I have worked closely with our deputation and bishops over the last almost two weeks and I've been deeply moved by the dedication they have brought to the process of General Convention. Legislation doesn't always bring out the best in Christians, but our folks (and most everyone here) have engaged in holy listening in order to hear and understand differing opinions.
The exhibits are packed up and gone, people are rolling their suitcases down the hall towards the exit. The FedEx office has a stack of boxes to be mailed home to all points in The Episcopal Church. Everyone is tired and anxious to return home to family and ministry in their local congregations.
For a long time in the Diocese of Texas we have focused on mission, mission, mission. We held six annual conferences for bishops and their staffs to talk about moving from maintenance to mission. We have done much to raise up leaders for our Church. The fruits of that are apparent in the convention here in Anaheim where much has been accomplished to support the mission of the Church (even though the wire services would have you believe sexuality is all that's been discussed).
A strategic focus on ministry to Hispanics, health insurance and pension funds for lay employees are just a few pieces of legislation that have passed. A read through the sermons alone will inspire you.
The truth is that ministry and mission in our congregations will be pretty much the same on Monday as it was on Monday several weeks ago. Our call is to do nothing less than transform the world around us, bringing others an awareness that the reign of God is here and now and it looks like the Episcopalian standing next to them. And it is reflected back when they look in the mirror. It comes to them in from the food pantries, the school vacinations and breakfast for those who find themselves without a home or hope.
We are called to stand in the gap and that has not and will not change.
A complete wrap up of the legislative happenings and words from your deputies will be posted in the next week. We appreciate your following the Diocesan blog and tweets. We have kept all of you in prayer and ask that you keep us in prayer as we travel homeward.
Carol Barnwell, Communication Director, Editor, Texas Episcopalian
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I don't know that ministry in our congregations will remain the same, or that they should. Yes, we'll continue to ministry from and to that gap, but perhaps we can get more honest about ministry to and with those folks that our diocese has long been too comfortable will excluding to the far margins. Maybe not next Monday, but soon, gays and lesbians will find real welcome into our congregations in this diocese, and into its ministries as well. Then the other fine efforts aimed at helping the needy will not serve so glaringly as indicators of our collective hypocrisy in our welcome to God's Love for all.
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