Bishop Rickel's Blog

My Reflections on General Convention 2009

Dear Ones,

 

I am back from General Convention and still decompressing. As is often the case when one is away for two weeks, I returned to a long list of things to do, not the least of which is the need to cut $350,000 from our 2010 diocesan budget, which includes changing and even eliminating some positions at Diocesan House—not a pleasant task at all. Please keep everyone on staff in your prayers.

I have told many of you that I feel like a five pound bird that has laid a six pound egg—a bit spent. At General Convention I often thought, “There has got to be a better way to do church.”  Yet it still has its moments of inspiration and wonder. It will never be perfect but parliamentary procedure also leaves a lot to be desired when one is working with rather complex issues. 

A lot of convention action didn’t get much press coverage. The denominational health plan was passed, which I believe will help us in the short and long run. Church Insurance Group had done extensive work over the last three years including here in . You may be aware that the clerical actuarial group is among the least healthy and therefore among the most expensive. By pooling our group we should realize less increase in the future as well as other efficiencies. I also believe it will ultimately help those in rural areas who are often not able to take part in plans centered in the urban areas. The part of our Episcopal constitution that deals with the discipline of all people in clerical orders, commonly referred to as Title IV, also passed, due in part to the hard work of our vice chancellor Duncan Bayne, who has worked on much-needed renovations for nearly 10 years. Most all the resolutions can be viewed in their final forms at www.gc2009.org.

 

I agree with Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori’s take on several of the more talked-about resolutions of the convention, including D025 and B056, both of which deal with human sexuality and which seemed totally unfamiliar to me when I read about them in the press. When one speaks of us “lifting the moratorium on gay bishops,” I think it should be made clear that a “moratorium” was never in any of the language of the last convention. It was not part of any resolution. It became common use in the days, months and years that followed. The truth of D025, to me, is that it states clearly where we Episcopalians, by and large, find ourselves—here and now—as a Church. Of course, not everyone agrees with that vision or statement. The truth is the “moratorium” will be tested—not now, but when the first gay or lesbian person is elected bishop and consent is sought. Also, resolution D025 was not intended as a repeal of BO33 (which was passed at General Convention 2006) but to factually state where we are as the Episcopal Church in light of the issues facing us and in our relationships with the larger Anglican Communion.

 

Resolution B056 was touted in the press as “approving the blessing of same-sex couples.” If one reads the resolution, it does approve the development of such liturgies, which would then be brought back to the next convention. It also grants “pastoral generosity” to those bishops in jurisdictions where the state has already made a way for civil unions. While I felt it was helpful to name this generosity, in many ways it already exists.  I do feel this resolution moves the discussion on same-sex blessings ahead. I have printed the entire final text of this resolution below.

 

Beyond these two most talked-about resolutions, I would point to some that have not gained much notice but were quite important to me. The convention overwhelmingly approved resolutions pledging our commitment as a denomination to the Genesis Covenant (link provided below) and to the Earth Charter. The Genesis Covenant resolution came from our diocesan convention. Although the resolution to create a Standing Commission for the Environment did not come to fruition, the presiding bishop did note that some focused attention toward this issue needs to be made a part of the current structure of the church. A small group of bishops and many other individuals wish to begin the work of oversight, even if it is not within the official structure of the Episcopal Church. In some ways this might be preferred to a standing commission. 

 

I served as House of Bishops Secretary to the Stewardship and Development Legislative Committee, which heard all of the environmental resolutions and others regarding missionary work, Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and money. I was so impressed by and learned so much about the missionaries we have throughout the world and how little they are paid (about $24,000 a year). One resolution was presented by one of our Episcopal missionaries.  I do not now remember her name, but I sure remember her pitch! She called the resolution the “80-cent solution” because it calls on every Episcopalian to give 80 cents a day to missionary work. We were so inspired a few of us gave her one dollar on the spot and told her to keep the change. If we did it we could support twice as many new missionaries as we have now. Seems like a good investment to me!

