement so extreme that I was just about jumping out of my skin. Most everybody has caught on that she is a she, and that for the first time both the new president of the House of Deputies (Bonnie Anderson) and the new presiding bishop (Jefferts Schori) are women. And on the thirtieth anniversary of the convention that ruled to ordain women to the priesthood, it seems fitting that two women should lead us fully into the new century.

But I think more exciting and more important than Jefferts Schori's gender are her mind and her faith. I don't know how much of her biography anybody's read, so here is a brief summary: She studied oceanography in both undergrad and grad school, she has a pilot's license, she speaks Spanish fluently, and listening to her talk assures me that we have the right leader at the right time. She consistently emphasizes her passion for mission, and not in the creepy “come to Jesus or go to hell” sense but in the sense that the Millennium Development Goals are central to the vision of our church and that in the next nine years they can be achieved. She's brilliant, well-spoken and a person of incredible faith. She talks about the spirit moving through us as a body at convention, and as a Church being bound in communion.

This brings me to the Anglican Communion. There are a few people here terrified that this is the end and we will be officially booted out of the greater international church. All I can say is that I don't believe that can happen. Part of being a Church is being truly in communion with one another. We can disagree and we can argue, but we are always bound by our Baptismal Covenant and in the Eucharist. We as a Church are only as good as we are collectively as individuals. Every voice is vital to the integrity of this body, and just as expulsion from the Anglican Communion would cause me grief, so too would the splintering of groups in the Episcopal Church that aren't yet ready to ordain women and homosexuals. We can't say “good riddance” just because we can't move on unwounded and unscathed from a schism of any kind.

The resolutions that will respond to the Windsor Report haven't come out of the Houses yet. I don't think there is any going back from our position now as a Church that had outwardly shown its commitment to recognizing God's gifts and God's call in all of our members.

There are some who would say out of fear that we must recant, apologize for and retreat from this bold position, but the spirit moving through people at this convention has made it clear to me that that is not an option. We are bound in communion, all of us, one to each and every other.

I would urge us to embrace, as this convention has, the Millennium Development Goals as a brilliant articulation of the mission of the church. These eight goals can be achieved within the next nine years, and we can make it happen. Someone here said me to when I asked what one person can do, “groups are made up of people, and groups can change the world.” I think that's true, I think that through embracing the Christ in one another, we can come to know the people we've already met better, and we can come to serve the needs and spirits of people we have yet to meet. We can affect change and we can live out our Baptismal Covenants, but we cannot let fear pull us back.

Jesus warned his disciples that they would be scorned and rejected because of their devotion to him. We share that devotion, just as we share the bread and wine, and we will also share in the pain that can come along with that communion. But we are the body of Christ, and so we must do what we can to honor and praise God's creation in our service to one another.

I can't really describe the energy and the joy that have filled this convention hall all week. I can only tell you that I am leaving Columbus transformed. I have truly found in the people here a hope that we can be what we say we are. That we can be, and are working to be, Christ in this world - to me, that's good news.

Love and peace,
Cat

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Monday, June 19

Election

Yesterday the House of Bishops elected Katharine Jefferts Schori, the Bishop of Nevada, 26th Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church. Episcopal New Service offered a story about Jefferts Schori and her election that can be found here. The entire election process was based in and surrounded by prayer. The daily Eucharist was held at 9:00 am, with the current Presiding Bishop: Frank Griswold, celebrating and preaching. The Convention Hall of close to 5,000 people was then asked to wait a time before exiting so that the Bishops could exit first to board busses outside the Convention Center and travel to Trinity Church, Capitol Square, where they gathered to vote. Today's picture is of Bishop John Rabb on his way to the bus!

At about 3:15 p.m., two representatives of the House of Bishops came to the House of Deputies with a message about the election. The House of Deputies' Consecration of Bishops Committee (on which Alma Bell serves), was then asked to meet in a room adjacent to the hall to receive the report and formulate a resolution to put before the House of Deputies. The resolution this Committee put before the House was to concur with the election of the House of Bishops of Bishop Katharine Jefforts Schori as 26th Presiding Bishop. Among the voices of many deputies who rose to support the election, was Blanca Echeverry, wife of nominee Bishop Francisco Duque-Gomez of Columbia. Through an interpreter, Echeverry praised Jefferts Schori as someone who understands the Church in Latin America. Our own deputy: Eddie Blue, had the courage of his convictions and rose to oppose the election based on his belief that it would place more strain on The Episcopal Church's relationships with other churches in the Anglican Communion.

