Postcards from Louisville

The first legislative day of General Convention was so full!  We began the day with opening worship. It was incredible to see so many deputies, bishops, and visitors worshipping together.  We had two legislative sessions and there were many meaningful parts.  A moment that struck me as special was when we sent 15 deputies to the House of Bishops to notify them that the House of Deputies had been called into session. This group of deputies showed the diversity of the House of Deputies and had representatives of varying levels of experience within the house of Deputies. There was a first-time deputy representative, second-time deputy, third-time deputy, and so on until sixteenth-time deputy to General Convention (skipping fifteen as there was no one present to represent). As a first-time deputy myself, I appreciated seeing how all levels of experience are welcomed and celebrated.

Lillian Hardaway
St. Paul’s, Alexandria
Deputation Chair, Lay Deputy

Today we began the work of the General Convention of our church. As we begin our work, there are many critical actions that need to be taken. Some of these are appointments of various positions that will make the work of Convention run smoothly and others set in motion procedures that will facilitate the work of Convention. But the actual first action is to bring Holy Scripture to the forefront of our work. Set in front of the podium where all speakers will address General Convention, a Bible is opened to a passage selected by the President of the House of Deputies. For this Convention, the selected text is from chapter 27 of the book of Numbers and recounts the story of the daughters of Zelophehad. In this passage Moses allows for daughters to inherit the legacy of their fathers.

This passage is particularly relevant for this year in which we celebrate the 150 years of ministry of the Episcopal Church Women and 50 years since women were ordained to the priesthood –daughters who have inherited and now carry forward the legacy of our ancestors.

The passage also speaks to the ability of God to lead the church into new chapters. The daughters of Zelophehad came to Moses with a worldly problem and Moses sought God’s direction on what to do. As followers of Christ, we who are The Episcopal Church strive to serve the world always trying to discern God’s will. Having this passage at the forefront of our General Convention reminds us of our work and the providence of God. Some of the actions we will take in the coming days will call us into new chapters. We take these actions seeking God’s will and assured of God’s grace.

The Rev. Sven vanBaars
Rector, Abingdon Church, White Marsh
Clergy Deputy

“The earth is the Lord’s and all that is in it.” Psalm 24:1.

Genesis 1 teaches us to care for creation. At General Convention, I am vice-chair of the Environment Committee; we do “plumbing and electrical work.” We are trying to help churches shift away from fossil fuels and towards renewable energy, to use water more wisely, and to protect our children from lead paint and lead in the water. We hope to lead by example. We are asking our governments to protect the poor as our economy shifts away from fossil fuels, just as we try to advocate for the poor who are bearing the brunt of sea level rise, increasingly brutal heat, and more intense storms. For those who say the Church has no role in environmental matters, please re-read the first chapter of Genesis.

Russ Randle
St. Mary’s, Arlington
Lay Deputy

It all seemed so innocuous! I made a friend from the Living Church that morning, we got to talking. I shared about the beauty and complexity of being a queer priest with evangelical friends who had often been on the other side of the debates. My new friend invited me to a lunch they were hosting with similarly-minded folks. I made my way over, only to find it was hosted by the Communion Partners, an Episcopal group of a more traditional persuasion that seeks to maintain the “indispensable place and witness” of their theological minority within the Church. It’s a group that some of my queer friends and allies have historically seen as antagonists. Would they really want me there once they heard about me? Yet reader, this is not the first time I have accidentally found myself in a room I’m not supposed to be in!

A little intimidated, but with a friend at my side, I walked in, met some folks, and shared a bit of who I was. I was greeted not with skepticism but with warmth and curiosity, and left that lunch with a number of new friends across the Church. We shared a sense of the importance of our work, the liberation of the Gospel for real people, and a love of our Church and tradition. No, we didn’t agree on everything (even some major things!), but we agreed on this: we were glad each other was in the room. If it sounds simple, that’s because it is. After all, it is by honestly telling our stories that each of us grows in faith and love. We gather each Convention because God has decided to bind us together in the mystery of the Church. In other words, we’re stuck with one another! It’s not always easy, but it is God’s work. And if we make some unexpected friends along the way, well that’s all Grace.