 

Another presented resolution suggested the convention, and all participating, fast for one day, giving the money saved to the MDGs or the poor of the world. As we talked about this and identified that one day of fasting would hurt local workers, etc., we came up with some rather interesting ideas for the next convention, some we are already working with Episcopal Relief and Development to make happen. The tithing resolution, which did pass both houses, came with a twist this convention. This resolution called on those present as deputies and bishops to not only pledge that the tithe is the standard of giving, but to sign on the dotted line as one who actually does tithe. Our committee was so excited we passed around the paper to sign it right then and there. We did the same in the House of Bishops and I am told the House of Deputies did as well. You will never hear about these things in the press, but they are quite crucial to our future and our witness.  

 

Against many odds, we passed a balanced budget—some $24 million less over the next triennium than when we walked in the door. Roughly 30 positions at the Episcopal Church Center offices will be eliminated. The budget includes shortening General Convention by two days, in my mind a much-needed change, and there will be other changes.  

 

I marched right to the gates of Disneyland with hotel workers who face losing their health insurance, and then the priests present anointed the workers with oil. The marching part did make the press; the anointing I never saw, but it was quite moving and very much appreciated by those workers. 

 

Many have said two things about our time together: that a tenderness existed in the way we cared for one another over tough issues (some called this a “tamer” convention), and that there seemed to be more honesty in discussion and in the outcomes of the process. I felt that myself. I know some came away wounded, as happens in most of these conventions. I pray we may be healers for them in the next days. I do not yet have a firm grasp of how this General Convention will impact our life here in Olympia. I know it will, but as in all things, it will take more discernment and discussion among ourselves as we move into the future. 

 

Before I end, I want to especially thank the fabulous deputation from Olympia. They are to be commended; they witnessed well, disagreed at times and loved each other in the end, and that to me is the greatest witness of all. Many from Olympia were on the periphery, making everything happen, and they, too, represented us so well. I know it is a sin, but I was quite proud on many, many occasions!

 

In my reflections before convention, I quoted our third bishop, Stephen Bayne. His description of convention was “a bet on friendship.” I carried those words with me as I went through those 10 days. I thought I might end with his words as well, from a lecture he gave while trying to describe us Episcopalians:

 

 “We like good Anglican books, which have the theological consistency of a good, nourishing, French peasant soup, starting with a sound stock, then added to day by day with whatever happens to be left over—a dash of Platonism, some Aristotelian greens, a Calvinist bone or two, a Lutheran turnip, a spoonful of Kierkegaard, a pinch of Temple, then brought to a quick boil with group dynamics, and pushed to the back of the stove to cool a bit! This is the kind of thinking we like to do, but it is infuriating to the orderly mind.” [1]

 

Indeed!  And still we go on. 

 

Blessings,

 

The Rt. Rev. Gregory Rickel

Bishop of Olympia

 

Presiding Bishop’s Post Convention Letter  (http://www.episcopalchurch.org/78695_112789_ENG_HTM.htm )

 

Archbishop Rowan Williams Reflection on General Convention

(http://www.archbishopofcanterbury.org/2502 )

 

D025-Commitment and Witness to Anglican Communion

(http://gc2009.org/ViewLegislation/view_leg_detail.aspx?id=986&type=Final )

 

B056-  I cannot find a reliable link so I have printed it below.

 

Genesis Covenant

http://www.genesiscovenant.org/

---

[1] From a lecture to the fall convocation of Hobart and William Smith Colleges , November 8-9, 1957. [Quoted in Booty, John: An American Apostle: The Life of Stephen Fielding Bayne, Jr. Valley Forge, Pennsylvania: Trinity Press International, 1997, p. 77.]

