General Convention

#GC79 - Reflections by Ted Kimball

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Written by Ted Kimball, Member of Grace Episcopal, Fort Wayne
July 13, 2018

Hey! How many committees are there at the General Convention?

Well, officially there are 26 committees. However, in reality there are 30. You see, there are four committees that have two owners, one is the HoD (House of Deputies) and the other is the HoB (House of Bishops). Since the committees are the same function, they both have the same number.  These four committees are: 01 – Rules of Order; 22 – Dispatch of Business; 23 – Certification of Minutes; 24 – Privilege and Courtesy. The full list is shown below.

01 - Rules of Order/HOB  
01 - Rules of Order/HOD
02 - Constitution and Canons
03 - Safeguarding and Title IV
04 - Governance and Structure
05 - World Mission
06 - The Episcopal Church in Cuba
07 - Social Justice and International Policy
08 - Social Justice and United States Policy
09 - Racial Justice and Reconciliation
10 - Congregational and Diocesan Vitality
11 - Evangelism and Church Planting
12 - Prayer Book, Liturgy and Music
13 - Committee to Receive the Report of Resolution A169
14 - Christian Formation and Discipleship
15 - Ministry
16 - Churchwide Leadership
17 - Church Pension Fund
18 - Stewardship & Socially Responsible Investing
19 - Ecumenical and Interreligious Relations
20 - Environmental Stewardship and Care of Creation
21 – Joint Standing Committee on Program, Budget and Finance
22 - Dispatch of Business/HOB
22 - Dispatch of Business/HOD
23 - Certification of Minutes/HOB
23 - Certification of Minutes/HOD
24 - Privilege and Courtesy/HOB
24 - Privilege and Courtesy/HOD
25 - Credentials
26 - House of Deputies Resolution Review Committee

I am a member of the Joint Standing Committee on Program, Budget and Finance (PB&F). The PB&F committee consists of 27 members. There is one Bishop and two Deputies (either clerical or lay) from each of the nine Provinces.  The Chair, Vice-Chair work very closely with the Executive Council, Chief Financial Officer (CFO), and the Finance for Ministry (FFM) lead.  The Executive Council has the duty to carry out programs and policies adopted by General Convention and to oversee the ministry and mission of the Episcopal Church.

In October of the year prior to the General Convention, the PB&F committee meets with CFO, FFM, and key personnel from the TEC offices to review the draft budget for the next triennium. This meeting allows the PB&F to review the draft budget and understand its content (operating costs, program costs, etc.).  Then the following February a second meeting takes place. At this meeting, the PB&F take ownership of the draft budget. This is the starting point for the General Convention.

The PB&F meetings start two days before the legislative meetings begin (day 1 of the GC).  Money values requested in resolutions are evaluated and placed in the appropriate sections of the budget.  The is then reviewed to determine total expenses vs. total income.  At this GC, we had a deficit of approximately $15M.

The PB&F team, working in three subcommittees, analyzed the data and formulated ways to balance the overall budget.  This effort required a lot of time and effort.  The team worked very well together, always keeping the mission of the church in mind. Part of the process included hearings where deputies, bishops, and other people could tell of their specific needs for funding of projects. I was impressed with how well our hearing sessions were received. Our leaders explained we were there to “listen to your inputs and not engage in conversation”.  If conversation was necessary, the team was available after the hearings.

The budget was submitted on the 6th legislative day for translation and placement in the legislature calendar.  It was presented in a Joint Session on the 7th legislative day. It was approved without amendments in the House of Deputies on the 8th legislative day.

It takes a lot of work to get from the draft to the final balanced budget. Everyone doesn’t get everything they wanted. We kept the Jesus Movement and the mission needs in the forefront of our efforts.  I found myself rewarded by being able to work with the very talented people on the PB&S team.  Our Vice-Chair (Rt. Rev Stephen Lane) summed it up very nicely by stating: “My profound thanks for your work with the budget. We worked well together, and I think the proof of our work is the positive manner in which it was received by the church.”

#GC79 - Reflections by Bishop Ed Little

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Written by Bishop Ed Little, retired Bishop of Northern Indiana
July 12, 2018

            St. Paul calls the church “the household of God” (Ephesians 2:19).  I experience that biblical truth in a profound way at General Convention.  It is an enormous gathering:  nearly 900 deputies, about 120 bishops, and thousands of visitors, exhibitors, ecumenical and Anglican Communion guests, and media personnel.  Convention can be an overwhelming experience.  And yet . . . one of the great joys of General Convention is the opportunity to re-connect with friends and colleagues from around the country and around the world.  Over the course of nearly two weeks in Austin, I’ve been blessed to see so many beloved brothers and sisters who’ve touched me over the years – former parishioners, colleagues with whom I’ve served in many capacities, Facebook friends “materializing” for the first time.  Although this is my tenth General Convention, I never fail to be filled with gratitude for the people who have enriched my life, encouraged my walk with Jesus, and shown me what it means to be a disciple.  Presiding Bishop Michael Curry has been a special gift throughout Convention, as he has challenged us to turn our hearts to Jesus and follow wherever Jesus leads.

