DAY 10: Thursday, July 16

From Kate Harrigan (Deputation Chair): “On Beyond Zebra” or On Beyond D025

Much attention has been focused on the passage here of Resolution D025, which reaffirmed The Episcopal Church’s commitment to equal access for all to the process of discernment toward ordered ministry. But a great deal more has been happening here in Anaheim, and over the last few General Conventions, and I have find myself compelled to bring attention to the incredibly compassionate and faithful work of each convention.

Some items the public is not hearing about:

We restored funding to the Millennium Development Goals. These address the needs of people around the globe. While the funding had originally been removed, the church decided that these goals were important enough to “put our money where our mouth is”, even with a tight and sacrificial budget.

We passed legislation that advocates for

• indigenous peoples who live in the poorest areas of our country;
• lay employees in the church through pension and health plans;
• fair labor laws in the United States;
• equal education for all children;
• protection for victims of domestic violence.

These are just a few of the resolutions we passed so that the church may speak and act with a voice of justice for those who have no voice.

We are also passing legislation that broadens the boundaries of our church so that we may share the goodness of God with our brothers and sisters in Christ from the Moravian, the Methodist, and the Presbyterian traditions.

And we are passing legislation that begs us to pay attention to our care of creation to reverse damage to the environment.

The overwhelming voice and work of this convention, and of our Episcopal Church, is the voice and work of inclusion and advocacy – for The LGBT community, for the Latino/Hispanic community, for the indigenous people of our world, for the poor among us, for our brothers and sisters in Christ from other traditions and for God’s earth.

In his meditation today, the Rev. Frank Wade, our chaplain, helped us to understand that evangelism really means telling our story. The evangelist is the story teller. We are telling our story here, a powerful story of inclusion and advocacy, a powerful story of faithfulness to the Gospel – the Good News – of Christ.

From Patrick Strohl:

Well, we have a budget for The Episcopal Church for the 2010-2012 triennium. After holding two hearings last week, the Joint Standing Committee on Program, Budget and Finance presented a budget reflecting cuts totaling over $23 million from the proposed budget drafted earlier this year. The Convention adopted a $141 million budget, which reflects a reduction of $10.45 per Episcopalian per year.

On the income side, in response to dioceses’ requests, asking will be calculated at 21% of each diocese's operating income for 2010; 20% for 2011 and 19% for 2012. Our Diocese of Central PA was one of only 27 dioceses that met the 21% asking in 2008.

On the expense side, many national programs will be cut, meaning that dioceses and parishes will need to undertake more mission work themselves. Up to 37 out of 180 staff members employed at the New York and regional offices will lose their jobs. Many were told in meetings at convention that their jobs were being eliminated. The House of Deputies halted business after the budget was adopted to pray for those affected by the cuts.

In another cost cutting move, the 77th General Convention to be held in Indianapolis in 2012 has been shortened from ten days to eight. The budget for Episcopal Life was cut from $9.5 million to $3 million, to reflect an eventual move from ten newspaper-style issues a year to a quarterly magazine-type publication, with other media picking up the task of providing timely “news”. Dioceses like ours, who wrap their diocesan newspapers around Episcopal Life, will need to adjust communications strategies.

We are being forced to become leaner, more efficient and more focused. God grant us grace to see and name the abundance that God offers, as we work through the pain of this process.


From Rayelenn Casey, Sign Language Interpreter:

(Editor’s Note: Rayelenn has traveled to Anaheim this convention with her husband, Stephen, who is a clergy delegate, and daughter, Emily, who is a volunteer.)

This is my fifth consecutive General Convention working as a sign language interpreter. I don’t know how many of you are aware of the existence of the Episcopal Conference of the Deaf, a body in the national church that supports ministry with Deaf people, providing, as they say at their popular booth in the Exhibit Hall, “faith experiences for Deaf people in their own language.”

The ECD has no central office or location; instead, it is made up of priests, deacons, and lay people in parishes all over the country from Boston to San Diego, from Alabama and North Carolina, to St. Louis to Upstate New York. The ECD is made up of several fully Deaf parishes as well as “hearing” parishes that offer sign language interpretation. So – the Episcopal Conference of the Deaf has a very strong and very visible presence at General Convention, and it is my honour and privilege to be one of the three interpreters providing interpretation at daily worship services, at committee meetings, in the House of Deputies and even the House of Bishops, in addition to special events.

The ECD’s booth in the exhibit hall is, as I say, popular – it seems everyone loves to learn sign language, so there is always an interpreter stationed there to facilitate conversation between the Deaf people at the booth and passers-by. Deaf people have also testified at committee hearings and served as Eucharistic ministers at worship.

On a personal note, it was for me a pleasure and a sacred responsibility to interpret for Rowan Williams, the Archbishop of Canterbury, in his address on the global economy last week, and to share the peace with him at worship the next morning. Interpreting liturgy has always been a particular joy for me – and so I am having a wonderful time doing just that at General Convention.

...and Still Friends

Some of the more interesting writing coming out of the General Convention this week has been by Daniel Burke, who writes for Religion News Service, and whose spouse is the religion reporter for the York Daily Record here in our diocese. In a report published on BeliefNet recently, he describes two deputies from Virginia who, having voted in opposite ways for D025, remain longstanding friends.

