It was a joyous and emotional moment when the House of Deputies concurred with the House of Bishops in approving the reunion of the Diocese of the Episcopal Church in North Texas with and into the Episcopal Diocese of Texas. After years of wrangling over property and losing nearly all of it, and having to give up their name (the Diocese of Fort Worth) the two dioceses spent considerable time crafting a plan to come together for their mutual benefit.

You could feel the sense of relief in the two Deputations, and a great deal of love and respect, as the House of Deputies cheered and applauded, and many of the significant players (like chancellors, lay leaders and others who have been involved in the agonizing process over the last 14 years) wept in joy and relief.

All of the dioceses in Texas were originally part of one diocese, the Diocese of Texas. Over the years, the other five dioceses were created. After all, the state of Texas is a pretty big place for one bishop to manage! It was not unlike the Diocese of San Diego, which was formed as a “spinoff” of the Diocese of Los Angeles in the early 1970s. So for the Diocese of North Texas to rejoin the Diocese of Texas, it was a lot like a “coming home” for them. Together they can begin to rebuild. That makes me really happy.

When people ask me where I’m from, I often say I grew up in five dioceses. One of those was the Diocese of West Texas, centered in San Antonio. My brother, who is a retired priest in Dallas and has spent his ministry of about 40 years in the dioceses of West Texas, Texas, and Dallas, told me was really happy about the reunion because it was good for the church and because many of his friends are in that region. He has agonized with many of those friends about many of the issues that lead to the schism in 2008 over issues of women priests and LGBTQ issues.

As a vice-chancellor, I have attended Chancellors’ conferences for more than 20 years. At every annual conference, we received reports on the status of litigation in the dioceses that were enduring conflict over the departure of congregations and issues around their property. After many years of litigation and heartbreak, we all felt as though we were emotionally invested in the outcomes. For me, part of the chaos was the initial loss of property in the Diocese of San Joaquin (Central California, based in Fresno). Since this included the cathedral in which my husband and I were married, it really &%$#ed me off. I asked the Chancellor when we would get the Cathedral back every time I saw him. It was a great day when I heard the litigation was successful, and we got it back!

I love this church and will defend and support her in any way I can always!

I have now had the privilege of serving as a Deputy- Alternate at two General Convention gatherings—in Austin and Baltimore. Both times, I have left feeling proud to be an Episcopalian. I’m not only filled with hope by the kinds of resolutions and amendments to policy we’ve made, I’m inspired by the level of respect infused in all the activities. This year, that level of respect for one and other began with the procedures we all agreed to abide by, to avoid becoming a Covid super-spreader event. The protocols we established also had embedded in them the intention of keeping safe the most vulnerable among us.

As always, on the House of Deputies’ floor, an air of civility pervaded the proceedings. If you think, “Well, we’re all Episcopalian; how heated can the debates become?” think back to some of the topics that led to church schisms over the years, and you’ll have a clearer picture. We are almost always discussing ways of being church, to which at least several people have an emotional reaction. 

So, in addition to following Roberts’ Rules of Order to the -nth degree and abiding by the Episcopal Church Canons, the President of the Deputies regularly reminds us that when people stand to speak for, or against, a proposed resolution or amendment, they should speak about the proposal itself, and not express any opinion they might have about the person or committee submitting the proposal. Likewise, no matter how excited one might be with the outcome of the vote, clapping is never appropriate. This is one of many rules not meant to curtail our enthusiasm, rather, is intended to help us be good sports. The intention is to convey our respect that others have the right to their perspective, and we don’t gloat in our win.

Additionally, this sense of mutual respect was present in our diocesan representation. While we sent four deputies in the orders of both clergy and laity, along with two alternates, those around us would not have been able to guess who was of which order or designation. We all understood that each person was voted to represent EDSD because of our various gifts, so we encouraged each individual to share their knowledge and experience on various issues. Plus, we were committed to share floor-time, ensuring all members—whether deputies or alternates—had the opportunity to vote. This rotation also ensured we each had some time to rest in the midst of what can be a very intense experience. My prayer is that our small commitment to respect and civility infuse more of our life together—as a church, and as a nation. Thank you for trusting me to serve in this important work!

As a first-time deputy, I was impressed by how organized it was with the registration, handling concerns of Covid safety, and the number of volunteers available to help you out. The Reverend Colin Mathewson was our leader, ensuring we knew what to do and shepherded us throughout the convention. He had us on a group text so that we could connect easily. 