When the vote by orders came, the House of Deputies voted to confirm the election, and that message was given to the Bishop representatives to take back to Trinity Church, Capitol Square, where the Bishops were waiting. When Bishop Jefferts Schori arrived at the House of Deputies, escorted by Bishop Frank Griswold and others, she was met with a standing ovation and sustained, celebratory applause. After being formally introduced by Bishop Griswold, Jefferts Schori, speaking in both Spanish and English, said she was “honored and awed” by the election. She thanked and honored her fellow nominees for their considerable gifts to the Church. She praised Bishop Griswold for his leadership and service, saying she hoped he would continue to offer his gifts to the Church in the future because he still has much to offer that the Church needs. And she spoke of the challenge of leaving the good people of the Diocese of Nevada, whom she clearly loves and with whom she has journeyed these past five years. She then closed her remarks with a familiar doxology: “Glory to God, whose power, working in us, can do infinitely more than we can ask or imagine: Glory to him from generation to generation in the Church, and in Christ Jesus for ever and ever. Amen.” (Ephesians 3:20, 21)

God's Peace to you all,
Mary Glasspool+

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A Stone Skipping Across a Pond

Not by a long shot are all the people who are at the 75th General Convention here for convention business per se. Many are here to do the Church's work with others who are here, quite apart from the formal proceedings of the House of Bishops or the House of Delegates. We do not wear the black-trimmed badges that give us access to the front seats in the meeting halls. We do not offer amendments or vote resolutions. We meet at the round refreshment tables in the back of the Exhibit Hall, or at the stand-up counters at the North Market nearby, or at Mr. Joe's coffee bar on the CAP where the old railroad station used to stand. We are not fish in the pond (whether large or small) but stones skipping across it. When I arrived at the Port Columbus airport midday Thursday, the greeters and organizers and hospitality providers that Mary Glasspool+ so wonderfully described were long gone.

I came to General Convention with my “Deployment Officer's” hat on. I serve as Clerk (read “Secretary”) to the Deployment Ministries Conference - a collection of about 40 dioceses from Milwaukee east and North Carolina north. The Executive Committee of the DMC meets once or twice a year to plan the twice yearly conferences and to develop the continuing education and professional development portions of those conferences. This year, it turned out to be cheaper to fly two of the Exec Comm members to Columbus for two days than to arrange for all five of us to meet separately sometime in July.

So my stone skipped in Thursday afternoon. I registered as a Visitor for two days and spent the afternoon in the Exhibit Hall. First meeting: one-on-one with a priest who had been a candidate in one Maryland search and was asking about others. Then a small group meeting with two other Deployment Officers at the Church Deployment Officer booth, which led to a long conversation with the CDO Director, Rebecca McClain+. Dinner was a meeting with 18 Deployment Officers from the DMC. 15 other two and three and four way conversations, and so to bed - skip, skip.

Friday morning I woke early to walk - one of the joys that I take in traveling to new places. To my astonishment I saw a huge number of bishops and delegates and staff from our headquarters in New York already bustling before 7:00 a.m. looking for coffee and breakfast before 7:30 hearings. (Pond-skippers keep slightly more reasonable hours.) While the bishops and delegates were at work in sessions that morning, I was standing at the CDO booth, working with clergy who were updating their profiles, networking with other Deployment Officers who were passing through, and connecting with exhibitors who were offering everything from accounting software to Orthodox incense.

The DMC Executive Committee met for five hours on Friday afternoon, creating a minute by minute schedule of our four day conference in October, preparing back-up and emergency contingency plans in case of personnel changes, with names and contact information attached to each action item. We then looked ahead to schedule the next four conferences through the fall of 2008 in light of the commitments our members have to other programs in the Church. And then we prayed, each of us in turn, in thanksgiving for the privilege of being able to serve such a Church. Primary goal accomplished. Skip.

Walking to a restaurant for dinner in the middle of a General Convention is sort of like a series of intertwining processions. For a while we are walking with this retired bishop, and then we are pausing to greet this retiring seminary dean, and next we collide with a dozen youth delegates from several dioceses. Though my Deployment colleagues and I are trying to focus on our work over mahi mahi and tuna steaks, our attention constantly is grabbed by delegates with badges coming and going from nearby tables. Skip.

Interestingly, I have not seen either of our bishops (though we have exchanged emails) and have seen only a couple of our delegates during my 48 hours in Columbus. But then again, that wasn't the point. I see them all the time. My stone skipped over the pond to connect with folks I don't see every week or every day. I will get on the plane tomorrow morning with a half-inch file of new resumes, 20 business cards, only a couple of books, a souvenir mug and polo shirt - all connections I wouldn't have made except by coming here. And when I collapse into seat A18, people in the aisle will swear it sounded like “perplunk.”