Interestingly, sexuality had little to do with the calculus for the gentleman who voted against the resolution. He has been active in helping the church in Sudan, and he was concerned that the actions of the Convention could further alienate provinces in Africa, thereby endangering a valuable and much-needed partnership. He may have a point.

So, while our collective journey continues, one can only hope that in the long run the Convention's recent actions will strengthen—not weaken—the church's capacity for mission. You can read the entire piece here.

Day 9, Wednesday, July 15

From Brian Amato

Fifty (50) resolutions! That’s how many the Committee on National and International Concerns has had to deal with during this General Convention. These resolutions are attempts to set the church’s policy on a wide range of issues, or change existing policy. They are important because (1) they tell the world where we stand on these issues, and (2) more practically, they set limits on what our Government Relations Office in Washington, DC can advocate for. The Government Relations Office is well-respected and very effective, but it is only allowed to advocate for policies that have been approved by General Convention or, in some cases, by the Executive Council, the body which runs the church between general conventions.

Some topics considered at this General Convention include the Palestine/Israeli conflict, recent troubles in Honduras, the Iraq war, the effects of global warming and the recent world-wide economic problems. Closer to home we looked at immigration policy, the rights of Native Americans, employment rights for transgendered people, health-insurance policy and the so-called “defense of marriage” laws.

How it works: Each proposed resolution has to be given a hearing before the full committee and then be worked on by one of the four subcommittees. (I was on the Environmental and Other Concerns subcommittee.) After that, they are brought before the full committee for further discussion and may be sent back for further revision. Once the full committee agrees on a resolution’s language, they may send it to the House of Deputies with a recommendation to pass the final version, reject it, refer it to another committee or church body or “discharge” it (which means to stop further work on it because, for example, another resolution was passed that addresses the same issue.

As of this afternoon, the House of Deputies has passed several committee resolutions, including

· A comprehensive resolution on Israel/Palestine, calling for concessions on both sides.

· A resolution asking for better treatment for illegal immigrants.

· A resolution calling for a reform of our labor laws to restore the balance between unions and management.


From David Lovelace

"I have ten minutes to save the earth," the Rt. Rev. Steven Charleston began his sermon at the Wednesday Eucharist with these startling words. Calling on the witness of his Native American ancestors, scientific information and the many voices who have been telling us for thirty years the clock is ticking Bishop Charleston said, "the ticking has stopped and the alarm is sounding." All the issues that we think are so important will amount to nothing if the place we call home becomes a charred ball rotating around the sun. The time is at hand to respond to the alarm least we leave our children no place to call home. He concluded by asking if we would join him in protecting mother earth. A resounding "yes" was followed by a standing ovation.

A Denominational Health Plan for all employees of the church working 1000 or more hours per year was passed by both Houses. Both also concurred on the establishment of a Lay Employee Pension Plan for those who work 1000 hours or more per year. Both plans have been studied during the past three years and were presented as a justice issue for the church. We have a responsibility to take care of those persons who facilitate the ministry we all share. Parishes will have three years to comply with these resolutions. While they raise financial concerns for both large and small parishes, those who work for the church enable us to be about God's work in the world. We have a responsibility to do all we can, to provide for their health care and retirement.

The Triennial Budget comes before us tomorrow (Thursday). Reviewing the documents provided to us ahead of time was daunting. Some concerns seem to have been left out, thereby challenging all of us to provide support for mission and ministry. Determining priorities, what can best be done at a local level and what will need the support of the larger church is not an easy assignment. A budget of $140,854,531 is a lot of money, until you are faced with the difficult decisions of where and how to allocate these funds.

DAY 8: Tuesday, July 14

From Christine Purcell

Not surprisingly, there is a huge amount of hype, anxiety and confusing press around Resolution D025, now passed in amended form by the House of Deputies. Your deputation met on Monday evening to debrief a little with one another and with Bishop Baxter, and what follows is a sense of what we collectively understand it to mean.


The resolution’s purpose was to clarify the stance of The Episcopal Church in light of the Windsor Report and the discussions concerning its place in the larger Anglican Communion, more particularly with respect to GC2006 B033, which was passed in the closing minutes of the General Convention of 2006. You remember that B033 called on Bishops and Standing Committees to exercise restraint in the consent to an election to the episcopate of a candidate “whose manner of life” might cause concern to the rest of the Anglican Communion.

The first four “resolves” of D025 reaffirm the Episcopal Church’s participation in the Anglican Communion, in terms of encouraging participation in the instruments of communion, financial support and the shared listening process to which all committed in the last three Lambeth Conferences.

The fifth and sixth “resolves” address the integral role of gay and lesbian persons in the life of the Church, the Episcopal Church’s understanding that discernment to ordered ministry is a mystery, and that such process is governed for us by our Constitution and Canons.

The final “resolve” acknowledges that, in the light of Holy Scriptures, tradition, and reason, the church is not of one mind in the matters of human sexuality; that “Christians of good conscience disagree about some of these matters.”