 

B056-Liturgies for Blessings

 

Resolved, the House of Deputies concurring, That the 76th General Convention acknowledge the changing circumstances in the United States and in other nations, as legislation authorizing or forbidding marriage, civil unions or domestic partnerships for gay and lesbian persons is passed in various civil jurisdictions that call forth a renewed pastoral response from this Church, and for an open process for the consideration of theological and liturgical resources for the blessing of same gender relationships; and be it further

Resolved, That the Standing Commission on Liturgy and Music, in consultation with the House of Bishops, collect and develop theological and liturgical resources, and report to the 77th General Convention; and be it further

Resolved, That the Standing Commission on Liturgy and Music, in consultation with the House of Bishops, devise an open process for the conduct of its work inviting participation from provinces, dioceses, congregations, and individuals who are engaged in such theological work, and inviting theological reflection from throughout the Anglican Communion; and be it further

Resolved, That bishops, particularly those in dioceses within civil jurisdictions where same-gender marriage, civil unions, or domestic partnerships are legal, may provide generous pastoral response to meet the needs of members of this Church; and be it further

Resolved, That this Convention honor the theological diversity of this Church in regard to matters of human sexuality; and be it further

Resolved, That the members of this Church be encouraged to engage in this effort.

 

Day 11, General Convention, July 17th

Dear Ones, Things are much quieter around here. Many people have headed home. After some time with family here we look forward to the same. There are many reflections of this time. I hope to share more of those soon. For now let me say the last day was filled with good humor and continued discernment about our future but nonetheless filled with hope as well. Safe travels to all. Blessings, +Greg

Day 10, General Convention 2009, July 16th

Dear Ones,

Thursday was a harried day laden with the anticipation that this convention is coming to an end.  We held legislative sessions in both houses for a large part of the day.  In the beginning of the day, it was reported that the House of Deputies may have to meet into the night, but alas they were adjourned at the usual hour.  I want to say here that Suffragan Bishop Nedi Rivera who chairs the Social and Urban Affairs Committee has performed superbly!  No surprise there.  She has represented you and the people of the Diocese of Eastern Oregon here with much energy and inspiration. 

My day started with a breakfast with my good friend Greg Garrett who has just finished both a novel, "Shame" and "The Gospel according to U2"   He lives in Austin, and was presenting workshops to the ECW meeting.  It was very good to see him.

Ramifications of the budget have rippled through the convention as that becomes more clear.  Some 30 plus folks will lose their positions at the national office.  I am not totally sure as of yet who all of those are.  I was elected by the House of Bishops as the Province VIII representative to the Joint Nominating Committee for the Election of the Presiding Bishop.  This is a committee we hope never has to meet for it exists in the unlikely event that something happens to the Presiding Bishop. 

I have been truly inspired by the demeanor of the House of Bishops, just how people have cared for one another over differences.  It is a new day for the Church, it will not, as our Presiding Bishop said when she opened it, be business as usual.  We will be living into a new reality in the Episcopal Church and in the Diocese of Olympia.  I think these can be good times, but they will be different.  Either way, we have always with us our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  I plan to post tomorrow and then take a break.  We will be adjourning this convention some time this afternoon.  Keep us and the Church in your prayers.

Blessings,

+Greg

Day 9, General Convention 2009, July 15th

Dear Ones,

 

This post is going to be different.  In days past I have more or less tried to be your eyes to the broad picture, occasionally telling you of a specific.  Today, I will tell you first that yesterday was pretty much like every day.   We worshiped to a beautiful, Jazz ensemble in a paperless format.  Bishop Steven Charleston preached a prophetic sermon on the fate of our earth, and our call as Christians to do something about it.  I attended my committee meeting on the election of the next Suffragan Bishop for Federal Ministries.  The budget of the Episcopal Church was rolled out to a joint session of the Convention.  As suspected, life will be different.  Our church will not look quite the same or operate the same and a lot of that is good, more technology made use of for meetings, less travel, all of which is good for the earth and the pocketbook.  Some lost their jobs yesterday, never good.  It is quite frankly where we are all headed, including the Diocese of Olympia, revisioning our future and what it is to be the Church in this day and time. 

