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.