Some individuals in both the House of Deputies and the House of Bishops believe that D025 overturns or supersedes B033. The prevailing view among the bishops is that this is not so. That the reaffirmation of non-discrimination can exist side by side with a call to restraint for the sake of the greater good. And that D025, messy as it may seem, truthfully depicts the stance of The Episcopal Church at this particular moment.

Our own Bishop Baxter spoke of the importance of this honesty. In his comments on Monday night, he reflected on the incompatibility of baptism and bondage, referencing older conflict in the church over the full humanity and personhood of slaves, and likening it to the present struggle about the full implications of the baptism of GLBT persons. Now, as then, science changes, and theology grows.

In the days to come the conversation will continue. The Church needs time to assimilate what has happened here in Anaheim and see how it is woven into the larger tapestry of our common life. We urge your thoughtful reflection and faithful prayer for all God’s people as we love one another and work together in God’s unfolding future.

More from Gina Barrett

The House of Deputies experienced a moment of grace yesterday. We were nearing the end of our morning legislative session when a long line of people filed up to the podium. They were our ecumenical visitors, and they were introduced one by one. Rather than a speech (or several), we were treated to something else.

A Jewish cantor stepped up to the microphone and sang in Hebrew. It was a single voice, powerful and haunting, and it filled the entire room. As he finished, the cantor stepped back, and a Muslim stepped forward. His voice was equally powerful and haunting but in quite a different way. When the Muslim finished, an Episcopal priest came forward. He sang in English, and his song was beautiful.

What happened next was truly amazing. While the priest sang, the Muslim came forward and added his voice. Then the cantor joined in. They sang three separate “songs” which didn’t harmonize in a traditional way. And yet there was never any dissonance, any clash of pitch.

The entire House of 1000+ people sat there as chronos became kairos. It was a holy moment like none I’d ever experienced. In those three voices, I heard the voice of God.

DAY 7: Monday, July 13

From Christine Purcell:

This afternoon, the House of Bishops took up Resolution D025, which was passed by a major majority in the House of Deputies yesterday (please see David Lovelace’s thoughtful posting below).

It passed with amendment, which means that it will need to come back to the House of Deputies for final approval. The amendment inserted language into the 6th “resolve”, which addressed the discernment process for the election of bishops in The Episcopal Church. You may read about that language in more detail at http://www.episcopal-life.org/79901_112523_ENG_HTM.htm.

The press will, of course, rush to interpret what this means and its implications for our relationship with the Anglican communion. Time will tell. In the meantime, please watch this page for future posting when we all have had a little more time to process and reflect.

On another note, the House of Deputies was treated to a wonderfully encouraging and compelling presentation by two member s of the Youth Deputation to this Convention. Zachary Brown, from the Diocese of Upper South Carolina and head of the Youth deputation, and Carolyn Chou, a very articulate college-bound young woman from the Diocese of Pennsylvania took turns at the microphone telling their stories of involvement in and commitment to the Episcopal Church, and calling for greater openness to their voices in the life and discernment of the church as a whole. They were a living icon, differing in gender, ethnicity and political viewpoint, yet joined in their desire to offer their gifts and share in leadership.

It was a fabulous moment. It reminded me that we are so much more than a single issue church, that our future is filled with Spirit-led and grace-filled possibilities. I pray it won’t be lost or forgotten on a news day that focused elsewhere.

From Stephen Casey:

In the midst of the turmoil surrounding resolutions involving human sexuality, the House of Deputies passed Resolution D038 calling on the church to reach out to Latinos/Hispanics in the coming triennial of 2010-2012.

There are many images that strike the eye when attending General Convention and one in particular is the cultural diversity of the Episcopal Church. Flags from eighteen nations hang on the wall behind the platform on the floor of the House of Deputies, reminding us that The Episcopal Church is a truly international church, unique in the Anglican Communion. In the liturgies at General Convention we have experienced the music and movement of Deaf Episcopalians, African/American, Native American, and Latino and Hispanic cultures and styles of worship. It may seem to some that in the Diocese of Central Pennsylvania we are a little removed from such diversity, but this is not so, especially in the south where, in York, Lancaster, for instance, there is a growing Latino/Hispanic community.

In the spirit of Ubuntu (I in you, you in me) this resolution calls us to reach out to these communities.

From Carol Burkey Snell, Volunteer:

Greetings from Anaheim, California!

I have pulled duty in the House of Bishops and the ECW Secretariat. Ever wonder where all of those neatly folded and stapled packets come from or how items get from the third floor to the first floor? Well, there are hundreds, yes hundreds, of volunteers in bright yellow aprons scurrying around "making things happen". What a great time I'm having. Peace and Joy to all!


From Gina Barrett:

Friday night was the Integrity Eucharist at General Convention. I attended this service three years ago, and it changed my life. You’d better believe I was there this year.

The service included the renewal of our baptismal promises. An especially poignant moment was the thanksgiving over the water. The celebrant invited all of us in the congregation to raise our hands toward the font, so we all consecrated the water together.

For the gospel procession, two acolytes carried multi-colored banners. Next came the thurifer. Then a man playing an African drum. He was followed by two torchbearers and a deacon carrying the Gospel Book. Then there were more torchbearers, followed by Bishop Robinson, who asperged us with the newly-consecrated baptismal water. Bringing up the rear were more torchbearers and banners. The procession wound its way around the room while we all sang an African song.

