Resolution D025 - What does it really mean?

I read through the blogs and news service reports last night after the House of Bishops voted to concur with amendment with the House of Deputies on resolution D025. Most of them said things like “General Convention opens ordination process to Homosexuals” or “US General Convention Pushes Anglican Communion Closer to Schism.” Speaking as one who was present for the debate in the House of Deputies, most of the headlines and reporting (including Episcopal News Service) frame the resolution in terms of novelty and conflict. But even a surface reading of the resolution will show that there is nothing novel in the resolution and nothing that would either diminish or increase the current conflicts in the Anglican Communion.

The Joint Committee on World Mission received 14 resolutions asking everything from a repeal of 2006 General Convention Resolution B033 to reaffirming the same resolution, and everything in between. The joint committee did a wonderful, creative, and inspired thing ... they presented a resolution that affirmed our place as a constituent member of the Anglican Communion; our commitment to ongoing fellowship, support, and interdependence within the Communion; and, without reference to B033, stated the present reality in the Episcopal Church in regards to the role and status of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered persons as well as the present reality that “Christians of good conscience” in the Anglican Communion, and not just in the Episcopal Church, are not of one mind on the matter.

Both those who wish to move forward on and those who are opposed to the blessing of same sex unions and the ordination to the episcopate of homosexuals in committed relationships are prone to read this resolution as a repeal of B033. Except that B033 did not create a moratorium as has been asserted by the Archbishop of Canterbury and conservatives within the Church. What B033 committed the Bishops and Standing Committees of the Episcopal Church to was to “exercise restraint by not consenting to the consecration of any candidate to the episcopate whose manner of life presents a challenge to the wider church and will lead to further strains on communion.”

So what, really, does this mean? Put simply what the General Convention has done is express our reality without evasion or apology. It has invited the rest of the Communion to accept us for who we are in the spirit of community and dialogue. It is a courageous act of authenticity and differentiation of self within the context of the global Anglican family. It is a reclaiming of our identity as Anglicans and not only Episcopalians. It is a clear expression that while we recognize the tensions that exist in the communion we also recognize the tensions in our own church and in the midst of those tensions we stay committed to dialogue and community.

In an age when so much of our process is litigious and adversarial (both in the Anglican Communion and in society in general), this is truly an Anglican Via Media response calling for engagement in the broad middle of the church that neither compromises positions nor tolerates appeasement, and for that reason we have ample cause to be proud of our church.

Peace and joy,

Mike

Hard times, fun times

House of Deputies

House of Bishops

Pastor Ken testifies during a legislative hearing

Lest you think we don't have fun on the floor of the House of Deputies, I offer these few tidbits.

One day, when the hand-held voting machines were not cooperating, the President signaled that the backgound music could play for a few minutes. When the song "You are My Sunshine" came on, the entire House joined in, for all three verses! Later, at the end of the day during his announcements, the Secretary of the House of Deputies, the Rev. Gregory Staub, announced that "those deputies between the ages of 18 and 21 that would like to get together should meet in the corner after the close of business today." Secretary Staub paused, and said, "Given how many of the House knew the words to You are My Sunshine, I think this will be a poorly attended meeting."

During announcements at the end of business today, Secretary Staub announced that "All deputies between the ages of 21 and 35 interested in pursuing Ubuntu should meet at [named bar] at 10 pm tonight." After a beat, he said, "We have coined a new word for it - Ubuntu."

Today, as we were again struggling with our voting machines, a deputy from the Diocese of Florida rose to offer her deputation's help as they "had some experience with machines that don't work and hanging chads."

A paper doll, dressed in bishop attire, testified at a hearing earlier this week.

We do also have solemn moments, often led by our Chaplain Wade. Today, in his opening meditation, knowing that we would be voting on several elections including one to confirm the election of the Bishop of Ecuador Central, spoke about not being chosen and the ministry of those not chosen. He said that participating in a contested election is a bit like drinking poison and expecting someone else to die. He also said that, "It is hard for large bodies to do delicate things."

We have done some hard things at this Convention; that is what we are here to do. I guess that's why we get the big bucks!

Goodnight, on Legislative Day 6, from your editor, Toni Marie Sutliff, All Saints.

