While I had every good intention of "blogging" during General Convention I didn't because I was really engaged on the ground this time in a way I had not been before. In previous General Conventions I had not been assigned to a Committee. This year was different. I was assigned to "Committee 13" Prayer Book, Liturgy and Music.Previously I spent the mornings leisurely, sleeping until 8 or 9 some mornings, having a quiet breakfast alone or with fellow Deputies. Making it to the plenaries in plenty of time to grab some coffee or a soda. This time was NOT like that at all....
A typical schedule for me:
7:30 Committee Meeting until 9 (eating a Granola Bar at the meeting if I was lucky)
10 House of Deputies Legislative Session
11:45 Eucharist
12:30 Chicago Consultation Strategy meeting (grabbing something for luncg to take on the way)
2:00 House of Deputies Legislative Session )until 6 or so.
6-7 A bar food supper
7:30 Hearings, Seminary Dinners, The Good Archbishop, Supplemental Committee 13 meetings, The Integrity Eucharist, etc etc
9pm Arrival back at Hotel Bar for a much needed martini and debriefing with fellow Deputies and Committee 13 members, catching up with old friends and Diocese of Bethlehem folks.
11-12 Dropping into bed exausted, but OK.
Get up the next day and start it all over again...
So THATS why I didn't get to blog!
BUT I did get to contribute to the legislation which resulted in out moving ahead on same-gender unions. I served on both the Committee which presented the legislation and the sub committee which drafted the initial legislation of committee consideration. Its called a "cognate committee" as both Houses have a PB, L and M committee and we almost always met together except on a few occasions when we met seperately to discuss matters specific to our House's political dynamics.
The Committee was diverse....LGBT folks, Straight folks, the Province IV corner of Bishops (as I called it as they sat together in one corner of our large square), women/men, all provinces and one overseas diocese there.
The leadership of the Deputies committee was superb---Sam Candler of Atlanta (and fellow Seminary classmate) abley chaired our group, Secretary Ruth Meyers (Chicago) worked tirelessly to ensure that every jot and tittle was recorded correctly, Susan Williams (W-NY)served as vice-chair. For Bishops Wayne Smith (Mo) served as their chair, Paul Marshall (Bethlehem and my Bishop served as Vice-Chair).
It was not an easy row to hoe. Many from conservative dioceses feared going back and having to defend same-gender blessings to their more conservative elements--this especially seemed on the minds of Bishops. Others were from states that already had same-gender civil union law and desired a liturgical expression to offer to those couples in their diocese. In the end I believe it was the society that led the Church. The increasing number of States with Civil Law which supported same gender unions forced the hand of the Church in a way that a more nuetral cultural environment would not have.
There was some difficult truth-telling sessions on the Committee. But we listened to each other in a way which did not need to be agreed with or disagreed with. We tried to give everyone at the table a bit of "wiggle room" and to take something away which they could be comfortable talking about in their post-General Convention meetings with their Dioceses. These were the holy moments for me. They moved me to not be so dug in but to open my heart and mind to someone who did not hold the same opinions that I did, and see them as part of me in this marvelous Episcopal Church. I wanted to help them and myslef stay in as much relationship as possible without compromising either's integrity. I think we accomplished that.
I tell people that the feeling I took away from Anaheim was far better than those of the past General Conventions. The media circus brought on by the conservative dioceses (many of whom have either been deposed or left the Episcopal Church) was not present in the same concentration as before. When left alone, the Church can make forward thinking decisions. When held hostage by an irresponsible and sensational media it doesn't do so well and becomes fearful---and fear is a spirit-buster (ask the Gospels).
I was proud of the Church for doing the right (Rite) thing when the moment of decision faced her. Truly the Spirit did move and work in marvelous and wonderful ways and while we all didn't leave singing "Kum Bayah" withe folded arms around the campfire---we came damn close!
Peace,
Scott+