The Rev. Will Dickinson
Associate Rector, St. George’s, Fredericksburg
Clergy Alternate

Greetings and blessings from the 81st General Convention. My deputy colleagues have written postcards that include scripture and I am doing the same, from Paul’s first letter to the people of Corinth: “For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. (1 Corinthians 12:12). I am honored to represent the faithful of the Diocese of Virginia and privileged to witness the reelection of President Julia Ayala Harris today, a person of Latina descent. She was elected as I wrote this postcard!

As a first-time deputy, I was invited to serve as the co-chair of the Latino caucus of the Deputies of Color at the 80th General Convention in Baltimore along with my colleague Wendy Cañas (Diocese of New York). The Latino caucus is comprised of 65 deputies from 29 dioceses, including the Latin American and Caribbean dioceses of Colombia, Dominican Republic, Central Ecuador, Litoral Ecuador, and Honduras. The Dioceses of Puerto Rico and Cuba recently became part of Province 2.

I am a witness to the diverse body of Christ “in all its glory” here in Louisville. I’m filled with hope, not only for our church, but for the people of faith around the world because, for example, the youth presence, the Deputies under 40, and the LGBTQIA caucus are quite prominent. I personally invite you to consider running for election to The General Convention because it is an amazing experience that helps us learn about what’s “under the hood” of the Church. Everything you learn at Convention is wisdom that you will bring back to our diocese. What a joy to be an Episcopalian; we are indeed THE body of Christ.

Spanish language translation:

Saludos y bendiciones desde la 81ª Convención General. Mis colegas diputados le han escrito “postales desde la Convención General” con versículos bíblicos y yo estoy haciendo lo mismo, de la primera carta de Pablo a los corintios: “Porque así como el cuerpo es uno, y tiene muchos miembros, pero, todos los miembros del cuerpo, aunque son muchos, constituyen un solo cuerpo, así también es Cristo.” (1 Corintios 12:12). Me siento honrado de representar a los fieles de la Diócesis de Virginia y privilegiado de presenciar hoy la reelección de la Presidenta Julia Ayala Harris, una persona de ascendencia latina. ¡Fue elegida mientras yo les escribía esta postal!

Como diputado por primera vez, fui invitado a servir como coordinador del caucus latino de los Diputados de Color en la 80ª Convención General en Baltimore junto con mi colega Wendy Cañas (Diócesis de Nueva York). El caucus latino está compuesto por 65 diputados de 29 diócesis, incluidas las diócesis de América Latina y el Caribe, incluyendo a diputados de Colombia, República Dominicana, Ecuador Central, Ecuador Litoral y Honduras. Las diócesis de Puerto Rico y Cuba se unieron recientemente a la Provincia 2.

Soy testigo del cuerpo diverso de Cristo “en todo su esplendor” aquí en Louisville. Me llena de esperanza estar aquí presente, no solo para nuestra iglesia, sino para las personas de fe en todo el mundo porque, por ejemplo, la presencia juvenil, los Diputados menores de 40 años y el caucus LGBTQIA son bastante prominentes. Les invito a considerar postularse como diputado/a para la Convención General porque es una experiencia que nos ayuda a aprender lo que está “debajo del bonete” como decimos en Puerto Rico, o sea, el esqueleto y estructura de la Iglesia. Todo lo que aprende uno en la Convención nos da sabiduría, algo que traeremos a nuestras congregaciones y diócesis al retornar. Qué alegría ser episcopal; de hecho, somos EL cuerpo de Cristo.

The Very Rev. Daniel Vélez-Rivera
Vicar, St. Gabriel’s~San Gabriel, Leesburg
Clergy Delegate

General Convention is composed of two houses. The House of Deputies first gathered in 1785 at the creation of The Episcopal Church. The House of Bishops first gathered in 1787 (we only had 1 Bishop in 1785). Generally, the two houses work separately to carry out the work of the church.  Today, however, the two houses met together for the purpose of introducing the candidates who would replace Presiding Bishop Michael Curry when he retires in October.

If you’ve been in The Episcopal Church for more than 2 years, then you’ve probably been part of a call and discernment process. The process of electing the next Presiding Bishop has similarities and differences from those processes you may have experienced. 