Confirmation of Bishop of Ecuador Central

Today we had a difficult resolution to consider. The Diocese of Central Ecuador went through a contentious and controversial election process for a Bishop Co-Adjutor. In the end it was abundantly clear that, from a canonical perspective, an appropriate and legitimate election process occurred. Nevertheless matters among human beings are not necessarily so neat and clean and a number of people in the Diocese of Central Ecuador feel that their concerns were not adequately addressed. While deputies spoke passionately for and against one could feel the tidal emotional forces at work. The House of Deputies showed deep pastoral concern for the well being of the Diocese of Central Ecuador and a deep concern for the democratic process which is a central value of the Episcopal Church’s polity. In the end the voice vote sounded close enough to require an electronic vote and the election of the bishop-elect of Central Ecuador was confirmed by a 72% margin.

Halfway done, by Steve Keplinger, St. David's Page

Utah and Navajoland Deputations and youth meet for lunch

It's Sunday night and I'm watching the fireworks of Disneyland exploding just beyond our hotel room next to the Anaheim Convention Center.

Though we only had one legislative session on this Sunday, this has been a very momentous day at this Convention, and I dare say, in the history of The Episcopal Church.

It began with Eucharist in the gigantic hall of the Center. Our Presiding Bishop presided, but she was flanked by our last two Presiding Bishops, Frank Griswold and Edmund Browning. Perhaps our own Adrienne Gossard said it best when she, in her usual calm, understated fashion, said, "There are a few more people here than we usually have at a Sunday service.", as she looked out over the thousands and thousands of people. It was impossible to not be moved during that service.

Our Utah delegation then had lunch with our visiting youth. We had a great time together. Catlin and Kyle were extra crispy, as they described, but their sunburn occurred before they left Page. Caylee, Michaela, and Kristen are also having a blast with our other 40 kids in the diocese and from Navajoland. Tomorrow, they are off to Disneyland, where they will spend the day and then leave at midnight to drive back home. Jean will be making the ultimate sacrifice and go with the kids tomorrow, bringing Michaela and Kyle back here so they can fly out to meet up with the rest of the Poling family the next day.

Our delegation had planned days ago that Susan Wiltsey+ and I would be delegates today on The House of Deputies floor. I joked with our Canon, Dave Bailey+ that today would be the day that we would get the resolution in response to B033, the last second resolution at the 2006 General Convention that said we would "call upon Standing Committees and bishops with jurisdiction to exercise restraint by not consenting to the consecration of any candidate to the episcopate whose manner of life presents a challenge to the wider church and will lead to further strains on communion."

Well, amazingly, that is exactly what happened. It was high drama as we took up as a body D025, a very well crafted document that does not repeal B033, but states emphatically and clearly that we will participate fully in the Anglican Communion, but that we can not and will not bar gay and lesbian persons who are living in "lifelong commtted relationships" from participating fully in the life of the church and that such individuals can be called to any ordained ministry in The Episcopal Church.

The ensuing discussion was spirited, emotional, and respectful.

Immediately, the request was made that we vote by orders, (lay and clerics separately). There were also two attempts to divide the resolution by separating the resolves about our relationship with the Anglican Communion from the sections about gay and lesbians. There was also an attempt to amend the language and eliminate the parts about "lifelong committed relationships." But through it all, I had the feeling that as a House, we were no longer willing to put off full inclusion of our gay and lesbian sisters and brothers for another moment. The day before, we had all been very moved by Jenny Te Paa's words from the New Zealand church, who reminded us how much of the Anglican Communion wanted us to vote how we believed the Spirit was telling us.

We rejected all possible amendments and attempts to divide the resolution. When we finally got to vote on the resolution as it was written, the vote was overwhelming. In the lay order 77 dioceses voted unanimously for the resolution, while 31 voted no or split their vote. In the clerical order, it was 74 dioceses unanimously for and 34 split or against. Jean happened to be sitting in the observation area during the vote near The Right Rev. Gene Robinson, the Bishop of New Hampshire, whose election started all this six years ago. Jean shook hands with him right after the vote.

Perhaps what moved me the most during this vote, was the tone of the discussion and the love that we had for each other during the process. I had no feeling that the people who genuinely felt it wrong to pass this resolution are going to pick up their marbles and go home. We need to remain THE church of diversity and it is my fervent prayer that all on both sides will continue to love and worship together. That was my sense during the whole process. The resolution now goes to The House of Bishops for their approval.