There were four clergy deputies + one alternate, and four lay deputies + one alternate, and Bishop Susan represented from our diocese in the House of Bishops. Only eight deputies could sit on the main floor and vote–the alternates could sit in the back of the room and follow along. Our group decided to have alternate deputies switch off with one of the deputies to experience what it was like to be part of the resolution discussions, candidate discussions, and to cast a vote. In past conventions, alternates did not have this opportunity, but because it was only four days, rules changed.  

The days were long, 9am -9:30am but there were 2 hours allotted for lunch and dinner, plus some breaks thrown in there, too; personally, I would rather work later and not have to stay more days. Most of us had meals together, and it was great to share this experience and get to know each other better; we were a good team that cared for one another. At the end of each day, we had a quick debrief session in the lounge area where Bishop Susan and any deputies would enlighten us with any learnings of the day.  

My takeaway was a greater understanding of the process; how some resolutions require more discussion before voting and how some get voted to the Consent Calendar. I was nervous about how we were going to get through the 400+ resolutions in four days, but to my amazement, it got done. 

I was especially attentive during the discussion about the Program Budget and Finance. I wanted to understand the budget analysis, that good decisions were being made, where money was designated and spent, and how to bring in more net income than before.  

I am thankful for the opportunity to have had the chance to learn about all the important business matters that take place for the Episcopal Church and to serve as a Deputy to General Convention from the Episcopal Diocese of San Diego.

A Resolution was born from the Deputation of the Diocese of San Diego for human rights and social justice.

“Lay leader with the ability to work effectively for social justice” was the tag line appearing on Diocesan Messenger Fall 2016, expressing my vision for being  General Convention Deputy. By the grace of God and my diligent focus on the legislative process, that vision becomes reality during my second term as Lay Deputy for the 80th General Convention in Baltimore, Maryland.

In 2021, the Deputation of the Diocese of San Diego started preparing our vocation as Deputies by reading and sharing the Reports to the 80th General Convention, otherwise known as the Blue Book. During this time, prayed for a fruitful contribution asking God for his guidance for a cause that resonates with me, where my passion is, a cause that would compel me to devote time, my energy, and to use my professional experience in networking and effective collaboration to make things happen for the greater glory for God. 

Towards that end, I focused on reports for women’s rights,  gender equality, racism, social justice, and freedom. My desire to bear fruit is the driving force keeping me reading and digesting the 1160-page Blue Book. Through this effort, I found Resolution A063, Creation of a Director of Women’s Ministries proposed by the Task Force to Study Sexism in the TEC and Develop Anti-Sexism Training; our Bishop, the Rt. Rev. Dr. Susan Brown Snook, was a member of the Task Force, resigned on February 7, 2019, after her election to the episcopate!

Meanwhile, I was chosen by Gay Clark Jennings, the President of the House of Deputies to serve on Legislative Committee 14-Christian Formation and Discipleship. Our task is to review all assigned resolutions, conduct video hearings, and deliberate testimonials before voting to adopt, reject, or not take action on each resolution. Then the  House of Deputies and the  House of Bishops voted separately on each resolution for the consent calendar or legislative calendar. Through serving this Legislative Committee, I gain knowledge of the legislative process, which prepares me for my own legislative endeavor.

On May 6-8, 2022, Joe McDaniel McDaniel, Convener of Deputies of Color, organized the in-person, pre- General Convention Training. A list of all Resolutions was sent to the Asian, Black, Latino, and Native Caucus to choose which Resolutions to advocate. I signed my name for A063.

As a woman of color, I’ve experienced being overlooked, ignored, disrespected, and mistreated. I feel that this is the time for me to stand up using my voice for women’s rights.  I remember well the dismantling of the position of  Women ‘s Ministries at the 2009 General Convention in Anaheim, California, leaving no one to support women’s issues.  I strongly believe that it is essential to have a voice for women’s rights in our church, especially when the overturning of Roe vs Wade. In that light, I began campaigning for A063 by calling on my friends who are veteran deputies for support and guidance. They told me that it is going to meet with strong opposition because similar resolutions failed in the past. And this resolution asks Program, Budget & Finance Committee to consider funding this position at  $ 300,000 in the 2023-2024 budget of the Domestic & Foreign Missionary Society, adding another barrier to overcome. They advised me to build the case for A063 by adding specific issues like access to abortion and civil rights, including LBGTGI’s rights.

