Read it here (along with many other great articles)!
http://centeraisle.files.wordpress.com/2012/07/ca12_issue5_july9_web1.pdf
This blog is written by Hilary Smith, a parish priest in the Diocese of Virginia, elected to serve as a deputy to the General Convention of the Episcopal Church, being held in 2015.
Wednesday, July 11, 2012
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.
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.
Sunday, July 8, 2012
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!
Saturday, July 7, 2012
Thursday, July 5, 2012
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.
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