We also passed some other very important resolutions today of concern to St. David's. We recommitted as a mission priority responding to the Millennium Development Goals and said we would spend at least one percent of our budget on funding it. We passed a very well conceived strategic plan for growing Latino/Hispanic congregations and approved $ 3,500,000 for seed money to do so. We also passed a resolution to direct the Standing Commission on Liturgy and Music to put together materials to help us deal with Christian anti-Judaism expressed in some of our texts, especially those used in Holy Week and Easter liturgies. At St. David's, we have done this for years, and I was so excited that the greater church will be working on the same thing.

There is much more to come. The most difficult resolutions take the longest to hit the floor, so stay tuned. In addition to the resolutions that will get all the press, we are looking forward to a possible resolution regarding a season of Creation, as St. David's presently has and has been adopted by our diocese. We also have great hopes for Lee Shaw's+ liturgy for the loss of a companion animal, which I spoke about yesterday and you may have seen in the Episcopal Life article.

By the way, Adrienne and Kyle were in the background of the picture on the front page of the Daily Convention paper yesterday that included the story of the animal resolution. Our youth are everywhere! Many of them were also verbally accosted by some protestors yesterday, and they did a great job respectfully defending themselves and their church. This has been a great learning experience for them, though they have probably been exposed to way more than they would have preferred. We are all proud of the entire Utah and Navajoland youth delegation. Moms and Dads, you also need to know that multiple youth leaders have gone out of their way to tell me how much they have enjoyed their time with and getting to know your teens. They are such great ambassadors for St. David's and the entire Episcopal Church.

Blessings to all of you,
Steve+

Hearing on Resolution regarding liturgies and prayers for Companion Animals

Toni Sutliff testifies on supplemental music for the hymnal

Steve Keplinger testifies on prayers for companion animals

Lee Shaw testifies on prayers for companion animals

Lee Shaw sitting as a member of the Prayer Book, Liturgy, and Music Committee

Kona, a service dog, sits during testimony on prayers for companion animals

Mocha, a service dog, observes testimony on prayers for companion animals

Brad Wirth before the hearing of Prayer Book, Liturgy and Music Committee on prayers for companion animals

Early one day last week (it's all starting to blend in together), the Legislative Committee on Liturgy, Prayer Book, and Music (or some title like that) held its hearings on several resolutions, including the one put forward by the Diocese of Utah and a similar one by the Diocese of Montana (where Brad Wirth now serves). I present the following texts from some of the testimony:

The Rev. Steve Keplinger, St. David's Page, read the following letter from Best Friends Animal Society as part of his testimony:

July 7, 2009

Greeting to delegates to the 76th General Convention of the Episcopal Church: For many years, Best Friends Animal Society has worked to promulgate the philosophy that all animals are sentient beings that deserve both our respect and the right to be treated as individuals.

Appreciating that the interaction between companion animals and people provides a special connection with creation as a whole, and further appreciating that companion animals provide assistance and emotional therapy to those in need, Best Friends Animal Society supports the resolution that the church embrace pastoral care and develop prayers to commemorate the life of companion animals.

While a broken bond between a companion animal and a person can cause a deep sense of grief, a spiritual acknowledging of that bond through an authorized rite of celebration, such as one we celebrate at our own Best Friends Animal Sanctuary, can help those who lose a companion animal to accept the loss and move on in their lives.

On behalf of the more than 200,000 supporting members of Best Friends Animal Society, we send our warmest support and thanks for your kind consideration of this heartfelt resolution.

BEST FRIENDS ANIMAL SOCIETY

John Fripp

President, Board of Directors

Chief Financial Officer

And from the Rev. Mike Mayor, All Saints SLC:

I am here to testify in support of this resolution.

The pastoral dimensions of the loss of a pet cannot be understated. While the loss of a beloved animal affects any pet owner, the effect of such a loss is especially felt by children and the elderly.

For children the death of a pet is often their first experience of death. For the elderly, especially when otherwise alone, the loss of a pet can have the same emotional impact as the loss of a spouse or sibling.