 

Which brings me to the specific act, because I think it fits with that idea of revisioning.  In the House of Bishops, near the end of day, we began debating the resolution, D056, put before us to continue our conversations about same sex relationships and human sexuality, one of the more watched pieces of legislation here.  (Let me say here that much of the press headlines today as saying this approved same sex blessings, it does not)  I had volunteered to meet with a group of about 25 bishops to work out a substitute resolution to the one that came to us, in hopes that we might bring along some of the House that was troubled by certain pieces.  This all came out of a discussion the day before which included the notion that we often move too fast, that the legislative process is not the best way to run a Church, that we do not always best honor our Lord within such a system.  It was a hope for a “third way.”  One of the people that articulated that hope then was Bishop Sean Rowe, Bishop of Northwest Pennsylvania, and the youngest bishop, by far, being in his thirties, in this House,  I believe in the world.   And so those 25 went to work.  I must say I mostly listened, offered a few thoughts including one which stated my ultimate dream: essentially being what we were doing at that moment, much more honest conversation, where we can share our hearts without the pressure of legislation, but of course that is not the way of Convention.  It was not designed that way.  Those in the Diocese of Olympia would recognize that we have tried to move in this direction as much as possible.

 

So, yesterday, the substitute, a really fine one I believe, was offered.  It had been worked on by a group representing the wide range of thought and theology in the House of Bishops.  And soon it began; the amendments, and the amendments to the amendments.  Finally, Bishop Rowe stood to move that the resolution be discharged.   Essentially this would mean that it would die here, more than likely.   After a good hearing of “seconds” he spoke to his motion again pleading for another way forward.  He said sometimes it is better to say nothing and he asked us this question, “how has passing legislation in such moments really worked for us?”  He then asked for a roll call vote, which requires, I believe at least five other bishops to make happen.  I was one of many that raised my hand on that vote.  I don’t know totally his thought on that, but I do want to say it made a point. 

 

I write because of the great dilemma it presented for me.  I don’t think I have ever been so unsure of a vote as I was of this one.  In the end, it would fail by a sizable margin, but nonetheless it provoked some good conversation, one of the few I have felt compelled to get in, however the line was so long the question was called before I was able to get in.   I voted “no”, not to discharge, but I was conflicted.  In my mind were all the people for whom this legislation is important, and also the people that would find it even more conflicts them.  In my mind were all the bishops that had worked day and night to craft what was before us, and also in my mind, my belief that Bishop Rowe is exactly right.   Today, I wanted to say that he is.  His actions yesterday might be described by many as showboating, or even foolish, but I saw them as brave and compelling, as leadership.  I also write about it today hoping that it remains compelling enough to keep the conversation going.  Personally, I think we need to have a deeper conversation about this “third” way long before we get into the crunch of legislation as maneuvering here only builds suspicion and hard feelings.   The argument that we have worked hard and that this is the only way to get such things done is not, in and of itself a compelling argument.  If it were, we would never change anything. 

 

I must admit that I had in my mind B033 and the great pain and anger that has existed for many these entire last three years about how that came in the last moment, and how it drove the Church in so many different directions since.  I feared rightly or wrongly, that we might be in the same dilemma this next three years.  That process, three years ago, and this one, would have benefited from more time to process what was being asked and why. 

 

It was odd that Bishop Rowe was using the very system he would like to change, to attempt to do so, but so often that is exactly what must be done.  It was all confounding.  It was one of the only times I wanted to abstain but I have vowed not to do that, if at all humanly possible.  I believe we are sent here to make decisions, in the system we now have, but it is so difficult sometimes and so fast.

 

Earlier in this convention, in honoring former Presiding Bishop Edmond Browning, I suggested that the emerging leadership in the church will have to change this, will have to help us find the “third” way.  I suggested that they will often be seen as foolish, but God needs some holy fools if this will change.  I so regret not being able to vote both ways, and finally not standing with him.  Bishop Rowe led yesterday.  I appreciate it very much.  Ultimately, he is right. 

