General Convention - Final Report

It's hard to believe that my 9 days are over here in Indianapolis.  It also seems like I've been here forever.  I am definitely ready to go home.

Yesterday was another slower walking day with only 8,865 steps recorded.  So just shy of 4.5 miles.

More important legislation rolled through.  A budget was approved.  A resolution having to do with what's called the Open Table was approved but no one is quite sure what it really changes.  There is a discussion going on in our denomination about what to do about folks who are not baptized but who wish to receive Communion.  Traditionally that is something for those who have joined our community in faith.  On the other side is the argument that if they truly wish to receive and the Holy Spirit leads them to the rail should we refuse?  The resolution brought that issue much more out in the open and recognizes that we are living in that tension.  It is intended to clear the way for a pastoral response but it is deeply disturbing to many folks.

I'm very proud of one resolution that was passed.  Having to do with what is known as the DREAM Act it concerns young people who have been raised in our country but are not properly document immigrants.  The resolution was originated by a member of the GCOYP and received the support of deputies to be brought to the floor where it passed.  It was a proud moment for all of us involved with this group of young people.  Several of us were in tears as the vote was taken.

I leave GC77 knowing that our church is facing more change.  We took the first steps towards determining what we will look like in the future.  That is a scary concept for some in our tradition.  To be honest it is a difficult and challenging path that lays in front of all of us.  My hope is that we will work together, pray together, stay together on that journey.  I am not particularly interested in a church that is "purified" so that we can continue to struggle, to remain in tension with our faith and the issues that our faith raises.

There were many good, faithful people here who I believe are holding onto that same dream, that same vision for the future of the Episcopal Church.

Time to finish packing and take my last turn around this city.  Then hop on the shuttle bus and head off to the airport, to the arms of my loved ones and finally home.

Peace.

General Convention Day Seven

My walking numbers continue to decline.  Only 6,665 on this day.  Two reasons for that.  Fewer meetings being held so I don't have to walk to them PLUS the weather has gotten much cooler (down into the 80s) so I can take the direct path outdoors rather than the very circuitous path through the gerbil tubes.  It's been really pleasant the last couple days after starting off in the 100+ temperatures.

I've mentioned how tired I've been.  It finally caught up with me.  I woke up at 9:45 AM after sleeping the better part of 11 hours.  Guess I needed the sleep.  At this point the group is being given permission to care for ourselves so my tardiness was met with good humor.

Today was an interesting day.  As GC winds down there are still many resolutions waiting to be dealt with and some of them are important like the budget.  A resolution that would have changed the selection process of the GCOYP was sent back to committee who deleted the section that we disliked (and lots of others agreed it was wrong) and the clean version passed.  The budget was presented and is a much better version than the first one we saw.  For those of us in youth ministry and formation it is a huge improvement.  H-U-G-E.  The vote on that is still to come but everyone seems comfortable with the work done by the committee.  The most inspiring moment was when the new plan for re-organizing our denomination based on the Anglican Communnion's Five Marks of Mission passed unanimously.  Not a single no vote.  The House of Deputies was given permission to applaud and gave the vote a standing ovation.

This was also a hard day in our church.  Resolutions confirming this denomination's belief in equality for LGBT members, including a blessing service for same sex unions, passed.  While seen as a victory by most of our church it was a bitter moment for as much at 25% of the Deputies.  The passage was greeted with respectful silence but I know more than a few theologically conservative Deputies were reduced to tears by the action.  What I have learned over my three trips to GC is that it is filled with passionate, faith filled people who attempt to do their best for God even while disagreeing.  It was a bittersweet moment for many on the "winning" side because we love and respect all our brothers and sisters.  The fact is that we relieved pain for some and created pain for others.  Please pray for all the Deputies and Bishops as they prepare to return home.

Day 8 is our final full day here.  The young people have done a wonderful job and humbled me by their passion and dedication.  They are a joyful, faith filled, glorious hope for our future.  And I will miss them all.  I hop on my plane on Thursday.  It will be good to be home.

Looking for a challenge in 2012?

We're headed into the New Year and there is something very special that you might be able to do in 2012.  General Convention (GC) is the "business meeting" of the entire Episcopal church.  It's an amazing and important event.  And every time it meets (every three years) there is a group of youth there to be the voice of the younger generation to the church.  That group is called the General Convention Official Youth Presence (GCOYP).  It's made up of 2 high school aged young people (age 16 or older) from each Province.  Province 2 (that's our province) is searching for the young people to represent us at GC.  Please consider applying.  You can apply online  HERE through January 15 (scroll down to the paragraph that starts "Each applicant must complete...").  You must be able to commit to all the days of a 4 day training session April 12-15 and General Convention July 5-12.  ALL EXPENSES ARE COVERED FOR BOTH THE TRAINING AND THE CONVENTION.  And that means ALL of your expenses, travel, food, room, fees and materials.  Please read through the information and think about applying.  If you have any questions please feel free to contact me.