Up to this point, clergy and families have found themselves bereft of adequate resources when faced with such a loss. When the loss results in a genuine pastoral crisis, the Church is often conspicuously silent, offering no contextual theology or practical care.

This resolution would help to resolve this void and bring comfort to many whose grief has gone unnoticed.

The Rev. Lee Shaw, St. Stephens West Valley City, and the Rev. Brad Wirth, Montanta, also spoke on behalf of the resolutions, but I don't have their text. They both emphasized the pastoral implications of the loss of a beloved animal companion. Two other speakers had with them therapy animals, Kona and Emily, who provided visual confirmation of the impact of these companions.

On another note, at the same hearing, I spoke in favor of a resolution that would authorize a study of the 1982 Hymnal to determine how it can better provide music for the Church.

From Linda Garner, Good Shepherd, about the ECW Triennium

Wednesday July 8, 2009
46th Triennial Meeting of the Episcopal Church Women
Anaheim, California

The ECW Triennial meeting was opened by President, Kay Meyer. She was delighted to introduce The Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori who addressed the attendees. Bishop Jefferts Schori blessed a basket of beautiful crosses and then personally presented one to each woman in attendance.
The Bishop’s presentation was followed by a wonderful meditation from Reverend Ellen Sloan on the theme, “Grow in Grace”.
President Meyers asked that each attendee be provided with a Prayer Card with the name of a women attending the conference. We were asked to pray for the woman on the card and keep her in our thoughts during the time of the conference.
The business meeting began. The roll call reported 253 delegates present with all 9 Providences represented. The Utah Diocese was represented by Linda Garner, Laura Orcutt, and Isabel Gonzalez. The Standing Rules and the 46th Triennial Program were adopted by delegate vote.
The business meeting was followed by an introduction to the Public Narrative process. The personal stories told by the two presenters were compelling and demonstrated the power of storying telling to reach others and convey a message. This technique will be used tomorrow in the beginning of the Mission Conversation sessions.
This evening we attended the ECW welcoming dinner. The room was full and the company was delightful. The room was delighted when Bishop Barbara Harris was introduced to the group;. After dinner, the group was entertained and educated about the history of ECW though the presentation of the play, “Yet We Persist”, written by Katerina Katsarka Whitley. The play was delightful. It traced ECW from its inception to the Ordination of Bishop Barbara Harris and the Investment of The Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori.
The highlight of the evening for me was personally meeting Bishop Harris. She was very warm, welcoming and personable.

Thursday July 9, 2009
46th Triennial Meeting of the Episcopal Church Women
Anaheim, California

The ECW delegates met in the morning during the gathering time. We were welcomed by President Meyer who then introduced the Arch Bishop of Canterbury, Rowan Williams. The Arch Bishop spoke of the caring and service that the women of the church have provided to implement the action needed to propel transformation. He also stated that as the institution of the church goes through struggles, the foundation may become shakey but the bonds between us are what maintain and hold us together.
Following the Arch Bishop, the group was addressed by his UN observer, PhD. Helen Grace Wangusa. She discussed her role of attending the UN sessions and listening to all the governments represented addressing the struggles they face within their countries and between each other. She spoke the concerns of adequate nutrition, clean water, health care and human dignity issues that face many individuals in our world.
The gathering time was concluded with a meditation from Rev. Ellen Sloan. Her topic was motherhood and how we are mothers both biologically and in non-biological ways. She talked about how we serve as mother figures to our natural children, children in blended families, extended family, and to the women we meet by supporting and nurturing each of them.

The business meeting was called to order in the afternoon. The first issue of the day was the proposed changes to the By-Laws. The first two motions passed with little debate. The changes inserted the words “and Communication” to the title of the Vice- President of Information. The new title of this office will be Vice-President of Information and Communication. The third change was defeated after lengthy discussion. The change would have required that the Treasurer serve on the National Board for one term before being eligible to run for the office of Treasurer. The forth motion was also defeated after a lengthy discussion. This motion would have provided each Diocese with at least one certified delegate in attendance with four votes. The vote failed to pass the change, the current By-Law will remain which allows each diocese to end up to four delegates. Each attending delegate will have one vote. The discussion on the failed proposals was educational, informative, and done with respect and concern for the overall health of the national ECW organization. It prompted interest and involvement in the process and fostered a means of resolution to the issues that were brought to the attention of the group.
The candidates for office that had been nominated by the Nominating Committee were announced. Candidates are as follows:
Presdident
Marcie Cherau Patricia Haldeman Marcia Himes
Vice Presdient for Program
Cordelia Burt
Vice President for Information and Communication
Marilyn Rishkofski
Treasurer
Alsie Churchman
Sandra Powers
Member at Large Social Justice
Irene Radcliff