Faithfully Yours from Columbus,

The Rev'd Canon Dr. Mark Gatza
Canon Missioner for Congregational Development & Clergy Deployment

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From: Marjie Mack (St. James', Lothian)

Well, today was a very exciting day, although some of us are quite concerned about how the rest of the Anglican Communion will feel about having a woman primate for our church. Many of us were quite shocked by the news that Katharine Jefferts Schorri had won the election since I for one, had thought she had almost no chance to win. She is thought to be very good at relationships and working in teams, and to have a high level of energy and spirituality. Hopefully, we will all give her a chance to see what she can do before we make up our minds. She came into the House of Deputies and spoke for a few minutes after the election, and she will preach at the Eucharist on Wednesday so we'll get a chance to hear more from her.

Monday will likely be a more difficult day as some of the resolutions on the Windsor Report will be coming out of committee to the floor. Speaking of the floor, Nana Serwa Ayibotele, from our companion Diocese of Accra, was honored today by everyone standing and clapping before she came onto the floor of the House of Deputies and sat with the deputation from the Diocese of Maryland. The President of the House of Deputies announced that she was the first Anglican woman to graduate from seminary in Accra, and several people asked her about that and spoke to her at the recess. Later in the day, one speaker from another state used Nana as an example of why we should make sure our records reflect when we change policies, such as for ordaining women, as someone from another country had asked her for help in coming up with the wording when they were considering ordaining women. Nana found the whole convention extremely interesting and wanted to stay for the announcement of the new presiding bishop, but her son had to leave to drive back to Baltimore.

The Eucharist Sunday had very lively music, and as always for all convention events, there were sign language interpreters for the whole service. I was moved by one man who was up on stage in his wheelchair serving God and deaf people by being a sign language interpreter. Each day there is a different musical group or choir leading the music and playing an anthem. The presiding bishop told how the band for Sunday had been stuck in Houston until the wee hours of the morning and arrived in Columbus without their luggage or musical instruments, but they somehow rented intstruments and bought some Sunday clothes at the local Wal-Mart so they could be ready to play for the Eucharist by 9:00 am!

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Sunday, June 18

Communion

Yesterday, Dr. Jennie Te Paa, Dean of Te Rau Kahikatea, Constituent of St. John's Theological College in Aukland, New Zealand, gave the most wonderful sermon on the Anglican Communion. She was the preacher at the daily Eucharist, which also featured the United Thank Offering (UTO) Ingathering. Although I have not yet been able to find the sermon posted on the web, I am hopeful that it will be. From the perspective of a native New Zealander (Maori), Dr. Te Paa gave voice to the gift that our world-wide Anglican Communion is.

In addition to the regular legislative business, the House of Deputies also honored the Rev. Dr. George Werner in a ”Special Order of Business“ for his service as the 31st President of the House, and at 8:00 pm, the entire Convention gave a Tribute to the Most Rev. Frank T. Griswold, 25th Presiding Bishop of The Episcopal Church. Today, after the Convention Eucharist at 9:00 a.m., the Bishops will travel to Trinity Church, Capitol Square (pictured), to elect the 26th Presiding Bishop. A message indicating the Presiding Bishop-elect will then be brought to the House of Deputies for confimration. May God's Holy Spirit guide us this day and always.

God's Peace to you all,
Mary Glasspool+

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From: Marjie Mack (St. James', Lothian)

Happy Father's Day to all the fathers back home! We have seen a few of them here at General Convention: Carl Rehling, Charlie Cloughen, Ed Munro, Mark Gatza, Harry Brunett; and also some women from home: Val Hymes, Nancy White, Robin Heiser, Suzanne Farhham. I'm sure there are more.

Saturday, Nana Serwa Ayibotele, from our companion Diocese of Accra, in Ghana, West Africa, spent the day with us. She says our convention is bigger than the convention of the Province of West Africa. Nana is the Rector of their next Cursillo weekend, Accra #3, in August. We are hoping she can sit next to our deputation today on the floor of the House of Deputies and be introduced to the convention. She is one of only six women to have graduated from seminary in the diocese, and the ordination of women is on the agenda for their diocesan synod next week. Saturday the floor seats were occupied by our bishops as we had a joint session to introduce the candidates for Presiding Bishop. Sunday after Eucharist the bishops will be sequestered at Trinity Church on Capitol Square to elect our new Presiding Bishop.

I stopped by the Education for Ministry (EfM) booth and met Johna Camp, the director. She is very interested in knowing what types of programs we have developed for continuing EfM groups after graduation. She is also interested in having personal statements of what EfM has meant to individual members' lives. Please email any contribution you have to me: mmack3108@comcast.net and I will get it to her after convention. She sends her greetings to all EfM mentors and students.

