2006 Episcopal Convention

A joint effort by the Utah Deputation to capture the action, feelings, and photos of this historic General Convention.

Monday, June 19, 2006

From Steve Hutchinson

During our morning eucharist (Monday, June 19), we were blessed to have the music sung and led by Elisabeth Von Trapp, great granddaughter of Maria Von Trapp (the Sound of Music). Her voice was magnificent, sort of a combination of Charlotte Church and Celine Dion. Wow! Several dozen worshippers stayed behind to enjoy her sing an extended postlude.

At the beginning of our morning legislative session, a deputy from the Diocese of Fort Worth read a statement from their bishop. It asked the Archbishop of Canterbury for "alternative primatial oversight" in view of the election of the Rt Rev Katharine Jefferts Schori as our new Presiding Bishop. Since this reaction from Fort Worth was fully predictable, there was no response. The Fort Worth deputation did not walk out, probably wanting to stay to speak strongly about the resolutions dealing with the Windsor Report. I expect them to walk out when/if our response to Windsor does not include "repentence" for our actions in 2003, a full moritorium on any future election of any gay or lesbian bishop, and a ban on any further blessing of same sex unions.

Note from Toni: I am posting this after dinner on Monday, and the House of Deputies voted to approve Resolution A160 with an amendment this afternoon. The amendment changed language expressing regret for "breaching the proper constraints of" the bonds of affection in the events surrounding the GC of 2003, to expressing regret for "straining" the bonds of affection... Very spirited debate. We also began to look at Resolution A161, which says we will refrain from nominating, electing, consenting to, or consecrating bishops whose manner of life presents a challenge to the wider church. The Resolution also says that we will not develop or authorize Rites for Blessing of same-sex unions and apologizes to the gay and lesbian Episcopalians and their supporters hurt by these decisions.

The House recessed at 7pm, because the President did not want the deputies to get tired and unproductive. So tomorrow we go at it again.

Heard from a member of our deputation regarding this Resolution A161: "I'd rather not apologize to the Anglican Communion than have to apologize to some members of the Episcopal Church."

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