 

Blessings,

 

+Greg

Day 8, General Convention 2009, July 14th

Dear Ones,

This was a full day of legislative sessions in both Houses.  In these last days things can get hectic.  People are tired, and it becomes clear that not everything will get done.  Still, spirits are high, and good.  In the House of Bishops we began discussion of a resolution surrounding the design and continued discussion regarding same-sex blessings.  It was a very good discussion ending with the HOB requesting some more informal work to come to some ways forward.  I have joined that group and it worked some last night, without me due to prior commitments, but we did resume at 7 a.m. this morning.  (Just when I think I might get to sleep in!) and good work was done with a wide range of voices.  Perhaps more to report tomorrow.

Before the end of the legislative day I, along with the Bishops of LA, and several others left the House to hold a prayer vigil and March with the hotel workers of Disney who are struggling with the possibility of losing their health insurance, or in exorbitant rise in costs.  I was asked some time ago to speak at the front gates of Disney which I did do.  It was a very exciting time.  It was reported that 2000 people attended and marched.  You may have, by now, seen that I was on the front page of the "Convention Daily."  My five minutes of fame. 

After that, I made my way back to the convention center to attend our Province VIII Fiesta put together by our fabulous Suffragan Bishop Rivera, and our Province VIII director, also from Olympia, Patricia Erskine.  It was one of the best times together we have had here. 

A good full day.  There is exactly so much to tell you and so little time to do it.  I hope after this is over I might also reflect even more! 

Blessings,

+Greg

Day 7, General Convention 2009, July 13th

Dear Ones,

We are clearly into the second week of General Convention 2009 and I must say it feels as if I have been here for months.  This is such a busy venture.  It is exciting in many ways, and exhausting in many others.  By now, many of you have heard of the vote of the House of Bishops yesterday on D025.  This is the resolution which brought together many of the other resolutions proposed dealing with B033 from the last convention which called on the Episcopal Church to "exercise restraint in moving persons whose manner of life" continued to be a struggle for others in the communion, from the episcopate ordination process.  These were brought together in this one resolution by the World Mission Committee who brought it forward from the House of Deputies to the House of Bishop's yesterday. 

There was first, time in table conversations, 20 minutes which expanded to 30 minutes, then a long series of comments from the floor.  Roughly seven or so bishops called for a roll call vote when the vote was taken.  Both Bishop Rivera and I voted in the affirmative. 

I do not have access electronically right now to the text.  It was amended in the House of Bishops and will be now sent back to the House of Deputies.  I am quite sure you can find the text online and I urge you to read it all.  I honestly find it to be an exquisite and generous compilation of all the different resolutions that came forward.  It also does not go back to B033, but instead looks forward.  Several things are important to me here.  First, I think it is time for this Church to be honest about where it finds itself now.   Second, it must acknowledge that not everyone is in that same place, in fact there are many and varied places people find themselves in this debate.  Third, this resolution does in fact, open up access once again to gay and lesbian people, to the discernment process for the episcopate. To interpret this any other way would be dishonest.  However, I would urge those who find this troubling to note that the resolution is clear that there is a definition on the "manner of life" and that the full process, as outlined in Canon will still, of course, be honored.  In other words, the consent process, elections, etc. 

It is interesting to note that today I have heard from both ends of the issue and the same phrase has been used.  This is "not being faithful to the Gospel."  From both sides, in other words one person said it was not being faithful to pass such a resolution and another saying the same if we had not. 

There will be much discussion about this, and indeed we are not finished here.  I urge a patient generosity and prayers for all in this.  In our diocese, and among our clergy, we have those representing all points of view on this.   I do want to point out the announcement below regarding my invitation of the Very Rev. Victor Atta-Baffoe, Dean of St. Nicholas Seminary, Cape Coast Ghana.  The Dean sits on the Anglican Covenant Design Group and has been present at General Convention. We will have him here directly after convention.  Details below.  Not in the details, he will be preaching at St. Margaret's, Bellevue on the 19th and at St. Andrew's, Seattle on the 26th. 