I felt encouraged. My intuition tells me that I am on the right track. At the Asian Caucus, I urged  Alan Murray, Co-Chair of the Asian Caucus, to speak for A063  at the Open Plenary Session as one of our priorities. He did. It was a Markan moment, for immediately, leaders from the Black and Latino community raised their voices, expressing their support of the resolution. There was excitement in the room among women Deputies. We continued talking as we matched to another room for dinner. We decided now is the time to take immediate action by drafting either an amendment or new Resolutions supporting women’s rights. I was invited to sit at the table–six women and two men representing eight Dioceses and an LBGTGI group; sitting on my right was Julia Ayala Harris, Deputy from Oklahoma, soon to be President-elect of the House of Deputies! Ms. Evangeline Warren, Deputy from Ohio took out her computer and started drafting. We discussed how and what to proceed to support A063.

We agreed that having an amendment or substitute would automatically put the resolution on the Legislative Calendar for floor debate while we want our resolutions to be on the Consent Calendar. So, it was agreed that we would draft a number of resolutions, each addressing one issue such as access to abortion, body autonomy, access to gender-affirming care, erosion of voting rights, etc. It was such a magic moment to participate in creating new resolutions using our voices for social justice and civil rights. After dinner, the Open Plenary, where we were to discuss how we can collaborate to achieve our priorities, was canceled as one attendee tested positive. But thanks to the BandApp that Deputies of Color use to communicate,  a thread for the eight Deputies was created and the drafting of multiple resolutions continues online, ready for their submission on June 6, 2022. 

 I was humbled and honored to have the opportunity to endorse three newly drafted resolutions, one of which is Resolution D083- Addressing erosion of reproductive rights and autonomy.

This resolution passed Resolution Review Committee, assigned to Legislative Committee 08 – Social Justice & United States Policy. This Legislation Committee held a video hearing on June 15 and adopted Resolution D083 without Amendment putting it on the Consent Calendar.

On Day 1, Legislative Session of the House of Deputies, a motion to remove Resolution D083 was, failed. The House of Deputies adopted Resolution D083 on the Consent Calendar. The House of Bishops concurred. 

An article by Episcopal News Services on July 12 reports that the 80th General Convention adopting D083, ” affirms that all Episcopalians should be able to access abortion services and birth control with no restriction on movement, autonomy, type, or timing.” I credit Evangeline Warren and Alan Murray for the physical drafting and filing of D083. My contribution was to identify A063; raise my voice for women’s reproductive rights, gender equality, and social justice; using my networking and collaboration skills to participate in the discussion throughout the drafting.

 Meanwhile, on Day 2, the House of Deputies adopted A063. It was amended by the House of Bishops on July 10. Through its consent calendar, the House of Deputies on July 11 approved Resolution A063, finalizing the creation of a new staff position for Women’s Ministries and LBGTQI. Line item #161 of the Proposed Budget for 2023-2024 lists $150,000 for each year.

My cup runneth over with the passing of A063 and D083! 

On Monday, I will be departing for England for the pomp and pageantry of the Lambeth Conference. This conference is a meeting of the active bishops of the Anglican Communion from all over the world (some 650 bishops from 165 countries are expected this year). Lambeth customarily happens every ten years, but it has been fourteen years since the last one in 2008. The conference scheduled for 2018 was postponed to summer 2020 because of ongoing conflict in the Anglican Communion, and then in 2020 … well, you know what happened in 2020.

The 2022 conference was advertised as a path to reconciliation, because we would not be trying to legislate anything; we would be praying, studying the Bible together, and building relationships. This hope for reconciliation was an attempt to paper over the differences that came into stark view in 1998, when Lambeth Resolution 1.10 “rejected homosexual practice as incompatible with Scripture,” and declared that the gathered bishops “cannot advise the legitimising or blessing of same sex unions nor ordaining those involved in same gender unions.”

Of course, our Episcopal Church (headquartered in the United States but comprising churches in 17 countries) was headed in a much different direction. By 1998, many persons involved in same-sex unions had been ordained, and some dioceses and congregations were already quietly blessing same-sex unions. This difference between our church and many others in the Anglican Communion burst into public view in 2003, when the Rt. Rev. Gene Robinson, an “out” gay man, was elected Bishop of New Hampshire, and consecrated after receiving church approval at General Convention 2003. His election sparked a series of conflicts, including departures of a number of Episcopalians to other churches. Bishop Robinson was not invited to the Lambeth Conference in 2008, to the consternation of many in the Episcopal Church.