The following candidates were nominated from the floor:
Secretary
Kathy Mank

Member at Large Multi-Media
Christine Budzoski
The group was addressed by the President, Kay Meyers. She talked about the challenges and rewards of her term. She was thankful for the support and friendship of the women she has meet and represented. She talked about the power of the organization to implement the changes and programs needed to meet the needs of peoples around the world.

The meeting was closed with several uplifting and joyous hymns and heart felt prayer.

Attending an Episcopalian Megachurch by Kathy Horvat

Recessional with liturgical dancers

Some of Utah's Youth lining up for communion

Bishop Carolyn in Rochet and Chimere, before Eucharist

Every day we have a Community Eucharist, which has an attendance of a couple of thousand people, but on Sunday morning, the numbers were increased to an estimated 7000 people, sitting in a huge hall. I was singing in the volunteer choir, which probably numbered somewhere around 100 yesterday. A large and powerful gospel choir from Los Angeles joined us. They also sang a couple of powerful songs.

The pageantry of this service was incredible. The 100+ bishops were led in by a group of young Asisan Drummers, as well as some large streamers. Then they were followed by dancers who filled the stage, moving as we sang the opening hymns, "Holy, Holy, Holy," and "Christ is Made the Sure Foundation." In addition to traditional hymns we sang Spanish, Gospel and classical. The offeratory anthem sung by the choir was one of my favorites, Mozart's "Ave Verum." The service ended with a rousing rendition of the old hymn, "O Zion Haste," with its urge in the chorus to "Publish Glad Tidings."

I have been conveying details of this wonderful service, but I can't seem to find the words to express how I felt. Certainly, it touched my spirit and my heart. The energy of the thousands who were singing with me energized and lifted me. While I have no desire to be part of a megachurch, today's service caused me to realize why they are attractive to so many unchurched people who come through their doors. I hope that we can generate more of the same kind of enthusiasm and life in our churches in Utah, encouraging visitors to return.

From Russ Babcock, lay deputy from St. Paul's SLC

There's never a time
For accepting the challenge
To find a reason
For love, for God.

There's never a reason
To find a time
To accept a challenge
To love, or God.

There's ever a challenge
For finding a reason
To accept a time
For love, and God.

For love, or God
There is a time
There is a challenge
There is a reason.

Things I've Heard at Convention

From the Chaplain of the House of Deputies, the Rev. Frank Wade, Minnesota:

Christianity is a verb. It is a doing! Why do we call ourselves 'Followers of Jesus'? Because He is going somewhere!

Also from Chaplain Wade, quoting GK Chesterson:

Original sin is the only truly verifiable doctrine of the Church.

And again:

The only time Israel was without doubt was when they were creating the golden calf.

From a Deputy during the debate on D025 (about ordaining LBGT people):

In Columbus I stood before you, intending to ask that we vote down B033 (asking for restraint in the ordination of LGBT), and found myself asking that we approve it as a gift to our then Presiding Bishop Elect Katherine. Today I stand before you asking that we approve D025 as a gift to the church, in all our messiness; that we give ourselves in all our fullness to the Anglican Communion and to the Episcopal Church.

The Power of Being Affirmed - Mike Mayor

On Saturday afternoon the President of the House of Deputies asked for the house to suspend its normal calendar and allow for five guests to speak to the House. By this time we were behind on our work and had pages and pages of resolutions to review and dispatch. This seemed like yet another unneeded and tedious interruption. I couldn't have been more wrong.

Five people came to the podium. They were Esther Mombo (Kenya), the Very Rev. Victor Atta-Baffoe (Ghana), the Rev. Luiz Alberto Barbosa (Brazil), the Very. Rev. Rowan Smith (Canada) and Jenny Te Paa (New Zealand and Aoterea). Each of them made the obligatory thank you's and spoke graciously to the members of the House of Deputies. But with each speaker the language became more open and supportive of the Episcopal Church and specifically of who we are in light of the tensions within the communion. This pattern reached its zenith with Jenny Te Paa who spoke the longest and the most candidly.