I wanted you all to be aware that Fred Jessett's mother Louise died this past week as well.  Please keep them all in your prayers.

On a much lighter and celebratory note, Margaret Niles, wife of Stephen Garrett of Christ Church, Seattle was elected yesterday to the Church Pension Fund Board! Congratulations Margaret!

Your deputation continues to amaze me with their energy and attention to all that is going on.  A few other things did occur yesterday including the passing by the House of Bishops of the Denominational Health Plan by an overwhelming affirmative vote.  The Young Adults Festival was also held and my visit there was fantastic, quite full and alive! 

Keep the prayers coming!

Blessings,

+Greg

SAINT MARK’S CATHEDRAL,

SEATTLE

WELCOMES WEST AFRICAN THEOLOGIAN TO DISCUSS ANGLICAN COMMUNION RELATIONS ON JULY 22

Canon Victor Atta-Baffoe, Diocese of Cape Coast, Ghana , participates in special Evensong service and program on global church’s Covenant process

Contact: The Rev. David Mesenbring, (206) 323-0300, ext. 217, dmesenbring@saintmarks.org

- Wednesday, July 22, 2009

- Evensong: 6:30 p.m., Program: 7 p.m.

- The Nave, Saint Mark’s Episcopal Cathedral,

1245 Tenth Avenue East

(Capitol Hill), Seattle 98102

 

SEATTLE—At 7 p.m. Wednesday, July 22, Saint Mark’s Cathedral welcomes the Very Rev. Victor Atta-Baffoe, Dean of St. Nicholas Seminary in Cape Coast, Ghana and Canon Theologian of the Anglican Diocese of Cape Coast, for a discussion on the Anglican Communion that will be moderated by the Rt. Rev. Greg Rickel, Bishop of Olympia. Rickel also will lead a special Evensong service preceding the program at 6:30 p.m., which commemorates the Feast of St. Mary Magdalene.

 

Atta-Baffoe will share his “insider perspective” as a member of the Anglican Covenant Design Group (formed in response to the 2004 Windsor Report) on the state of tensions surrounding the Episcopal Church’s efforts to become more inclusive. In the Report, the Anglican Communion “recommend[ed], therefore, and urge[d] the primates to consider, the adoption by the churches of the Communion of a common Anglican Covenant which would make explicit and forceful the loyalty and bonds of affection which govern the relationships between the churches of the Communion. The Covenant could deal with: the acknowledgement of common identity; the relationships of communion; the commitments of communion; the exercise of autonomy in communion; and the management of communion affairs (including disputes).”

 

Atta-Baffoe comes to

Seattle

after the conclusion of the Episcopal Church’s General Convention, where he is a guest speaker. In 2008, he was a facilitator on “Listening and Dialogue on the Anglican Communion and Homosexuality” at the Lambeth Conference in

London

. He also serves on the Inter-Anglican Doctrinal and Theological Commission of the Anglican Communion and is Chairman of the African Network of Institutions of Theological Education Preparing Anglicans for Ministry.

 

The Very Rev. Atta-Baffoe will be in Seattle from July 19-30. If you are interested in interviewing him or inviting him to speak to your congregation or organization, please contact the Rev. David Mesenbring at 206-323-0300, ext. 217 or dmesenbring@saintmarks.org.

 

Day 6, General Convention 2009, July 12th

Dear Ones,

Day 6, Sunday, started first with a bit more time to sleep!  Much welcomed!  Our Community Eucharist was held at 10 a.m. and it was magnificent.  Our Presiding Bishop preached and that sermon can be found on the Episcopal Church Website.  A fabulous African-American choir led by an old friend who lives in LA, Chas Cheatem.  It was good to see him.  