            General Convention, of course, is not simply a huge family gathering.  It is a legislative body, making decisions for the future of the church.  But by definition, resolutions produce “winners” and “losers,” people who agree with what’s been decided (or rejected) and people who don’t.  There was a difference at this Convention.  Two particularly controversial topics dominated the conversation in the run-up to Convention – Prayer Book revision and same-sex marriage.  On both topics, however, what emerged was (for lack of a better phrase) a godly compromise.  Leaders across the spectrum carefully listened to one another, sought common ground, and looked for ways of crafting responses that make all of us “stretch” and that allow room for everyone.  I am enormously encouraged.   St. Paul tells his friends in Corinth, “The eye cannot say to the hand, ‘I have no need of you,’ nor the head to the feet, ‘I have no need of you’” (1 Corinthians 12:21).  In other words, we need each other.  We are incomplete without each other.  And so, often in painful ways, we are called to reach out to one another across the differences that can so easily separate us into spiritual silos.  The 79th General Convention broke down barriers and built bridges.  Praise God from whom all blessings flow!

#GC79 - The Last Official Day of Convention (7/13)

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It's the last day of convention!  We are all giddy to have our work complete, at least this phase of work.  We are all thrilled to return to our homes, to return to you ... our Northern Indiana families.  We thank you for your prayers and support.  We look forward to sharing our stories with you. 

AND, we look forward to not having this schedule rule our day!

2018-07-13 Schedule.jpg

For a bit of fun, check out our pigeon video.  Deputies Matthew, Brian, and Susan (with one other volunteer) were honored to entertain the House of Deputies for a few moments today.  Enjoy.

Friday's reflection from (Deputation Co-Chair) - Dean Brian Grantz

Good Morning, Team EDNIN!

On this last day of the 79th General Convention of the Episcopal Church, the clergy chair of our deputation has this to say: Perhaps when scheduling future General Conventions, organizers should take the Office readings appointed for the proposed dates into account. Ending on Friday the 13th with Jesus speaking of the desecrating sacrilege is a bit troubling.

In all we do, in every action and intention of our work in Convention and everywhere else in our lives, it is not necessary that we ascend into heaven to conjure Christ back among us by some perfectly worded resolution or lofty speech. Neither is it required of us to descend into the abyss to un-"earth" Jesus, repenting of our complicity in making God's incarnation necessary. No. The Word is much closer than that; on our lips and in our hearts. I read once that the sacred name of God in Hebrew (YHWH) is onomatopoeia - a word derived from the sound it makes. The sacred name of God is the sound of our breathing - breathing in, then breathing out. Genesis speaks of the ruah Elohim, the breath of God, that animated humanity when God formed us from the dust of the earth. God is as close to us and as vital to our being in every second as the air we breath.

What is required of us is faith. Faith in something as simple as our next breath, and faith in something as profound as the assurance that when we at last draw our last breath, God is, and all shall be well. Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved. Everyone. Todas.

Thank you for your good work these two weeks. Thank you for investing yourselves in this process, in our Church, and in one another. Thank you for the witness of the faith that lives in you in so many ways.

I sign off with the words of Bishop Jennifer Baskerville-Burrows from our closing Eucharist: "Now Jesus Movement, move..."

#GC79 - Reflections by Matthew Cowden

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Written by the Rev. Matthew Cowden, Rector of Saint Michael and All Angels
July 11, 2018 - Feast of St. Benedict

BCP, Budget, Benedict and Cuba

The Holy Spirit is in this. Today we authorized the beginning of a slow, intentional and locally focused process to begin adapting and experimenting with liturgies that form our common prayer. Yes, we have begun the process of revision of The Book of Common Prayer. Again I say, it will be a very slow and deeply intentional process, likely lasting ten to fifteen years. By that time it may or may not even be a book, per se, but an authorized resource. Or the BCP might be one that contains the core of our common life together. In any case, the resolution we passed in both houses creates a task force of 30 for overseeing a slow and careful process for preserving the best that has formed us, the historic rites of the Church AND for expanding to include an authentic, prayerful, outward and visible liturgy of the inward and spiritual realities revealed to us in our common life in Christ.

We also viewed a presentation on the budget of the whole church, which includes all our missions, governance, operational costs, salaries, ministries for evangelism, reconciliation and the renewed ministry of creation care. Although the budget is presented for a three year cycle (because that’s how often this legislative body meets), the annual cost for running the entire operations of the Episcopal Church is close to $45 million dollars a year. Just under half this amount is spent in supporting the mission within the Episcopal Church, and beyond, as well as the programs that lead us in the work of justice and reconciliation.

Day 7, Wednesday, was July 11, the Feast of St Benedict. The evening worship was punctuated by deep monastic silence and contemplation. The opening “hymn” was a music staff with no notes on it, just a long rest sign. And so we did.

We also rejoiced as we completed the process of voting to accept the Diocese of Cuba back into the Episcopal Church. We separated in 1966 when maintaining an official relationship with this Church put Cubans in danger of imprisonment or death. The House of Deputies voted a strong “Si!” of unanimous support. It was quite moving as they literally took their seats among us and were given seat and voice to join our deliberations.

photo credit:  Cynthia Black as shared in the House of Deputies News article ¡Cuba Sí!

photo credit:  Cynthia Black as shared in the House of Deputies News article ¡Cuba Sí!