Her words regularly set a lump in my throat and on at least 4 occasions brought tears to my eyes. Here is a small example of what she said:

If I could be so bold I want also to assure you that among ourselves as your international friends we are now all quietly urging you not to dwell unduly with any sense of uncertainty about your place within the global Anglican Communion. Sure the fearmongerers abound – they always have and they always will but surely our gaze must always be fixed beyond the horizon of fear and just as surely that gaze must always apprehend first and foremost the images of those who are the least among us.

After 6 years of argument, tension, and (frankly) vilification by many within the Anglican Communion and a less than warm attitude from the Archbishop of Canterbury I had come to a place where I had stopped speaking of being an Anglican and spoke principally about being an Episcopalian. I knew that I had pain about this, but these affirmations from churches in the Global South made it clear that I had felt more than hurt, the loss of identity as an Anglican was the source of even deeper pain.

Thanks to these speakers, especially Jenny Te Paa, I once again am proud to say that we truly are Anglicans. I invite you to do likewise.

To read all of Jenny Te Paa's speech click here.

Peace and joy,

Mike Mayor

Equality?, Russ Babcock, St. Paul's SLC

Equality?

Here is BO33:

What is it that we see?

What are really honest choices?

Just listen to the crying voices.

Do we take some more abuse?

Should we choose to cut it loose?

We'd like our voices clearly heard,

For all to hear the Gospel word.

We'll keep for all, equality,

For all, for them, for you and me,

And not be told by them, or you,

Exactly what we ought to do.

We still can work our call together,

To live into the Gospel, whether

We all agree or whether not.

Just don't put us in a tighter spot!

The world is small and well needs us.

There's still a lot we must discuss.

But first, before we choose some fusion

Let us focue on our Gospel mission.

Editor's note: BO33 was the resolution adopted by the 2006 General Convention, calling for restraint in electing as bishops those whose "manner of life," widely understood to mean homosecuality, would cause concern for the rest of the Anglican Communion. (See The Daily, published by Episcopal Life Media, for Saturday July 11, 2009, www.episcopalchurch.org/gchub)

Integrity at General Convention, Lee Shaw

Some of what Integrity is doing at General Convention.

I have been asked what Integrity, the ministry for and with gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered (glbt) people is doing at Convention. Integrity has been very busy behind the scenes in many areas, along with various other groups in the church interested in Gospel imperative, equality and justice issues, such as the Chicago Consultation and many others. But it is in liturgy that Integrity really sparkles, sometimes quite literally.

On Thursday morning we had the Community Eucharist with the Archbishop of Canterbury offering a meditation to the congregation of well over 1,000. Integrity had ordered and given away or sold 500 t-shirts in bright red, bright blue and bright lime green with: “HERE I AM. SEND ME! I am a witness to God’s inclusive love.” Throughout the congregation this witness of Integrity’s message of inclusion and equality shone like so many jewels scattered throughout the convention hall for the service.

After the service most of us gathered outside for a photo as we sang, “We are marching in the light of God” and “Jesus loves me this I know.”

That was one witness.

Another witness was Friday night for the General Convention Integrity Eucharist. This has grown to become one of the most popular services of Convention. People show up to see who is there, to be seen and to worship God in some of the best and most creative and moving liturgies of Convention. This year was not exception with several hundred worshippers filling the ballroom. (It may have been the largest Integrity Eucharist since we were not limited to the seating of a church building.)

For the first time since I have been attending General Convention (4 times) we did not do it in a church. A Hilton Hotel ballroom provided the space and that opened up some creativity in setting the space: in a semi-circle around a large platform/chancel.

The liturgy was a mix of Episcopal “Enriching our Worship” as well as other various elements from other sources. There was a very definite Latino and African flavor to the music and the Gospel was read in Spanish. It was much more free flowing and contemporary than other Integrity services I have been to.

