Ora Houston, St. James’, Austin
Trey Yarbrough, Christ Church, Tyler
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Following General Convention: Tom Fitzhugh
A few days removed from Anaheim, I am not surprised most of the news is on D025 and other resolutions that dealt with the Church’s struggle with issues surrounding sexuality. However, a great deal more happened in Anaheim, and it has not received much press attention.
Though I have been an alternate to six prior General Conventions, this was the first one where I was privileged to sit as a full deputy for our diocese. It is a tremendous honor and responsibility, and I was impressed (though not surprised) by the commitment and faithfulness our deputies showed. Simultaneously the Daughters of the King and Episcopal Church Women were meeting, so combined with the exhibitors, visitors, and guests, the Convention Center was bustling with activity as were the two big hotels. Committee meetings started at 7:30 am, and activity continued every night past 10 – making for very long days with few breaks.
Each day was punctuated by the Eucharist, a place where anyone, not just deputies or bishops, could join in worship and reflection. Prayer surrounded all events, and the chaplain in the House of Deputies opened and closed each legislative session with meditations and prayers. We sometimes prayed before voting and sang hymns together with passion during long sessions. Among other major issues addressed were (1) a comprehensive health plan for all church employees; (2) a lay pension plan for the whole church (though our diocese has one already in place); (3) a complete revision of Title IV, the disciplinary canons; and (4) an enthusiastic approval of a plan to expand our Hispanic ministry. We had some wonderful youth deputies who energized the House several times with their presentation and debates. Our church has much to offer thoughtful young folks.
Evangelism was addressed repeatedly and energetically, but the budget realities meant elimination at the Church Center of positions focused on evangelism. This means we will have to accept the responsibility for this work at the parish and diocesan level. Successful evangelism requires local effort, and I think we have many new opportunities presented by the current situation. Budget shortfalls will require significant reduction of staff at the Episcopal Church Center, but for some of us, the shrinkage of a national bureaucracy may be a good thing.
Though our deputation was diverse in its viewpoints on some issues, as a whole I think we were supportive and listened to one another carefully. We now have the largest diocese in the United States, and we are an amazing collection of people. One leaves General Convention sharing Bishop Doyle’s frustration that the legislative process is not the best way to deal with pastoral issues. Meeting friends made through online exchanges was a real highlight too, even though we didn’t always share the same views on major issue.
As Bishop Lillibridge of West Texas noted, there was a genuine sense of caring and concern for the feelings and realities of those who are not in the majority on some of the big church issues. Votes on these issues were conducted prayerfully, and there was no gloating over results. Some foreign Anglican visitors spoke encouragingly of the vitality of our process, one in which lay and clergy share responsibility with bishops for major decisions in the church. Most explained that their time with us changed their perception of how the Episcopal Church operates. It seems that many primates have a distorted perception of our polity, and this clouds their understanding of how we deal with diversity of thought while maintaining unity in worship and mission.
We stand now before the world with a clearer statement of our position as a church on full inclusion of all baptized persons in ministry. Pray with me that we can demonstrate by our actions, not just our words, how a diverse church can move forward in partnership with Anglican churches around the world to spread the Good News.
As Bishop Doyle wrote, our mission today is the same as it was two weeks ago. Our diocese and our congregations should continue their missionary efforts with renewed energy. We were an energetic and diverse diocese before General Convention, and we should move now with renewed effort to spread the Good News with our neighbors.
Though I have been an alternate to six prior General Conventions, this was the first one where I was privileged to sit as a full deputy for our diocese. It is a tremendous honor and responsibility, and I was impressed (though not surprised) by the commitment and faithfulness our deputies showed. Simultaneously the Daughters of the King and Episcopal Church Women were meeting, so combined with the exhibitors, visitors, and guests, the Convention Center was bustling with activity as were the two big hotels. Committee meetings started at 7:30 am, and activity continued every night past 10 – making for very long days with few breaks.
Each day was punctuated by the Eucharist, a place where anyone, not just deputies or bishops, could join in worship and reflection. Prayer surrounded all events, and the chaplain in the House of Deputies opened and closed each legislative session with meditations and prayers. We sometimes prayed before voting and sang hymns together with passion during long sessions. Among other major issues addressed were (1) a comprehensive health plan for all church employees; (2) a lay pension plan for the whole church (though our diocese has one already in place); (3) a complete revision of Title IV, the disciplinary canons; and (4) an enthusiastic approval of a plan to expand our Hispanic ministry. We had some wonderful youth deputies who energized the House several times with their presentation and debates. Our church has much to offer thoughtful young folks.
Evangelism was addressed repeatedly and energetically, but the budget realities meant elimination at the Church Center of positions focused on evangelism. This means we will have to accept the responsibility for this work at the parish and diocesan level. Successful evangelism requires local effort, and I think we have many new opportunities presented by the current situation. Budget shortfalls will require significant reduction of staff at the Episcopal Church Center, but for some of us, the shrinkage of a national bureaucracy may be a good thing.
Though our deputation was diverse in its viewpoints on some issues, as a whole I think we were supportive and listened to one another carefully. We now have the largest diocese in the United States, and we are an amazing collection of people. One leaves General Convention sharing Bishop Doyle’s frustration that the legislative process is not the best way to deal with pastoral issues. Meeting friends made through online exchanges was a real highlight too, even though we didn’t always share the same views on major issue.
As Bishop Lillibridge of West Texas noted, there was a genuine sense of caring and concern for the feelings and realities of those who are not in the majority on some of the big church issues. Votes on these issues were conducted prayerfully, and there was no gloating over results. Some foreign Anglican visitors spoke encouragingly of the vitality of our process, one in which lay and clergy share responsibility with bishops for major decisions in the church. Most explained that their time with us changed their perception of how the Episcopal Church operates. It seems that many primates have a distorted perception of our polity, and this clouds their understanding of how we deal with diversity of thought while maintaining unity in worship and mission.
We stand now before the world with a clearer statement of our position as a church on full inclusion of all baptized persons in ministry. Pray with me that we can demonstrate by our actions, not just our words, how a diverse church can move forward in partnership with Anglican churches around the world to spread the Good News.
As Bishop Doyle wrote, our mission today is the same as it was two weeks ago. Our diocese and our congregations should continue their missionary efforts with renewed energy. We were an energetic and diverse diocese before General Convention, and we should move now with renewed effort to spread the Good News with our neighbors.
Friday, July 17, 2009
Text of Bishop Doyle's Letter to Archbishop Williams
July 16, 2009
Dear Archbishop Williams:
As you are well aware our General Convention has recently passed several resolutions that are stirring controversy within our wider and global Church.
Given the actions of the General Convention it seemed important for you to hear directly from me and for the people of this diocese to know that I have communicated directly to you. In the interest of full transparency, I have copied this letter to the Most Rev. Katharine Jefferts Schori.
As the Bishop of the Diocese of Texas, I want to confirm to you my commitment and the commitment of this diocese to continue the process begun with the Windsor Report. I also want to assure you of our continued support of the Covenant Process.
We as a Diocese have affirmed our desire to continue as a constituent member of the Anglican Communion, even though the Diocese of Texas is a diverse one, and some are in favor of the recent actions of General Convention. I am committed to listening and shepherding the entire Diocese of Texas.
As I have made a firm commitment to “continue in the apostle’s teaching and fellowship,” I am of course dedicated to living within the structures of The Episcopal Church.
I am praying for the Communion in the days ahead. Moreover, my prayers will be supported by both my words and my actions.
Faithfully yours,
The Right Reverend C. Andrew Doyle
IX Bishop of Texas
cad/set
cc: The Most Rev. Katharine Jefferts Schori
Dear Archbishop Williams:
As you are well aware our General Convention has recently passed several resolutions that are stirring controversy within our wider and global Church.
Given the actions of the General Convention it seemed important for you to hear directly from me and for the people of this diocese to know that I have communicated directly to you. In the interest of full transparency, I have copied this letter to the Most Rev. Katharine Jefferts Schori.
As the Bishop of the Diocese of Texas, I want to confirm to you my commitment and the commitment of this diocese to continue the process begun with the Windsor Report. I also want to assure you of our continued support of the Covenant Process.
We as a Diocese have affirmed our desire to continue as a constituent member of the Anglican Communion, even though the Diocese of Texas is a diverse one, and some are in favor of the recent actions of General Convention. I am committed to listening and shepherding the entire Diocese of Texas.
As I have made a firm commitment to “continue in the apostle’s teaching and fellowship,” I am of course dedicated to living within the structures of The Episcopal Church.
I am praying for the Communion in the days ahead. Moreover, my prayers will be supported by both my words and my actions.
Faithfully yours,
The Right Reverend C. Andrew Doyle
IX Bishop of Texas
cad/set
cc: The Most Rev. Katharine Jefferts Schori
Last Day
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
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
Thursday, July 16, 2009
From Deputy Joe Reynolds, dean of Christ Church Cathedral
I am writing this in Anaheim, California, on what is known here as “Legislative Day 8.”
That means we are in the eighth day of official actions of the 76th General Convention of The Episcopal Church. Activities began a day or two before legislative sessions began. I have been here now for ten days, and we have two more days to go. It seems like a long time.
It is impossible to report in a few sound bites the actions taken over such an extended period of time, much less capture any of the mood or nuances that can mean as much as the words of a resolution. The media will report with sensation that which has the potential of being sensational. All the world loves a fight, especially if it involves sex. The media doesn’t usually get it right—it didn’t this time—but that really doesn’t matter; perception can be more persuasive than reality.
General Convention meets every three years. Its work is accomplished through resolutions which come from various sources to one of the two houses of the convention—the House of Bishops or the House of Deputies. To be adopted as an action of General Convention a resolution must be approved by both houses.
In 2003 General Convention passed a resolution known as B033. It called for restraint in granting consent for the election of a bishop in any diocese whose “manner of life” be a cause of offense to other member churches in the Anglican Communion. Such “manner of life” was generally interpreted to refer to gay and lesbian persons living in partnered relationships. It also called for a moratorium on the blessing of same-sex unions.
In the months leading up to this General Convention there has been considerable buzz about repealing B033. There have been several resolutions submitted to do just that. What happened instead was that a different resolution was adopted. The resolution came out of the Committee on World Mission and is titled: Anglican Communion: Commitment and Witness to Anglican Communion.
The resolution is too long to be reproduced here, but it begins with an affirmation of our commitment to full participation in the Anglican Communion. It goes on to say: “The Episcopal Church includes same-sex couples living in lifelong committed relationship ‘characterized by fidelity, monogamy, mutual affection and respect, careful, honest communication, and the holy love which enables those in such relationships to see in each other the image of God.’
“[T]he 76th General Convention recognizes that gay and lesbian persons who are part of such relationships have responded to God’s call and have exercised various ministries in and on behalf of God’s One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church and are currently doing so in our midst.
“The 76th General Convention affirms that God has called and may call such individuals, to any ordained ministry in The Episcopal Church, and that God’s call to the ordained ministry in The Episcopal Church is a mystery which the Church attempts to discern for all people through our discernment processes acting in accordance with the Constitution and Canons of The Episcopal Church.”
Finally the resolution acknowledges that “members of The Episcopal Church, as of the Anglican Communion, based on careful study of the Holy Scriptures, and in light of tradition and reason, are not of one mind, and Christians of good conscience disagree about some of these matters.”
The resolution passed in the House of Bishops with ninety-nine bishops, including the
Presiding Bishop, voting yes, forty-five no, and two abstaining. It passed in the House of Deputies with more than 70% of the clergy and lay deputations voting in favor of it.