Since then, same-sex marriage has been approved as a trial rite of our church, with accompanying changes to our canons (i.e., our by-laws, or the rules by which we operate). Other Anglican Churches have followed suit, including those in Scotland, Wales, Canada, and New Zealand. Division continues, however. In the Church of England, LGBT clergy are not permitted to marry, though they can enter civil partnerships, and those in civil partnerships have to promise celibacy. Some conservative Anglican provinces in Africa have chosen to boycott this year’s Lambeth Conference in protest of the attendance of inclusive churches like ours.

This year, the four “out” LGBT bishops in our Episcopal Church, plus other LGBT bishops from other provinces of the Anglican Communion, made progress by being invited to the Lambeth Conference – but their spouses were not invited. The host location for the Conference, the University of Kent, declared that they refused to exclude same-sex spouses, so those spouses are permitted to go and stay in the facility – but not to attend official spouses’ events. This exclusion caused much consternation (and my own husband chose not to attend in solidarity with the uninvited spouses). Yet the great majority of Episcopal bishops have chosen to attend, because we were promised that this would not be a legislative gathering, but rather an opportunity to pray, study the Bible, and build relationships across the Anglican Communion. I too felt it was important to attend so that our voices of support for our LGBT siblings could be heard and understood as a Christian commitment.

But then, one week before the conference opened, Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby released a “study document” for the conference called “Lambeth Calls.”  The document is a series of white papers on various issues before the church: Mission and Evangelism; Safe Church; Anglican Identity; Reconciliation; Human Dignity; the Environment; Christian Unity; Interfaith Relationships; Discipleship; and Science and Faith. The “Calls” were drafted by an opaque process that the Archbishop claims included many diverse participants, but the only authors listed in the document are nine male bishops and one male layperson, apparently hand-picked by Archbishop Welby. These “Calls” were dropped on us one week before the conference with instructions to study them and come prepared to vote “yes,” or “this needs more discernment;” there is no option to vote “no.”

That is where the uproar started. Buried on page 31 of this 60-page document that we had no input in and that was dropped on us at the last minute, in the section on Human Dignity, is the “call” to “reaffirm” the Lambeth 1.10 declaration that homosexual practice should be rejected as incompatible with Scripture.

Well, of course I am not prepared to “reaffirm” any such thing, nor to “discern” it further. My conviction is to vote a flat-out “no” – but that is not an option in the process they have outlined. A large majority of Episcopal bishops share my view, and the backlash against this opaque process, unfair voting procedure, and underhanded last-minute surprise has been intense. Conversation is happening widely across the church (and, I believe, across other Anglican churches that share our views). I expect that there will be a united approach to this request, which will unfold in the few days between now and August 2, when this “Call” is scheduled for discussion and voting.

The section on Human Dignity is not completely anti-LGBT, as it does call for “deeper work to uphold the dignity and witness of LGBTQ Anglicans” – a clear step forward for many countries represented in the communion. And, in fact, the other nine “Calls” also contain some excellent work and some affirmations I can enthusiastically endorse. Yet neither I nor many other Episcopal bishops appreciate the last-minute invitation to dive back into the conflict over LGBT inclusion that we thought we were avoiding in this conference – a gathering that was supposedly aimed at prayer, Bible study, and relationship building.

Lambeth should be interesting. I’ll update you from time to time as we go along. I ask your prayers for me and for all the bishops as we gather.

COVID-19 cases in our region are back on the upswing. San Diego, Imperial, and Yuma Counties have entered the high-risk category for COVID infections, according to the CDC (Riverside County remains in the medium-risk category). I give thanks that a large majority of Episcopalians are vaccinated and boosted and that many who catch Covid have mild cases and recover quickly. Yet this disease can still be deadly, and its high contagiousness puts many of our members and neighbors at risk.