And what deliberations they have been. I confess, I’ve had my doubts about the legislative process that the Episcopal Church uses to make decisions on theology, worship and our common life together. It might seem odd that Robert’s Rules of Order is what we use to discern how the Holy Spirit is speaking through us. But it does work.  Perhaps it is part of our Anglican DNA that allows us to use our legislative process with some Godly intention. The word “parliament” has, as its root, the word parlay, to speak/dialogue/listen. Doing parlay in parliament is how we speak and listen to one another. This is certainly how we arrived at today’s decision to say 'yes' to BCP revision and to welcome Cuba back into our portion of the body of Christ. This actually works, and the Holy Spirit is in it.

One final word, we are starting to get weary as individuals and as a deputation. The days have been long for all of us and the need for our attention to many details of legislation or process has been intense. We eat plenty of chocolate covered espresso beans to help us stay alert (thanks to a nearby Trader Joe’s).  The restaurants are good in downtown Austin near the convention center but I think we’d be glad to have time to actually linger to enjoy a meal instead of having to rush to get back to a meeting or be too tired to linger at the end of the day. Just a couple more long days and we’ll be home. Thank you for your love and support. Keep those “likes” and “tweets” coming for your deputation from Northern Indiana.  We covet your prayers.

#GC79 - The Eighth Official Day of Convention (7/12)

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There are lots of resolutions in the queue for the next two days.  Eight hours of legislative debate and voting with nine hours planned for tomorrow.  We must stay focused to get through it all.  The budget is proposed.  The work is before us.  Lord be with us in this time! (Alternate Deputy Michelle)

Things to watch for:

  • Legislative Sessions (watch via livestream under House of Deputies or House of Bishops) 9:00am-1pm & 2:15-6pm CDT  
  • Closing Eucharist (watch via livestream under Worship) 7:30pm CDT

From Wednesday:

Thursday's reflection from (Deputation Co-Chair) - Dean Brian Grantz

Good Morning, Team EDNIN!

One of my favorite scenes from this General Convention was the interplay between Bishop Curry and the Spanish language interpreter during his sermon at the Revival. And one of my favorite moments from that scene happened when, over the cheers of the crowd expressing our enthusiastic concurrence to the Bishop's point of the expansive nature of the Household of God, Bishop Curry kept saying "All!", which was followed each time by "Todas!" 

"All!" "Todas!" "All!" "Todas!" "All!" "Todas!" Quieter each time, but repeated no fewer than five times. 

The Household of God is expansive. Paul quotes Hosea today, saying, "Those who were not my people I will call 'my people,' and her who was not beloved I will call 'beloved.'" "And in the very place where it was said to them, 'You are not my people,' there they shall be called children of the living God."

The other readings appointed for today make for an interesting cautionary juxtaposition. The promised land within sight but just beyond the reach of Moses; a land that, we know, will be given and taken away in the ebb and flow of the faithfulness of Israel. Jesus warning of the destruction of the Temple - actually and metaphorically - in the ebb and flow of the faith of the people.

"Forgive them, Lord, for they have not a clue what they are doing."

At General Convention we are asked to think our best thoughts, to risk sharing our points of view and passions and positions, to put our whole selves into a process that we hope - we pray - honors God and advances the work of Christ in the world. And we may or may not get it right. But God knows that, and while our striving to do right is important, it is ultimately not our striving that will save us, but Love. Grace. Mercy. Forgiveness.

When we learn to trust that, when these things of God come to characterize our walk in this world, then we shall be called children of the living God.

Keep striving, dear friends, and keep the faith today.

#GC79 - Reflections by Deputy Susan Haynes

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Written by Deputy Susan Haynes, Rector of St. Paul's Episcopal Church, Mishawaka
July 10, 2018

Deputation Denim Day (Back Row - Bishop Ed, Ted, Brian, Bishop Doug, Matthew, Susan, Tim: Front Row - Christopher, Pam, Terri, Michelle)

Deputation Denim Day (Back Row - Bishop Ed, Ted, Brian, Bishop Doug, Matthew, Susan, Tim: Front Row - Christopher, Pam, Terri, Michelle)

When Michael Curry was elected Presiding Bishop of The Episcopal Church in 2015, he identified three pillars as foundational for his episcopate: Racial Reconciliation, Evangelism, and Care of Creation. On Tuesday, Legislative Day 6, a joint session with the House of Deputies and the House of Bishops was held, focusing on the Care of Creation. Native Alaskan Bernadette Demientieff, of the Gwich'in tribe gave her testimony about her people's connection to the land and their dependence on the Porcupine Caribou, now threatened by oil drilling. She expressed concern about humanity's lack of care for creation: “We need to give to our children the Earth as it was when it was created, not as it will be when we're done with it.” As children of God, we were created to live in a Garden and to tend to it. God made us stewards of His creation and sadly, instead of caring for it, we have plundered it and wasted its valuable resources.