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Saturday, June 17

Patience

First of all, let me strongly commend to you the writings of others attending this Convention. Among the members of the Deputation, Marjie Mack and Stewart Lucas+ have both written excellent pieces that are now posted on our Diocesan website. We also have many visitors and guests from Maryland who are here to observe and communicate with the faithful back home their own observations and impressions. These are invaluable, and so much is going on here that no one person can capture it all. I am profoundly grateful for the efforts of all who are working so hard to share the experience of what is a giant mosaic of the People of God.

The picture today is one of Special Legislative Committee #26, hard at work on resolutions having to do with The Episcopal Church's response to the Windsor Report. Every single resolution that is submitted to General Convention is assigned to one of 26 committees according to subject matter. For example, resolutions that have to do with worship are sent to Committee #13: Prayer Book, Liturgy, and Music. The Committee is responsible for scheduling public hearings on the resolutions, so that people can address the Committee and speak about why they believe the resolution is important, or why they believe the resolution should not be passed. Then the Committee takes a vote on what they want to do with the resolution. This can be a number of different things, including “Adopt,” “Adopt with Amendment,” “Adopt a Substitute,” “Reject,” or “Refer to…” (Referrals are made to one of the many “CCABs” - Committees, Commissions, Agencies, and Boards.)

An individual resolution then travels to one of the two “Houses” of General Convention: either the House of Deputies or the House of Bishops, where it is discussed, possibly amended, and voted on. The journey of an individual resolution continues from the “House of Initial Action” to the other House until both Houses agree on what to do with it. Perhaps you can understand why this process requires a lot of patience!

Special Committee #26, the Committee to which I have been assigned as Dispatch Liaison, is working on 32 different resolutions. They have agreed upon a three-part response. First, to recommend a resolution that strongly affirms The Episcopal Church's commitment to “Interdependence in the Anglican Communion.“ That Resolution, “A159,” has been passed in the House of Deputies and is somewhere on the agenda for the House of Bishops. Second, to affirm this Church's commitment to both the “Windsor and Listening processes” and the “Anglican Convenant Development” process. These resolutions are working their way through the legislative journey. Third, the Committee is still holding hearings about all of the resolutions that have to do with the various specific ways in which this Church will live into our commitments. This last grouping of resolutions includes expressions of regret over the pain decisions made at the 2003 General Convention caused, how we're going to elect bishops, whether or not the Church will approve public rites for same-sex unions, and pastoral care issues.

The Committee itself, in all its deliberations, has modeled incredible patience and generosity of spirit in both hearings and meetings. To quote the words of a contemporary worship song: “Surely the Presence of the Lord is in this place!”

God's Peace to you all,
Mary Glasspool+

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From: Marjie Mack (St. James', Lothian)

During the visual prelude to the Eucharist on Friday, “St. Mark, the Winged Lion,” another piece of art by Debra Gabel of St. Mark's, Highland, was featured. I will be bringing back copies of the bulletins for each of our diocesan artists featured so they can see how their beautiful artwork was used to glorify God and make the Eucharists more meaningful for the 3,500 convention participants and volunteers who attend these daily services.

My own mother has had four of her paintings featured so far, but she has missed them because she was volunteering elsewhere in the building during Eucharist. Her only stipulation when she offered to volunteer was “don't make me work on a computer— you'll be sorry!” Since I grew up in Columbus, it has been very interesting to come back and see how they have beautified the city and are able to host such a large event! Yesterday, I looked up at the volunteer at the microphone nearest our deputation, and there was my fifth grade church school teacher! She remembered me, too, although she did call me by my mother's name at first. Saturday, Mom will join me for the huge main convention Eucharist where all the United Thank Offering donations are turned in at the altar as each Diocese's name is called. They expect 10,000 people from all over the area to attend this festival Eucharist, so it will be something special. There will be a massed choir, which will include the choir from my mom's church.

We heard from the Young Adult Service Corps today, and I was so impressed with their presentation, and the fact that these young adults are not only willing to give up a couple years of their lives to be missionaries, but that they consider it crucial both to save the world and for their own spiritual development. All we could say was, “Wow!”

During debate this week, we learned some new words: defalcation (misuse of funds or embezzlement); semaphoring (signalling with flags (those in the military did know this one); and autocephalous (independent of patriarchal or episcopal jurisdiction). While we are gathering for legislative sessions, there is a slide show of photos of individual churches or congregations from around the country. So far, I have seen Holy Comforter, Lutherville, and St. James', Lothian. I'm sure there are others who sent them in, and I'll keep looking.

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Friday, June 16

Listening

Today's picture is one of the dais that we face (from a greater distance than that of the picture!) every day. The Vice President (and also President-elect) of the House of Deputies: Bonnie Anderson of the Diocese of Michigan, is sitting in front of the flag of Italy. But I took the picture to show you the flags. The flags represent the different countries that make up The Episcopal Church. I'm in the process of identifying each flag. Maybe you can help me with this! All written materials concerning General Convention are printed in Spanish and French as well as English.

