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.