It's the end of day three of our time in Anaheim—and, as a first-time participant, I'm listening and learning—with a lot to learn. However, I'm not alone. About 46% of deputies are first-timers, a percentage that is true for all recent General Conventions. So please don't get the idea that it's the same people all the time who attend these gatherings. And I do have to say, thanks for sending me. It's quite an experience.
Sometimes I feel a bit like an Episcopal tourist—mainly because I got to see people I've only seen in before in pictures: Katharine Jefferts Schori—a very fine preacher, Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams, and Gene Robinson. More and more, though, I'm getting the hang of schedule, hearings, and the full-day routine and feeling like a "regular".
I'm an alternate, which is like being a second string running back. The first stringers (the deputies) are on the floor to vote most of the time. I've been told I might get in the game for a few plays, (which I did today for the legislative session about the Anglican Communion, Windsor Report, and Resolution B033 from 2006), but I'll likely spend more time on the sidelines. That is…the legislative sidelines (where we are gathered to vote on resolutions). But it's game on for many other activities…like committee hearings for resolutions. Activities such as these begin at 7:30 in the morning, and work continues through 9 PM. I have carved out some time to clear my head by walking under the Southern Californian sun ( a two mile walk around the block) and a visit or two to the hotel's fitness center. I should also mention how nice it is to run into clergy I know from seminary, my time in Mississippi, and Atlanta alums—like Brad Whitaker and Stacy Sauls.
Of course, good worship has also marked out time. Whether it's morning prayer, meditations by our convention chaplain Frank Wade, or the daily Eucharist (in which we've heard Bishop Katharine and Archbishop Rowan preach), we are connected, moved, and inspired by the Word of God, diverse music in our tradition, and centering time together.
Early days here are mainly marked not by voting but by hearings on resolutions that will come before the House of Deputies at some point.
- My first hearing was for Budget and Finance, where many, many spoke up for the MDGs as a priority that needs a specific line item. I would be very surprised if that didn't happen. One resolution even asserts that the MDG monies would all go to netsforlife, which provides mosquito nets to prevent needless death from malaria.
- I heard a Church Pension Group hearing about increased benefits for the surviving spouses of clergy
- I attended hearings on Theological Education and spoke in favor of funding for seminarians from the Episcopal Church Budget. Seminarians often graduate with over $50,000 in debt. Many denominations offer financial help their seminarians, but the Episcopal Church as a whole does not (though a diocese or a congregation might). As I said in the hearing, "Theological Education is not an individual issue; nor can debt from theological education be an individual burden. It's got to be a church issue, and it's time to start helping with seminary costs and growing vibrant ministry."
- I attended two hearing on resolutions concerning issues of 1) pastoral response to gay and lesbian couples in states where their marriage or union is now legal, and 2) the possible development of liturgies for same sex blessing. There are more than 5 resolutions on such liturgies, some (in my opinion) poorly written and misdirected. I spoke in opposition on one them—mainly on its substance more than its principle, and asked for good theological work to be done on such a liturgy if any were to be explored. Such a resolution was submitted by the Bishop of Vermont, and that is one I could support with less hesistancy. Interestingly, I did not experience a great deal of controversy or tension in those hearings even as differences of opinion were expressed. Respectful listening was there…which was nice to experience.
Lastly, I'll report briefly on a presentation from Archbishop of Canterbury and Katharine Jefferts Schori on the troubling world economic situation. I hope this one makes it to the web or YouTube for all to see. The troubles, as Archbishop Williams explained it, started with years of lying to ourselves about economic practices and lying to ourselves about the delicate interconnections of people and countries. It's truly difficult to explain his points in full, so I hope you'll check http://www.episcopalchurch.org/index.htm for his remarks and all kinds of updates.
Peace to from sunny Southern California, and thank you again for the honor of being here as a member of our diocese's deputation. I'll write some more in the days ahead.
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