We do a lot of listening at General Convention. In the House of Deputies, when one person steps up to a microphone, over 800 other people are listening to that person. In the Hearing I attended Wednesday night, when one person was speaking for up to two minutes (maximum time) at the microphone, over 1,500 people were listening. No matter how much one talks, one has to listen more.

Yesterday we listened to a wonderful sermon given by our Presiding Bishop: Frank Griswold at the daily Eucharist. We listened to an incredibly articulate presentation made by the Youth Deputation to General Convention. We listened during almost five hours of legislative time. And, God willing, we are all trying to listen not only with our ears, but with our hearts and souls, as well.

Faithfully yours in Christ,
Mary Glasspool+

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From: Marjie Mack (St. James', Lothian)

This week has been a panoply of sights, sounds, tastes, and emotions. Some of our group tasted Buckeye candy or milkshakes for the first time. For those who didn't grow up in Columbus, both of those feature a delicious combination of peanut butter and chocolate. Some have tried blueberry barbeque sauce on ribs; others have raved about strawberry ice cream with huge chocolate chunks in it.

The youth are so impressive here. We were all inspired by Jessica, from our province, who gave the official youth presentation to all 800 deputies and was so articulate, so poised, so inspiring, and so faith-filled in reminding us that we can still learn from those who are young, just as they learn from us. The youth were still raving about the packed U2charist attended by 700 people, with music by U2, inspiring sermon by Michael Curry, and the sight of the youth holding up their lit cell phone screens as we used to hold up candles as lights in the world. The youth said their favorite U2 song was “One”:

Another group of young people who have been faith-filled and impressive is the group of boys from El Hogar de Esperanza in Honduras. They were here with their teacher Claudia as guests of the host Diocese of Southern Ohio, and about eight of them entertained us in the great exhibit hall with their marimba band and their smiles. Some Diocese of Maryland churches also sponsor El Hogar boys and provide supplies and love for their teachers too, including St. Margaret's, Annapolis, and St. James', Lothian. After two days of very loud music and everyone clapping along, the El Hogar band was moved outdoors.

Another Diocese of Maryland artist had her artwork featured in the visual prelude for yesterday's Eucharist. This time it was Debra Gabel from St. Mark's, Highland, with “Evolve #2.” Derby Hirst was also at Convention today to help Forward Movement put on a reception for convention goers, allowing many to meet new editor and director, the Rev. Dr. Richard Schmidt. Harry Brunett was here yesterday signing his book, “Seeking the Spirit.”

Last night, many of us attended the Presiding Bishop's forum, “Toward a Reconciled World.” The huge ballroom was packed, and the keynote speaker was Senator/Ambassador John Danforth, who is also an Episcopal priest. He received a standing ovation for his enlightening speech encouraging us to get on with putting reconciliation first. The Presiding Bishop had to leave before the program was completely over in order to be on Larry King Live, but the other speakers were also very inspiring.

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Thursday, June 15

Theme

The theme for General Convention 2006 is “Come and Grow.” It is based on Ephesians 4:15, which is “But speaking the truth in love, we must grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ.” So the banners hanging from the high ceiling in the Exhibit Hall have the faces of God's children, young and old, and the invitation to “Come and Grow” in different languages. (See the picture!)

It's difficult to describe the work of Convention in the early stages, because much of the work is “start-up” work. The House of Deputies did mangage to pass a significant resolution yesterday identifying the mission priorities of the Church for the 2007-2009 budget triennium. The resolution (which still needs to go to the House of Bishops for consent) reads, in part:

It is striking to me how similar these are to our own mission priorities in the Diocese of Maryland. Thanks be to God!

Faithfully yours in Christ,
Mary Glasspool+

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From: Stewart Lucas+ (Memorial Church, Baltimore)

I truly believe the Holy Spirit is at work in this place. You can feel it. We can feel the power of your prayers. Please continue them.

Thursday night, the Presiding Bishop hosted a forum entitled “Toward a Reconciled World.” Former Senator and U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations John Danforth was the featured speaker. He challenged the Episcopal Church in ways we have never heard before. He basically told us to get back to the work and mission of the church. He said that 99% of people in the church and in the world really didn't care who our bishops were! “I don't want to downplay the issues… but I want to raise the basic question of whether that issue is the centerpiece of the Episcopal Church,” he said. “I believe that we have a higher calling, a more central message… ours is a special calling to the ministry of reconciliation.”