Bishop Doyle, Bishop Harrison and Bishop High all voted no. The Texas clergy deputies
were divided two-two, as were the lay deputies. Because of the rules of the House of Bishop’s, a divided vote is not counted as a partial vote in the affirmative, so it is for all practical purposes a vote of no. I voted in favor of the resolution. I was not aware of any smugness or sense of victory on the part of the prevailing side.
The debate was courteous and respectful. In our own deputation I continue to have a
sense of the mutual affection and trust we feel for each other.
So what does it mean? It was not a repeal of B033, though it has already been interpreted as such and will continue to be. The resolution makes no mention of B033 and does not prevent any bishop, Standing Committee, or parish priest from exercising restraint in the canonical processes of discernment. Bishop Doyle has already said that it will not change anything in the Diocese of Texas in terms of our ordination processes.
It will cause further strain in our relationship with some of the member churches in the Anglican Communion. There is the possibility that it will bring things to a breaking point. and it will likely cause more distress in dioceses, parishes, and in the hearts of individual Episcopalians who love our church and believe its direction is wrong.
General Convention is a political process, and that involves votes being taken on opposite sides of issues. The inevitable result of voting is that there is a “winning side” and a losing side.” In some ways that is a good thing. It is the way we make hard decisions with something approaching fairness. It is also always divisive, or, perhaps more accurately, it always brings into clear focus the divisions that are already there.
At one level, the resolution does little more than state clearly the way things really are in The Episcopal Church. Resolution B033 did little to create restraint throughout the church. It is true that no openly gay person has been elected and approved for ordination as a bishop since the resolution was passed. But there have been gay candidates in several elections, and it is only a matter of time before the issue is brought once again to a vote.
In the meantime, the blessing of same-sex unions—and the marriage of same-sex couples in states where legal—have continued. As is true with any resolution or vote, minds and hearts are not changed by the political process.
There is a potential tension between unity and justice. One of the bishops who voted against the resolution was quoted as saying, “I want an inclusive church; I just don’t want a polarized church.” The truth is that the poles exist whether we like it or not. The issue is not going to go away, nor should it. There are those who say that if the full inclusion of gay and lesbian persons comes at the cost of division in Episcopal churches and dioceses—and in the Anglican Communion itself—the cost is too high.
My head and my heart, as well as my prayer life, lead me to a different decision. I love the Anglican Communion. The departure of people as well as dioceses from The Episcopal Church is a tragedy that brings me no joy. I know there are people leaving with broken hearts. I am concerned about the future of the church that I love—the church that has nurtured my faith for most of my life. But if the cost of unity and the absence of conflict is the denial of people and relationships that I have come to believe are holy and life-giving, then the cost is just too high. For me it is a matter of justice central to the Christian gospel.
At the end of the day, the real question is, “What does it mean for us at Christ Church Cathedral?” In most ways, very little. We will continue to welcome all God’s children into our community. I will continue to honor and respect—bless through acceptance, if not liturgy,—relationships of love and fidelity that bring hope and joy into people’s lives. And we will continue to do the mission that God calls us to. We will continue to proclaim the love of God in Christ Jesus to any and all who respond.
God bless.
Joe Reynolds
Dean, Christ Church Cathedral
That means we are in the eighth day of official actions of the 76th General Convention of The Episcopal Church. Activities began a day or two before legislative sessions began. I have been here now for ten days, and we have two more days to go. It seems like a long time.
It is impossible to report in a few sound bites the actions taken over such an extended period of time, much less capture any of the mood or nuances that can mean as much as the words of a resolution. The media will report with sensation that which has the potential of being sensational. All the world loves a fight, especially if it involves sex. The media doesn’t usually get it right—it didn’t this time—but that really doesn’t matter; perception can be more persuasive than reality.
General Convention meets every three years. Its work is accomplished through resolutions which come from various sources to one of the two houses of the convention—the House of Bishops or the House of Deputies. To be adopted as an action of General Convention a resolution must be approved by both houses.
In 2003 General Convention passed a resolution known as B033. It called for restraint in granting consent for the election of a bishop in any diocese whose “manner of life” be a cause of offense to other member churches in the Anglican Communion. Such “manner of life” was generally interpreted to refer to gay and lesbian persons living in partnered relationships. It also called for a moratorium on the blessing of same-sex unions.
In the months leading up to this General Convention there has been considerable buzz about repealing B033. There have been several resolutions submitted to do just that. What happened instead was that a different resolution was adopted. The resolution came out of the Committee on World Mission and is titled: Anglican Communion: Commitment and Witness to Anglican Communion.
The resolution is too long to be reproduced here, but it begins with an affirmation of our commitment to full participation in the Anglican Communion. It goes on to say: “The Episcopal Church includes same-sex couples living in lifelong committed relationship ‘characterized by fidelity, monogamy, mutual affection and respect, careful, honest communication, and the holy love which enables those in such relationships to see in each other the image of God.’
“[T]he 76th General Convention recognizes that gay and lesbian persons who are part of such relationships have responded to God’s call and have exercised various ministries in and on behalf of God’s One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church and are currently doing so in our midst.
“The 76th General Convention affirms that God has called and may call such individuals, to any ordained ministry in The Episcopal Church, and that God’s call to the ordained ministry in The Episcopal Church is a mystery which the Church attempts to discern for all people through our discernment processes acting in accordance with the Constitution and Canons of The Episcopal Church.”
Finally the resolution acknowledges that “members of The Episcopal Church, as of the Anglican Communion, based on careful study of the Holy Scriptures, and in light of tradition and reason, are not of one mind, and Christians of good conscience disagree about some of these matters.”
The resolution passed in the House of Bishops with ninety-nine bishops, including the
Presiding Bishop, voting yes, forty-five no, and two abstaining. It passed in the House of Deputies with more than 70% of the clergy and lay deputations voting in favor of it.
Bishop Doyle, Bishop Harrison and Bishop High all voted no. The Texas clergy deputies
were divided two-two, as were the lay deputies. Because of the rules of the House of Bishop’s, a divided vote is not counted as a partial vote in the affirmative, so it is for all practical purposes a vote of no. I voted in favor of the resolution. I was not aware of any smugness or sense of victory on the part of the prevailing side.
The debate was courteous and respectful. In our own deputation I continue to have a
sense of the mutual affection and trust we feel for each other.
So what does it mean? It was not a repeal of B033, though it has already been interpreted as such and will continue to be. The resolution makes no mention of B033 and does not prevent any bishop, Standing Committee, or parish priest from exercising restraint in the canonical processes of discernment. Bishop Doyle has already said that it will not change anything in the Diocese of Texas in terms of our ordination processes.
It will cause further strain in our relationship with some of the member churches in the Anglican Communion. There is the possibility that it will bring things to a breaking point. and it will likely cause more distress in dioceses, parishes, and in the hearts of individual Episcopalians who love our church and believe its direction is wrong.
General Convention is a political process, and that involves votes being taken on opposite sides of issues. The inevitable result of voting is that there is a “winning side” and a losing side.” In some ways that is a good thing. It is the way we make hard decisions with something approaching fairness. It is also always divisive, or, perhaps more accurately, it always brings into clear focus the divisions that are already there.
At one level, the resolution does little more than state clearly the way things really are in The Episcopal Church. Resolution B033 did little to create restraint throughout the church. It is true that no openly gay person has been elected and approved for ordination as a bishop since the resolution was passed. But there have been gay candidates in several elections, and it is only a matter of time before the issue is brought once again to a vote.
In the meantime, the blessing of same-sex unions—and the marriage of same-sex couples in states where legal—have continued. As is true with any resolution or vote, minds and hearts are not changed by the political process.
There is a potential tension between unity and justice. One of the bishops who voted against the resolution was quoted as saying, “I want an inclusive church; I just don’t want a polarized church.” The truth is that the poles exist whether we like it or not. The issue is not going to go away, nor should it. There are those who say that if the full inclusion of gay and lesbian persons comes at the cost of division in Episcopal churches and dioceses—and in the Anglican Communion itself—the cost is too high.
My head and my heart, as well as my prayer life, lead me to a different decision. I love the Anglican Communion. The departure of people as well as dioceses from The Episcopal Church is a tragedy that brings me no joy. I know there are people leaving with broken hearts. I am concerned about the future of the church that I love—the church that has nurtured my faith for most of my life. But if the cost of unity and the absence of conflict is the denial of people and relationships that I have come to believe are holy and life-giving, then the cost is just too high. For me it is a matter of justice central to the Christian gospel.
At the end of the day, the real question is, “What does it mean for us at Christ Church Cathedral?” In most ways, very little. We will continue to welcome all God’s children into our community. I will continue to honor and respect—bless through acceptance, if not liturgy,—relationships of love and fidelity that bring hope and joy into people’s lives. And we will continue to do the mission that God calls us to. We will continue to proclaim the love of God in Christ Jesus to any and all who respond.
God bless.
Joe Reynolds
Dean, Christ Church Cathedral
From Bp. Andy Doyle on Day Eight
I believe we have all had a couple of tough days in the House of Bishops.
We've been debating and passed D025, "Commitment and Witness to Anglican Communion," in the House of Bishops, and yesterday C056, "Liturgy For Blessings", in a substitute amendment was passed.
I want to say a couple of things about the process.
As a deputation we have worked hard to talk honestly about our responses and feelings to the events surrounding the Convention. We have met regularly for a caucus and for fellowship and for prayer. I believe this has been essential to our life lived together in this place. The deputation is so very diverse that I hope we are modeling how our life can be when we return.
The legislative process has been wholly unsatisfactory for me and a number of other bishops. I spoke to the "discharge" motion yesterday because I believe the House of Bishops has in its power to make decisions and take actions through pastoral letters to the church without the House of Deputies. And, on issues as divisive as sexuality it is imperative that the Bishops be willing to speak to the whole church, the whole flock, across political lines. Win or loose resolutions do not accomplish the unity that Jesus prayed to God to grant his disciples.
On Tuesday, I felt as though there was no place for me that might hear my voice because of the legislative process, I found myself very frustrated. I did not feel that there was room for a moderate voice. I was not the only one and the Presiding Bishop announced that a group of bishops were going to gather that night. I joined in.
It was a diverse group of 26 bishops. We each took turns telling our story and speaking about the unique missionary context in which we do ministry, the repercussions of our actions, and how we felt about the work before us.
This was an important time for me because it gave me the opportunity to be very clear about who we are in the Diocese of Texas. I shared with them my very clear commitment to the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Windsor Process, and the Covenant Process. I also shared with them that we are a diverse diocese in our opinions on sexuality issues, though a clear majority of our members continue to reaffirm a traditional understanding of marriage and a commitment to the processes I outlined above.
The substitute resolution that was written after the group met was not materially different than the original. The words that I felt should be removed in order to continue to honor our commitment to the Anglican Communion were not removed. So, I did not vote in favor.
The process though was helpful and it was a process where by I felt as though people of the broader Episcopal Church were able to hear your voices from within the Diocese of Texas.
I voted against passage of both DO25 and CO56, Dena voted against both, and Rayford voted against DO25 and for CO56.
Both resolutions (DO25 and CO56) will, I am most certain, place strain on the Anglican Communion. Reactions I've received support this belief. However, we need to give the communion time to respond, and we need to listen to our Archbishop as he speaks to us about his thoughts and reflections on the events of General Convention.