We moved directly from there to the TENS (The Episcopal Network for Stewardship) Luncheon, which honored four Apostles of Stewardship, all of whom I have known in my work at various part of my life.  And, very important to Olympia, honored St. Augustine in the Woods, Freeland for their excellent stewardship program.  Carl Knirk and I both serve on the board of TENS and Tom Gossen, who was just with us two weeks ago for our Stewardship Conference is the Executive Director.  It was a great event, many in our deputation attended.

We had a break from 2-3, at which time my wife and I visited the many exhibits here.  At 3 p.m. both Houses convened.  The most interesting occurence in the House of Bishops yesterday was the passing of the Denominational Health Plan which would mandate a group of all dioceses in the Episcopal Church.  I have, and continue to believe after the presentation yesterday, said this study and presentation is one of the best I have ever seen anywhere.  I voted for this, as did the vast majority of the HOB.

Last night was the Bishop's Dinner where we honored those retiring.  It was fun, but LONG evening!  Got to spend some good time talking to the head of our Deputation, Pete Strimer afterwards. 

I want to commend our deputation.  They are simply phenomenal, dedicated, hard working.  I have hated not to be able to see them speak on the floor, especially Katrina Hamilton our youngest deputy and one of only 30 or so  here as young as she.  She is speaking eloquently at hearings and on the floor!  She is blogging at  http://students.washington.edu/batgirl3/SlouchingTowardsAnaheim/Home.html

The days promise to get interesting now as some of the more difficult issues begin to emerge out of committee and make their way onto the House floors.  Keep us all in your prayers.

Blessings,

+Greg

Day 5, General Convention 2009, July 11th

Dear Ones,

This day did not seem like a Saturday.  I started off with hearings at 7:30 a.m., mine again being the Stewardship and Development Committee.  We met for the entire time and then went into Legislative sessions in the two Houses.  After about two hours there, the Daily Community Eucharist was held.  On this day Ray Suarez, Chief Correspondent and TV Commentator preached.  It was a rousing sermon, encouraging us to share all the riches we have in the Episcopal Church with the world! 

We then had a break.  I actually got to eat lunch with my wife.  My son spent the day building a Habitat House inside the arena attached to the Convention Center for Orange County Habitat.  I visited that site to see them at work.  In the afternoon the third session of our Public Narrative process was held which I did not get to attend do to some added committee work.  The two Houses then had an afternoon session.  In the House of Bishops a slew of legislation was taken up, including passing of the Earth Charter, and a great discussion our our preparedness for pandemics.  While the proposed legislation did not pass the discussion was well worth it, sometimes the main reason for bringing it up in the first place.  The Mission Funding Initiative, which has been called back up for reconsideration was passed in a substitute resolution which keeps the Initiative on track. 

It was then my great honor to be the keynote speaker for the Episcopal Peace Fellowship as they honored former Presiding Bishop Edmond Browning and his wife Patti.  There was a great turnout and I must say it was a bit daunting to speak to a room with two former Presiding Bishops and a lot of other folks I have looked up to in my life.  This was also the night of seminary dinners which I did not make but for which I know many here from Olympia did. 

I wanted to end this post with a most beautiful prayer I used as the ending of my keynote address, and was prayed the day before at the close of day in the House of Bishops, written and prayed by one of our able chaplains, the Rev. Carol Wade. 

O source of surrender, your whisper of peace is as close as our breath,

yet you have made us with bodies that reach beyond our own skin. 

Gazing upon ourselves we are not right,

but in the face of another our eyes do glean hope. 

For when we turn from exclusion and into embrace,

you are embodied in the world and the world in your body. 

May we cease to put asunder what you have joined together,

for until we give way to your love there will be no peace.

Blessings,

+Greg

Day 4, General Convention 2009, July 10th

 Dear Ones,

I have posted below one picture I found really applicable to Western Washington and Seattle, the line at Starbucks each morning.  The lines are neverending!  Yesterday was a day full of legislative sessions in both Houses.  In the House of Bishops, to my great delight, the Genesis Covenant was affirmed and passed on to the House of Deputies.  The Genesis Covenant calls on the Church to take the lead in reducing our carbon footprint by working toward a 50% decrease over the next 10 years.  This motion came through my Stewardship and Development Committee and Bishop Steven Charleston spoke eloquently on the floor of the house in support of it.  There was no one who spoke in opposition. 