Another highlight was the Rt. Rev. Barbara Harris’ sermon. I’ve never heard her preach before, and she did not mince words. She declared that B033 was the ticket to a false peace. She wondered why others in the Anglican Communion have a say in who we elect as bishop when we don’t have a say in who they select as bishop. If we don’t want gay bishops, we shouldn’t ordain them as transitional deacons, she continued. In fact, we shouldn’t even baptize them to begin with. She capped this off with, “How can you initiate someone and then treat them like they’re half-assed baptized?” Strong words, indeed. Whether you agree with her or not, there’s no doubt about where she stands.

She made two other excellent points: first, God has no favorites. Second, in reference to the proposed Anglican Covenant, the baptismal covenant is the only covenant we need, to be faithful to God.

It’s hard to believe that a hotel ballroom could feel like “church.” But that’s what I experienced. And one last thing: the language of the version used for the scripture readings was everyday and easy to understand. I later found out that it was “The Message” by Eugene Peterson. If you’ve ever been confused by the Bible (everyone raise your hands), then you might want to check it out.

From Jennifer Railing:

Greetings to all of you in Central Pennsylvania! Here is a montage of memories from the first week of participating in the 76th General Convention of The Episcopal Church (TEC).

Daily Eucharists offered midmorning in English, Spanish and sign language (often our own Rayelenn Casey from St. Edward’s, Lancaster signing) with wonderful music and choirs (our own Mary Ellen Baxter singing her heart out) --

Discussing giving vote to the Youth representation (who sit in the House of Deputies with voice only) --

Elizabeth Von Trapp freely giving a beautiful concert while the offering that was taken up was given for the Jericho Road project in New Orleans --

The Archbishop of Canterbury giving the meditation at one Eucharist service and leading a panel discussion that evening under the title “Building an Ethical Economy: Theology and the Marketplace” --

Hearing how many deputies feel the structure of our church is burdened with committees, task forces, etc. and suggesting we take a step back for three years and see if all this is necessary?

Tomorrow we shall receive the proposed budget for the next three years (2010, 11, 12) --

And a final thought: the weather that God gives to Southern California is gorgeous (warm no humidity, blue sky) while humankind sets the thermostat inside the cavernous Anaheim Convention Center at what seems an Arctic (pre-global warming) temperature that makes many of us wish we’d packed our sweaters and longjohns…ah well…you are all in my thoughts and prayers, and again I thank you for voting me to be one of our lay deputies from Central PA.

DAY 6: Sunday, July 12, 2009

From David Lovelace:

Children led the procession into Sunday worship, accompanied by dancers with flags and streamers. In her sermon, our Presiding Bishop challenged us to think about what it means for us to be sent as Jesus sent his disciples: to travel light, accept and extend hospitality and proclaim God's kingdom now. At the offertory, representatives of every diocese came forward to present the United Thank Offering. Outward signs that God's kingdom is now working through these gifts to reach out in love around the world. Elizabeth Von Trapp performed her original anthem entitled “Peace”. Who could share in this incredible experience of being lifted into the loving arms of God and not be inspired to go share the good news?


Today was the day in the House of Deputies – the day when we would debate and vote on a resolution that would say who we are as the Episcopal Church in relationship to others. Resolution D025 affirmed our participation in and support of the Anglican Communion. It affirmed the value of the careful listening processes of the 1978, 1988 and 1998 Lambeth Conferences, which has affirmed for us the fact that the Episcopal Church is very diverse including same gender couples living in loving committed relationships. The resolution goes on to affirm that our Constitution and Canons clearly state we do not discriminate against anyone in the discernment process for ministry for any reason.

I was impressed by the generosity of spirit that prevailed in the House as people on both sides of this issue spoke to the resolution. When the vote by orders was taken, the major majority of both clergy and lay deputies voted in favor of this resolution. The resolution now goes to the House of Bishops.

I have to admit a sense of relief that the issue that seemed to underlie this Convention had now made it to the floor of both Houses. I am deeply touched by the respect and honesty we heard expressed today in the House of Deputies. I believe the Presiding Bishop is correct: God is working to affirm for us that the kingdom is now.


From Sam Ward, Lay Alternate

The Standing Committee on Ecumenical and Inter-Religious Relations has approved a resolution providing for full communion with the Moravian Church. This means that while remaining distinct, the two denominations share beliefs sufficiently that their ministries are interchangeable. A resolution supporting dialogue with the United Methodist Church was broadened to include the African Methodist Episcopal Church and similar faiths. Other resolutions supporting dialogue with the Presbyterian Church (USA) and the Church of Sweden were also approved.

The Committee spent much of its time working on a statement that hopefully will serve as an invitation to dialogue with other faiths around the globe and here at home. It sets forth our beliefs in terms intended to seek some common understanding and seeks to have others share their beliefs with us, so that we all may be enriched.

DAY 5: Saturday, June 11, 2009

Editor’s Note:

The volume of news continues to build. Here are some highlights reported from Saturday’s session.