My [no] votes represent where I believe the majority of our diocese is right now; though I know it does not reflect the totality of who we are as a community. Press releases, news stories, and magazine articles can never carry the fullness of that reality, nor can they capture my desire to be shepherd to all my sheep in the diocese.
We remain part of the Episcopal Church. That's my stance. I also intend to maintain the same balance as Don A. Wimberly that we also remain active, constituent, members of the Anglican Communion.
I am committed to the Windsor Report recommendations and process which include a moratoria on blessings and elections of partnered gay clergy to the office of bishop.
I am committed to the Covenant and a process.
I do this out of a vocation of my heart.
I support a group of bishops who I believe will make a similar statement. I am writing to you directly.
As the bishop of the Diocese of Texas I am letting you know about my votes and the reasons for my votes. And, I am writing to you so that you may know my commitment to our life together as one church. And, that you will know of my very clear intention to continue on the Windsor Path and to engage as a Bishop Diocesan in the Covenant process all as a full and active member in the House of Bishops of the Episcopal Church.
We've been debating and passed D025, "Commitment and Witness to Anglican Communion," in the House of Bishops, and yesterday C056, "Liturgy For Blessings", in a substitute amendment was passed.
I want to say a couple of things about the process.
As a deputation we have worked hard to talk honestly about our responses and feelings to the events surrounding the Convention. We have met regularly for a caucus and for fellowship and for prayer. I believe this has been essential to our life lived together in this place. The deputation is so very diverse that I hope we are modeling how our life can be when we return.
The legislative process has been wholly unsatisfactory for me and a number of other bishops. I spoke to the "discharge" motion yesterday because I believe the House of Bishops has in its power to make decisions and take actions through pastoral letters to the church without the House of Deputies. And, on issues as divisive as sexuality it is imperative that the Bishops be willing to speak to the whole church, the whole flock, across political lines. Win or loose resolutions do not accomplish the unity that Jesus prayed to God to grant his disciples.
On Tuesday, I felt as though there was no place for me that might hear my voice because of the legislative process, I found myself very frustrated. I did not feel that there was room for a moderate voice. I was not the only one and the Presiding Bishop announced that a group of bishops were going to gather that night. I joined in.
It was a diverse group of 26 bishops. We each took turns telling our story and speaking about the unique missionary context in which we do ministry, the repercussions of our actions, and how we felt about the work before us.
This was an important time for me because it gave me the opportunity to be very clear about who we are in the Diocese of Texas. I shared with them my very clear commitment to the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Windsor Process, and the Covenant Process. I also shared with them that we are a diverse diocese in our opinions on sexuality issues, though a clear majority of our members continue to reaffirm a traditional understanding of marriage and a commitment to the processes I outlined above.
The substitute resolution that was written after the group met was not materially different than the original. The words that I felt should be removed in order to continue to honor our commitment to the Anglican Communion were not removed. So, I did not vote in favor.
The process though was helpful and it was a process where by I felt as though people of the broader Episcopal Church were able to hear your voices from within the Diocese of Texas.
I voted against passage of both DO25 and CO56, Dena voted against both, and Rayford voted against DO25 and for CO56.
Both resolutions (DO25 and CO56) will, I am most certain, place strain on the Anglican Communion. Reactions I've received support this belief. However, we need to give the communion time to respond, and we need to listen to our Archbishop as he speaks to us about his thoughts and reflections on the events of General Convention.
My [no] votes represent where I believe the majority of our diocese is right now; though I know it does not reflect the totality of who we are as a community. Press releases, news stories, and magazine articles can never carry the fullness of that reality, nor can they capture my desire to be shepherd to all my sheep in the diocese.
We remain part of the Episcopal Church. That's my stance. I also intend to maintain the same balance as Don A. Wimberly that we also remain active, constituent, members of the Anglican Communion.
I am committed to the Windsor Report recommendations and process which include a moratoria on blessings and elections of partnered gay clergy to the office of bishop.
I am committed to the Covenant and a process.
I do this out of a vocation of my heart.
I support a group of bishops who I believe will make a similar statement. I am writing to you directly.
As the bishop of the Diocese of Texas I am letting you know about my votes and the reasons for my votes. And, I am writing to you so that you may know my commitment to our life together as one church. And, that you will know of my very clear intention to continue on the Windsor Path and to engage as a Bishop Diocesan in the Covenant process all as a full and active member in the House of Bishops of the Episcopal Church.
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Giving Voice AND Vote to the Youth Presence at General Convention
By Eileen O'Brien
Saturday morning the Structure Committee held hearings on Resolution D066 which resolves to give vote to the Official Youth Presence at GC. Currently, the youth presence, comprised of a diverse group youth ages 16-18 from all over the Episcopal Church, has seat and voice but no vote. The Structure Committee responded enthusiastically to the resolution which would begin the process of changing the canons and constitutions of the church to allow youth a vote. At the conclusion of testimony to the resolution, the entire committee stood to applaud the youth and young adults who had arrived at the Convention Center at the unreasonably early hour of 7 am to be present for this 7:30 hearing.
The current resolution presents a number of legal, funding and constitutional issues, but every single member of the committee expressed an interest in working through those issues in order to get this legislation moving. The message to the young people present was: “Now is the time. Let’s get to it. We want to hear you more than you may think we do.”
I believe that this resolution has important implications for the under-represented young adult community in the church as well. It sends a message to dioceses and to parishes that we need to examine our leadership structures and be intentional about breaking down barriers so that young adults and new members in the church can more fully engage in ministry. For example, parishes that have elected the same people to their Diocesan Councils for over ten years need to be told to think again about how they can train and equip younger leaders for ministry.
Here at General Convention, only 14% of deputies are under the age of 45. Five percent are under the age of 35, and of that 5%, 60% are part of the youth presence that does not have a vote. If we want to hear and empower young people in the church, we must take this first step.
Ms. O'Brien is the Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministries at Christ Church Cathedral.
Saturday morning the Structure Committee held hearings on Resolution D066 which resolves to give vote to the Official Youth Presence at GC. Currently, the youth presence, comprised of a diverse group youth ages 16-18 from all over the Episcopal Church, has seat and voice but no vote. The Structure Committee responded enthusiastically to the resolution which would begin the process of changing the canons and constitutions of the church to allow youth a vote. At the conclusion of testimony to the resolution, the entire committee stood to applaud the youth and young adults who had arrived at the Convention Center at the unreasonably early hour of 7 am to be present for this 7:30 hearing.
The current resolution presents a number of legal, funding and constitutional issues, but every single member of the committee expressed an interest in working through those issues in order to get this legislation moving. The message to the young people present was: “Now is the time. Let’s get to it. We want to hear you more than you may think we do.”
I believe that this resolution has important implications for the under-represented young adult community in the church as well. It sends a message to dioceses and to parishes that we need to examine our leadership structures and be intentional about breaking down barriers so that young adults and new members in the church can more fully engage in ministry. For example, parishes that have elected the same people to their Diocesan Councils for over ten years need to be told to think again about how they can train and equip younger leaders for ministry.
Here at General Convention, only 14% of deputies are under the age of 45. Five percent are under the age of 35, and of that 5%, 60% are part of the youth presence that does not have a vote. If we want to hear and empower young people in the church, we must take this first step.
Ms. O'Brien is the Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministries at Christ Church Cathedral.
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Bishop Doyle on Passage of D025 Monday
Resolution DO25 was passed by the House of Deputies on Monday and moved to the House of Bishops Monday afternoon.
The resolution, despite the headlines of a number of news organizations, was descriptive and offers a vision of where the Episcopal Church is at this time. It speaks to the fact that we are not of one mind on the issues of sexuality, that there is disagreement within the church on issues of ordination, marriage/unions. I think it reflects the reality that there are differences of opinion on how to deal with our differences.
I do not believe the house intended the passage of the resolution to be prescriptive. In other words the resolution did not pass same sex blessings, or ordinations of partnered gay and lesbians. It was not a permission giving resolution or a canonical change to our understanding of marriage.
Interestingly enough, DO25 passed in the HOD clergy order by a 2 to 1 margin, in the HOD lay order by a 2 to 1 margin, and in the HOB by a 2 to 1 margin. I do believe this shows some consistency within this body at this time.
The Diocese of Texas Deputation was divided in their vote and so their vote was registered as a "no" vote. This diversity, appointed by the people of the Diocese at Council, reflects who we are as a diocese. I thought our deputies did their discernment well. We shared together over lunch their thoughts and concerns about the church at home. They too felt as though the resolution was descriptive and not prescriptive.
Bishop High, Bishop Harrison and I each voted against the resolution as we have been and continue to be concerned regarding the repercussions throughout the Anglican Communion. And we were concerned with the idea that DO25 repeals BO33 from the 2006 General Convention. I should add most every one of the Episcopal Church's dioceses in a foreign country voted against the passage as well. Also, bishops of Dallas, Northwest Texas, Rio Grande and West Texas voted no.
There are several thoughts that seem important when reflecting on the resolution and its meaning for us in our diocese. The Diocese of Texas honors the moratorium not because of DO25 or BO33, but because of our belief that the teachings of the church on sexuality have not changed, that the Windsor Report asks the American church to refrain from election and ordination of a bishop who is living in a partnered relationship, from the development of rites for same sex blessings, and our own resolutions and canons currently have reaffirmed our views on the topic.
The House of Bishops carried on a deep debate of listening ears and open hearts. Bishop Hines once called this the "exquisite pain of being a bishop" -- living and praying through times of great division with your brother and sister bishops. This was very hard work today. I thought that the House deliberated and conversed well, prayerfully, and mindful of those who were not like minded in the room.
God's mission is greater that the passage or defeat of any resolution at this Convention. Regardless of which side of the argument you may find yourself embracing, or what you believe the best way of resolving this situation is, we have a mission that is given to us in partnership with Jesus Christ.
I believe that God intends the restoration of creation and those that live within it. I believe that God intends the incarnational body of Christ in the church to be the chief instrument in this work. God intends the Episcopal Church as a member of the worldwide Communion to be a part of this restoration. No resolution will get in the way of this work, nor can it resend the love and providence of God to offer both blessings and challenges.
I will continue to lead us as a Diocese as a member of the Episcopal Church and the Anglican Communion. I have plans to be in London in the Fall for a Compass Rose meeting and believe this will be a good time to get a sense of the communion's response.
I am concerned about how this affects our people in every manner of life and relationship, in every congregation. How will this affect our relationship with one another? Nevertheless, our history tells us that we can move through this together and by continuing to focus on the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
I have already asked Canon Case, Janie Stevens, and Cecilia Smith to help me design a pastoral and small group program for congregations to respond to the actions of General Convention and enable me and the leadership of the diocese to receive feedback regarding strategies in dealing with the pastoral issues which arise out of the actions of this convention.
The Diocese of Texas has self-differentiated itself by Council on the issues of sexuality and the church's teaching on marriage, which is a more traditional stance. I do not believe that the Diocese is prepared to change that stance. It is with greater clarity, I believe that we now see the reality of the church within which and from which we do our ministry.
I should say that the work of this week is not over. We have many more important resolutions to follow. We need to see how the rest of the week continues to play out and what the reactions of the greater communion will be.
Bishop Gary Lillibridge hosted a wonderful gathering for the Diocese of Texas and West Texas deputations. It was a very good time to be together and to have fellowship. Afterwards we had the deputation dinner and broke bread together. This was an important time and while we spoke some of the business of the day, there was also laughter, reconnecting friendships, and new relationships born out of the evening. I think we were again reminded of our deep communion relationships built upon the foundation of Jesus Christ.