The Nominating Committee was composed 3 years ago and included laity, Bishops, Deacons, and Priests from across our church – from Ecuador to Alaska – representing several generational segments. 

The committee formally presented 5 individuals on the ballot – you can read about these individuals here. Tomorrow morning the House of Bishops will meet in closed session at Trinity Cathedral to elect the next Presiding Bishop. The House of Deputies then must ratify the election. 

The new Presiding Bishop will begin on All Saints Day and will take on the role of representing The Episcopal Church in the Anglican Communion, Presiding over the House of Bishops and, most importantly, being a faithful pastor to all of the church.

Michael Curry has been a gifted and passionate leader. He has called us to focus our ministries and mission on proclaiming and sharing the love of Jesus. He has brought energy and compassion to the forefront of his position. As he reaches the end of his 9-year term and looks toward his retirement and a new dog, we give thanks for his ministry and we pray for the ministry of his successor. 

The Rev. Sven vanBaars
Rector, Abingdon Church, White Marsh
Clergy Deputy

Through the years, General Convention has passed several resolutions related to ongoing tensions in Sudan. Russ Randle, a multi-term deputy from Virginia offers this reflection related to the effects of war in Sudan. 

The current Civil War taking place in Sudan has resulted in more than ten million displaced people or refugees, over five million facing famine, and tens of thousands of people killed.

The Diocese of Virginia, our congregations, and people have worked closely with the Episcopal Church in Sudan and South Sudan since the late 1990s. At least four of our Bishops journeyed there as did many of our lay and clergy leaders, even as war raged. Visa and pandemic restrictions have largely interrupted that travel, but we remain committed.

On Saturday morning, several of us testified for a resolution asking The Episcopal Church to pray, give, and work for peace in Sudan, and to aid our friends in the Episcopal Church of Sudan (ECS) and its brave Archbishop, Ezekiel Kondo. He now leads the ECS from Port Sudan, as he and the ECS headquarter were driven at gunpoint from All Saints Cathedral in Khartoum.

Our resolution – and the actions we take in response – tell Sudanese believers that we do not and will not forget their brave struggle for the Gospel. Our Sudanese friends have told us that our encouragement and efforts help sustain them in hope. Let us act to keep their hope alive; let us support their efforts to bring the healing touch of Jesus Christ to a country and people who ache desperately for peace and healing. Pray for the Church in Sudan and for peace to prevail there quickly.

Russ Randle
St. Mary’s, Arlington
Lay Deputy

A God moment in Kentucky!

Life is full of big moments that sound like really small things. The first time a toddler goes from wobbling to taking a step. The first time a youngster goes from tricycle to a bike with training wheels. The first time a teenager goes from learner’s permit to driver’s license. From one perspective it’s just one more incremental step, but from another perspective, it represents a huge leap forward. Today in the House of Deputies, we saw one of those moments.

The Episcopal Church in Navajoland is a mission area of the Episcopal church that was founded in the late 1970s and today was voted to be a Missionary Diocese of our church. On one level there’s a small difference between a mission area and a missionary diocese, but on another level, it represents a growing vibrant ministry, which is something very important and very significant.

Deputies from the Navajoland area were invited to tell the story of the progress that they have made in sharing the good news of Jesus Christ with their fellow Diné brothers and sisters.  They recounted how the Episcopal Church allowed them to worship Christ in their own language and how they longed for equal status in The Episcopal Church. Their stories and testimony brought me to tears and was received with applause and admiration by the entire House of Deputies.

There are times that I wonder how do we share the good news of Christ in our communities in Virginia. I know that the message of the gospel is exactly what this anxious world needs to hear and at times I think the challenges are just too overwhelming. Then our siblings in Christ, like the Navajo, tell the story of the work they are doing, the message they are sharing, and the results that they are slowly having, and I realize that with Christ all things are possible. Their small steps encourage me in my ministry.

To God be the glory.