Deputy Susan Haynes, speaking to the House of Deputies

Deputy Susan Haynes, speaking to the House of Deputies

Many resolutions at this General Convention call us to be mindful of the Earth and how our behavior as human beings impacts it. These resolutions also offer solutions to climate change – some for which we need to advocate at the political level, but some which can be implemented at the parish level and even in our personal lives: carbon sequestering, locally sourced foods, habitat restoration, green burials, regenerative agriculture. You'll be hearing more about these things as we return from General Convention. In the meantime, it's Summer! Go outside: Walk in the woods, walk on grass, dig in the dirt! God formed you from the dirt, and it's time for you to reconnect!

#GC79 - The Seventh Official Day of Convention (7/11)

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Three more sleeps.  Just three more sleeps.  When my daughters were younger and my husband or I had to be away for a couple days we would count those days in bedtimes, or sleeps.  In three sleeps we will all be on our way back home.  In three sleeps, the business of General Convention will be over.  In three sleeps, the votes/decisions will be made.

That means a whole BUNCH of votes/decisions must be made in these coming three days of business.  Debate will grow shorter.  Voting will speed up.  And most critically, we'll see where the Program, Budget, and Finance (PB&F) Committee will fortify our decisions with the budget to back them.  (PB&F presents today at 2:15pm CDT.)  Watch for lots of post, emails, tweets and more as we see where the money supports the decisions of #GC79.  Blessings.  (Alternate Deputy Michelle)

(Below, Flat Jesus helped switch Deputy Susan out and Alternate Michelle in.  Alternate/Deputy Michelle's card was recognized and she cast her first vote.)

Things to watch for:

  • Legislative Sessions (watch via livestream under House of Deputies or House of Bishops) 10:30am-1pm & 3:45-5pm CDT  
  • Joint Session presentation from Program, Budget & Finance (PB&F) (watch via livestream under House of Deputies)  2:15-3:15pm CDT
  • Worship  (watch via livestream under Worship) 5:15pm CDT
  • Possible 3rd Legislative Session 7:30-9:30pm

From Tuesday:

Wednesday's reflection from (Deputation Co-Chair) - Dean Brian Grantz

Good Afternoon, Team EDNIN! 

My time out of the fray this morning was serendipitous and restorative. We are at the point when General Convention starts to feel VERY long. This morning's Psalm was especially helpful to me: 

"I live as an alien in the land; do not hide your commandments from me."

We who inhabit General Convention are loving, caring, kind, faithful, hopeful, Christ-following people who dwell briefly in this land that is so, so foreign to us. There is much to celebrate and be thankful for here, but so much that requires us to be with one another in unfamiliar ways of argument, caucus, and strategy. 

God is in this. God's commandments still guide and uphold us. While I am tempted to encourage us ironically by quoting Cranmer, "Be of good cheer, Master Ridley...," I will opt rather for a sincere word of thanks for your sustained and excellent hard work and dedication and remind us all - especially myself today - that God has this.

Blessings!

#GC79 - Reflections by Deputy Tim Skimina

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Written by Deputy Tim Skimina, St. Timothy's Episcopal Church, Griffith
July 9, 2018

The Way of Love…

The Episcopal Church sponsored a peaceful immigration policy protest at the T. Don Hutto detention center in Taylor, Texas where women seeking asylum are being detained, separated from their children. 

Presiding Bishop Michael Curry stated, “The teachings of Jesus to love God and to love our neighbor is at the heart of the core and the heart of what it means to be a follower of Jesus Christ.”

 “We come in love, that is the core of our faith, that is the heart of it, and we come because we are Christian, and the way of love calls for us to be humanitarian. It calls for us to care for those who have no one to care for them.”

“We really are not simply the Episcopal church, though we are that. We really are the Episcopal branch of the Jesus movement, a movement that began long ago, a movement whose roots are deep in the soil of Judaism, a movement deep in the heart of God. The more we are who we are the more will become possible beyond what we could ask or imagine.”

I’m a member of the World Mission legislative committee where we are drafting resolutions to reach out to, support, and build relationships with our fellow Christians throughout the world. Specifically, we are sponsoring resolutions to support Christians in Sudan, South Sudan and Venezuela. Please take the time to become informed about the hardships faced daily by your fellow Christians and especially to pray for peaceful resolutions of the current conditions. Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God.” Mark 10:27

Tim…

#GC79 - The Sixth Official Day of Convention (7/10)

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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:

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

#GC79 - Reflections by Deputy Brian Grantz

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Written by Deputation Co-Chair Brian Grantz, Dean & Rector of the Cathedral of St. James
July 8, 2018

Grantz, Brian.jpg

Trepidating really should be a word.* Maybe a southern word. It would be used thus: “Y’all seem to be doing a lot of trepidating about the General Convention.” Fretting would be listed as a synonym on Thesaurus.com, but trepidating, since I invented it, implies a couple of degrees of anxiety higher than fretting.

2018-07-07 Pigeons on the floor.jpg


People – those invested in the Episcopal Church enough to care, anyway – often trepidate over General Convention. Trepidators ask questions like, “What crazy fool thing are we going to do this time?” and say things like, “This could really hurt the Episcopal Church.” I know this because I am often among the most trepidacious of all. In the age when snark, cynicism, and skepticism are amplified by social media, it is difficult not to be anxious about what whim might fly like a stray pigeon (who even has his own Twitter account) through the Houses of Deputies and Bishops, so who can really blame us?