I hope you will keep our deputation in your prayers as we continue to move through ever longer legislative days.
The resolution, despite the headlines of a number of news organizations, was descriptive and offers a vision of where the Episcopal Church is at this time. It speaks to the fact that we are not of one mind on the issues of sexuality, that there is disagreement within the church on issues of ordination, marriage/unions. I think it reflects the reality that there are differences of opinion on how to deal with our differences.
I do not believe the house intended the passage of the resolution to be prescriptive. In other words the resolution did not pass same sex blessings, or ordinations of partnered gay and lesbians. It was not a permission giving resolution or a canonical change to our understanding of marriage.
Interestingly enough, DO25 passed in the HOD clergy order by a 2 to 1 margin, in the HOD lay order by a 2 to 1 margin, and in the HOB by a 2 to 1 margin. I do believe this shows some consistency within this body at this time.
The Diocese of Texas Deputation was divided in their vote and so their vote was registered as a "no" vote. This diversity, appointed by the people of the Diocese at Council, reflects who we are as a diocese. I thought our deputies did their discernment well. We shared together over lunch their thoughts and concerns about the church at home. They too felt as though the resolution was descriptive and not prescriptive.
Bishop High, Bishop Harrison and I each voted against the resolution as we have been and continue to be concerned regarding the repercussions throughout the Anglican Communion. And we were concerned with the idea that DO25 repeals BO33 from the 2006 General Convention. I should add most every one of the Episcopal Church's dioceses in a foreign country voted against the passage as well. Also, bishops of Dallas, Northwest Texas, Rio Grande and West Texas voted no.
There are several thoughts that seem important when reflecting on the resolution and its meaning for us in our diocese. The Diocese of Texas honors the moratorium not because of DO25 or BO33, but because of our belief that the teachings of the church on sexuality have not changed, that the Windsor Report asks the American church to refrain from election and ordination of a bishop who is living in a partnered relationship, from the development of rites for same sex blessings, and our own resolutions and canons currently have reaffirmed our views on the topic.
The House of Bishops carried on a deep debate of listening ears and open hearts. Bishop Hines once called this the "exquisite pain of being a bishop" -- living and praying through times of great division with your brother and sister bishops. This was very hard work today. I thought that the House deliberated and conversed well, prayerfully, and mindful of those who were not like minded in the room.
God's mission is greater that the passage or defeat of any resolution at this Convention. Regardless of which side of the argument you may find yourself embracing, or what you believe the best way of resolving this situation is, we have a mission that is given to us in partnership with Jesus Christ.
I believe that God intends the restoration of creation and those that live within it. I believe that God intends the incarnational body of Christ in the church to be the chief instrument in this work. God intends the Episcopal Church as a member of the worldwide Communion to be a part of this restoration. No resolution will get in the way of this work, nor can it resend the love and providence of God to offer both blessings and challenges.
I will continue to lead us as a Diocese as a member of the Episcopal Church and the Anglican Communion. I have plans to be in London in the Fall for a Compass Rose meeting and believe this will be a good time to get a sense of the communion's response.
I am concerned about how this affects our people in every manner of life and relationship, in every congregation. How will this affect our relationship with one another? Nevertheless, our history tells us that we can move through this together and by continuing to focus on the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
I have already asked Canon Case, Janie Stevens, and Cecilia Smith to help me design a pastoral and small group program for congregations to respond to the actions of General Convention and enable me and the leadership of the diocese to receive feedback regarding strategies in dealing with the pastoral issues which arise out of the actions of this convention.
The Diocese of Texas has self-differentiated itself by Council on the issues of sexuality and the church's teaching on marriage, which is a more traditional stance. I do not believe that the Diocese is prepared to change that stance. It is with greater clarity, I believe that we now see the reality of the church within which and from which we do our ministry.
I should say that the work of this week is not over. We have many more important resolutions to follow. We need to see how the rest of the week continues to play out and what the reactions of the greater communion will be.
Bishop Gary Lillibridge hosted a wonderful gathering for the Diocese of Texas and West Texas deputations. It was a very good time to be together and to have fellowship. Afterwards we had the deputation dinner and broke bread together. This was an important time and while we spoke some of the business of the day, there was also laughter, reconnecting friendships, and new relationships born out of the evening. I think we were again reminded of our deep communion relationships built upon the foundation of Jesus Christ.
I hope you will keep our deputation in your prayers as we continue to move through ever longer legislative days.
Monday, July 13, 2009
Bp. Doyle Interview in TX Monthly
"On the night Jesus was taken into custody, he prayed that his followers would be unified. So difficult is the task of a healthy, thriving community that our Lord had to actually pray for it. We can spend a lot of time talking about every issue that divides us, but what about the challenge that we’ve been given to be one people in the midst of our great diversity? I’m not sure that wholeness and unity isn’t exactly what we’re supposed to be aspiring to." From Bishop Andy Doyle's interview with Texas Monthly editor, Evan Smith, published today. Check it out.
Bishop Doyle on Day Six
I very much enjoyed the UTO service on Sunday morning. The music was wonderful, Sandra Montes sang. I thought the sermon on mission had a number of good points, which I twittered, along with the prayers of the people, and UTO Ingathering. Kaye Pendarvis, our diocesan ECW president brought forward our diocese's UTO offering.
Mary MacGregor, our director of leadership development, spoke to ECW presidents and membership on Sunday receiving accolades for her passion and expertise.
I met with the deputation shortly after and we discussed a number of things. The consent for the Bishop of Ecuador Central came up in conversation. This is a major issue in a very divided diocese, where The Episcopal Church has been helping to restore health. The House of Bishops elected a fine man, The Rev. Luis Fernando Ruiz. He will bring skills of leadership, transparency, administration and a love of Jesus Christ to the office. He received an almost unanimous vote by the house at our March meeting. I believe that some of the dysfunctional elements of his diocese have attempted to disrupt this process throwing the House of Deputies into some confusion. We will receive the vote of the House of Deputies on Monday afternoon, God willing
We also discussed the Title IV revision (disciplinary canons). While a number of very committed iindividuals have worked on this revision, I very much believe our current Title IV serves us well. There are a great deal of continued discussion in several areas of the proposed Title that I just don't feel are yet worked out. We will have to see what the House of Deputies does with this, but I am concerned that the level of structure needed for the new Title will be very burdensome for us, let alone a small diocese with limited resources.
We were back in session in the afternoon and moved steadily through our resolutions in the House of Bishops. I am very pleased with the resolution on Immigration. We had a healthy discussion and I believe the resolution upholds the church's commitment to respect the dignity of human beings. Along with the Roman Catholic Church we are joining in a call for reform.
I had the honor and privilege of toasting (roasting) Bishop Wimberly at the Bishops' dinner tonight. What a great night of celebration for our retiring bishops. I was blessed to be asked and laughed and enjoyed my time listening to stories about the good people who have served with great hearts and a love for their church. I would say that there was a theme. The men who were honored last night were known for their dedication, their love of Jesus, their love of his church, their love for his people, their belief that that love is articulated in mission for the oppressed and those in need. They were also each known as friends in and of the House of Bishops. The histories and stories make me wish to be a servant bishop and a good bishop for the Church, the diocese and Jesus.
C. Andrew Doyle
IX Bishop of Texas
Today's Episcopal Life Daily:
Bishops approve denominational health plan
Eucharist highlights Episcopal pageantry, UTO mission
Episcopal Life Online is available at http://www.episcopalchurch.org/elife.
Deputies support fully inclusive ordination process, ongoing commitment to communion
The House of Deputies by more than a 2-1 margin adopted a resolution July 12 that declares the ordination process of the Episcopal Church open to all individuals while expressing its ongoing commitment to the Anglican Communion.
The vote was 77-31 in the lay order and 74-25 in the clergy order. It now goes to the House of Bishops, where it must be passed to be enacted.
Resolution D025 was created as a response to resolution B033, which was adopted in the waning hours of the 2006 General Convention and urged restraint concerning the election of bishops whose "manner of life" would cause offense to the wider Anglican Communion. That was widely believed specifically to refer to gays and lesbians in committed same-sex relationships. Full story: http://www.episcopalchurch.org/79901_112451_ENG_HTM.htm
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Mary MacGregor Speaks at ECW Gathering in Anaheim
Mary MacGregor is presenting a workshop to the diocesan ECW presidents as I write this. There is evidence in this meeting room of remarkable programs led by ECWs around the Church that reach homeless families, lift up women artists in Haiti, and many more ministries.Presidents of diocesan ECWs have identified some of their challenges which include a younger membership, financial support from the dioceses and much more. MacGregor tells them their ministry is organic, "living." She said that ECWs must adapt or become insignificant. Thoughtful evaluation and constant change will provide a future of the ECW she tells them. Many heads are nodding.
Delores Godwin from the Diocese of Upper South Carolina said MacGregor's presentation was "awsome." She said she appreciated the information coming in a straightforward and down to earth style. Robin Sumners, from Colorado, appreciated the encouragement to be a good leader.
"We were designed to serve the Church in 1965, not today," MacGregor said. "We need to travel light," she added, refering to a comment in this morning's sermon by the Presiding Bishop.
"This was much needed," said Charlotte Otto, adding, "Affirming the role of woman leaders is much needed." She was also very moved by MacGregor's dynamic and passionate delivery.
At the UTO Ingathering Eucharist this morning I watched women from every diocese in our Church walk across the stage in front of our huge altar, shake hands with Dr. Bonnie Anderson, president of the House of Deputies, Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori and finally leave their envelope in a communal basket held by the deacon.
It struck me how most of the mission and ministry of the Church is instituted and nurtured by women. What a sight to see women in leadership of both Houses greeting and acknowledging the ministry of representatives of all the women in the Church.
Carol E. Barnwell
Saturday Reflections from Ora Houston
God's blessing makes life rich; nothing we do can improve on God." - Proverbs 10:22
Greetings from the beautiful city of Anaheim:
This is the second time that the people in the Diocese of Texas have sent me forth as a Lay Deputy to the 'gathering of the faithful.' It continues to be an honor and a privilege to serve God, the Holy Spirit, and the Diocese of Texas. I enter this work in deep reverence, with humility, and prepared for a lot of hard work.
As I approached the convention center, there was a vivid blue sign that said, "The Episcopal Church -- Welcomes You." It made my heart sing. I will take that vision with me when I leave this place. There have been many eye-opening, tear producing, heart felt moments during convention.
General Convention is the 'gathering of the faithful' however it is not like a Diocesan Council. The Rules are different. The House of Deputies, composed of 846 lay and clergy deputies from all nine provinces of the Church, is a much larger, blended family. Of the 846 Deputies, there are less than 200 Deputies of Color [Black, Latino, Asian, First Nations]. Being on the floor of the House can be intimidating with the overwhelming numbers of people who do not look like me.
This is a reunion of the members of the body of Christ who come together every three years to do the business of the Church. Each Deputy brings their own unique history, culture, and experience, both as individuals and as members of a Diocese. The result is that there is a real possibility that during a Legislative session, if an individual behaves and/or relates to the 'new' family from an old familiar place... a clash will occur. It is an interesting observation that people tend to be more aware of the "I" instead of the "we" when in front of a mike. Even so, General Convention provides Deputies with an opportunity to view the ministry and mission of the Church, not through a local lens but with an expanded or increased vision of the larger community of faith.