A few weeks ago, I wrote to the clergy to strongly recommend masks in worship. I now reiterate that advice (except, of course, while someone is celebrating or speaking during worship). Your General Convention deputies and I just returned from an extended time together in indoor spaces at Convention. Despite long periods of time spent together indoors, the precautions the Convention took, including masking and daily testing, proved very effective in controlling the spread of disease. Only about 76 attendees (at the last count that I heard) tested positive after several days together, out of about 1,500 attendees. This was a much lower infection rate than the 10% that had been predicted if the Convention had proceeded without masks. The masks protected those who came together to do the business of the church. I commend this precaution to you, to equally protect those who come together for the worship of God.

With prayers and appreciation for how all of you care for each other,

Bishop Susan Brown Snook

The 80th General Convention of the Episcopal Church was like no other.  I missed the joint worship services with Bishops and visitors.  I missed the singing together as a family of Episcopalians from all over.  Yet we performed the task for which we were elected as Deputies from The Diocese of San Diego.  Our Deputation of Lay and Clergy members worked as a team to pass over 400 resolutions and elect members of the Episcopal Church to vacant positions, including the President and Vice President of the House of Deputies.   We also elected members to Executive Council, which is important because, between General Convention meetings, the Executive Council continues to take care of the business of the Episcopal Church and resolutions which were passed.  

 Of the 400 resolutions, many were placed on the Consent Calendar, yet we still had to vote on them. In order to perform the legislative tasks in this abbreviated Convention, we worked three nights until 9:30 pm.  Because this was a four-day General Convention, we adjusted the schedule. Our Alternate Deputies were on the House floor the first day, which is also unusual. Generally, it takes three or four days before an Alternate can get on the floor. 

One of the big concerns of today is gun violence.  While we were in Baltimore, there was a shooting close to the Hyatt Hotel, where some of the Deputies and Bishops were staying.  The Bishops and Deputies marched to draw attention to the gun violence that is so pervasive in our society today. 

Now for the Budget… in the future, the budget process will be different as there will no longer be what we call PB&F, Program Budget, and Finance Committee. Now there will be something different that will give the Executive Council more direct involvement throughout the entire budget process. Under the new process, if a resolution is passed after the budget is passed, the resolution could still be funded (which was not the case before). 

 A new task force will be formed of Executive Council members from the Finance Committee and others selected by the Presiding Officers (the President of the House of Deputies and the Presiding Bishop). As always, the budget was presented at the joint meeting of both houses (House of Deputies and the House of Bishops).  After questions were asked and answered, the meeting was adjourned.  Each House voted independently of the other. The House of Deputies adopted the Budget, as did the House of Bishops.  You can review the budget if you go to the Episcopal Church Web page and select Finance. 

I thank God for the opportunity to serve as a Deputy with our Deputation.  We conducted important work for the Episcopal Church and worked together as a team when voting on important matters. 

This year, General Convention began to redefine the Book of Common Prayer. I mentioned this development in my recap of General Convention on July 12. But exactly what happened, and why does it matter? 

The first thing to understand is that the Book of Common Prayer is a vital symbol of the unity of the church. When the first BCP was developed by Archbishop of Canterbury Thomas Cranmer in 1549, it demonstrated the hope that the Protestant and Catholic wings of the Church of England could end the conflicts of the Reformation by praying together. It was also the first time the people of England could worship in their own language, participating fully and understanding the prayers and readings. This dedication to praying in a way that people can understand and share is a core commitment of our church – which is why the Book of Common Prayer has often been revised to reflect evolving language and culture.  

In the Episcopal Church, the Book of Common Prayer has been regularly updated since our first prayer book in 1789. It was last revised in 1979, in the midst of the liturgical renewal movement (of which the Vatican II conference in the Roman Catholic Church was one example). The 1979 prayer book reflected a rediscovery of the centrality of Eucharist as the basic act of Sunday worship, and the sacrament of baptism as the foundation of Christian belonging and ministry.  

Currently, there is a growing movement to revise the BCP once more, to update some language, allow more gender-inclusive language, and provide for a wider variety of worship styles (including those appropriate to the 16 non-US countries that are represented in the Episcopal Church). Yet there is also hesitation to update the book, and I too approach the idea of prayer book revision with some caution, because I want to make sure that the essential theology of our church as expressed in the Creeds does not change. (I do not believe the bishops of our church would ever approve any change to our creedal theology.) The deepest opposition to revision, however, arises among conservatives, led by the so-called Communion Partner bishops, who oppose same-sex marriage as a rite of the church, and do not want to see it added to the prayer book. 