The beauty of our polity, though, is that everyone has a voice within it. Everyone. No matter who you are or what your cause or concern may be, there is a way to place your issue before the Episcopal Church for our prayerful consideration. The way we do Church is, therefore, very complicated: we are doctrinal, AND democratic; ordered, AND equal; liturgical, AND adaptive; all of which makes for a pretty messy party when we get together to vote on what comes next. The idea that anyone can bring anything to us is brilliant! AND, the idea that a simple majority in both houses can define Christian theology and practice in our Church is terrifying. Our polity is, without doubt, our greatest gift and strength while simultaneously and paradoxically being our most confounding weakness. Thus, we trepidate.

This is the fifth time I have served as a deputy to General Convention from the Diocese of Northern Indiana. If I have learned nothing else between Denver in 2000 and Austin in 2018, it is that the long view is the right view for the work of our church in General Convention, just as it is the right view for the movement of God in history. Urgent matters of the day come before every General Convention and we – this humongous legislative body – try to deal with them as faithfully as we can manage with the tools we are given. Sometimes we do bold, amazing, and wonderful things in the Name of Jesus! Mostly we do things that the average priest and parishioner will never hear about. And, far less often I think, our passions and predispositions lead us into a bit of mischief and folly. Pretty much like life. Pretty much like Saint Peter, himself, whose three steps forward were usually followed closely by two steps back.

Interestingly, I don’t remember a whole lot of specifics about resolutions we’ve passed or canons we’ve amended or Special Orders of Business we’ve considered. I remember trepidation about such things in the moment, but the details have drifted away into the ether. What I do remember is people. Good people. Kind people. Faithful people. Brilliant people. Passionate people. Resolute people. Hurting people. Hopeful people. Helpful people. Full spectrum of color and experience people. Singing, praying, communing, loving, Christian people, all trying to advance the Kingdom of God as best we knew how on any given day. And while we may not get it right every time – in the opinion of some, anyway – I have learned to trust this in the long view, because when all these people are gathered together, Jesus is surely in our midst.

I can’t stop anyone from trepidating if one is so inclined. What I can do, though, is testify that the loving, liberating, life-giving Spirit of God dwells among God’s people gathered in the General Convention of the Episcopal Church this time and every time.

And also with you.

* When a noun, such as trepidation, is used as a verb, it’s called verbing. This is the grammatical equivalent of onomatopoeia, because to verb something takes the noun verb and verbs it. That's pretty funny… if you’re a Word Nerd like me, anyway.

#GC79 - The Fifth Official Day of Convention (7/9)

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Every day here is busy.  For many of us, Sunday was busy in a different way.  The morning began with the Bishops United Against Gun Violence public witness.  It was powerful.  It was emotional.  It was hot (and getting hotter).  Speakers included the family of Carmen Schentup (killed in the Parkland shooting) and prophetic-witness Abigail Zimmerman (an incoming 9th grader in Waco TX).  We prayed and sang and cried.  We were reminded that WE are the CHANGE.  We were reminded that if we don't stand up for our children, they will stand up for themselves.  For those that could attend, it was an emotional start to the day.  (More details here.)

The morning continued as we boarded 16 large buses to travel to the T. Don Hutto Residential Detention Center for a prayer service for the women detained there.  By noon, in the Texas sun, it was definitely hotter.  That did not prevent the nearly 1,000 people that turned up to bear witness to the need to keep families together.  Again, we prayed and sang and cried.  We walked to the front of the detention center and, even from the distance, were able to see women making motions in the window - acknowledging our presence.  We later learned from @Grassroots_News

"A woman called from Hutto after today’s prayer and told us they were glued to the windows until the last bus left the detention center. Women inside were crying, saying they knew they weren’t alone after seeing so many people there. Thank you @iamepiscopalian!"

(More details here.) 

It was a powerful morning followed by nearly 4 hours of legislative session (mostly voting on on offices such as trustees, President of the House of Deputies, etc), finally back in the air conditioning.  It was a full and blessed day indeed.  Blessings.  (Alternate Deputy Michelle)

Things to watch for:

  • Legislative Sessions (watch via livestream under House of Deputies or House of Bishops) 10:30am-Noon &  2:15-5pm CDT (Today's session will be filled with conversations on D019 - Ending Church Complicity in the Occupation and B012 - Marriage Rites for the whole church.  Please keep these highly passionate topics in your prayers on this day, particularly that we may have these conversation in love and respect for each other while listening to God whispering in our ears.)
  • Worship  (watch via livestream under Worship) 5:15pm CDT

From Sunday:

Monday's reflection from (Deputation Co-Chair) - Dean Brian Grantz

Good morning, Team EDNIN!

Today we come upon what is for me one of the most meaningful, hopeful verses in all Holy Scripture. Remembering that the context is the vexing, perplexing, and oft exasperating tension between Spirit and flesh, Paul says this: "Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but that very Spirit intercedes with sighs too deep for words." Therein lies the majesty and mystery of God's love for us. When we do not know what to say, God is already interceding within us. When we do not know what to do, God is already working in us. When there is no language, no description, not even a coherent thought to describe the emotional and spiritual quagmires, contradictions, and conundrums we find ourselves in *in the flesh*, God is already breathing deep within us, just as God did in the beginning: a sigh that brings our mortal flesh to life. 