From Christine Purcell:

Each day here brings so many memorable moments: for me, yesterday’s (Saturday July 11) was the address by Jenny Te Paa, the "ahorangi" or dean of Te Rau Kahikatea (College of St. John the Evangelist) in Auckland, New Zealand.

Dr. Te Paa was one of five international guests invited by Bonnie Anderson, President of the House of Deputies, to observe our 76th General Convention. The other four were from Brazil, South Africa, Ghana, and Kenya – the “true global south”, she said!

Dr. Te Paa spoke, softly and thoughtfully, words of embrace, affirmation, exhortation and gentle advice. You can read them in full at http://ecusa.anglican.org/79901_112408_ENG_HTM.htm, and I strongly encourage you to do so, to gain a sense of how others see us.

One of the great gifts of the way we do business here in the The Episcopal Church is that our process manages to be both egalitarian and transparent. Sure, politics are politics. But there are so many checks and balances – among them our bicameral structure, our strict adherence to Robert’s Rules, our overall commitment to civil discourse, consistently applied. Whatever is decided here, every attempt will have been made to hear all voices with loving respect, trusting that our fidelity to be gracious and generous will, in turn, enable the Holy Spirit’s grace and generosity to cover us all.

From Gina Barrett:

The Committee on Prayer Book, Liturgy and Music is considering several resolutions to do with same-gender blessings. There are two ways the commission can handle this: (1) to change the marriage canons so that marriage becomes a union between two adults rather than between a man and a woman; or (2) to develop a rite blessing same-gender unions. The challenge is to craft a resolution that both the House of Bishops and the House of Deputies will pass because, as you know, a resolution has to pass both in order to be enacted. In testimony two days ago, the majority of people spoke in favor of same-gender blessings. None of the resolutions have come out of committee yet.

Another set of liturgies under consideration is “Rachel’s Tears, Hannah’s Hopes”, designed to respond to pastoral concerns dealing with reproductive issues. One of these liturgies addresses the loss of children through miscarriage, stillbirth, abortion, adoption or inability to conceive. There is also a rite of reconciliation and repentance for an abortion. These rites are beautifully written and, if adopted, will be a wonderful resource for pastors and families struggling with life and death issues.

On a lighter note, today the commission heard testimony on two resolutions that would authorize prayers and rites for the loss of a companion animal. Eight people (two accompanied by service dogs) spoke eloquently in support of these resolutions.

In a session I attended a few days ago, members were considering amendments to newly-written collects and prefaces. I was struck by the care and concern given to each word and phrase, both read and chanted. It was painstaking work (some might say nitpicking), but if praying shapes believing, then great care must be taken. After all, this is our theology in liturgical form.

From Kate Harrigan:

In the past two days we passed two important pieces of legislation that will enhance our lives of faith in our diocese and in our congregations. The first is the Charter for Lifelong Christian Formation, a document that points to guide us in our theology and practice around Christian formation for ALL God’s people, cradle-to-grave.

The second is a resolution encouraging dioceses to develop strategies for lifelong formation. This gives “teeth” to the Charter, as it urges implementation. Thus we have both framework and encouragement to continue and broaden work in which we that we are already engaged, within our diocese.

DAY 4: Friday, July 10, 2009

From David Lovelace:

Reflections on B033 Discussion: Today brought the second conversation of the whole for the House of Deputies on the controversy related to this resolution passed by the 2006 General Convention, which called on standing committees and bishops with jurisdiction to "exercise restraint by not consenting to the consecration to the episcopate of any candidate whose manner of life presents a challenge to the wider church and would lead to further strains on communion." The intent of the conversation was so deputies might listen to one another without political maneuvering.

I was struck by the careful and respectful sharing that took place around a very sensitive issue for many people. Some people are feeling frustrated that the Church is not willing to move faster and with prophetic courage. Others urge us to use caution and restraint when it comes to issues related to human sexuality.

What strikes me is that we are on a pilgrimage together to come to a better understanding of how to be loving and welcoming to all God's children. I am not sure legislation is going to solve this issue for the church. I believe the journey continues and we must be willing to listen carefully to one another. Perhaps the public narrative workshops at General Convention will assist us to hear one another's stories and to engage in a mission of providing justice for all people. Maybe those of us who are engaged in this process can return to our home dioceses to help all of us listen and engage in finding ways to be loving to all our neighbors.

From Legislative Aide Mary Amato

Editor’s Note: Mary has traveled with the deputation to Anaheim to participate in a vital way in this Convention – as one of the hundreds of volunteers who enable the wheels of process to turn smoothly.

You may nor may not be aware that General Convention is the largest bicameral body in the world. It functions the same as our own government does. Likewise, my Legislative Aide position is the same as it would be in our Congress. As a committee meets, the Legislative Aide assists in variety of ways as a support person. But my most important responsibility is to allow the committee to focus on their work and not on the tedious jobs of submitting the necessary paperwork for meeting postings, committee reports etc. As an aide, I have been asked to do such things as type meeting minutes, and follow-up on committee reports and responses back from the House of Bishops. I work closely with the officers of the committee.

This is my third convention serving in this capacity. Beyond enjoying the work as a Legislative Aide, I have learned much from the committee I am serving, Church In Small Communities. I have heard some powerful stories about the struggles, successes, and ongoing ministry in small churches throughout our own Episcopal Church.