Danforth said that the Episcopal Church has always represented the middle way, where all sorts of people can come together around the altar, and have all sorts of different views. “If God calls us to a ministry of reconciliation, how you conduct yourselves at this General Convention is very important because it would be very hard for our church to offer ourselves as the broken answer to the world. A broken church is a sad church. If we can't exchange the peace with one another it's hard to explain to people how we purport to be agents of peace. I plead with you to figure out a way to hold this together and put whatever you can into context of a higher calling.”

After Danforth's message, I believe we were energized to get back to work. Let's not be a sad church. Let's be willing to offer answers to the world, answers in the form of love and service to those who are the least of these, as St. Matthew, chapter 25 states. It is our higher calling, to bring together diverse views around the table and be strengthened by that diversity, not divided. That strength will surely lead to growth as we reconcile each other and the world to Christ.

-Stewart+

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From: Marjie Mack (St. James', Lothian)

For a picture of the size of General Convention, there are:

• 839 registered Deputies
• 306 registered Alternates
• 230 registered Bishops (including guests)
• 365 Episcopal Church Women Triennial participants
• 27 Youth Deputies, including 2 from our Province III

Our daily morning Eucharist is attended by 3500 Episcopalians, and features paintings by Episcopalians around the country during the visual prelude. Our own Francine Halvorsen, Cathedral of the Incarnation, had her paintings, “Skylight II, Day” featured on Tuesday and “Light Source” featured on Wednesday. Bless all those who submitted artwork to make our Eucharists more meaningful. There is also a musical prelude, featuring a different musical group, such as choirs or instrumental groups. Wednesday's Eucharist was mostly in Spanish, including the sermon, although there were translations on the tables.

Bonnie Anderson, from the Diocese of Michigan, was unanimously elected the new President of the House of Deputies. She will take office at the end of this Convention. We tried to elect Trustees for the Church Pension Group, but because we were so electronically challenged as to invalidate the vote, we will vote again tomorrow by paper ballot.

Many of us attended a hearing of the Special Committee on the Episcopal Church and the Anglican Communion Wednesday night to begin to discuss the resolutions put forward by the Special Commission to respond to the Windsor Report. It was fascinating to hear the range of opinions and reasons why people either supported all, some, or none of the resolutions.

Deputies of Color held their first meeting to continue compiling and refining the issues most pertinent to their caucus at General Convention.

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Wednesday, June 14

Commencement

Although committee meetings and hearings on some resolutions have been occurring for several days, yesterday (Tuesday) was the first official “Legislative Day #1.” Following the morning Eucharist, some 800+ deputies gathered in Hall D to begin the legislative work of Convention. The Very Rev. George Werner, President of the House of Deputies, brought down the gavel and we were officially in session. The first hour or so of business is formal, ceremonial, almost liturgical in nature. A quorum is declared. Officers are elected. Two deputies are appointed by the President to travel over to the House of Bishops and declare that the House of Deputies is fully functional (or words to that effect!) and open for business. The House of Bishops sends two of its members over to the House of Deputies to declare a similar state. We receive voting instructions, and so on. It is a time of settling in and trying to familiarize ourselves with the protocol of a highly organized, technologically sophisticated, yet steeped in tradition gathering.

When the House of Deputies is “in recess” (and the overall schedule is coordinated so that the House of Bishops is usually in recess at the same times), the “Cognate” Committees (Legislative Committees comprised of members of both Houses - i.e. Deputies and Bishops - with the same mandate) can meet and/or hold hearings on proposed resolutions assigned to their particular committee. I am a member of the Dispatch of Business Committee which is a very process-oriented committee responsible for ushering legislation through the complicated legislative process. Each member of the Dispatch of Business Committee is assigned one of the other 25 committees as “Dispatch Liaison” - meaning that the particular resolutions one monitors are those of the committee one has been assigned to. I have been assigned to Special Committee 26 - the Committee on Church and Communion. The Committee's charge includes not only responding to the Windsor Report, but also considering resolutions that deal with “reconciliation and communion in the service of mission occasioned by differing views regarding expressions of human sexuality within the Episcopal Church and other provinces of the Anglican Communion” (from the Committee's charge.)

Most likely the first resolution that will come out of this Committee and go to the House of Deputies is Resolution A-159: Commitment to Interdependence in the Anglican Communion. And I can say with confidence, even at this early stage in the process, that there is an overwhelming and comprehensive commitment to our Church's interdependence in the Anglican Communion. At an Open Hearing yesterday on this resolution, conservatives and liberals alike voiced this commitment, with very few objections. Words like “forbearance,” “trust,” and “respect” were used with a great deal of frequency and authenticity. And the depth and richness of the conversations among Committee members has been truly Spirit-filled. I will certainly write more about this in the days to come.