This is a word in season as the legislative agenda shifts in earnest from committees to the floors of our respective Houses. God is already working in us as individuals, in our deputation, in our faith communities, in our diocese, and in the Church. God is already interceding for all God's children, even before we have any comprehension of our need or lack. When we do not even know how to pray - when we do not even know that we *should* pray - Jesus is already praying for us. THAT is some Amazing Grace. THAT is hope. THAT is love in motion: seeking, serving, saving the beloved. Seeking, serving, saving you.

May you know Christ's blessings to the very depths of your soul on this fine Monday.

#GC79 - The Fourth Official Day of Convention (7/8)

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Last evening (Saturday) was the host event sponsored by the Diocese of Texas.  It began with an Episcopalian Revival (yes, you read that correctly) and ended with a Texas-style BBQ (complete with food trucks).  It's fair to say our deputies have never experienced anything quite like it.  Filled with music, Gospel reading, sermon!, and prayer - we were reminded by Bishop Curry (and his Spanish-language translator) that the love of Jesus is the way, the only way, and the life, the only life.  (If you'd like to watch the service/sermon, it is available under the Worship link on the Media Hub.)  The crowds were immense and we were excited to have shared this revival experience with our fellow deputies and beyond.  Blessings! (Alternate Deputy Michelle)

Things to watch for:

  • Bishops United Against Gun Violence public witness 9:30am CDT
  • Prayer Service at Hutto Detention Center (Media Release & House of Deputies article) (Watch via livestream under Worship) 12:15pm CDT
  • Legislative Session (watch via livestream under House of Deputies or House of Bishops) 3:15-7pm CDT
  • UTO Blue Box App Launch Party

From Saturday:

Sunday's reflection from (Deputation Co-Chair) - Dean Brian Grantz

Good morning, Team EDNIN!

On the Sunday detour in the Daily Office Lectionary, we visit Mark's Gospel and the call of Simon, Andrew, James, and John. Mark gives us no insight into any prior relationship between Jesus and these first disciples - Had they already been under Jesus' tutelage? Did they answer a "Disciples Wanted" ad in the Galilee Gazette? - so the immediacy of their answer in leaving behind their previously scheduled lives is both shocking and, by Mark's calculation, inspiring. 

Jesus calls us - metaphorically and actually - in the midst of life to new, different, greater, larger life. Jesus calls us to walk with him, to learn from the Source the way, the Camino, the path of Love. Jesus calls in the midst of life - everyday life; every day, life - and we have before us every day in a thousand ways the opportunity to answer that call immediately. God bless you on this Sunday!

#GC79 - Reflections by Bishop Doug Sparks

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Bishop Doug, with his convention name tag and pins

Bishop Doug, with his convention name tag and pins

Dear Sisters and Brothers,

Grace and peace be with you in Jesus, the Light for all people!

Greetings from Austin, Texas at the 79th General Convention of The Episcopal Church!  I wanted to share my reflections on my particular work during this convention on the Ecumenical
and Interreligious Relations Legislative Committee and on the two TEConversations that we’ve had.

I have been committed to the work of Christian Unity for most of my adult life. I had the privilege of going to seminary in Chicago during the early 1980’s where I came to know sisters and brothers of other denominations and religious traditions. These fellow Christians enriched my faith and understanding as I began ordained ministry.

For more than 25 years, I have been engaged in conversations with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in American (ELCA) … in local and diocesan dialogues and initiatives. In 2016, I was appointed by our Presiding Bishop to serve as the Episcopal Bishop Co-Chair on the Lutheran Episcopal Coordinating Committee, which ultimately led to my appointment on this legislative committee.

(Below - Ecumenical Partners from ELCA and Lutheran Church in Bavaria giving testimony)

We are in full communion with the ELCA (since 2000) and the Moravian Church (since 2009). Our dialogue with the United Methodist Church began almost 50 years ago in the early 1970’s. Our committee spent significant time in conversation and testimony about the possibility of coming into full communion (after study and conversation during the next three years). We also worked on resolutions to affirm our long-standing full communion relationship with the Church of Sweden as well as an initiative of the Episcopal Convocation of Churches in Europe and the Lutheran Church in Bavaria. From my vantage point, full communion partnerships are a manifestation of Christ’s prayer that “we all may be one.” I am committed to working intentionally toward these partnerships.

One of the wonderful things about this convention is that both the House of Deputies and House of Bishops are gathering for intentional TEConversations around three key areas of our common life: Racial Reconciliation, Evangelism and Care of Creation. We gathered on Friday for a conversation on Racial Reconciliation. We heard the witness of a former racist skin head, a
“Dreamer” priest and the witness of Dr. Catherine Meeks, founder of the Absalom Jones Center for Racial Healing.