From Diocesan ECW President Amy Swiernik:

Barbara Brinton, Bonnie Chambers and I have made it to California and have been busy the last few days.

The ECW Opening Celebration took place Wednesday afternoon, with President Kay Meyer officially opening the meeting for the 88 dioceses represented, with a total of 284 voting delegates present. The Presiding Bishop spoke to encourage and thank the women of the church for their integral part in the Anglican communion. The ECW welcoming dinner in the evening was highlighted with a wonderful play on the history of the ECW. We will be bringing home copies of the play that can be shared with the entire Diocese.

On Thursday, Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams addressed the ECW, and he further emphasized the importance of the work being done around the world by the Women of the communion. After the Archbishop spoke, the representative of the Anglican Communion to the United Nations, Helen Wandusa spoke about the wonderful work that has been done, but also reminded us of the long road still have to go in just meeting the basic needs of many women around the world. We spent the afternoon in plenary session voting on By-Laws and listening to reports of the Nominating Committee, Resolutions Committee and President's message.

The meditations and sermons of the Rev. Dr. Ellen Sloan, ECW Chaplain, are being posted on the national ECW website. There is an ECW section in the Daily Episcopal Life that is being distributed here daily. It can be accessed at www.episcopalchurch.org

The honored woman ceremony took place Friday afternoon with Bishop Baxter and I escorting our own Barbara Brinton through the ceremony. It was a thrill to honor her. The official Youth Presence also addressed the ECW. They were very well spoken and full of hope for our church. UTO sharing dinner takes place this evening.

I am able to access email here if anyone would like to ask questions or has any comments. My address is amyecwcpa@comcast.net.

Have a fabulous day and blessings!

Moscow to Anaheim

According to news reports, when President Obama sat down earlier this week to talk with Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin, the first question Mr. Obama asked was, “So, how did we get here?” For the next forty minutes, Mr. Putin recounted his story of the last thirty years of U.S. - Russian relations. Mr. Obama began a dialogue by listening, and in doing so, he honored the views of his companion, however much the two may agree or disagree on specific issues at the moment.

In what may be a welcome turn from earlier form, it appears that there's a lot of the same sort of thing going on at the current General Convention, particularly regarding the topics related to sexuality. The deputies know that we must deal with the issue, but they also know that there are other pressing concerns, and that the viability of the Episcopal Church does not turn entirely on this one subject. The overarching theme of this convention might best be summed up as, “We're all in this together.” That's progress in and of itself.

Stay tuned for more updates.

DAY 3: Thursday, July 9, 2009

Editor's note: During the General Convention, members of the Central Pennsylvania deputation are providing daily updates to the Diocese. The Rev. Christine Purcell is serving as “recorder and reporter” for these updates.

From Deputation Chair Kate Harrigan:
Early in Convention, much of the work is being done in committee. Resolutions are being heard, deliberated and fine-tuned for later presentation on the floors of the House of Bishops and the House of Deputies. Your deputies are serving on or following committees devoted to ministry, liturgy, ecumenism, education, small congregations, national and international concerns, and communication, as well as a number of others.

Public Narrative Project: In the second "Mission Conversation" with our table groups, we shared the stories of our lives that led to our call to mission and ministry. We were also coached in how to listen and give feedback to one another.

The Morning Eucharist: The Archbishop of Canterbury preached, and Bishop Jon Bruno of Los Angeles presided. Bishop Bruno explained that whenever young people are present, he chooses a child or young person to stand with him at the altar while he celebrates the Eucharist. Today was no exception, as he celebrated with a young boy standing beside him. Worship over the last two days has included both English and Spanish in the liturgy, in song, in word, and in prayer.

“Committee of the Whole” Discussion of GC2006 B033: During the afternoon legislative session, the House of Deputies used this mechanism to discuss, without debate, this resolution passed at the end of the last General Convention. It called for a moratorium on electing to the episcopate those whose manner of life would be challenge to others in the Anglican communion and a cessation of incursions by bishops from other churches in the communion into dioceses in the Episcopal Church (TEC). Each deputy sat with a person we did not know, to ask and answer three questions: (1) what is our own story with respect to B033 and its implications; (2) what is our story as a church with respect to the issue; and (3) what is God calling us to do now. This process of respectful speaking and listening will continue in the next legislative session.

There is little free time for deputies, bishops, volunteers and others as people rush from committee meeting to worship to legislative meeting. But there is much energy and a true spirit for the life of the church and for God's work, as thousands of people seek to be faithful to God's call to serve the world.

From David Lovelace:

The past two days have been filled with hearings on resolutions for the Ministry Legislative Committee. We have heard and discussed resolutions relating to education of laity, the discernment process for ordination, the dissolution of a pastoral relationship and funding for theological education. Despite the long days, progress is being made to support the many ministries related to the ministry of all the baptized. I am impressed with the desire of all to encourage and support persons as they seek to answer God's call to service. I look forward to the debate and outcome as these thirty plus resolutions come to the floor of the House of Deputies.

