Report from the Episcopal General Convention

• The Episcopal General Convention was held in Austin Texas July 5 through July 14. This was the 79th General Convention of the Episcopal Church which has met every three years since 1785. I served as deputy representing our diocese. The House of Deputies is comprised of four clergy and four laity from each of the 105 dioceses in the Episcopal Church. That means that the membership of the House of Deputies totals 840 people. The House of Bishops is much smaller, some 105 bishops representing their respective dioceses. In order for any legislation or binding decision to be enacted, both houses must consent by majority. Our ecclesiastical polity mirrors to a great extent our national government. Though most authority for governance in the church lies with each individual diocesan bishop, ultimate authority on matters that affect our church-wide common life reside with the General Convention. Only the General Convention can authorize the use of, or any amendment to the Book of Common Prayer. The General Convention elects board members to the Church Pension Fund. It selects a nominating committee for the election of a Presiding Bishop. Ongoing standing committees on mission, and evangelism, racial reconciliation, liturgy and music, just to name a few examples, all answer to the General Convention. I would like to offer a few observations, and a recap of what we actually accomplished.

When I first attended a General Convention in 1991, there were less than 10 percent women in the clergy order in the House of Deputies. There was only one female bishop in the House of Bishops. This year there are 23 female bishops; and women in the clergy order of the House of Deputies exceed fifty percent. Women in leadership positions in the Episcopal Church have in no small way changed our church for the better. The church is much more diverse now than it was in 1991. In the House of Deputies people of color represent more than thirty five percent of the membership. The LGBTQ community is well represented in both houses. With this diversity comes myriad expressions of worship and music. It was a joy to experience the breadth of liturgical creativity that makes up our church. I was fortunate to hear our Presiding Bishop, The Most Rev. Michael Curry, preach on three different occasions. He is a gifted preacher, an exceptional scholar, and a person of deep authenticity; and he is loved across the “political’ spectrum of the church. He is  a source of unity in a time where unity is sorely needed.

Here are some highlights of what was enacted at this convention:

1. The Diocese of Cuba was readmitted to the Episcopal Church. During the time of the Castro revolution, the church in Cuba was expelled because of political pressure. They have been welcomed back and given seat, voice, and vote.
2. The 1979 version (the one we use) of the Book of Common Prayer has been memorialized and recognized as our official means of worship. However the convention voted to work on revisions to the Prayerbook recognizing that various new rites and ceremonies are already in widespread use across the church, such as , Enriching our Worship and Lessor Feasts and Fasts. New Marriage rites recognizing the reality of marriage equality have been authorized to use in conjunction with the Book of Common Prayer. A comprehensive effort to use inclusive and expansive language when speaking of God as well as humanity has become a priority. The church has decided to allow our worship to evolve as theology evolves, while recognizing the venerable tradition from which we come.
3. Regarding Marriage, now same sex marriages may be performed by clergy without the permission of a diocesan bishop. That provision holds true for heterosexual marriage; so same sex marriages are now treated equally.
4. The convention made a strong statement supporting the plight of Palestinians under occupation by an oppressive Israeli government.
5. The convention endorsed the “Me Too” movement with a resolve to strengthen Title IV guidelines regarding sexual exploitation and abuse by clergy.
6. The convention expressed its support of meaningful gun control including the banning of automatic assault weapons.
7. The convention expressed its support of humane reform of immigration laws and practice. The convention suspended its business for an afternoon so that many of us could march in protest of inhumane treatment of detained immigrants at the Hutto detention facility in Taylor Texas.       I continue to be amazed and thankful for the intelligence and maturity of our church. I believe the Episcopal Church has more profound relevance for our culture and modern Christianity than ever before in its history.