The 2018 General Convention responded to this conflict by agreeing to “memorialize” the 1979 BCP. What does it mean to “memorialize” a book? Well, your guess is as good as mine, since the term was nowhere defined in the resolution. But most people agree that the intent of the resolution was to agree that the 1979 prayer book will always be recognized as either THE or AN official BCP, while allowing the development of new worship forms that will be available in other formats. That compromise satisfies conservatives, who can read the definition in the published 1979 BCP that marriage is a covenant between one man and one woman. It also reassures others that continued development of new language for worship can continue. Some new language for worship is contained in other books such as Enriching Our Worship, which is an Episcopal form of worship that has experimental status and is not part of the Book of Common Prayer, but has been authorized for use by a majority of bishops, including me. There are also some experimental non-BCP rites with gender-inclusive language for humans (retaining the official Trinitarian language of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit), which are published online and authorized for use by many bishops, including me. 

With some minor exceptions, changing the official Book of Common Prayer requires the change to be approved in identical form by two successive General Conventions. “Memorializing” the 1979 prayer book seems to mean that while other rites may be developed and be available online or in supplemental books, those rites will not have official prayer book status, and the 1979 book will be immortal and unchanging. 

However, the fact remains that in 2018, same-sex marriage was approved by Convention as a “trial rite.” A trial rite, if approved by two successive General Conventions, can achieve Book of Common Prayer status. Several bishops have committed to bring the same-sex marriage rite forward for a first reading for prayer book status at Convention in 2024, meaning that the rite could receive final approval by 2027, even if the published-on-paper 1979 prayer book stays identical to the one we have today. 

Why is this important, if the familiar red 1979 book stays in your pew? Because when clergy are ordained, they take a vow to conform to the “doctrine, discipline, and worship” of the Episcopal Church, including the worship of the Book of Common Prayer. The substantive change that the 2022 General Convention made was to re-envision the prayer book as no longer a bound and published book. If passed in identical form by the 2024 General Convention, the Book of Common Prayer will be defined, not as the familiar red book you see in your pew, but as “those liturgical forms and other texts authorized by the General Convention.” The challenge for some is that if rites that are not part of the published and bound red book, but which have gone through the full approval process and are available online or in supplemental books, have official prayer book status, they become part of the doctrine, discipline, and worship of the church. If that happens, bishops and clergy who hold the view that marriage is between one man and one woman may be faced with a challenge to their ordination vows to conform to the doctrine, discipline, and worship of the Episcopal Church.  

When one of the Communion Partner bishops pointed out this challenge during the House of Bishops’ discussion on BCP revision at Convention, Bishop Michael Hunn of the Diocese of the Rio Grande made an excellent observation. When we clergy vow to conform to the doctrine, discipline, and worship of the Episcopal Church, he said, we are not conforming to the doctrine, discipline, and worship as they existed on the day we were ordained. We are conforming to the doctrine, discipline, and worship of a church that has defined processes for change and growth. The changes that occur during our ordained life, which are agreed to by the church’s processes, are part of the vows clergy made to a church that does intentionally change and grow. 

It remains to be seen whether the redefinition of the Book of Common Prayer will pass in identical form on the second reading in 2024, and become part of the constitution of the Episcopal Church. And it remains to be seen what effects that redefinition will have on the church, if it does happen. For me, I welcome the change in definition, and believe it is an appropriate response to new ways of communicating, sharing information, and respecting the dignity of every human being.  

On the first day of the convention, hundreds of deputies marched to the site of a shooting that took place the previous day. We prayed a vigil in response to gun violence provided by Bishops United Against Gun Violence. We also prayed in a call-and-response fashion, sang songs about peace, and heard speakers call on our elected officials to act to end gun violence. 

As we marched through the busy tourist area, I noted that this was holy work. Yes, coming together on Sundays to worship God in a house of prayer is holy. But so is marching in the busy downtown streets of Baltimore — or wherever gun violence takes place — to speak words of healing, to inspire hearts to make change, and to sing a new reality into being.

Thoughts and prayers for victims of gun violence are not enough. In fact, I would say they are the opposite of action, the wolves in sheep’s clothing. We need to pray with our votes. Pray with our calls to our elected representatives. Pray with our endorsement of politicians who will finally legislate sensible gun control measures. 

A whole lot more needs to happen, and no one person can make this change on their own. That is why we are a body of Christ, moving as one through the streets of Baltimore and San Diego and wherever the Spirit calls us to bring about true and lasting peace and freedom. 