From Harry Snell:

The Committee on consecration of bishops consented to the election of The Rev. Luis Fernando Ruiz , Bishop of Ecuador Central.

From Christine Purcell

“There’s nothing new under the sun”, the poet writes in Ecclesiastes. The Standing Commission on Communication is wrestling with many complex issues in the area of communication that are familiar to many of us: internal communication, a management issue vs. external communication and public relations; print vs. electronic media; the implications of demographic differences, to name just a few. And then there are the people issues: lack of coordination leads to the failure of trust. “It’s not what you did, it’s how you did it...”.

The new director of communication at the Church Center put forward a draft budget that called for the “morphing” of Episcopal Life, the monthly diocesan newspaper, into Episcopal Life, the quarterly magazine at the end of 2009. Regular “news” would be communicated in other ways; the magazine could explore issues with more depth. The significant savings realized, with respect to staff resources, would allow more development and utilization of other communications media.

The plan has encountered significant resistance. Many believe that Episcopal Life, the monthly newspaper, has had and continues to have an essential role in dioceses where newer media are less effective due to geography and demographics; and even more importantly, in dioceses where it has been a potent symbol of connection to the larger Episcopal Church. For example, in one diocese its circulation was blocked by a bishop who eventually left the Episcopal Church, taking a number of parishes with him. In another, its display in peoples’ homes signified their resistance to prevailing attitudes with respect to future directions.

Committee discussions and an open hearing have fleshed out the issues and given voice to different constituencies. I am confident that, with an adjusted timeline and some clarification of lines authority, it will be sorted out in the end! In the meantime, it is fascinating to watch.

General Convention - Day 2

Editor's note: During the General Convention, members of the Central Pennsylvania deputation are providing daily updates to the Diocese. The Rev. Christine Purcell is serving as “recorder and reporter” for these updates.

“Doing the business of getting ready to do business” pretty much sums up the opening legislative session. Appointments, the certification of a quorum, election of Secretary and Treasurer, adoption of a proposed schedule– the stuff that has to be in place so the House of Deputies can do the work of this convention, including but not limited to the consideration of literally hundreds of resolutions.

At the opening Eucharist the Presiding Bishop preached about heart transplants based on the text of Ezekiel 36: “A new heart I will give you, and a new spirit I will put within you; and I will remove from your body the heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh”. The primate of the Episcopal Church in the Philippines , once a constituent part of the Episcopal Church which became an autonomous member of the Anglican Communion in 1990, presented gifts to the TEC in thanksgiving for its support and in recognition of friendship and solidarity in the face of shared global economic challenges. There was, of course, wonderful music and a deep sense of the presence of the Spirit. This reporter’s high point: at the exchange of the Peace, turning from a warm greeting from a woman from the Diocese of Minnesota’s youth contingent to the outstretched hand of the Archbishop of Canterbury.

Late in the day, the PB Katherine Jefferts-Schori, ABC Rowan Williams, and three young leaders in ministry comprised a panel to addressing the impacts of our global economic crisis. William’s remarks centered around his conviction that it is first and foremost a crisis of truthfulness. On the most prosaic level, the business world no longer operates with any expectation of truth-telling between entities. With respect to our relationship with the world in which we live, we have not been truthful with ourselves and one another about the fact that it is limited; we spin the fantasy that endless expansion, production and profit are possible without cost. And finally, as we relate to one another, we have not been truthful about our interdependence and need for one another. More on his comments are available on Episcopal Life Online (ecusa.anglican.org/episcopal_life.htm).

Bearing witness to his remarks were Sarah Eagle Heart, the Episcopal Church's program officer for Native American/Indigenous Ministries, who spoke about the rising suicide rate among Native American youth; Michael Schut, economic and environmental affairs officer for the Episcopal Church who described the impact of the ecological crisis on those living at subsistence level on the edge of toxic waterways; and Dr. Stephen Dzisi, a physician and technical director for NetsforLife®, an Episcopal Relief and Development partnership program that fights malaria in sub-Saharan Africa.

Report on the Public Narrative Project from Stephen Casey:
In response to GC 2006 Resolution D043: Dialogue on Mission of the Church, participants in this 2009 Convention will engage in Public Narrative to enable articulation of and commitment to a greater vision for mission. Public narrative is a method by which individuals communicate values, appreciate the values of others, and draw on those values to act. The process begins with sharing our life stories with one another. Our stories are broken into three parts: the story of self; the story of us; and the story of now.

By telling the “story of self” we communicate why and how we were called to care. By telling the “story of us” we describe what in our community calls us to act; and our “story of now” communicates the urgent challenge we are called to confront as a community – right now. We all possess a story of self, of us, and of now.

The Province meetings which preceded this Convention began this process of Public Narrative, and some Bishops and Deputies volunteered to be trained as coaches to help facilitate this church wide conversation. From the Diocese of Central Pennsylvania, Gina Barrett, David Lovelace and Stephen Casey have been trained as coaches. Over the course of this General Convention the bishops and deputies will meet three times to share their individual stories of self, us, and now.

