GC on Facebook

My Facebook page has some interesting posts too.

http://www.facebook.com/hilary.smith.9659

Pictures of GC 2012

My Center Aisle Article on finding God

Read it here (along with many other great articles)!

http://centeraisle.files.wordpress.com/2012/07/ca12_issue5_july9_web1.pdf

Seeing God at work, among us, through us, in us

The pace of activity has delayed my blog posts (plus I was struck by the illness going around, sinus infection for me). In the House of Deputies, we have discussed and adopted a number of major resolutions, as well as many important but less interesting to the average person probably.

In dealing with the Anglican Covenant and our relationships with people around the world who are Anglicans, we affirmed our desire to be in relationship with them and to remain in conversation about the Covenant. While many here, and in the Episcopal Church, believe that we will not adopt the Covenant in the future, we cannot say that with absolute certainly and are not willing to reject it at this point. I see God here, the work of the Holy Spirit, in helping us to be open to others and open to the future with hope.

The House of Bishops first adopted the resolution on the Liturgy for Blessing Same-sex Relationships, and then the House of Deputies also adopted it. We now have a trial liturgy for use in the Episcopal Church for same-sex couples who want to enter into a life-long covenant and have their commitment blessed by the Church. The resolution was adopted with overwhelming support. And I personally know many gay and lesbian couples who have been waiting for this pastoral care from the Church for decades. While many in the House were celebrating the passing of this resolution, its adoption, in respect and concern for those who did not want this resolution adopted, there was no applause or show of celebration. I see God in our concern for others and our desire to continue to respect their position.

Seeing Friends from around the world

I'm seeing God and feeling the Spirit so much in the people who remind me of the past...the action of God in my life over the years through people. It is so great to see Bp. Lee again!

Another view of the house

House of Deputies

Working hard

About to start a 4 hr session

Day One of the 77th General Convention

Today was the fist legislative day of General Convention. This first full day also included our first Eucharist and many hearings held by committees. A high point of the day was the House of Deputies consenting to the election of Susan Goff to be our bishop suffragan.

I also attended a Prayer Book and Liturgy hearing and a hearing on Structure. Many people at the hearing think that a massive restructuring of our Church, at every level, but certainly starting at the "top," will help us to...grow? be some how more? I see God in the energy people have when they talk about being faithful to God and in how they want to be open to doing things in a new way so that the Church can be all that God wants us to be. I also see God in how people devote so much time and energy to do the work of the Church here at Convention.

House of Deputies gathering

Budget Hearing

Well attended...about to start.

Confirmation Hearing for Susan Goff - Great News!

I was honored to speak on behalf of bishop-elect Susan Goff this morning at 10:00am before the committee that recommends/or not that we confirm the election of bishops in the House of Deputies and House of Bishops at this General Convention. When a person is elected bishop within 120 days of a General Convention, the election must be confirmed at General Convention. I was able to tell the committee of Susan's wonderful leadership in the diocese for over 30 years, and how she as been one of my role models and mentors during my 12 years of ordained ministry. I also noted that many in the diocese hoped that a woman would be elected this time around, but that what is even more important is that she has been called by God and the people of the Diocese of Virginia to be our next bishop suffragan. I felt God and saw God in this hearing today. And as you would expect, the group voted to recommend Susan for confirmation! An important step in the process; a step that does not surprise us, but that also can not be taken for granted. Above are some pictures taken at the hearing after they voted to recommend Susan.

Seeing God in Diversity and inspired Leadership

Had a great time attending the Legendary Tribute and Gala celebrating the 35th anniversity of women's ordination in the Episcopal Church hosted by the Union of Black Episcopalians and others. We remembered great leaders of the church including Mattie Hopkins, Dr. Anna Julia Haywood Cooper, Dr. Verna Josephine Dozier and the Rev. Dr. Anna (Pauli) Murray. On of the award presenters, the Hon. Bryron Rushing, spoke of the inspiration he felt by being, as we were, "present in the memory of these women."

Just arrived!

I took the picture this afternoon in the mostly empty main meeting room of the House of Deputies...the calm before all the intensity begins. Jim and I were on the same plane and got to the hotel and, after checking in, went to register.