Daily Eucharist was outstanding as usual, the preacher being Dr. Bonnie Anderson, President of the House of Bishops.  Our own Hisako Beasley led us in the Prayers of the People.  Also, children and youth choirs of LA provided the music.  Fabulous!  Those here from the Diocese of Olympia held our dinner last night.  It was a fun evening.  There are over 30 people here from Olympia, doing many and various things. 

Also, our own Stephen Moore was reelected by the House of Bishops to serve on the Board of Examining Chaplains.  Congratulations Stephen!   Margaret Niles is running for the Board of the Church Pension Fund.  Elections for that are continuing today. My son is participating in the youth program they have devised.  He visited the Crystal Cathedral yesterday and will be participating in the building of a Habitat House today.  My wife is participating with the spouses program as well. 

It seems like we have been here for two months!  But there are many joyful things here, my cup runneth over at this point!  As you can see from the picture below, Starbucks is doing all it can to keep our coffee cups running over as well!  Blessings,  Greg

Day 3, General Convention 2009, July 9th

Dear Ones,

I've decided with the pace of things, and having the great fortune of having my family along for this, unlike at Lambeth, I am going to post in the morning of each day for the day before.  I know I owe you a bit more on Day 2 and will start there and "catch up", something which is quite difficult to do around here!

Day 2 was really a start.  Lots of committee hearings and meetings.  I am serving as Secretary for Stewardship and Development Committee.  We have had some very interesting resolutions and it appears we will be able to get through all of those that were in our bins when we arrived and most likely even those that will come to us next.  The Genesis Covenant has already come before us and been moved to the House of Bishops, I expect that to come before that body this morning. 

Wednesday night, July 8th, was the Global Forum as I told you.   I introduced the evening and then the Presiding Bishop.  She spoke for a time and then she introduced the Archbishop of Canterbury.  He spoke eloquently, without notes,  regarding this current economic crisis in relation to our call as Christians.  I highly recommend watching this rebroadcast on the Episcopal Church site, www.episcopalchurch.org  

Day 3, Thursday was much a replay of the day before, beginning with hearings which blessedly began an half hour later, so my day started at 7:30 a.m.  The night did not end much earlier although some from the night before, so a bit of a shorter day, but still exhausting.  We celebrated Eucharist with Bishop Jon Bruno of Los Angeles presiding and the Archbishop preaching.  Bishop Bruno, since being consecrated, has always asked a youth to stand beside him at the altar.  He has never celebrated a Eucharist where a youth was in the house that one of them did not stand with him.   This happened today too.  The music is good, and Dent Davidson, who many of you know and love, is leading us.  I am singing in the choir, as is Nedi, and a few others from around Olympia. 

Day 3 was another session of our public narrative process.  At this session we learned to craft a two minute story of self, timed, questioned.  It is a bit of a daunting task but I must say I have done it twice now and it is helpful.  This basic idea is much like our Indaba tables at our convention but a bit more rehearsed in the beginning.

Each House, Deputies and Bishops, had a legislative session at the end of the day and we are beginnning to use every bit of our time and not getting it all done.  This was the case for the House of Bishops.  Interesting discussions as well.  On this day, at 5 p.m. was the resolution filing deadline so no new resolutions will come forward after that time. 

That evening, as a member of the Mission Funding Task Force, I along with five other bishops hosted a dinner regarding this important endeavor and attempt to raise 250 million dollars for endowments for mission in the Episcopal Church.  This has never been done, even in the face of many people of means in this Church who wish to leave a legacy in such a way.  It was a very good dinner and conversation. 

And then, blessedly, a little time with my family and to bed.  See you tomorrow!

Blessings,

+Greg