The Rev. Sven vanBaars
Rector, Abingdon Church, White Marsh
Clergy Deputy

As a first-time deputy to General Convention, I wasn’t sure what to expect. I had assumed it would be an expanded version of our annual convention. What I hadn’t anticipated was the level of intensity. Months before the start of General Convention, the information started rolling in and the work began. Lists of committees, meeting notices, resolutions, delegation meetings, etc. It was overwhelming – what had I signed up for? Working with our deputation, the pieces began to fall in place and become more manageable. Now that I am here, I see the ebb and flow of information, the legislative process, and have a better understanding of the governance of our church.

I am impressed with many things here: the thought and prayer that goes into deliberations and discussions; the teamwork and strategizing required to move legislation; the number and diversity of the deputies, and the dedication they have for our faith and our church.

I am profoundly grateful for the opportunity to serve this Diocese as a deputy and humbled to be a member of this outstanding deputation.

Margaret “Mickie” Jones

St. Mark’s, Richmond
Lay Deputy

It was a historic day in the House of Deputies. The 28th Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church, the Right Rev. Sean Rowe, was elected overwhelmingly on the first ballot and the House of Deputies voted overwhelmingly to concur.

In GC81, deputies from all walks of life are engaging in thoughtful deliberation, prayerful reflection, and spirited debate. We don’t all agree on every resolution, but I can say that I believe every person here loves The Episcopal Church. In response to those who speculate about the future of the church, I am buoyed by the presence of young people I see in Louisville. I’m very excited by the powerful convictions and testimony of the official youth presence on the Convention Floor. They express their concerns and their feelings with a great passion.

As a first-time deputy (alternate) at General Convention 81 in Louisville, KY, I experienced the powerful testimony of the people from Navajoland as it was admitted as a missionary diocese. I was seated directly behind the South Dakota deputation and their testimony resonated deeply and emotionally, embodying their resilience and commitment to our faith and community

We sometimes hear the adage that like politics “all church” is local. From a micro view that is, of course, true.  But at a macro level, the notion “all church is local” overlooks the interconnectedness of the Episcopal Church across the world and the broader mission of the church, which includes local concerns and universal spiritual and humanitarian responsibilities.

When I return home to my two churches, I will carry with me a renewed sense of purpose and hope for our local church and the broader church. My time at GC81 has reinforced my belief in the power of our collective faith.

The Very Rev. Kathleen Murray

Rector, Historic Beckford Parish: Emmanuel, Woodstock, and St. Andrew’s, Mt. Jackson
Clergy Alternate

First off General Convention is an extrovert’s dream! The many people, the random conversations in the elevators and the endless question of what diocese are you from, make for me a wonderful experience. I feel so blessed to be seen and recognized by my diocese and offered an opportunity to represent them as an alternate at General Convention. The atmosphere has been filled with a mixture of joy and excitement to do the work needed in order to move the church forward.

This was a special General Convention as a new Presiding Bishop would be elected. I entered the convention with a sense of apprehension and fear of losing the ground that was gained under Presiding Bishop Curry. I saw and heard God through the spoken wisdom of Presiding Bishop Curry opening night of the convention. He shared from the Gospel of John, sharing that “In all things the Spirit will lead and guide us in all things.” So holding onto that thought I am excited to walk through the rest of convention with my mind and more importantly my heart open to the leading of the Spirit.

Karen Franklin
St. Mark’s, Richmond
Lay Alternate

Greetings saints! I am on a roll for writing you postcards from this 81st General Convention as major announcements are happening! Literally, as I wrote my last postcard to you, the President of the House of Deputies, Julia Ayala Harris, was elected. Then two days ago (Wednesday) was the election of the 28th Presiding Bishop of The Episcopal Church, the Rt. Rev. Sean Rowe, and here is my postcard!

Thousands of Episcopalians waited with much anticipation for the election results, and the announcement came quickly from the House of Bishops. It took us all by surprise! The House of Bishops elect the presiding bishop and the House of Deputies ratifies the election. We found out from Bishop Stevenson that he was one of the bishops chosen to count the paper ballots at Christ Church Cathedral, so he was one of the first five people to know who would become our presiding bishop!