The grace for me in being a part of such a large and diverse 'gathering' is to look, listen and learn. I am called to be attentive and share the power of Christ in my life. Then I can leave this place having been transformed by the Spirit found in the 'gathering'.
Deputies are working quite earnestly on B033 and will continue to do so. We worked as a Committee of the Whole, first approaching the issue with one-on-one conversations between people from different Dioceses with whom we were not familiar. The second time, Deputies were allowed to voice their opinions about B033 without debate -- we just listened to each person for two minutes. We let them tell their story. At the close of the work of the Committee of the Whole, we stood and sang, "The Church is One Foundation.' WOW~ What a moment of grace. Look at the words when you have time.
One of the things that I have learned during the last two General Conventions is that there is a difference between power and influence. Influence is when you develop relationships and those relationships help to determine a common path. Power is when you attempt to force a direction upon others. It is my opinion that General Convention is a time for building relationships and using influence rather than trying to gather power.
I believe that film director/writer Spike Lee, in the naming of his movie Do the Right Thing, has set the course for the Episcopal Church. We are called by Christ to "do the right thing" for all people, everyone who is made in Christ's image -- we must not only welcome everyone, but also ensure that everyone feels that they belong to the Body of Christ; that they are valued and beloved by the Creator and by each one of us.
The one thing that hurts me deeply is the fact that the Diocese of Texas only contributes 6.7% of its operating income to the Episcopal Church to support mission and ministry within the nine provinces and internationally. I know we can do better. This is not about ideology; this is about helping our brothers and sisters. It is not about finances, either. The Diocese of Nevada, whose operating income is around $700,000 is able to give the entire 21% asking to the Church. The Diocese of Texas has an operating incomce of over $7,000,000 --- yes, that's millions ... we can definitely do better than we are doing.
Thank you again for allowing me to represent all of the people of Texas.
Deputy Houston -- Texas 6.7%
Shalom,
Oh
Greetings from the beautiful city of Anaheim:
This is the second time that the people in the Diocese of Texas have sent me forth as a Lay Deputy to the 'gathering of the faithful.' It continues to be an honor and a privilege to serve God, the Holy Spirit, and the Diocese of Texas. I enter this work in deep reverence, with humility, and prepared for a lot of hard work.
As I approached the convention center, there was a vivid blue sign that said, "The Episcopal Church -- Welcomes You." It made my heart sing. I will take that vision with me when I leave this place. There have been many eye-opening, tear producing, heart felt moments during convention.
General Convention is the 'gathering of the faithful' however it is not like a Diocesan Council. The Rules are different. The House of Deputies, composed of 846 lay and clergy deputies from all nine provinces of the Church, is a much larger, blended family. Of the 846 Deputies, there are less than 200 Deputies of Color [Black, Latino, Asian, First Nations]. Being on the floor of the House can be intimidating with the overwhelming numbers of people who do not look like me.
This is a reunion of the members of the body of Christ who come together every three years to do the business of the Church. Each Deputy brings their own unique history, culture, and experience, both as individuals and as members of a Diocese. The result is that there is a real possibility that during a Legislative session, if an individual behaves and/or relates to the 'new' family from an old familiar place... a clash will occur. It is an interesting observation that people tend to be more aware of the "I" instead of the "we" when in front of a mike. Even so, General Convention provides Deputies with an opportunity to view the ministry and mission of the Church, not through a local lens but with an expanded or increased vision of the larger community of faith.
The grace for me in being a part of such a large and diverse 'gathering' is to look, listen and learn. I am called to be attentive and share the power of Christ in my life. Then I can leave this place having been transformed by the Spirit found in the 'gathering'.
Deputies are working quite earnestly on B033 and will continue to do so. We worked as a Committee of the Whole, first approaching the issue with one-on-one conversations between people from different Dioceses with whom we were not familiar. The second time, Deputies were allowed to voice their opinions about B033 without debate -- we just listened to each person for two minutes. We let them tell their story. At the close of the work of the Committee of the Whole, we stood and sang, "The Church is One Foundation.' WOW~ What a moment of grace. Look at the words when you have time.
One of the things that I have learned during the last two General Conventions is that there is a difference between power and influence. Influence is when you develop relationships and those relationships help to determine a common path. Power is when you attempt to force a direction upon others. It is my opinion that General Convention is a time for building relationships and using influence rather than trying to gather power.
I believe that film director/writer Spike Lee, in the naming of his movie Do the Right Thing, has set the course for the Episcopal Church. We are called by Christ to "do the right thing" for all people, everyone who is made in Christ's image -- we must not only welcome everyone, but also ensure that everyone feels that they belong to the Body of Christ; that they are valued and beloved by the Creator and by each one of us.
The one thing that hurts me deeply is the fact that the Diocese of Texas only contributes 6.7% of its operating income to the Episcopal Church to support mission and ministry within the nine provinces and internationally. I know we can do better. This is not about ideology; this is about helping our brothers and sisters. It is not about finances, either. The Diocese of Nevada, whose operating income is around $700,000 is able to give the entire 21% asking to the Church. The Diocese of Texas has an operating incomce of over $7,000,000 --- yes, that's millions ... we can definitely do better than we are doing.
Thank you again for allowing me to represent all of the people of Texas.
Deputy Houston -- Texas 6.7%
Shalom,
Oh
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Bishop Andy Doyle on BO33/Moratorium
I grew up in an Anglo-catholic family. One of those days that I walked with my father to church I can remember asking him (in the midst of debates over women's ordination) why he didn’t leave the church and find one that agreed with him (that ordains women). My father told me that we were as close to Rome as we could be and as far from Rome as he ever wished to go. For a 10- year old that didn’t make a lot of sense, but what did capture my heart was his reminder that we were part of a historic church and a global church—a church that was missionary and engaged across the entire world. And, I understood that change comes slowly in a church that holds up tradition as a value. This of course was at a time when the House of Bishops was much more progressive than the conservative House of Deputies.
The idea of a global communion meant a lot to me as a child and it is deeply a part of my spiritual journey and my own spiritual values. It is very much a part of my earliest thoughts about what it means to be an Episcopalian. I know that is not true for everyone, but it is for me. The idea of a global communion is the very reason I will forever remain both an Episcopalian and an Anglican.
Business continued in Anaheim while I was away. The issue of repealing BO33 was discussed at great length on Thursday and again on Friday morning. BO33 is the resolution from the 2006 Convention widely seen as a moratorium on consecrating gay bishops. The committee on World Mission, which received the legislation, heard testimony on Thursday evening on the measure.
I am grateful to Bishop Harrison for her work on this committee. She, along with the other bishops, continue to reflect what I believe is the mind of the House of Bishops, which is that we should not deal with BO33 at this Convention--sentiments echoed by Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori herself. Despite their efforts, a resolution is being prepared to propose a repeal and may indeed make it out of committee. We will have to wait and see.
I would also like to add my thanks to John Dawson who testified in the House of Deputies on Friday, giving a very personal testimony and offering his wisdom on why we should not repeal BO33. He was given two minutes to speak as part of a lottery system and he did a good job conveying his wish that we not re-address this measure.
There is another resolution making its way through convention. It is the resolution proposing “generous restraint” is granted bishops whose jurisdictions are within states that have passed laws allowing gay marriage. I understand today that it may be referred to my committee – Constitution. The committee on Urban Ministry is referring this and our own Joe Reynolds worked on the resolution in sub-committee.
I think it is important to remind those of you who may be reading that these issues are very difficult ones and not new to the church. They are issues relating to sexuality, however, as I watch the convention and visitors discuss the issues, I am reminded the issues also highlight the differences between the House of Deputies and the House of Bishops. They highlight vocational and theological differences.
I visited with a number of gay friends last night and they are as ready to move forward as are those friends I visited who are desirous of more time, or to not move forward at all. I feel a great sadness as I listen and observe the pain that is felt by fellow church members who are gay and lesbian, as well as those who love them when we decline to offer the blessing of their unions. I understand the pain that wells up in our own diocese among those churches and progressives who very much support these efforts.
I also understand the pain of those more conservative who do not believe this is what our church should be doing. I know they can feel silenced before a larger majority in the wider church who seem ready to move forward. Deputy Frankie Rodriquez shared his feelings that the church was leaving him behind and closing the door on his ministry as well.
Then there are those friends who have dioceses that are struggling. These actions make it very difficult to maintain a unity of stewardship and mission for them.
I will not be voting to repeal BO33. I believe we struggled with this in 2006 and made the right decision. That decision supports my own desire to maintain a healthy relationship with the greater communion and reflects my hope that a continued moratorium will enable a healing within the communion. It also reflects the current teaching of our church, the Windsor Report, the Covenant relationships with the wider church, and the views of our previous bishops.
I will also not be voting in favor of the measure allowing bishops to allow same sex unions in states where that is legal. I feel this view and my stance is in keeping with the above thoughts.
These issues will continue to unfold before us, the dialogue will continue, and there is yet to be any legislation brought to the floor. We still must wait to see how these issues play out on the floor of two houses.
C. Andrew Doyle
IX Bishop of Texas
The idea of a global communion meant a lot to me as a child and it is deeply a part of my spiritual journey and my own spiritual values. It is very much a part of my earliest thoughts about what it means to be an Episcopalian. I know that is not true for everyone, but it is for me. The idea of a global communion is the very reason I will forever remain both an Episcopalian and an Anglican.
Business continued in Anaheim while I was away. The issue of repealing BO33 was discussed at great length on Thursday and again on Friday morning. BO33 is the resolution from the 2006 Convention widely seen as a moratorium on consecrating gay bishops. The committee on World Mission, which received the legislation, heard testimony on Thursday evening on the measure.
I am grateful to Bishop Harrison for her work on this committee. She, along with the other bishops, continue to reflect what I believe is the mind of the House of Bishops, which is that we should not deal with BO33 at this Convention--sentiments echoed by Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori herself. Despite their efforts, a resolution is being prepared to propose a repeal and may indeed make it out of committee. We will have to wait and see.
I would also like to add my thanks to John Dawson who testified in the House of Deputies on Friday, giving a very personal testimony and offering his wisdom on why we should not repeal BO33. He was given two minutes to speak as part of a lottery system and he did a good job conveying his wish that we not re-address this measure.
There is another resolution making its way through convention. It is the resolution proposing “generous restraint” is granted bishops whose jurisdictions are within states that have passed laws allowing gay marriage. I understand today that it may be referred to my committee – Constitution. The committee on Urban Ministry is referring this and our own Joe Reynolds worked on the resolution in sub-committee.
I think it is important to remind those of you who may be reading that these issues are very difficult ones and not new to the church. They are issues relating to sexuality, however, as I watch the convention and visitors discuss the issues, I am reminded the issues also highlight the differences between the House of Deputies and the House of Bishops. They highlight vocational and theological differences.
I visited with a number of gay friends last night and they are as ready to move forward as are those friends I visited who are desirous of more time, or to not move forward at all. I feel a great sadness as I listen and observe the pain that is felt by fellow church members who are gay and lesbian, as well as those who love them when we decline to offer the blessing of their unions. I understand the pain that wells up in our own diocese among those churches and progressives who very much support these efforts.
I also understand the pain of those more conservative who do not believe this is what our church should be doing. I know they can feel silenced before a larger majority in the wider church who seem ready to move forward. Deputy Frankie Rodriquez shared his feelings that the church was leaving him behind and closing the door on his ministry as well.
Then there are those friends who have dioceses that are struggling. These actions make it very difficult to maintain a unity of stewardship and mission for them.