On Saturday, we gathered for a conversation on Evangelism. We heard a bishop describe the
experience of 40 Revival Events in Iowa, an Episcopal Priest who is an author bridging faith and
culture and a Latino Church Planter priest from the Diocese of Virginia.  Each conversation included a time for listening, a reflection question for pairs to discuss, a second question for our deputation to discuss, and a final question for us to consider going forward.

Let me conclude with the three questions we were invited to reflect upon:

2018-07-07 TEConversation Flyers.jpg

  1. What word, image or theme stands out for you from the talks and offerings you just heard? What is Jesus saying and calling you to do or to be, with regard to racial reconciliation…to evangelism?

  2. Given what you just shared in pairs about what Jesus is calling you toward personally, how might our churches and institutions respond to this call collectively?

  3. Given what your group said about how we could respond to God’s call as churches and institutions, what would help you/ your church/ your diocese to take the next steps around racial reconciliation or evangelism?

Well, sisters and brothers, our conversations went well and we hope to share some possible next steps with you regarding racial reconciliation and evangelism…and care of creation soon!
Be assured of my prayer.

Every blessing,
Bishop Doug

#GC79 - Reflections by Deputy Pamela Harris

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Written by Deputy Pamela Barnes Harris, St. Andrew's Episcopal Church, Valparaiso
July 6, 2018

Deputy Pamela Barne Harris

Deputy Pamela Barne Harris

This morning we met with the Bishops for a joint session on Racial Reconciliation.  There we heard 4 powerful speakers:  Arno McMaelis, a former member of the KKK; Charles Darwin Stephens (Charlie Black), DJ and local rapper; Dr. Catherine Meeks of the Absalom Jones Center for Racial Healing in Atlanta; and the Rev. Nancy Fausto, a Dreamer  priest who came to this country with her mother at age 7.  All of them spoke about their experiences and emphasized the need for truth and love as weapons against the hate which has enveloped this country, and yes the Church, for too long.  After the presentations we were asked to discuss what we heard and try to find ways to facilitate engaging our congregations to begin this hard work now. 

2018-07-07 Pigeons on the floor 2.jpg

The afternoon legislative session was largely devoted to debate on resolution A068 on revision of the 1979 Book of Common Prayer. We had a total of 60 minutes to debate the resolution. There were so many deputies wishing to speak that we voted to extend debate until tomorrow. This resolution calls upon the Standing Commission on Music and Liturgy to undertake a comprehensive revision of the BCP and that the revision "continue adherence to the historic rites of the Church Universal as interpreted within the Anglican tradition while allowing space for the submission and perfection of rites that arise from the movement of the Holy Spirit among us." Speakers both for and against were passionate in their views.  Tomorrow we will vote after a period of silent prayer so that we can listen for the voice of the Spirit.

On a lighter note, as in Anaheim in 2009, we have been reminded of the Spirit's presence in the form of 2 pigeons that have been with us throughout our deliberations.

#GC79 - The Third Official Day of Convention (7/7)

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Good morning.  It's the third official day of convention and I'm quite confident that I speak for others when I say it feels like we've been here for weeks.  Deputies on, or following, legislative committees are working from before dawn until past dark to refine their resolutions, amendments, and presentations to the floor. 

I am awed and inspired by the passion and commitment that our deputation has in representing the Diocese of Northern Indiana here in Austin.  We are making a difference!  Please keep this deputation in your prayers ... that we will hear God's quiet whispers; that we will find time for enough rest and nourishment; that we will feel peace in our work and assurance in our representation of EDNIN; that we will make a positive impact in our own Episcopal branch of the Jesus Movement!  Blessings!  (Alternate Deputy Michelle)

If you are an alternate or visitor, there are large tv monitors positioned around the edges.  Each speaker on the floor is allowed 2 minutes to share their support or opposition to a resolution.  When the timer is done, the video stream en…

If you are an alternate or visitor, there are large tv monitors positioned around the edges.  Each speaker on the floor is allowed 2 minutes to share their support or opposition to a resolution.  When the timer is done, the video stream ends and the President of the House of Deputies politely tells him/her the time is up.

Things to watch for:

From Friday:

Saturday's reflection from (Deputation Co-Chair) - Dean Brian Grantz

Good morning, Team EDNIN!

We live in the time between the times; between the revelation of the fullness of God's love in Jesus and the realization of that love for us. It is messy now. Now we are still trying to work things out. Now we strive for justice and peace. Now we struggle to understand. Now we persevere in resisting evil and, when we fall into sin, repent. AND, now Jesus comes to us. Now Jesus prays for us, as President Jennings so eloquently stated yesterday. Now Jesus opens wide his arms of love. "For in hope we were saved," Saint Paul says today, pointing us forward through the struggle of any given moment to the yet-unknown-but-surely-coming fulfillment of God's hope for us. Blessings!

#GC79 - Reflections by Deputy Christopher Hillak

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Written by Deputy Christopher A. Hillak, Senior Warden at the Cathedral of Saint James
July 5, 2018

At the end of November 2017, I received a phone call from a phone number I didn’t recognize so I let it go to voicemail. The caller left the following message. 

“Hi Christopher. This is Gay Clark Jennings, President of the House of Deputies.Could you please call me on my mobile? Hopefully you can call me tonight. Thanks so much. Bye.”

