It's Tuesday. We've all been here a week, or more, by now. We know our favorite places to eat. We've probably done some laundry. We almost have a routine that allows us to feel some normalcy in our day. Almost! Truth is, we're all tired ... and faithful ... and filled with emotions that, at least I, had not expected. As we listen to the impassioned debates on the floor, on any topic, it's hard to not appreciate the deep conviction of our fellow deputies, regardless of whether we agree with them or not. It's difficult to vote, even when we are strong in our convictions, knowing that our vote may not encourage some of our fellow Christians. But we do. We read the resolutions. We listen to the valid points. We set ourselves in the context of our faith communities. We vote. We pray. We neither celebrate nor mourn the outcome. We accept it and move on.
I can't quote my source directly (I believe it was President of the House of Deputies Gay Clark Jennings) when I reflect on the following sentiment. The Episcopal Church is unique from other denominations in that we all have a place at the table, not only the communion table but the governing table. Our polity allows, encourages, us to bring forth questions, resolutions, change. To discuss those questions. To agree. To disagree. And to do all of that in the love of Jesus Christ. It's not easy. Jesus warned us that following him would not be easy. He was right.
So we gather. We debate. We sometimes agree. We sometimes disagree. At the end of each vote, session, day, convention - we do our best to continue loving each other as Christ commanded. Blessings! (Alternate Deputy Michelle)
(Below - Monday was purple 'scarf' day to bring awareness of electing more women to the House of Bishops. Alternate Michelle, supporting the cause. Deputy Grantz, speaking on D019. Deputy Haynes, both supporting the cause and speaking on D019.)
Things to watch for:
- TEConversations (Joint Session) on Care of Creation (watch via livestream under House of Deputies 10:30am CDT (Media Release)
- Legislative Sessions (watch via livestream under House of Deputies or House of Bishops) 2:15-5pm CDT (The HoB will discuss and vote on A068 Prayer Book revisions today and soon discuss B012-Marriage Rites {Article}.)
- Worship (watch via livestream under Worship) 5:15pm CDT
From Monday:
- (Sunday) PB Curry preaches at Hutto Detention Center
- D016 Passes the House of Deputies
- Covenant is Next Step in Response to Abuse and Exploitation
- Deputies back plan to end financial complicity in Israel’s occupation of Palestinian lands
- General Convention moves one step closer toward sacramental marriage equality
- Committee forwards three forceful immigration resolutions for votes by bishops, deputies
Tuesday's reflection from (Deputation Co-Chair) - Dean Brian Grantz
Good Morning, Team EDNIN!
Though we are bound up *in the flesh;* though we struggle to do what is right, and just, and good; though we are walking bundles of contradictions; nothing in all creation can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus.
Though we often fail to honor the dignity of others; though we sometimes embrace sin; though we are prone to act towards our own interests and ends; nothing in all creation can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus.
Though we grow weary of the world; though we cannot sustain every call to mindfulness commended to us; though we postpone our prayers when life presses in; nothing in all creation can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus.
Though our comprehension is only ever partial; though our speech only ever expresses the incomplete; though we are sometimes just wrong; nothing in all creation can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus.
Nothing. No thing.
Breathe in this sigh too deep for words. Rest easy this day in God's eternal embrace.
Blessings,
Brian