Faithfully yours in Christ,
Mary Glasspool+

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From: Marjie Mack (St. James', Lothian)

Yesterday, the first full day of Convention, included a morning Eucharist to start the day. The big screens beside the platform where the celebrant sat were filled with beautiful images of artwork submitted by talented Episcopalians from all over, including one by my mother that was on the screen during communion. Since most resolutions are still being handled in committees, the legislative work was relatively short. We did have a lesson in how to use our remote voting devices, much like tv remote controls, which are issued to each deputy to use when simple voice votes are not practical. We also learned how to be able to speak at a microphone by keying in our deputy number. Tonight there was a festival called U2charist which included the U2 band and dancing. After viewing it for a bit, some of us decided it really appealed more to the young deputies! But that is part of the inclusiveness here– materials are in English and Spanish, and sometimes in French. Prayers may be read in other languages, and a real effort is made to be inclusive.

Our daily Bible study and Eucharist tables include those here from all dioceses, as well as the Women's Triennial / United Thank Offering –bishops, priests, deacons and lay– all at the same tables. The bishop assigned to my table for the duration of the convention is Ted Gulick, one of the nominees for Presiding Bishop. The deputation next to us is from Florida, and the one behind us is from Idaho. Our bright red Maryland crab sits atop the post marking the Maryland deputation; Florida has an orange on theirs; Maine, a lobster; Texas, a big cowboy hat. Many opportunities to make new friends in the body of Christ.

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Tuesday, June 13

Orientation

Although the Legislative Committees held meetings yesterday, and the Program, Budget, and Finance Committee held it's first Hearing on budget priorities, yesterday was primarily a day of orientation for everyone. The Presiding Bishop: the Most Rev. Frank T. Griswold, and the President of the House of Deputies: the Very Rev. George Werner, addressed a joint meeting of the House of Bishops and the House of Deputies. Each of our leaders spoke prayerfully and encouragingly of the purpose for which we are gathered: that of furthering the mission and ministry of Jesus Christ through the work of the Episcopal Church.

The Bishops then left the cavernous worship space in which we were meeting to continue their discussions as a House. And the Deputies managed to follow directions so that the 800 of us (or more) were assembled 8 - 10 people at each of the round tables with no two people from any one diocese sitting together! We then had an hour-and-a-half of very personal, “from the heart” dialogue responding to the following series of questions:

1. Think back over your life. What is it about the Christian Faith that you are most passionate about? Tell me how God's love in Jesus is important to you.
2. What do you really value about the Episcopal Church? What is the most important thing that the Episcopal Church has contributed to your life?
3. Imagine that this Convention has been an incredible success. In the years to come, imagine telling a friend or family member what you accomplished. What would you tell them was the most important thing you did or decision you were part of?

My group had people from a wide range of dioceses including Liberia and the Virgin Islands. The truly moving thing was the depth of sharing and personal risk-taking that occurred during the course of our time together. It is clear that the Holy Spirit is already moving among us to build up the Body of Christ.

Today, we will assemble together for the first of our daily Eucharists and Scripture Reflection. Then we will start the hard work of shaping our witness through the many resolutions being worked on in committees.

God's Peace to you all,
Mary Glasspool+

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From: Marjie Mack (St. James', Lothian)

We really started General Convention yesterday with addresses by the Presiding Bishop and President of the House of Deputies to a joint session, as well as committees meeting to tee up legislation so we would have resolutions to review today— the first official day. Our hotel is a ten minute walk to the door of the Columbus Convention Center and then it is another five minute walk to where we need to go once inside. The center is huge, but there are signs everywhere as well as 1500 volunteers from the host Diocese of Southern Ohio in their bright red aprons eager to help. The weather is gorgeous and in the 70s so we don't mind walking. The streets are very clean and safe, with all kinds of restaurants and shops all over the Convention Center area, called the Arena District because of the big sports arena across the street. We are in the Columbus Renaissance Hotel, so new that the restaurant, lobby and business center won't be finished until next month, but the rooms are very nice. Every room has high-speed Internet connectivity just by plugging in a laptop. The hotel is one-half block from Capitol Square, where the Ohio StateHouse is lit up at night and the “Eyes Wide Open” anti-war exhibit is on the Capitol lawn. Trinity Episcopal Church is a large presence right on Capitol Square, and last night there was a celebration of the lives of women during Evening Prayer at Trinity. The Bishops Choir (made up of Episcopal bishops and spouses) sang so beautifully, and the Woman's Wall Timeline was blessed. We heard about women in the history of the Episcopal Church in this country and gave thanks for the lives and witness of these women on the 30th anniversary of the ordination of women. Although there is a huge and vibrant youth presence at the convention, we were surprised to see how many young women were present at this service. There is a lot of prayer here in a lot of different venues, but we are especially happy to hear how many are praying for us and the convention back home too. It means a lot to all of us.