Presiding Bishop Michael Curry gave an inspiring dismissal to the march, saying, “Frederick Douglass prayed to God and then one day while he was praying to God, something said to him, ‘Don’t just pray on your knees. Do that, but pray on your feet.’ Isaiah said it this way: ‘They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength. They shall mount up on wings like eagles. They shall run and not be weary. They shall walk and not faint!’ It’s a long walk to freedom. It’s a long walk to justice. It’s a long walk to the dream of God. But may we have the strength to walk, to pray on our knees, and to pray with our feet. To pray until no child of God, no one made in God’s image, will ever be sacrificed. Pray that violence will leave this land and this earth. Pray that one day every man, woman, and child, may sit under their own vine and fig tree and we’ll learn how to lay down our swords and shields down by the riverside, and we’ll study war no more. Violence – no more! Hatred – no more! Bigotry – no more! Walk together, children! And don’t you get weary! There’s always a great camp meeting at the promised land. So keep walking. Keep walking! And don’t you give up! Until justice rolls down like a mighty stream and righteousness like an ever-flowing brook. So go forth into the world. Keep walking. Walk tall. Or don’t walk at all! That’s not the Bible. That’s Bruce Springsteen. But walk tall and hold your head up high and follow in the footsteps of the prince of peace. Live by the way of Love until love is the only law by which we live. Be strong. Be of good courage. Hold fast to that which is good. Render evil to no one. Love the Lord your God. Love your neighbor even if you don’t like them. Love your neighbor. And Love yourself. And the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit be on you and remain with you in this world in which we live and in this city where we stand this day and forever more, and the people of God said Amen. Amen! Amen!”

Gonna lay down my sword and shield down by the riverside

Down by the riverside

Down by the riverside

Gonna lay down my sword and shield down by the riverside and study war no more.

I ain’t gonna study war no more

I ain’t gonna study war no more

I ain’t gonna study war no more

The Episcopal Church’s General Convention is normally a giant spectacle – a gathering of thousands every three years, complete with inspiring worship, multiple gatherings of every possible interest group, and a vast exhibit hall offering many products and services. This year’s version in Baltimore, which just concluded, was a smaller, quieter, more cautious convention. It was shortened from eight days to four; people who didn’t have a specific role supporting the legislative function of Convention were asked to stay home; there was no exhibit hall and no outside gatherings; and attendees were asked to mask at all times. Despite all the precautions (including daily Covid testing), over two dozen deputies and bishops tested positive during the gathering, and other infections may arise as people return home.

Nevertheless, the Spirit was present, and the Convention made some important decisions. This is my fifth Convention – three as a deputy, one as a volunteer, and now my first as a bishop. Convention operates in two houses – the House of Bishops, in which all living bishops have seat, voice, and vote, and the House of Deputies, composed of four clergy and four lay deputies from each diocese (plus one alternate in each order). Our Diocese of San Diego deputies and alternates were Rachel Ambasing, Polly Getz, Butch Glosson, Jen Jow, Gwynn Lynch, Colin Mathewson, Lilia Mendoza, Brenda Sol, Hanh Tran, and Hannah Wilder. Like the US Congress, the two houses must agree on legislation for it to become final. We thank the deputies for all their work and for taking time away from home to do this important ministry for the church!

Here are my reflections about the most important decisions made by this Convention (not in order of importance):