I will not be voting to repeal BO33. I believe we struggled with this in 2006 and made the right decision. That decision supports my own desire to maintain a healthy relationship with the greater communion and reflects my hope that a continued moratorium will enable a healing within the communion. It also reflects the current teaching of our church, the Windsor Report, the Covenant relationships with the wider church, and the views of our previous bishops.
I will also not be voting in favor of the measure allowing bishops to allow same sex unions in states where that is legal. I feel this view and my stance is in keeping with the above thoughts.
These issues will continue to unfold before us, the dialogue will continue, and there is yet to be any legislation brought to the floor. We still must wait to see how these issues play out on the floor of two houses.
C. Andrew Doyle
IX Bishop of Texas
Friday, July 10, 2009
Friday Thoughts from Mark Crawford
Day 3 was of the longest with two legislative sessions. The House of Deputies adopted special rules to hold a "Committee of the Whole" in order to provide two opportunities to revisit the Resolution B033, the controversial resolution passed at the end of the last General Convention that called for the "restraint to consent to the election of any person whose manner of life presented a challenge to the rest of the communion."
The session on Thursday allowed deputies to talk one on one with another person about their reactions and feelings concerning this resolution. We were required to sit with someone we had not previously met. I talked to Canon for Hispanic Ministry in the Diocese of Utah.
The other opportunity to discuss Resolution B033 arose this morning in a session where 30 deputies were chosen by lot to speak. The spirit in the House was one of respect and patience. The decorum does not allow us to applaud or cheer. Each deputy presented his/her views clearly and concisely. Two minutes goes very quickly. Most spoke in favor of repealing the resolution as discriminatory to gays and lesbians, but others stated that allowing the resolution to stand would maintain our position in the Anglican Communion.
The resolution to repeal B033 has not come to the floor, but will probably appear early next week. The Archbishop of Canterbury, in his remarks before the sermon at yesterday's Eucharist, expressed his hope and anxiety that General Convention would not make decisions that would cause further divisions in the Anglican Communion.
The highlight of the each day is the community worship. Various local choirs and volunteers from both houses provide inspiring music. Today, the President of the House of Deputies, Bonnie Anderson, preached a sermon on unity on the text from Ephesians 4, "one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of us all."
Each day is filled with many meetings, however, there are delightful moments of reuniting with old friends and making new ones. Today I had coffee with the Dean of the Cathedral in Capetown, South Africa, who came as a special guest of the President of the House of Deputies.
The session on Thursday allowed deputies to talk one on one with another person about their reactions and feelings concerning this resolution. We were required to sit with someone we had not previously met. I talked to Canon for Hispanic Ministry in the Diocese of Utah.
The other opportunity to discuss Resolution B033 arose this morning in a session where 30 deputies were chosen by lot to speak. The spirit in the House was one of respect and patience. The decorum does not allow us to applaud or cheer. Each deputy presented his/her views clearly and concisely. Two minutes goes very quickly. Most spoke in favor of repealing the resolution as discriminatory to gays and lesbians, but others stated that allowing the resolution to stand would maintain our position in the Anglican Communion.
The resolution to repeal B033 has not come to the floor, but will probably appear early next week. The Archbishop of Canterbury, in his remarks before the sermon at yesterday's Eucharist, expressed his hope and anxiety that General Convention would not make decisions that would cause further divisions in the Anglican Communion.
The highlight of the each day is the community worship. Various local choirs and volunteers from both houses provide inspiring music. Today, the President of the House of Deputies, Bonnie Anderson, preached a sermon on unity on the text from Ephesians 4, "one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of us all."
Each day is filled with many meetings, however, there are delightful moments of reuniting with old friends and making new ones. Today I had coffee with the Dean of the Cathedral in Capetown, South Africa, who came as a special guest of the President of the House of Deputies.
Click here to read the following articles.
Resolution inspires heated debate
Denominational health plan gets committee endorsement
Rediscovering the art of conversation
Same-gender unions supported at hearings
PB&F hears requests for hope, symbols, money
Young Adults Gather in Anaheim
The Rev. Kevin Schubert, St. Matthew's, Austin and the Rev. James Derkits, St. Mark's, Houston are providing worship for the Young Adult gathering in Anaheim as well as offering a workshop in "recognizing the holy in daily life" entitled, "Your Epiclesis is Showing." More than 80 young adults from across the country are in attendance. 
Ewart Jones and Wendy Pineda at Young Adult gathering in Anaheim.
"Noted" DOT Clergy at Young Adult Gathering
Two priests from the Diocese of Texas are providing worship for the more than 80 young adults gathered in Anaheim to experience General Convention and hold their own workshops. The Revs. Kevin Schubert, St. Matthew's, Austin, and James Derkits, St. Mark’s, Houston (pictured left), connected with the national organization for young adults when they met in Houston in September, 2008. They were invited to Anaheim and have developed a unique blend of traditional pieces set in diverse settings, both musically and liturgically, for the nightly worship offerings. Changing tempos, using mandolin, guitar and drums, they have energized traditional music in this setting.
“The young adults are following General Convention and listening in at committee meetings and legislative meetings of the Houses of Deputies and Bishops,” Schubert explained.
Following their own afternoon workshops (which include one by Schubert and Derkits entitled Your Epiclesis is Showing on recognizing the holy in daily life), the group gathers to debrief the days events, followed by worship.
“The gathering allows the young adults to be visible,” Schubert said. “They are encouraged to attend everything and speak whenever they can,” he added.
Derkits concurs, “It’s a good way to introduce the General Convention process and opens the door to being a deputy…it’s a way to learn how to support a cause,” he said. Besides networking, the young adults’ gathering allows participants to see opportunities to work within the church, as clergy or lay, and “it might help discern a call to leadership,” Derkits said.
Other Diocese of Texas participants include Ewart Jones, diocesan youth and young adult missioner; Wendy Penada, youth and young adult minister at San Mateo, Houston and Eileen O’Brien, youth and young adult minister at Christ Church Cathedral, Houston.
Thoughts from Eileen O'Brien
The operational theme for General Convention 2009 seems to be reconciliation – reconciliation between humanity and creation, global and ecumenical reconciliation, and reconciliation within our own communities that face the strains of, not only the economic crisis, but a deeper crisis of identity.
Issues of equity are receiving consideration in a variety of committee venues. Today (July 9), the Church Pension Fund unanimously approved a proposal for a denominational health plan which will give lay and clergy employees greater parity in terms of access to health insurance. Resolution A177 will be considered by the House of Bishops tomorrow and has a strong foundation of support. Resolution A138 also addresses lay and clergy employee parity by putting muscle behind the establishment of a mandatory lay employee pension system, which was resolved in 1991 but not universally enacted across the dioceses.
What does this legislation have to do with youth and young adults in the church? By improving clergy and lay parity in terms of compensation and benefits (including health insurance, pension, and continuing education), the church validates its lay professionals and makes traditional lay employee roles (such as youth and young adult ministries) into viable career paths for qualified and called individuals. Youth ministries in particular suffer from high turnover rates because leadership positions are seen as transitional jobs. This legislation is a start on the path towards developing a better equipped lay leadership for the church.
Today the Prayer Book, Liturgy and Church Music Committee held hearings on a slew of resolutions dealing with blessings of same sex civil unions/holy unions/marriage. This hearing was an opportunity for the committee to hear many impassioned pleas from clergy trying to provide compassionate pastoral care for their parishioners, young people urging the church to model openness and diversity for their communities, and GLBT advocates who called for the church to recognize the grace and blessing of all monogamous, committed and loving relationships.
While the vast majority of voices at the hearings articulated support for the development of rites for blessing, it was acknowledged that in the church as a whole, there is a lack of broad consensus around the thorny theological issues at the heart of this debate. As the specific language of the resolutions is developed in committee, it is expected that this lack of consensus will become more evident. Tonight the Committee on World Mission is holding hearings on resolutions that address B033 and the “all sacraments for all the baptized” initiative. Tomorrow morning, the House of Deputies will meet in plenary to have a conversation about the same issues.
Tomorrow afternoon (July 10), another important piece of legislation related to global reconciliation in response to the Windsor report will be examined through hearings in the World Mission committee. Resolution D020 calls for the provisional commitment to abide by the Cambridge-Ridley draft of an Anglican Covenant and the commendation of the covenant to dioceses for study and comment. While it is unlikely that this resolution will pass as written, it would be surprising if it were not commended to the dioceses for study and comment over the next three years. In effect, dioceses and congregations would be called into a study process which gets at the heart of our identity as a catholic (with a little “c”) denomination.
The Covenant recognizes our interdependence as a global communion and sets up some specific mechanisms for conflict resolution, but will it really serve as “an instrument of unity” or will it simply define more clearly who is in and who is out? It is naïve to think that such a document can mitigate the need for continued work at reconciliation and relationship across the communion, but will it provide a helpful springboard into the next phase of this process?
Ms. O'Brien is the Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministries at Christ Church Cathedral.
Issues of equity are receiving consideration in a variety of committee venues. Today (July 9), the Church Pension Fund unanimously approved a proposal for a denominational health plan which will give lay and clergy employees greater parity in terms of access to health insurance. Resolution A177 will be considered by the House of Bishops tomorrow and has a strong foundation of support. Resolution A138 also addresses lay and clergy employee parity by putting muscle behind the establishment of a mandatory lay employee pension system, which was resolved in 1991 but not universally enacted across the dioceses.
What does this legislation have to do with youth and young adults in the church? By improving clergy and lay parity in terms of compensation and benefits (including health insurance, pension, and continuing education), the church validates its lay professionals and makes traditional lay employee roles (such as youth and young adult ministries) into viable career paths for qualified and called individuals. Youth ministries in particular suffer from high turnover rates because leadership positions are seen as transitional jobs. This legislation is a start on the path towards developing a better equipped lay leadership for the church.
Today the Prayer Book, Liturgy and Church Music Committee held hearings on a slew of resolutions dealing with blessings of same sex civil unions/holy unions/marriage. This hearing was an opportunity for the committee to hear many impassioned pleas from clergy trying to provide compassionate pastoral care for their parishioners, young people urging the church to model openness and diversity for their communities, and GLBT advocates who called for the church to recognize the grace and blessing of all monogamous, committed and loving relationships.
While the vast majority of voices at the hearings articulated support for the development of rites for blessing, it was acknowledged that in the church as a whole, there is a lack of broad consensus around the thorny theological issues at the heart of this debate. As the specific language of the resolutions is developed in committee, it is expected that this lack of consensus will become more evident. Tonight the Committee on World Mission is holding hearings on resolutions that address B033 and the “all sacraments for all the baptized” initiative. Tomorrow morning, the House of Deputies will meet in plenary to have a conversation about the same issues.
Tomorrow afternoon (July 10), another important piece of legislation related to global reconciliation in response to the Windsor report will be examined through hearings in the World Mission committee. Resolution D020 calls for the provisional commitment to abide by the Cambridge-Ridley draft of an Anglican Covenant and the commendation of the covenant to dioceses for study and comment. While it is unlikely that this resolution will pass as written, it would be surprising if it were not commended to the dioceses for study and comment over the next three years. In effect, dioceses and congregations would be called into a study process which gets at the heart of our identity as a catholic (with a little “c”) denomination.
The Covenant recognizes our interdependence as a global communion and sets up some specific mechanisms for conflict resolution, but will it really serve as “an instrument of unity” or will it simply define more clearly who is in and who is out? It is naïve to think that such a document can mitigate the need for continued work at reconciliation and relationship across the communion, but will it provide a helpful springboard into the next phase of this process?