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Monday, June 12

Hospitality

From the Arrivals Terminal at the Columbus Airport, to the lobby of the hotel in which you are staying, and of course, throughout the Convention Center, you are welcomed warmly, genuinely, and graciously by volunteers from the Diocese of Southern Ohio. When I arrived in Columbus on Saturday, three volunteers held signs at the baggage claim area with the official seal of the 75th General Convention of the Episcopal Church on them. When I thanked them for the greeting, one of them gave me a keyring from the Diocese of Southern Ohio Youth (check it out at www.dsoyouth.org) ! In the hotel lobby of the Renaissance - where the entire Maryland Deputation is staying - a volunteer staffed an entire table full of brochures, directions, and the schedule for General Convention. When I attended Trinity Church, Capitol Square for the 8:00 a.m. Service yesterday - Trinity Sunday - there were extra ushers, special music, and the Rector: Dick Burnett, was a fellow graduate of my Alma Mater: Dickinson College. And when the Exhibit Hall opened yesterday at 1:00 p.m., the young people of St. Simon of Cyrene Church in the Diocese of Southern Ohio performed a beautiful “ribbon-cutting” liturgical dance.

The good people of Southern Ohio have gone out of their way to welcome everyone - and it shows! At the ribbon-cutting dance I talked with Jane Dupke Curry who is the 2006 Local Volunteer Representative and Executive Secretary of Bishop Ken Price - our host Bishop. Jane talked about the 1,500 new friends she has (speaking of the volunteers) and was profuse in her thanks for the 63 supervisors who will train the 1,500 volunteers. Jane's article in the current issue of Interchange (the newspaper of the Diocese of Southern Ohio) is entitled Volunteers: Thanks for saying “Here I am, Lord.” And Jane said to me: “Tell people we still need help!” So if any of you, friends and fellow Marylanders, are coming out to Columbus for any part of Convention, and you'd like to volunteer for the simple but necessary jobs that make General Convention function, you can contact Jane at (614) 461-8429.

Today, the Legislative Committees begin their work at 8:00 am. As a member of Committee #1 - the Dispatch of Business Committee - I have been assigned as Dispatch Liaison to Special Committee #26 - the Committee dealing with the Episcopal Church's responses to the Windsor Report. We have a lot of work to do - and I hope you all will continue to pray not only for us here in Columbus, but also for the entire Church, that we may all bear faithful witness to Christ's love and justice.

Faithfully yours in Christ,
Mary Glasspool+

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From: Stewart Lucas+ (Memorial Church, Baltimore)

Well our Maryland Deputation has arrived safely, and we are all registered and settled in to our hotel. The family reunion aspect of General Convention began immediately with hugs from old friends reunited in the hotel lobby and at dinner last night. (I was reunited with my first rector and his wife who were instrumental in my call to ministry. I also saw my seventh-grade Sunday school teacher! There were two of us in his class who are now ordained. He said he never would have chosen us! Thanks a lot!) This morning we were up early to get our certification and name tags. Several of us already had committee meetings and legislative hearings on specific resolutions. The Exhibition Hall opened yesterday with displays from seminaries, artists, and various ministries, literally from around the world. We've all done some shopping already!

This afternoon we heard from the Presiding Bishop who received a standing ovation when he was introduced. He spoke of the reconciliation that Christ brings to our church and stated that “we are called to be one in mission for the sake of the world.” House of Deputies President George Werner thanked the Convention for the experience of being able to travel throughout the Episcopal Church hearing the stories of suffering, joy, and healing through Christ.

The most powerful part of the day though was an hour of focused dialog in the House of Deputies. Around tables of 10-12 people, we shared our stories of what we valued most in the Episcopal Church. What passion most inspires us for ministry in the church? In 30 years, what success would you like to be able to look back and tell your grandchildren about from this 75th General Convention?

The stories brought tears to grown men's eyes. There were stories of pain and loss. There were stories of resurrection and new life. We are united in our love for our liturgy and dedication to diversity of all kinds. Many are committed to caring for the least of these. We obviously have differing opinions on issues surrounding sexuality, yet at my table, those issues did not divide us. We saw through that disagreement and moved to how we would like to leave convention. Regardless of our differences, no one wanted to leave Columbus with winners or losers. We want to stick together, just like we have done for hundreds of years through challenges in the past. This gave us all hope, and more tears flowed. There is a mood of hope and excitement here in my opinion. We want to grow in Christ and be reunited in our mission to grow the church and spread the gospel.

Tomorrow begins with worship and the first legislative sessions. We'll write again tomorrow night.

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