Full Marriage Equality Comes to the Episcopal Church

What This Means for the people in our pews

Marriage equality in the Episcopal Church is now a reality for all. Resolutions proposed by the Task Force on Marriage and amended slightly by the House of Bishops, passed in the House of Deputies on July 1st. What does this mean for us at Holy Comforter, Richmond and other parishes that will rejoice in these changes? It means that same-sex couples will be able to use all the trial liturgies approved at this 78th General Convention, as well as the marriage service found in the Book of Common Prayer. It means that different-sex couples will be able to use all the trial liturgies as well as being able to continue to use the marriage service in the Book of Common Prayer as they have always been able to do. One of the fascinating aspects of these matters has been the experience of heterosexual people of the blessing service for same-sex couples --- many want to use it! As of the 1st Sunday in Advent 2015, they will be able to do so. The 1st Sunday in Advent 2015, November 29th, will also be the day that all couples will be able to use the trial marriage liturgies approved at the 78th General Convention. As well, the canons of the Episcopal Church have been changed to expand the definition of marriage to be between any two persons. The bishops of our diocese, the Diocese of Virginia, and the deputation of clergy and lay persons all voted to passes these historic resolutions. I have been so thankful to be able to vote for justice, as a representative our diocese and of our church. Holy Comforter, Richmond, and many other churches have been waiting a long time for the Church to catch up to what most of you have believed about these matters. Thanks be to God that the matter of marriage equality has been settled in the Episcopal Church as well as in the U.S., within days of each other. 

The Spirit at Work

Bp Shannon:  I agree that it is certainly true that there are many arguments for and against whether or not we are putting canons in conflict with the prayer book and all of that, but I must suggest that we -  I speak in favor of this motion.  I must suggest that we cannot make the perfect the enemy of the good.  Before I came to General Convention I wrote a very strongly worded letter to my diocese asserting my utter and absolute commitment to marriage equality and wanted to bring the fullest, strongest, statement for that, that we can provide.  I think after many days of consultation this is the best we can do, and it’s something I can support.  I came here with the sense that we couldn’t do this by a simply canonical route. That we needed to do something fuller that required a little more time and a two-reading sort of way, and I’m pleased with that.  And I think we need to be careful that, however important they are, making idols out of our rules.  And I’m reminded that our Lord said that humankind was not made for the Sabbath, but the Sabbath for humankind.  We know that in Jesus’ day that would be akin to us saying that we repeal the Holy Communion.  If we have to wait some time to sort out a conflict between canon and liturgy, rules and that sort of thing, I’d much rather it be a canon than a loving couple that wants to bring honor and glory and witness to God through the bond and covenant of marriage. 

A Great Cloud of Witnesses

Where do we see God?

Where do we see Christ?

We just passed a resolution for a new commemoration of Saints, which allows for those who did not profess Christ as their Savior. We see Christ at work through them, but would they be opposed to be included? Is this somehow not respectful or is this very respectful? It could be interperted either way. 

God is Everywhere

Even in what looks very political

Images from GC78

UTO In-Gathering Service

So many people  

Celebrating the Supreme Court's Ruling here at the 78th GC

Bishops of Dio VA past and present

Bishop Lee!

Follow GC78 Live

The Media Hub

In addition to all the tweets and Facebook posts about what is happening, you can watch GC live as we worship, and as the House of Deputies and House of Bishops debate and pass, or reject, legislation.

Worship, Legislative Sessions Live

Camp Day!

Here is a picture of the members of the deputation on "Camp Day" when deputies wore T-shirts from their camp and conference centers...ours is Shrine Mont.

Marriage Equality and GC78

During an early morning meeting of the committee on which I serve, Bishop Gene Robinson, who is also a member of the committee, asked for a moment of personal privilege to announce to us the Supreme Court ruling making marriage legal for same-sex couples throughout the country. Bp. Robinson was asked to offer a prayer, which he did, expressing the joy of the moment for many and also sensitivity to those for whom this moment is difficult.

On the news reports I saw tonight on TV, there was a sign saying that the constitution shields us from those who use the Bible to discriminate against us. Yes it does. But we want the world to know that the Episcopal Church does not use the Bible that way, and that we in fact find in the Bible the story of God's love for all and God's justice for all.

Now the two couples married at my church in the last two months are able to go everywhere in the country and be protected under the law as married. We all have so much to celebrate and give thanks for today.