Ms. O'Brien is the Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministries at Christ Church Cathedral.
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Bishop Rayford High's Thoughts
Our family has come together for another reunion of worship, fellowship, shared Eucharist, talk of politics and religion, disagreements on lots of things and shared love of the Lord. Our Presiding Bishop, Katharine Jefferts Schori, reminded us we are not a "national church," but a province of the Anglican Communion made up of members from 14 countries, speaking seven languages. We are a richly diverse community of disciples of Jesus.
Using Ezekiel 36:25-26 "A new heart I will give you," the PB eminded us that God's spirit changes hearts (individuals' and churches') and also changes minds. The changed heart comes first. "The heart of this body (The Episcopal Church) is mission..."
I am a member of the Church Pension Fund Legislative Committee where we took up several resolutions relating to lay pensions and clergy widow benefits. The CPF staff made presentations to the committee, we heard from different deputies, bishops and visitors at a hearing for particular resolutions. We will send these resolutions to the House of Bishops for discussion and vote. Our committee will have open hearings on a canonical change on lay pensions and universal health coverage for clergy and full time lay employees later this week.
Every afternoon our Texas delegation gathers to check in, talk about what went on that day and what is coming up next day. One of the great joys for me as I return to my 11th General Convention is to be reunited with this rich and diverse family. The worship is varied in spite of being in a large convension hall that holds several thousand Episcopalinas, the participants are passionate about their church, their Lord, their issues and their mission. There is lots of talk and debate, and thank God we all don't agree on everything.
In this 10-day period of convention, I am able to step out of my own diocese to see and experience the beauty and variety of our larger Episcopal Church and to see, at times, new and rich possibilities for our Episcopal Church and the Anglican Communion.
Using Ezekiel 36:25-26 "A new heart I will give you," the PB eminded us that God's spirit changes hearts (individuals' and churches') and also changes minds. The changed heart comes first. "The heart of this body (The Episcopal Church) is mission..."
I am a member of the Church Pension Fund Legislative Committee where we took up several resolutions relating to lay pensions and clergy widow benefits. The CPF staff made presentations to the committee, we heard from different deputies, bishops and visitors at a hearing for particular resolutions. We will send these resolutions to the House of Bishops for discussion and vote. Our committee will have open hearings on a canonical change on lay pensions and universal health coverage for clergy and full time lay employees later this week.
Every afternoon our Texas delegation gathers to check in, talk about what went on that day and what is coming up next day. One of the great joys for me as I return to my 11th General Convention is to be reunited with this rich and diverse family. The worship is varied in spite of being in a large convension hall that holds several thousand Episcopalinas, the participants are passionate about their church, their Lord, their issues and their mission. There is lots of talk and debate, and thank God we all don't agree on everything.
In this 10-day period of convention, I am able to step out of my own diocese to see and experience the beauty and variety of our larger Episcopal Church and to see, at times, new and rich possibilities for our Episcopal Church and the Anglican Communion.
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Archbishop's Presentation
Began the second day of convention at the news briefing then took pictures of several deputies at their committee meetings. Checked in with the opening service of the Episcopal Church Women's meeting at 1 p.m. and found Janet Farmer and Kaye Pendarvis, president of the diocesan ECW preparing for the procession.
Spent the afternoon in training to be a coach in the Public Narrative process, which will be carried out during the week. I will help people at my table articulate their story so that they can learn to take the process back to their own dioceses. We have the potential to train 1600 people to do this locally and the opportunity to expand the process is exponential.
Tonight Archbishop Rowan Williams delivered a challenging message to several thousand people, encouraging all those present to get honest with ourselves about our relationship with one another and creation. "We have lied to oursselves about our place in creation...and the possibility to profit without risk," he said.
He called the global economic crisis one of truthfulness and said we must "take time to build a culture of patience" in order to build relationships with one another. Archbishop Williams said we must get honest about "our dealings with in world we live in." He spoke of the consequences of our actions and asked "Who carries the cost" when we act as if there is no profit without risk.
"We have created the equivalent of gated communities in our international relations," he said. "We are made so that what is given to us is given to another in turn. We are the active pressence of Jesus Christ in the world."
He called for a redefinitation of "wealth," not in terms of what we possess, but of well being; a "robust denial that environmental issues are side issues," and asked church members to encourage government and large NGOs to cooperate with local efforts of faith communities.
A full copy of the Archbishop's talk is available on the Episcopal Church's media hub (see link to right).
Carol E. Barnwell
Spent the afternoon in training to be a coach in the Public Narrative process, which will be carried out during the week. I will help people at my table articulate their story so that they can learn to take the process back to their own dioceses. We have the potential to train 1600 people to do this locally and the opportunity to expand the process is exponential.
Tonight Archbishop Rowan Williams delivered a challenging message to several thousand people, encouraging all those present to get honest with ourselves about our relationship with one another and creation. "We have lied to oursselves about our place in creation...and the possibility to profit without risk," he said.
He called the global economic crisis one of truthfulness and said we must "take time to build a culture of patience" in order to build relationships with one another. Archbishop Williams said we must get honest about "our dealings with in world we live in." He spoke of the consequences of our actions and asked "Who carries the cost" when we act as if there is no profit without risk.
"We have created the equivalent of gated communities in our international relations," he said. "We are made so that what is given to us is given to another in turn. We are the active pressence of Jesus Christ in the world."
He called for a redefinitation of "wealth," not in terms of what we possess, but of well being; a "robust denial that environmental issues are side issues," and asked church members to encourage government and large NGOs to cooperate with local efforts of faith communities.
A full copy of the Archbishop's talk is available on the Episcopal Church's media hub (see link to right).
Carol E. Barnwell
Archbishop Rowan Williams at General Convention
Archbishop Rowan Williams has joined us at General Convention.
He will be meeting with a diverse group of representatives from across the Episcopal Church.
Evidently his meeting this evening is an open meeting. Tonight (7.08.09) Archbishop Williams will participate in a presentation and panel discussion hosted by both Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori and President Bonnie Anderson. We will gather at the Hilton Anaheim from 6:15-7:30 p.m. (PDT) under the theme "Christian Faithfulness in the Global Economic Crisis."
He will also lead a Bible study during the Thursday Daily Eucharist.
The Archbishop's website is: www.archbishopofcanterbury.org
I am looking forward to our time tonight and believe that we will probably hear the continuing theme of mission priorities.
He will be meeting with a diverse group of representatives from across the Episcopal Church.
Evidently his meeting this evening is an open meeting. Tonight (7.08.09) Archbishop Williams will participate in a presentation and panel discussion hosted by both Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori and President Bonnie Anderson. We will gather at the Hilton Anaheim from 6:15-7:30 p.m. (PDT) under the theme "Christian Faithfulness in the Global Economic Crisis."
He will also lead a Bible study during the Thursday Daily Eucharist.
The Archbishop's website is: www.archbishopofcanterbury.org
I am looking forward to our time tonight and believe that we will probably hear the continuing theme of mission priorities.
Day One: Bishop Andrew C. Doyle
We began and ended the day with Committee Meetings. Tuesday morning the process of legislation lurched forward as the different committees began to channel work into the different houses.
Our deputies are all here and accounted for. We enjoyed a nice gathering last night in our room. If you are here in Anaheim from the Diocese of Texas please join us at 6 in the Oasis Tower of the Marriot, room 1748.There was good discussion last night and people shared their different experiences in committees.
We are joined in Anaheim by ECW and Daughters of the King representatives, youth and young adult representatives. I am so very proud of our representation here!The newcomers to convention have eyes wide open and are taking it all in...
Today we begin with a brief legislative session, followed by an opening Eucharist. JoAnne and the girls will join me for worship.
I understand that we will end the day with the Archbishop of Canterbury visiting with the House of Bishops, then JoAnne and I and the kids will join our class of bishops for dinner.
Keep us in your prayers as we begin our work today.
Blessings,
Andy
Our deputies are all here and accounted for. We enjoyed a nice gathering last night in our room. If you are here in Anaheim from the Diocese of Texas please join us at 6 in the Oasis Tower of the Marriot, room 1748.There was good discussion last night and people shared their different experiences in committees.
We are joined in Anaheim by ECW and Daughters of the King representatives, youth and young adult representatives. I am so very proud of our representation here!The newcomers to convention have eyes wide open and are taking it all in...
Today we begin with a brief legislative session, followed by an opening Eucharist. JoAnne and the girls will join me for worship.
I understand that we will end the day with the Archbishop of Canterbury visiting with the House of Bishops, then JoAnne and I and the kids will join our class of bishops for dinner.
Keep us in your prayers as we begin our work today.
Blessings,
Andy
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Day One: Mark Crawford on Public Narrative
From the Rev. Mark Crawford, chair of the Diocese of Texas Deputation
The opening session focused on a "Mission Conversation through Public Narrative" led by Dr. Michael Ganz of the Kennedy School of Government. We were pleasantly surprised that mission will be the central theme of the 76th General Convention. We'll spend four sessions discussing the answers to three questions: What does commitment to mission mean for you? What mission commitment do others at your table share? and How will you translate your mission commitment into action? The form of public narrative allows everyone to share their personal story and the way it relates to the call of mission. The goal is to "enable others to achieve shared purpose in the face of uncertainty."
The theme of the 76th General Convention is "Ubuntu" derived from the African Bantu meaning, "I am because we are. We share in order to prompt others to hear the call to action". General Convention really is more than elections, adopting budgets and passing resolutions. We hope and pray that the leadership of our church will receive a new inspiration for mission and ministry. Martin Luther King, Jr. referred to his times as "the fierce urgency of now." We are faced with a similiar challenge in our world.
Our deputies today were encouraged with the emphasis on mission and the way in which we are called to respond to the call of Christ.
The opening session focused on a "Mission Conversation through Public Narrative" led by Dr. Michael Ganz of the Kennedy School of Government. We were pleasantly surprised that mission will be the central theme of the 76th General Convention. We'll spend four sessions discussing the answers to three questions: What does commitment to mission mean for you? What mission commitment do others at your table share? and How will you translate your mission commitment into action? The form of public narrative allows everyone to share their personal story and the way it relates to the call of mission. The goal is to "enable others to achieve shared purpose in the face of uncertainty."
The theme of the 76th General Convention is "Ubuntu" derived from the African Bantu meaning, "I am because we are. We share in order to prompt others to hear the call to action". General Convention really is more than elections, adopting budgets and passing resolutions. We hope and pray that the leadership of our church will receive a new inspiration for mission and ministry. Martin Luther King, Jr. referred to his times as "the fierce urgency of now." We are faced with a similiar challenge in our world.
Our deputies today were encouraged with the emphasis on mission and the way in which we are called to respond to the call of Christ.
Monday, July 6, 2009
Young Adult Festival at General Convention
Every third summer, Episcopalians from around the world gather for two weeks to form a body of believers charged with discussing, discerning and, in some ways, deciding the course of the church for the coming triennium. General Convention is a legislative meeting, an informational gathering, a collaborative opportunity and a spiritually uplifting and challenging experience. It is a chance to meet Episcopalians from all walks of life and all parts of the church and to share faith, food and a few laughs.
