Reports from The General Convention of the Episcopal Church
Posted: Tuesday, July 17, 2012
Congregation members Alan Aw and Scott Pomerenk recently returned from serving as lay delegates to the triennial Convention of the Episcopal Church, which met in Indianapolis earlier this month.
Alan writes: “In an imperfect institution where consensus is often difficult to forge, I am encouraged by the respect and civility in both the House of Deputies and House of Bishops. Of course in the process, we might have hurt each other with our words but I have a glimpse of a new reality – how our conservative brothers and sisters are also trying to be faithful to their narrative despite our disagreement.... In this past week, we wrestled with many contentious issues but we are also able greet each other with love and come to the same table to be nourished from the one bread and one cup.”
Scott reports: “I saw Grace Cathedral’s Alan Aw testify movingly to a resolution he wrote (with St. John the Evangelist’s Sarah Lawton) calling for the reform of immigration law that discriminates against same-sex couples. Rev. Tom Jackson of Oasis spoke in support of Same-gender Blessings. And Rev. Vicki Gray of Christ The Lord, Pinole testified supporting Transgender Ministry….Our church is one in which members follow Jesus’ example of challenging the existing social order and bringing good news to the oppressed... [Also,] the engagement of young people at Convention encourages me greatly..... Deputies of the Official Youth Presence (which includes Patrick Melendez of Christ Church Alameda, representing Province VIII) have...been speaking both in committees and on the floor of the House…. Patrick gave a wonderful speech to both the House of Deputies and the House of Bishops....Without exception, every one of these young people has spoken intelligently, articulately and passionately; several of them have spoken prophetically…. Many of you have heard me lament that calling youth “the future of the church” can deprive them of the right to be the present of the church. Here in Indianapolis, the youth are seizing that right. I trust them to help guide the church into the future.”
At Convention, the Rev. Canon Michael Barlowe, Canon to the Ordinary, was elected to the Executive Council of the Episcopal Church. The bishops, clergy, and lay deputies from our region, Province 8, elected him for a six-year term. The Executive Council is the highest ecclesial authority of the Episcopal Church between meetings of the General Convention. It carries out programs and policies adopted by General Convention, oversees the ministry and mission of the church, and implements the program, budget, and finances of the Episcopal Church. Congratulations, Michael! To read his convention report, click here.
For news about our diocesan deputation, click here. For their blog, click here.