Posted on Jul 08, 2009
July 7, 2009 – Anaheim, CA. The General Convention of the Episcopal Church
Billie and I arrived yesterday safely, though a bit weary (left home at 5:45AM). We have not been to a General Convention since 2003 – six years is a long time what with aging and a huge turnover in Deputies, Bishops and Staff. I fear that I have already walked past some old warrior friends without a hint of recognition. At least we all suffer from the same problem. I have a chest badge hanging round my neck that says that I am "PHOD Staff" (President of House of Deputies) and "General Convention Staff" (in orange tape no less) and with a green ribbon across the bottom, which says "Secretariat" (staff not stallion). Supposedly I can go anywhere within the confines to look wise and old. It's easier to look old and more natural too. My devoted consort has a yellow badge that says "Visitor". I am not giving in the urge to have her walk three paces behind me - yet. But I digress.
I have been recruited as a senior advisor to PHOD, with duties somewhat uncertain. This past Sunday's Gospel from Mark had Jesus sending out the disciples two by two "with authority over unclean spirits". I think that is my job description. Such serendipity!
Today was a day of getting organized, legislative committees' meetings and a Deputies' and Bishops' Orientation led by Bonnie Anderson (PHOD see above) and Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schiori. Amongst the hustle and bustle and the hurly and burley and to-ing and fro-ing of the attendees, I sensed good humor and much less visible tension, as compared to 2003, when we all were bound up in the Consent to Ordination of a gay bishop-elect with a partner. Issues of human sexuality have been so prominent since 1979 that it can be wearying. While those issues remain, many of the Deputies seem more interested in the ministry and mission of the Church. We shall see as legislation progresses.
In the next Blog, I will provide some URLS for many of the cause and issue oriented publications that come out with fevered regularity. For now try Episcopal Life (the "house organ") www.episcopal-life.org and click on General Convention..
After having tucked into a splendid barramundi last night, my spouse has pointed me to Luigis tonight. I am advised that we must be home by 9:00PM to view the Disneyland fireworks from our eleventh story bedroom. Hopefully, she will tire of them by our departure on the sixteenth or I'll have to leave her behind.