1. We essentially redefined the Book of Common Prayer. In Resolution A059, which passed after hours of discussion and amendments in both houses, we passed a first reading of a constitutional amendment, which will need to pass the next convention in identical format to become final. This resolution redefines the Book of Common Prayer as “those liturgical forms and other texts authorized by General Convention” that have passed two successive Conventions in identical format. The change means that for the first time, the Book of Common Prayer will not be only a book, but will include other liturgies not included in the physical 1979 Book of Common Prayer. This means that same-sex marriage, which is currently available as a trial rite, is in line to start the process toward full prayer book status at the next convention in 2024, and may reach that status by 2027. Many will rejoice over this change, including me. Others will find this process very challenging.
2. We issued a Bishops’ Pastoral Letter on climate change. It offers theological grounding for our commitment to protecting God’s creation, and I urge you to read it in full. In addition, we passed a number of other resolutions for Creation Care, committing our church to take significant steps to reduce energy use and care for our environment.
3. We passed resolutions on Racial Justice and established an Episcopal Coalition for Racial Equity and Justice, allocating significant funding for this group, which would explore ways of healing our racial divisions. I hope to commit our diocese as an integral member of this coalition. Our issues on the west coast are very different from the issues on the east coast, many of which were highlighted at this convention, but we too have a history (and a present) of racial division and injustice to reckon with. Our host bishop, Bishop Eugene Sutton of Baltimore, challenged us in a powerful Sunday sermon to break down the walls that separate us from each other.
4. After the House of Deputies heard heartbreaking testimony about the issue of indigenous boarding schools, which took native children from their parents and forcibly relocated them to schools to integrate them into mainstream culture, the convention allocated a significant amount of money to explore the Episcopal Church’s history and involvement in the boarding school system. Many such schools were operated by Christian denominations, and the harm inflicted on children, families, and native cultures was immense.
5. We gave the Diocese of Navajoland permission to choose their next bishop in a different way that might not involve competitive speeches or voting, but rather a discernment process that is appropriate for Navajo culture. The current bishop, Bishop David Bailey, has spent his episcopate raising up native leaders for ordination, so there are currently four Navajo priests eligible for election. The diocese is preparing for Bishop Bailey’s retirement and for a new process to discern his successor.
6. We approved the reunion of the Diocese of Texas and the Episcopal Church in North Texas. Like California, Texas has had six dioceses, all of which were originally part of the Diocese of Texas. The Diocese of Texas has recently, until this Convention, covered an area around Austin, Houston, and Tyler. The Diocese of North Texas is the area that was previously the Diocese of Fort Worth, which was riven by schism when a previous bishop and many clergy and lay people departed the Episcopal Church over sexuality issues, and joined the Anglican Church of North America (ACNA). The weakened Episcopal diocese lost most of its church properties last year after prolonged legal struggles and heartbreak, and was renamed the Episcopal Church in North Texas. The strong and wealthy Diocese of Texas has now welcomed the refugee Episcopalians home, and will support them in re-establishing a strong and vibrant Episcopal presence around Fort Worth. Thanks be to God.
7. Hundreds of us took part in a march against gun violence, after a shooting right outside the convention center took the life of a man who got in an altercation in traffic. With singing, prayers, and inspiring speeches from our Presiding Bishop, the Bishop of Maryland, and others, we prayed for God to end this scourge of gun violence that has taken so many lives, and pledged to take action to oppose it.
8. In similar vein, we offered prayers and support for our siblings in the Diocese of Alabama, after a recent shooting in St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church in Vestavia Hills took the lives of three parishioners. Many eyes filled with tears as Bishop Glenda Curry talked about how St. Stephen’s has and will respond to the violence with love.
9. The House of Deputies elected a new president to succeed The Rev. Gay Clark Jennings, who is stepping down after three terms. Julia Ayala Harris was elected to succeed her, a choice I am enthusiastic about. I worked with Julia in the Diocese of Oklahoma and on the Episcopal Church’s Executive Council, and can verify that she is an excellent choice. She is the first Latina woman to lead the House of Deputies. She challenged the church to new mission in a wonderful sermon on the last day of Convention.
10. We did the dry-sounding but exceeding important work of allocating our money by passing a budget, not without some controversy. Despite protests about the amount spent on governance and administration, the budget does make a significant allocation of funds towards Racial Justice. We also created a new budget process that, although it sounds like the driest of administrative bureaucracy, will certainly streamline a process that has been convoluted and difficult.

The shortened convention proved to be possible, despite dire predictions that we would not get our work done. We lost a great deal by not worshiping together (but rather separately in our two houses) and not seeing the great multitudes of people who normally attend. In my opinion, we didn’t devote enough attention to the gospel call to proclaim Christ’s love to all, and I hope future Conventions will focus more passionately on the need to take strong action to grow and transform our churches to reach new people.

Yet Episcopalians at this Convention found ways to come together around mission, justice, and a direction for the future. We celebrated our unity in Christ and our hope for the future by connecting with new and old friends and colleagues in ministry. We heard challenges to proclaim the gospel of God’s love and to ask hard questions about our own history and the way we operate today. I believe that the Episcopal Church is on the brink of discovering new directions and new ways to reach the diversity of people in our communities. And I feel something happening in the church that makes me believe that the next Convention will be a turning point in helping us discover where God is leading the Episcopal Church.