This legal ruling comes at a time when the Episcopal Church is seeking to equalize and normalize marriage for all couples in our church. There has been debate in the weeks leading up to Convention and since we arrived a few days ago, on how best to move forward liturgically and canonically. There is a sense that momentum is building to accomplish much at this meeting of General Convention with regard to full marriage equality for same-sex couples. We continue to pray for a good and faithful witness to all people that the Episcopal Church does in fact welcome all.

We want marriage equality in the Church for our members and so as to be a witness to the world that there are Christians who celebrate the ruling of the Supreme Court today. 

The Most Important Action at GC78?

What do you think the most important or ground-breaking action will be when all is said and done at the 78th General Convention? It is early...Convention doesn't even start until tomorrow, but I have a nomination for most important action. Going green--no paper being distributed...at all!

Looking for a paper bulletin for one of the worship services? Well, unless someone prints one for you or you print your own from the already-posted PDFs, you won't find one. Every deputy and bishop has been given an iPad for the duration of General Convention. These "binders" have been specially prepared so the only materials issued by GC, such as resolutions and worship bulletins, can live on them. Updates will be wirelessly transferred to our binders as needed. 

In a conversation that I had with a bishop today, I learned that the cost of the iPads, and that's hundreds of iPads, and the cost of the wifi and electrical outlets at all of our tables in the House of Deputies and the House of Bishops, all of that cost is still less than what it would cost to print all of these documents on paper. And that's just a bonus of course; the reason we do this is to be good stewards of the earth's resources. But still, money matters, and what incentive to many to consider this for their next conference. And what about going green at church? At my church, we send out our Sunday bulletin as a PDF a few days before the service. We have invited people to download it and use it during the service, but we still make paper bulletins, and we have not provided iPads. But maybe we will one day.

News from the Deputation

Congratulations Russ Randle

From Russ via Facebook:

Russell V. Randle

Dear friends -- Today I was elected to represent Province 3 of the Episcopal Church - thirteen mid-Atlantic Dioceses -- at the Executive Council of The Episcopal Church (known widely but incorrectly as the national church, though we include dioceses from a number of additional countries).

Executive Council is like a vestry for the wider church, carrying out policy and implementing the budget between General Conventions, which occur once every three years.
I am one of two reps from Province 3; each of 9 provinces sends one lay and one clergy representative, elected from six year terms. This will be a major pro bono commitment for the next six years. 

I am grateful for the support and kind wishes of so many friends, lay and clergy, as I begin this new ministry. (It pays nothing, in case you were wondering.) It will take about two weeks of meetings a year, with study and work in between. I ask your prayers for the church, both our corner of it as TEC, and the wider reality of faithful Christians in community across the world and across time.
We are all trying to discern the path forward in a world where the church, like all of us, is engulfed in rapid and disorienting change. We try to keep our eyes and our efforts faithfully on God and the good news of the Gospel. with thanks - Russ

Elections and Confirmations at GC 2015

http://myemail.constantcontact.com/From-President-Jennings---Elections-and-Confirmations-in-the-House-of-Deputies.html?soid=1111106056536&aid=e7WL-u9oono

Nominating committee issues call, profile for 27th Presiding Bishop

Nominating committee issues call, profile for 27th Presiding Bishop

Great! Making Use of Tech in 2015

Reducing the Need for Paper - and WiFi on the Floor for the first time

Advancing to General Convention 2015: “Greening and Screening”

The Episcopal Church
Office of Public Affairs

Monday, May 20, 2013

Note: The following is the first in an ongoing series designed to inform, educate and prepare for General Convention 2015.

Plans are well underway for the Episcopal Church’s General Convention in 2015, and the triennial event won’t be business as usual.

The 78th General Convention of The Episcopal Church will be held June 25 – July 3, 2015 at the Salt Palace Convention Center in Salt Lake City, UT (Diocese of Utah).

The Rev. Canon Michael Barlowe, Executive Officer of the General Convention, explained, “General Convention 2015 will not be ‘business as usual’ for the General Convention of The Episcopal Church, and not just because the Church will be selecting a Presiding Bishop and considering what a ‘re-imagined’ Church might be. It will also be the gathering of a Church dedicated to continuing to reducing its carbon footprint, while using innovative software and technology to streamline its legislative work and improve on its efficiencies.”

