Where is Church??

I've just finished reading Phyllis Tickle's popular book, The Great Emergence. It's a real stew, involving of a lot of complex technology, sociology, and theological development. I spend the bulk of my life working the twin frontiers of emerging communication technology and the ways to infuse that technology into education—at all levels. So I was struck by the way the author touches on—but does not fully explore—the ways the Internet has amplified the emergence she describes.

The emerging Christianity Tickle describes is very much parallel to what, in computing jargon, is called a distributed network. In such a system, if I choose to send a piece of information from Point A to Point B, it will always get there, but the route that it takes will almost certainly be different each time. In fact, the network will likely break that information into separate packets, any one of which may take a different route. Yet, they all arrive, and the message remains intact. We oversimplify the impact of this communication revolution—or Tickle's succession of diagrams of emergent Christianity—at our peril. Each affects us on more levels than we probably recognize.

The “unhinging” that Tickle describes centers on the diminution of families (and mothers and grandmothers in particular) as the arbiters of cultural norms. They didn't do this intentionally; they simply got too busy, or too distracted, or separated by too great distances to pay attention to it. The certainty—and the locus—of authority suffers as a result.

Unlike education, Christianity defines itself in communities, and geography has always been the delimiter of those communities. But what happens if I can do Bible study on a wiki, with participants from around the world? Does the German Reformed churchman from Zurich read St. Luke with the same nuance as mine? Will a young Irish Catholic blanch at my comment about Paul's letters? But isn't this a community of faith also? But now, the community now emerges on new terms.

One of Ms. Tickle's most interesting points is that the movement of emergent forces toward some new state usually engenders a counter-reaction. (Think of the few dioceses that have left the Episcopal Church.) To these folks she attributes surprising importance, noting that their presence acts as ballast, keeping things from rolling too far in any one direction.

Throughout her text, Tickle notes that these changes are, in and of themselves, neither good nor bad. “They just are,” she writes. Gee, thanks; now what do we do?

These phenomena are larger than any of us, or our congregation, or our diocese, or even our church. The riddle lies in how we navigate them from here. I'll to explore the potential of these new media connections—for the better or the less better—in upcoming posts.

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.