Deputy Hillak - hard at work & smiling!

Deputy Hillak - hard at work & smiling!

Now, it isn’t every day that the President of the House of Deputies calls you. My first response was, “what did I screw up?” I called President Jennings back that evening. She congratulated me on my nomination by the Diocese of Northern Indiana to be a deputy to General Convention and asked me to serve on the General Convention Executive Committee of the Credentials Committee as its Secretary. President Jennings stated that she was looking to put new young deputies on executive committees as a way to diversify the committees and to provide a knowledgeable line of succession as deputies rolled off committees at future General Conventions. Of course, I was honored to be selected and accepted her nomination. 

But what does the Secretary of the Credentials Committee do? I had no idea what I had agreed to! I have since learned that the Credentials Committee is the first stop for any deputy attending General Convention. This committee verifies each clergy lay deputy and alternate deputy attending the triennial meeting and records who is eligible to vote during each legislative session. My job as secretary is to double-check the work of the committee and enter each deputy’s form into the Convention computer database system. Prior to each legislative session, I am responsible for submitting reports to the House of Deputies platform informing them of the number of clergy and lay deputies registered to vote in that specific session as well as provide them with the number of votes required for simple majority and 2/3 majority votes. I am also responsible for collecting the handwritten vote by order ballots and providing a report to the House of Deputies.

Serving on this committee has been an amazing experience. In addition to my reporting responsibilities,  I’ve been able to use my technology background to help the committee and House become more eco-friendly by utilizing shared electronic documents and rethinking some of the credential processes. We have already started implementing some ideas including working with the General Convention team to digitize and automate some of our reports this year instead of waiting for 2021!

Deputy Hillak at the Integrity booth in the Exhibition Hall

Deputy Hillak at the Integrity booth in the Exhibition Hall

In addition to my work on the Credentials Committee, I was able to attend two different legislative hearings today on resolution A085 regarding same-sex marriage, adding the trial liturgies to the Book of Common Prayer, and making changes to the Catechism. These hearings were gut-wrenching as people from both sides and the middle shared personal and passionate testimony. Tonight, I was able to quickly share my spiritual journey as a gay Christian. Many people who are gay have a troubled past with the church. My experience is no different. However, I was able to speak to the journey I have experienced in the Episcopal church in Northern Indiana and how the two parishes I’ve been associated with have welcomed me with open arms. I was thrilled to share that Northern Indiana now allows same-sex marriage and that I was honored to have Fr. Brian Grantz and Bishop Doug Sparks con-celebrate my marriage this past Spring. I shared how we may not all agree on the issue of same-sex marriage but how my husband and I have been supported and loved by the people of the Cathedral and the Diocese. 

Bishop Curry spoke about love again during his homily this morning. We have to love each other and ourselves and keep our focus on Christ. I believe this is what we need to do, not only as a diocese but as a broader church and community—support and love others regardless of our differences. No exceptions. Hard stop. It doesn’t matter if persons disagree over same-sex marriage, Rite I vs Rite II, gun rights, immigration—you pick the issue! We are called together to be part of the Episcopal Branch of the Jesus Movement and to show love to our neighbors. In the two minutes I was allowed to address the legislative committee hearing, I was so proud to share how we are living out Christ’s love in the Diocese of Northern Indiana. You make the entire church proud. Let’s keep showing our communities Christ’s love!

#GC79 - The Second Official Day of Convention (7/6)

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#GC79 scheduled 3 intentional Joint Sessions (a time when the House of Bishops join the House of Deputies for conversation or presentations).  These presentations will highlight the 3 focus areas of the Episcopal Church:  Racial Reconciliation (July 6), Evangelism (July 7) and Care of Creation (July 10).  The first of these TEConversations will be today.  Details are below.

Most of our days are spent inside.  To step outside and look up to the beautiful sun reflecting off this building made Missioner Michelle stop and give thanks.

Most of our days are spent inside.  To step outside and look up to the beautiful sun reflecting off this building made Missioner Michelle stop and give thanks.

Things to watch for today:

  • TEConversations (Joint Session) on Racial Reconciliation (watch via livestream under House of Deputies 10:30am CDT  (Media Release)
  • Legislative meetings, morning and afternoon
  • Legislative Session (watch via livestream under House of Deputies or House of Bishops ) 3:30pm CDT
  • Worship (watch via the livestream  under Worship) 5:45pm CDT

From Wednesday:

Friday's reflection from (Deputation Co-Chair) - Dean Brian Grantz

Good morning, Team EDNIN!

This morning's reflection is rooted as much in the Daily Office lectionary itself as in the Scriptures it offers us. For several days we have been working through some of Paul's trickier theology on Spirit vs. flesh in Romans. In chapter 8, Paul launches into some of his most poetic, lofty, and inspirational work - one of his better sermons, as Bishop Curry said yesterday. "All who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God..." marks beginning of that turn.

The lectionary doesn't go too far beyond that today, but there is great stuff just around the corner. That is a mirror to the General Convention experience, I think. We slog through some very weighty, tricky, even mundane matters but, keeping Jesus at the center of our work, we know something wonderful is coming. Have a blessed Friday!