In 2003, the first Young Adult Festival was held at General Convention in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The presence of so many young adults had such an impact that young adult ministry was affirmed as a top mission priority for the coming triennium. Three years later our presence grew at General Convention in Ohio and was re-affirmed as a top mission priority. This year, we again offer the opportunity to experience General Convention in a profound way along with a community of other young adults, to express ideas and thoughts and, just as importantly, to create a space for leaders within the church to hear, see and learn from young adults.
You can get more information about the Young Adult Festival at this LINK.
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Storytelling Goes To General Convention
Kathy Culmer, member of St. James', Houston and Mission Funding Coordinator for the Diocese of Texas will tell the first scripture lesson during worship at General Convention on Tuesday, July 14. She will also present a storytelling session for the Children's Program at 2:30 in the afternoon on that same day.
General Convention Opens July 8th
It’s said that the General Convention of the Episcopal Church is second only to the national Republican and Democratic conventions in terms of delegate days. That’s probably true, considering that 800-plus deputies, nearly 300 bishops, 500 volunteers, and hundreds more exhibitors and visitors gather for 10 full days for the Episcopal Church General Convention that meets every three years. This year’s General Convention – to take place in Anaheim, California, July 8 to 17 – will be the 76th since the first one, meeting in Philadelphia in 1785, established the governing body of the Church and set forth its Constitution and Canons.
The Diocese of Texas will send a number of people to General Convention, including three bishops, eight deputies (four clergy and four lay), several alternate deputies, the communications director, and delegates to the Episcopal Church Women Triennial meeting. Additionally, Ewart Jones, youth and young adult missioner, will attend the young adult event, Mary MacGregor, leadership development director, will speak to the Episcopal Church Women, Janie Stevens, Christian formation missioner, will help present the Children’s Charter and Kathy Culmer, Mission Funding coordinator, will participate in one of the worship services telling the lesson and telling stories in the children’s story section of the Exhibits area.
The diocesan communication director will report daily direct from Anaheim through a collection of electronic media including a daily stories, a web blog, Twitter. Every day will bring a report from one of our bishops or deputies. A full printed wrap-up report of General Convention will be presented in the September issue of The Texas Episcopalian.
We invite you to visit our blog page often at http://edotnews.blogspot.com/. There you can also sign up to receive news via Twitter as well as link to coverage from ELife Media, the national news team’s offerings.
Wednesday, July 9
The first day of General Convention is Wednesday, July 8. Activities of interest include the first Legislative Sessions, the Opening Eucharist, and Legislative committees meetings. For the next 10 days our deputation’s day begins at 7:30 am and continues until Legislative Session recess at 6:00 pm. Most evenings are filled with meetings or events lasting until 10:00 pm.
Thursday, July 9
The second day of General Convention. Scheduled activities include Legislative Committees meetings, Mission Conversation, and a Legislative Session. 5:00 pm is the final deadline for filing Resolutions. The Standing Committee on Program, Budget and Finance (PB&F) will hold a hearing on Spending. Other committee hearings will also be held.
Friday, July 10
The third day of General Convention. The schedule includes Legislative Committees meetings, and Legislative Sessions. The Program Budget and Finance present the Resource/Funding Hearing in the evening.
Saturday, July 11
The fourth day of General Convention. Schedule includes Legislative Committees meetings, Legislative Sessions, Community Eucharist, and a Mission Conversation. Evening is reserved for Seminary Dinners.
Sunday, July 12
The fifth day of General Convention. First event is the UTO Ingathering and Eucharist at 10:00 am. Afternoon is a Legislative Session, followed by the House of Bishops Dinner and the Episcopal Church Women’s event.
Monday, July 13
The sixth day of General Convention. Schedule includes Legislative Committees meetings, Legislative Sessions, Community Eucharist and an evening of Mission Conversation.
Tuesday, July 14
The seventh day of General Convention. Schedule includes Legislative Committees meetings, Legislative sessions, and Community Eucharist. Provincial Caucuses will elect representatives to serve on the nomination committee that will be called to duty if a new Presiding Bishop must be elected before General Convention 2015.
Wednesday, July 15
The eighth day of General Convention. Schedule activities included Legislative Committees meetings, Legislative Sessions, and Community Eucharist. A joint Session is also scheduled to hear the Joint Standing Committee on Program, Budget and Finance present The Episcopal Church triennial budget for a vote. The evening is reserved for an event hosted by the Diocese of Los Angeles.
Thursday, July 16
The ninth day of General Convention. Scheduled activities include Legislative Committees meetings, Legislative Sessions, Community Eucharist with the evening reserved for an extended Legislative Session.
Friday, July 17
The tenth day of General Convention. Scheduled activities include Legislative Session, and Closing Eucharist. Joint adjournment is scheduled for 6:00 pm.
The Diocese of Texas will send a number of people to General Convention, including three bishops, eight deputies (four clergy and four lay), several alternate deputies, the communications director, and delegates to the Episcopal Church Women Triennial meeting. Additionally, Ewart Jones, youth and young adult missioner, will attend the young adult event, Mary MacGregor, leadership development director, will speak to the Episcopal Church Women, Janie Stevens, Christian formation missioner, will help present the Children’s Charter and Kathy Culmer, Mission Funding coordinator, will participate in one of the worship services telling the lesson and telling stories in the children’s story section of the Exhibits area.
The diocesan communication director will report daily direct from Anaheim through a collection of electronic media including a daily stories, a web blog, Twitter. Every day will bring a report from one of our bishops or deputies. A full printed wrap-up report of General Convention will be presented in the September issue of The Texas Episcopalian.
We invite you to visit our blog page often at http://edotnews.blogspot.com/. There you can also sign up to receive news via Twitter as well as link to coverage from ELife Media, the national news team’s offerings.
Wednesday, July 9
The first day of General Convention is Wednesday, July 8. Activities of interest include the first Legislative Sessions, the Opening Eucharist, and Legislative committees meetings. For the next 10 days our deputation’s day begins at 7:30 am and continues until Legislative Session recess at 6:00 pm. Most evenings are filled with meetings or events lasting until 10:00 pm.
Thursday, July 9
The second day of General Convention. Scheduled activities include Legislative Committees meetings, Mission Conversation, and a Legislative Session. 5:00 pm is the final deadline for filing Resolutions. The Standing Committee on Program, Budget and Finance (PB&F) will hold a hearing on Spending. Other committee hearings will also be held.
Friday, July 10
The third day of General Convention. The schedule includes Legislative Committees meetings, and Legislative Sessions. The Program Budget and Finance present the Resource/Funding Hearing in the evening.
Saturday, July 11
The fourth day of General Convention. Schedule includes Legislative Committees meetings, Legislative Sessions, Community Eucharist, and a Mission Conversation. Evening is reserved for Seminary Dinners.
Sunday, July 12
The fifth day of General Convention. First event is the UTO Ingathering and Eucharist at 10:00 am. Afternoon is a Legislative Session, followed by the House of Bishops Dinner and the Episcopal Church Women’s event.
Monday, July 13
The sixth day of General Convention. Schedule includes Legislative Committees meetings, Legislative Sessions, Community Eucharist and an evening of Mission Conversation.
Tuesday, July 14
The seventh day of General Convention. Schedule includes Legislative Committees meetings, Legislative sessions, and Community Eucharist. Provincial Caucuses will elect representatives to serve on the nomination committee that will be called to duty if a new Presiding Bishop must be elected before General Convention 2015.
Wednesday, July 15
The eighth day of General Convention. Schedule activities included Legislative Committees meetings, Legislative Sessions, and Community Eucharist. A joint Session is also scheduled to hear the Joint Standing Committee on Program, Budget and Finance present The Episcopal Church triennial budget for a vote. The evening is reserved for an event hosted by the Diocese of Los Angeles.
Thursday, July 16
The ninth day of General Convention. Scheduled activities include Legislative Committees meetings, Legislative Sessions, Community Eucharist with the evening reserved for an extended Legislative Session.
Friday, July 17
The tenth day of General Convention. Scheduled activities include Legislative Session, and Closing Eucharist. Joint adjournment is scheduled for 6:00 pm.
Women Meet for Education, Fellowship
For the 46th time, the Episcopal Church Women will meet for their Triennial, concurrent with General Convention. Triennial is much less legislative than its counterpart, although national ECW officers are elected and changes to bylaws are considered at the meeting.
Generally, Triennial is a time of worship, networking, education, and sharing of ideas and resources through meetings, workshops, and invited speakers. Theme for this year’s Triennial is Grow in Grace from II Peter 3:18.
A special feature of each Triennial meeting is the introduction of diocesan “Honored Women.” Each diocese selects a woman whose life, work, and vocation has been dedicated to work at the diocesan level. Frances MacGregor, a member of St. Dunstan’s, and longtime active member of the Diocesan ECW is the Diocese of Texas’ selection.
The main Convention Eucharist, on Sunday, July 10, will include the ingathering of the United Thank Offering (UTO), and every diocesan UTO representative is invited to participate. UTO donations fund grants for the work of children and women around the world.
The national Daughters of the King will also meet separately just before General Convention, July 1 to 5, in Anaheim. The mission for their 2009 triennial meeting is to gather senior and junior Daughters of the King from every province and beyond for spiritual renewal through corporate worship, study, and fellowship. “To be in the presence of so many women who have taken the same vow is in itself a moving experience,” said Betty Smith, the president of the diocesan Daughters of the King.
Generally, Triennial is a time of worship, networking, education, and sharing of ideas and resources through meetings, workshops, and invited speakers. Theme for this year’s Triennial is Grow in Grace from II Peter 3:18.
A special feature of each Triennial meeting is the introduction of diocesan “Honored Women.” Each diocese selects a woman whose life, work, and vocation has been dedicated to work at the diocesan level. Frances MacGregor, a member of St. Dunstan’s, and longtime active member of the Diocesan ECW is the Diocese of Texas’ selection.
The main Convention Eucharist, on Sunday, July 10, will include the ingathering of the United Thank Offering (UTO), and every diocesan UTO representative is invited to participate. UTO donations fund grants for the work of children and women around the world.
The national Daughters of the King will also meet separately just before General Convention, July 1 to 5, in Anaheim. The mission for their 2009 triennial meeting is to gather senior and junior Daughters of the King from every province and beyond for spiritual renewal through corporate worship, study, and fellowship. “To be in the presence of so many women who have taken the same vow is in itself a moving experience,” said Betty Smith, the president of the diocesan Daughters of the King.
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Survey Developed
Survey developed… The Strategic Planning Committee is seeking opinions from throughout The Episcopal Church. The Strategic Planning Committee was established by Executive Council in January 2009 to develop a strategic plan for the Episcopal Church Center and the Executive Council which addresses mission and ministry, growth, finance, challenges and opportunities, issues and concerns, and to map a way to address all these topics.
To access the survey in English:
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=Wu5I75KPqOhmGku87xaL6A_3d_3d
To access the survey in Spanish: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=sMdDHs9sq5t42zeTmuXBFQ_3d_3d
To receive the print version: contact alummis@episcopalchurch.org
For those of you who will be at GC, the survey will also be available to be completed at the Episcopal Church Center booth at General Convention in Anaheim, California July 8-17.
The deadline to complete the survey is July 28, 2009.
To access the survey in English:
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=Wu5I75KPqOhmGku87xaL6A_3d_3d
To access the survey in Spanish: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=sMdDHs9sq5t42zeTmuXBFQ_3d_3d
To receive the print version: contact alummis@episcopalchurch.org
For those of you who will be at GC, the survey will also be available to be completed at the Episcopal Church Center booth at General Convention in Anaheim, California July 8-17.
The deadline to complete the survey is July 28, 2009.
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