These conversations are not ends in themselves, but rather the beginning of a wider conversation engaging the whole church in a process of Public Narrative. From this convention, Deputies and Bishops and members of the ECW will carry on these conversations in the parishes and deaneries and convocations of their own dioceses. Our hope is that more leaders will be raised up who, through telling their story of self, us, and now in community, will enable the Episcopal Church at all levels to turn our outward to mission in the local community and the world.

From General Convention

Editor's note: During the General Convention, members of the Central Pennsylvania deputation are providing daily updates to the Diocese. The Rev. Christine Purcell is serving as “recorder and reporter” for these updates. This is the first of those reports.

DAY 1: Tuesday, July 7, 2009

Committee work has begun so that the legislation will reach the floors of the House of Bishops and the House of Deputies early in the Convention. Members of our deputation have been engaged in the various committees they are assigned to or they are following.

We gathered in our table groups to hear opening remarks by Presiding Bishop Katherine Jefferts-Schori and President of the House of Deputies Bonnie Anderson. Schori spoke about crisis and opportunity. Anderson’s focus was mission. Quotable quotes: “This crisis is a decision point –one which may involve suffering. But it is our opportunity to choose which direction we’ll go and what we will build…there will be cross-shaped decisions in our work , but if we look faithfully, there will be resurrection as well” (Jefferts-Schori); “The church does not have a mission. God’s mission has a church” (Anderson).

Professor Marshall Kanz introduced the Public Narrative project, a story-telling based tool to inform our table conversations about Mission. Public Narrative is a model that seeks to mobilize the moral commitment that leads to social change. Kanz teaches at the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University. The son of a Jewish rabbi, he left home, Bakersfield, CA in 1960, to enter Harvard as a freshman. He dropped out before his senior year to go to Mississippi and work as a civil rights organizer. From there he went back to California and worked with Cesar Chavez for sixteen years. He returned to Harvard after 25 years to complete senior year, graduate studies, and now teaches there.

Public narrative works at the intersection between our individual stories, the stories of our faith communities, and the story of our national (or global) community. The motivation to work for cultural and social change comes out of the engagement of our emotions in hopeful vision of an alternative reality to the present.

There will be three more table sessions through the course of the convention which will use Public Narrative as a method for visioning mission. Prof. Kanz has trained coaches at the Province level who are at many of the tables to facilitate process. The Rev. Stephen Casey and the Rev. David Lovelace have received this training.

Reports from members of the Deputation at the end of the day:

From the Small Church Committee (Kate Harrigan and Gina Barrett)
There is no “national church” – we (small churches) are the church.
A resolution to watch – B006 – concerning the condition of detention centers for immigrants.

Communications (Brian Amato picked this up in casual conversation)
The idea of Episcopal Life going to a glossy quarterly (vs. continuing monthly publication) is up against serious opposition from those concerned about the cost of this strategy in terms in terms of the sense of immediacy and connection to the life of the church for many Episcopalians; particularly in dioceses where large contingents have left TEC.

Consecration of Bishops (Harry Snell)
They have passed on two elected candidates for bishop, the Rev. Larry Provenzano from the Diocese of Long Island and the Rev. John Tarrant from South Dakota. Some paperwork is still needed for the Rev. Ruiz from the Diocese of Ecuador – that should be completed Wednesday morning. He is expected to pass as well.

Civil Air Patrol (Bill Alford)
The Discernment Committee for the next suffragan bishop for federal chaplaincies is working on a profile. Bishop Baxter is chairing this committee.

The requirements for this position are daunting - the person selected must be in really good health, as his/her ministry field is the whole world, and needs to provide oversight to many constituencies: all chaplains in all armed forces, prison chaplains, VA hospital chaplains, and civil air patrol chaplains. The position is open to all clergy.

Ministry (David Lovelace)
There are questions about how some changes to constitutions and canons around ministry development are going to be funded – particularly with respect to theological education and Fresh Start. People are coming out of seminary with significant debt and no way to pay it back. A number of resolutions are being put forward around the funding questions.

Constitutions and Canons (Stephen Casey)
The Standing Committee on Constitution and Canons reviews proposed amendments to the Constitution and Canons of the Episcopal Church and places them in proper form before passing them on to the General Convention for action. In addition they carry out a continual review of current Canons of the Church. At its first meeting of the Convention the Legislative Committee discussed at length the revision to Title IV, which is a major review of the Disciplinary Canons of the Church. The Disciplinary Canons as they now stand were originally set down in 1994. The prevailing attitude to clergy misconduct in those days was to consider it in the same terms as criminal law, in a punitive way. The current revision to go before the house approaches the Disciplinary Canons in a more pastoral and theological manner, moving them towards a reconciliation model for all appropriate circumstances. Later in the day the Committee discussed amendments to the Constitution and Canons that refer to the keeping of archival materials of the church, specifically how these are now garnered from dioceses and provinces of the church in an increasingly electronic age. They also considered amendments to the Canons which refer to the manner in which Diocesan Standing Committees transmit consents for Episcopal Elections.

Bishop Baxter spoke about work on a charter for Christian formation and lifelong learning for lay and ordained persons.

Watch This Space

The General Convention of the Episcopal Church begins in Anaheim later this week. Members of the Diocesan deputation will be providing daily reports of their activities here, via emails to diocesan clergy, and on the diocesan web site.

Stay tuned for more...