Barlowe noted that Salt Lake City has long been known for its conservation efforts, in part because of its location but also as a result of recent development and growth.  As such, General Convention Manager Lori Ionnitiu plans to combine local efforts with continuing work towards the “greenest convention ever”. 

“There are so many wonderful initiatives occurring in Salt Lake City,” Ionnitiu noted. “Last May, the Salt Palace Convention Center completed one of the largest rooftop solar installations in the country which offsets about 17% of the annual electrical needs. In addition to established plans at the Center for waste reduction, recycling and diversion, water quality and consumption, and air quality, Salt Lake County has a ‘One Million Tree Program’ in place to assist in offsetting the carbon footprint of travelers.”

A “Convention of Screens”

The Joint Standing Committee on Planning and Arrangements and the General Convention Office are focusing on efforts to make GC 2015 as paperless as possible, and to reduce reliance on paper copies and improve legislative efficiencies. 

The Rev. David Michaud, Diocese of Easton and advisor in the revision of legislative software and systems, calls GC 2015 a “convention of screens”.  To that end, laptops, tablets, smartphones, and video monitors will be the primary media of legislative materials, and for the first time, there will be no large, dedicated print shop. This “convention of screens” will be made possible by a robust Wi-Fi system, which will be available for the first time on the floors of the House of Deputies and the House of Bishops. 

Preparing for GC 2015

Barlowe terms these efforts “the greening and screening” of General Convention, and says this “represents but two aspects of the adaptive changes that will make GC 2015 different from previous conventions.”

In the months leading up to GC 2015, communications, training and an Episcopal MOOC (Massive Open Online Course) are in the works to prepare the church for General Convention.

Deputies, bishops, volunteers, vendors, visitors, and all those planning to attend GC 2015 are encouraged to take their part in reducing the carbon footprint.  Ideas and suggestions will be part of the pre-convention information and education.

GC 2015 registration: Bishops and Deputies $495 per person. For more information, contact Ionnitiu, 212-716-6048

Renaming the Blog for 2015

Finding God at General Convention 2015

General Convention 2015 dates announced: June 25 – July 3 in Salt Lake City

The Episcopal Church
Office of Public Affairs

Tuesday, February 26, 2013

Following a decision by the Joint Standing Committee on Planning and Arrangements, the General Convention Office (GCO) has announced the dates for the 78th General Convention of The Episcopal Church in 2015: Thursday, June 25 to Friday, July 3. 

General Convention 2015 will be held at the Salt Palace Convention Center in Salt Lake City, UT, Diocese of Utah.http://www.visitsaltlake.com/salt-palace-convention-center/

“I am blessed to work with the talented people of the Joint Standing Committee on Planning and Arrangements  and the GCO, who are already hard at work to plan and enhance the support, technologies, logistics and look of General Convention,” noted the Rev. Canon Dr. Michael Barlowe, Executive Officer.  “As we share those efforts, we will consult widely, and help prepare deputies, bishops, Triennial delegates, and guests to participate fully in this foundational gathering of the Church.”

“The Episcopal Church has held a number of meetings in Salt Lake City, including the Executive Council and the House of Bishops,” says Lori Ionnitiu, General Convention Manager.  “We have experienced first-hand the variety of facilities and professional services Salt Lake City offers and are excited to bring the General Convention to this beautiful destination.”

Over the next years, the General Convention Office will provide information, materials, educational items and other features about the General Convention, the Diocese of Utah, and Salt Lake City.

For more information contact the General Convention office at GCoffice@episcopalchurch.org. 

General Convention: http://www.generalconvention.org/

Diocese of Utah: http://www.episcopal-ut.org/

The Salt Palace: http://www.visitsaltlake.com/salt-palace-convention-center/

The Episcopal Church: www.episcopalchurch.org

Facebook: www.facebook.com/episcopalian

Twitter: www.twitter.com/iamepiscopalian

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/EpiscopalChurchYT

Greetings followers of General Convention

Looking Ahead to GC 2015

Soon you will start to hear about plans for General Convention 2015. At our next Annual Council for the Diocese of Virginia, we will elect deputies to attend and represent our diocese at our next General Convention. I have discerned a call to stand for election again, and hope to be able to contribute even more than last Convention should I be elected again. More from me soon on these matters!

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