The Rt. Rev. Gene Robinson, Bishop of New Hampshire presided. The Rt. Rev. Barbara Harris, retired Suffragan Bishop of Massachusetts and first female bishop in the Episcopal Church and Anglican Communion preached. Her sermon was a wonderful blend of church issues and the Scriptural text of Cornelius and Paul found in Acts. It was also a call to the church to heed Gospel imperatives of inclusion, justice and love. She more than touched on issues of marriages and blessings between same sex couples as well as the need to move beyond the moratorium on the consecration of gay/lesbian bishops. As to the consecration of a gay or lesbian bishop, she noted that if you do not want a gay or lesbian bishop, then do not ordain one to be a transitional deacon; when you are ordained you are open to all three orders. Her sermon was interrupted several times by applause and loud “AMEN!” She was relentless in her call to the church to be honest, to be truthful and to include all her children into the folds of the sacramental life of the church. All the sacraments for all the baptized.

The sermon may have been a highlight for many, but there were three very moving other moments I will take away with me from this convention.

The first was the welcome we gave to retired Presiding Bishop Edmund Browning. It was Bishop Browning who first articulated for us: “There will be no outcasts in this church.” It was Presiding Bishop Browning that helped show me that I would be welcomed in the Episcopal Church. That message rang true for so many of us for so long. Interestingly, it was in Anaheim in General Convention 1985 that he was elected Presiding Bishop.

The second moment for me was in the Prayers for the Ministry of All the Baptized. We had earlier renewed our Baptismal Covenant. (Which Bishop Harris declared is the “only covenant” we need.”) Later we prayed for various groups and they were each invited to come and stand in the large space around the platform/chancel. These groups were: those who have fought against “injustice” to glbt persons; all married/blessed glbt couples and their families; and finally glbt priests and deacons. We more than filled the space around the platform/chancel.

Finally was the conclusion when Bishop Gene invited all glbt clergy to join him around the altar. We could not all fit. There were so many of us. Many of us stood on the floor for there was no room for us in the chancel. Then the entire congregation processed out – more or less – to singing a very lively version of “We are marching in the light God, we are marching in the light of God.” It was a marvelous moment of holy chaos with singing, clapping, dancing, processing, and celebrating our lives in the light of God.

This was the most unusual and most lively of the four Integrity Eucharist Services I have attended. It was quite the night. I know many of the Utah Deputation were there although I only spoke briefly with Bishop Carolyn at the reception before the service.


The Rev’d Lee ShawRector, St. Stephen’s

More pictures from Thursday

Toni Marie working on the blog while the deputation meets to discuss the day's business

Brad Wirth in his committee hearing

Steve Hutchinson in his committee hearing

Steve Hutchinson and fellow Chancellor, Duncan Baynes

Mary June at deputation meeting

Craig Wirth snapped this photo of the deputation meeting

Another Craig shot

Otis listens to a point made at the deputation meeting, with Linda Garner beside him

Craig Wirth himself, caught in the act!

As people send photos, I upload them, so you will occasionally just get a mass of pictures. Today, Friday, we continued our conversation about the LGBT issue, and will pick up the legislative session this afternoon. I'll post more (and get others to give us their thoughts) later this evening.

From Steve Keplinger - a note he originally sent to his congregation

Greetings all from Anaheim and the 76th General Convention of The Episcopal Church. This is day two of Convention and I wanted to pass on some of the highlights from our experience here thus far and my own initial reactions to the goings on here.

First, let me say that these are long, long days! Legislative committees, where much of the action of Convention really happen, start in the early AM. Tomorrow's gathering for me was pushed back from 7 AM to 7:30. Legislative sessions in The House of Deputies and House of Bishops run for couple hour sessions, twice a day. Then we have group gatherings like Eucharist and other learning sessions like one we are doing called Public Narrative. In addition, we have presentations by church leaders. Today, I heard not only The Right Rev. Gene Robinson speak in the hall, but thousands of us gathered to hear both the Presiding Bishop and The Archbishop of Canterbury speak. Legislative committee sessions follow this, ending around 9 PM. Then each day, the Utah delegation meets to orient ourselves and assign responsibilities for the next day. Somehow, we are supposed to eat in the midst of all this, but I have not figured out how to do that yet, missing lots of meals.