What I most appreciated about yesterday was the amount of prayer that surrounded the five bishop candidates, here in Louisville and around the globe! My 7 a.m. meeting (yes, 7 a.m.) opened with prayer for the candidates, then at our 8:30 a.m. worship we were filled with the power of the Spirit of God as we shared the body and blood of Christ. We then prayed some more during the morning legislative session, and finally (drum roll) an unexpected late-morning announcement that the bishops had selected the Presiding Bishop on the FIRST ballot! So we prayed some more in anticipation!

I pray that you will get to meet Bishop Sean Row in the coming months and years (presiding bishops serve a nine-year term). I was privileged to serve with him for two years on the Council of Advice for President Julia Ayala Harris. Bishop Sean is a profoundly thoughtful, prayerful, transparent man of God. What you see is what you get! I invite you to please keep our church and our new Presiding Bishop in your prayers!

¡Saludos mis santos y santas! ¡Les comparto esta correspondencia desde la 81ª Convención General de La Iglesia Episcopal mientras que laicos, clero y obispos tomamos importantísimas decisiones de la gobernación de nuestra Iglesia Episcopal. Elegimos a la Presidenta de la Cámara de Diputados, Julia Ayala Harris, mientras les escribía mi primera correspondencia hace dos días, Entonces ayer (miércoles) fue la elección del 28º Obispo Presidente de la Iglesia Episcopal, el Rvdmo. Sean Rowe, ¡y aquí tienen mi correspondencia!

Miles de episcopales anticipamos los resultados de la elección de ayer. ¡El anuncio nos llegó rápidamente desde la Cámara de Obispos, algo nos sorprendió! El protocolo para la elección de un obispo presidente es que los obispos votan y la Casa de Diputados (laicos y clero) ratifican la elección. Nos enteramos de que nuestro Obispo Diocesano Mark Stevenson fue escogido para contar las papeletas en la Catedral de la Iglesia de Cristo, así que fue una de las primeras cinco personas en enterarse de quién sería nuestro próximo Obispo Presidente por los próximos nueve años!

Lo que más aprecié de ayer fue la cantidad de oración que hubo para cubrir a los cinco candidatos a obispo en Louisville y alrededor del mundo. Ayer mi primera reunión fue a las 7am (sí, a las 7 de la mañana) y comenzó con oración por los candidatos, luego hubo una Misa a las 8:30am donde fuimos infundidos por el poder del Espíritu de Dios al compartir el cuerpo y la sangre de Cristo, después oramos durante la sesión legislativa matutina, y finalmente recibimos el anuncio inesperado a media mañana de que los obispos habían seleccionado al Obispo Presidente en su PRIMERA ronda de votos! ¡Así que volvimos a orar!

En los próximos meses y años le pido a Dios y a la Virgen que ustedes puedan conocer al Obispo Presidente, el Reverendísimo Sean Rowe. Tuve el privilegio de servir junto a él por dos años en el Consejo de Asesoramiento de la Presidenta Julia Ayala Harris. El Obispo Sean es un hombre de Dios, muy espiritual, amable, piadoso y transparente. ¡Les invito a que por favor mantengan a nuestra iglesia y al nuevo Obispo Presidente en sus oraciones!

The Very Rev. Daniel Vélez-Rivera
St. Gabriel’s ~ San Gabriel, Leesburg
Clergy Deputy

Healing as part of General Convention

Healing ministry has been part of my call for many years. Healing comes in many forms and in many ways. A legislative process might not be our first thought of a venue for healing. However, I have seen God’s grace and healing power on the floor of the House of Deputies during our 81st General Convention.

In our society that is so divided, having a place of respectful disagreement governed by a process that has agreed upon boundaries/rules of order creates a space for respecting the dignity of all, which is healing in itself. As well, when deputies speak for or against a resolution, often they are speaking from a place of pain with great vulnerability. Whether the issue is gun violence, mental health, Palestine, or another matter, we have heard moving personal stories. None more impactful for me than the witness of deputies and elders from Navajo Land Area Mission, now to be a Missionary Diocese.

Deputies have shared their trauma, pain, and joy—and they have been heard and appreciated. Such inclusion and embrace brings healing and much hope for our future as the Episcopal Church.

Peace,

Hilary

The Rev. Dr. Hilary Borbón Smith
Rector
Holy Comforter, Richmond