The theme of the Convention is Ubuntu. Ubuntu is an African word that probably best translates, "I am because we are." Some of you may remember that I mentioned it in a sermon a few weeks ago. The Rev. Michael Battle says that Ubuntu is the opposite of Descartes' notion, "I think, therefore I am." It is the idea that we are all interconnected, and that our very essence only exists in community and is enhanced by community. I was very moved by Bishop Katherine's speech in our opening session when she suggested that the idea that we can be saved individually is "The Great Western heresy" and is really a form of idolatry. She said that we were not gathered here to create a self interested church, meaning a church made in our image, but that she was calling us to create a supernatural church.

Today, I heard another priest whose name has escaped me talk about how difficult the idea of Ubuntu was for him and for many of us formed in western culture. He said he thought he almost had it when he left for Convention and then landed in John Wayne airport. The character that John Wayne played is about as "un-ubuntu as possible", he said. "John Wayne is to ubuntu," he said, "as Darth Vader is to the 23rd Psalm."

Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams is here for the first time at General Convention. That in itself says much. He was graciously and warmly welcomed with a standing ovation this evening. He spoke to us about "Christian faithfulness in the global economic crisis." His speech centered on truthfulness on many levels and our role as Anglicans in teaching the world another way through transparency, an understanding that Creation must be part of how we make ALL economic decisions in the future and about moving from an individualistic approach to economy to the common good. He also spoke about redefining wealth for the world as a state of well being and teaching the world about a new way of living that recognizes the earth's limitations.

Our own Presiding Bishop made similar connections to Creation and our interconnection to it in all three of her main talks. I have to tell you I was nearly moved to tears hearing both of them speak so eloquently about something all of you have heard me preach about for years. It made me very proud to be here and to be a part of a church that sees creating dignity for every human being and every part of Creation as a major goal.

One last comment about how I am feeling about all this. In today's first legislative session, as I sat in The House of Deputies, I could not help but think that what we are doing here has to be exactly what the Fathers of this country had in mind when they wrote the Constitution. Of course it was, after they set up the Episcopal Church system, they went on to model the US governmental system after it. But I don't just mean that. I mean that we are here debating issues and disagreeing. But under that disagreement is this sense of togetherness, a feeling that God is with us in these deliberations. This creates a sense of respect and love for one another in the midst of the debate. It is beautiful to experience and I wish the US Congress was here to see how this is supposed to work. It will not be all strawberries and cream, of course, but there is a genuine sense that the Holy Spirit is alive and well and with us in this place. I love the feeling and have never been more proud to be an Episcopalian.

Check out Toni Sutliff's blog that Jody sent you the link to, for more specific info and for a picture of your Sunday School teacher having another of her regular dinners. (Editor's note - the picture is reproduced at the beginning of this post.)

We miss you all and trust you are all well. Jean and many others here including the Utah Delegation, Anne Bailey, Dan Webster+ and many more all say a special hi.
Blessings,
Steve+

Miscellaneous pictures

The new decoration on the Utah Deputation's signpost in the House of Deputies

A legislative hearing - this is the committee

This is the audience

JoAnn Leach - remember her?

This is what it looks like to testify at a legislative hearing

Late night deputation meeting: Mike Mayor, Jay Stretch, Laura Orcutt (for ECW)

More deputies: Dave Bailey, Russ Babcock, Otis Charles, Linda Garner (for ECW)

Deputies: Lee Shaw, Felipe Sanchez Paris - Charles (guest), Kathy Horvat, Mary June Nestler

Deputies: Barbara Losse, Russ Babcock, Otis Charles, Linda Garner (for ECW)

Deputies: Kathy Horvat, Lee Shaw, Barbara Losse, Felipe Sanchez Paris - Charles (guest)

Craig Wirth photographing the deputation

The Class Photo - a group of us wore t-shirts in support of full inclusion of LGBT

More pictures and stories to come tomorrow - I am tired. Your editor, Toni Marie

The Angels' game

This is what I was doing instead of listening to the Archbishop of Canterbury and others. The Angels lost big time, but the stadium is beautiful, the weather was perfect, the hotdogs were, well, hotdogs, and the evening was wonderful.

Today I am getting tired - started at 7am this morning with hearings on the denominational health plan. I know others had early hearings also. I'll post pictures of the hearing I attended and get others to report on their day, later.

Toni