Yesterday I left the hotel at 6AM to catch my plane home. Although it was a tad late leaving Indy, we arrived in Houston fine. Upon deplaning in Houston, I entered the gate area to see a mass of people, and most of them not looking happy. I had 3 hours until my flight to Jackson, so I wandered up the very  long corridor, which was full of people sitting, sleeping, looking exasperated. This was not a good sign. After finding some lunch, I sat down to catch up on emails. I checked my next flight and it had been delayed about 45 minutes. That’s manageable. If I only knew.

About 90 minutes before I was to leave for Jackson they cancelled the flight. I only discovered this accidentally, as I was in the long-corridor-of-hell, since there were no seats near my gate. I made my way to the customer service desk, where I joined quite a few other folks. While in line, I hear several other flights being cancelled. There were storms in Houston, but the main problem seemed to be planes couldn’t take off wherever they were due to weather, so we had nothing to fly on (or in?). Several folks on the Jackson flight were in line, including one poor woman whose flight had been canceled the night before, had spent the night in a hotel, was on my flight only to have it canceled. She was trying to make her brother’s 70th birthday party. She was not in a good mood. In front of me was a parishioner from St. James, and customer service ended up finding us seats on a Delta flight to Memphis connecting to Jackson, arriving around 8pm (5 hours later than expected). We took it and headed over to another monstrous gate area where hundreds of not-very-happy people were slouching around. Announcement after announcement of more canceled flights followed, our flight was pushed back two hours and then another hour. It was not looking good. Tom checked on Saturday flights and all were overbooked – Sunday was the only option. Other than this – we rented a car and drove 7 hours home.

Thank goodness for Tom and his idea to do this. We shared the drive and had great conversation, mostly about baseball. At the advice of another parishioner, we ate at a truckstop in Jennings, LA that was actually really good. And also….Tom got a call on the way from another parishioner about an article in the Wall Street Journal about the Episcopal Church and General Convention. It was a horrid article, full of outright lies and much sarcasm. I am really surprised the WSJ has lowered itself to allow such pathetic “journalism”, while it was an opinion piece shouldn’t they still be held to a standard of truth?

I have much to say in response to the article, but some people have already done so and done so quite well. So I encourage you to go to http://www.episcopalcafe.com/lead/media/impromtu_truth_squad_takes_dow.html . In this article you can link to the original WSJ article (please do, but you may want to wear gloves), and three excellent responses that take apart the crude and ridiculous opinion piece. I especially commend to you the blog post (linked in the article) of my friend Scott Gunn. If you have questions or concerns, or have been harassed by folks who read the WSJ article, please start with these responses, and then I would love to discuss any concerns or questions you have. We will set apart some time soon at St. James’ for an open forum on General Convention as well.

We arrived in Jackson at 11pm. I could have driven home from Indy and been back much sooner! It was great to see Jennifer after two whole weeks apart, poor thing had walking pneumonia and was really pitiful. Sleeping in my own (borrowed) bed and (borrowed) home was really great also. I am so glad to be back and look forward to conversations around mission and Jesus!

David

I fear I have acquired the stomach bug going around GC. I was in bed early last night trying to summon all the will power I have to fight this off. This morning I made it to the early session and Eucharist but have let alternate deputy Margaret Ayers take my place for the final session.
Some random observations, and I apologize if this skips around too much:

I am extremely pleased over the structural reform momentum. Unfortunately a resolution to disband ALL Standing Committees except Constitution and Canons and Structure of the Church, in order to give the reform task force a clean slate, failed after much debate. Hopefully the task force will look long and hard about all these interim bodies. I am hopeful that a resolution to amend the Canons to allow any meeting of GC, not just “regular” meetings, to make and approve constitutional amendments, will come to the floor and be passed. The submitting committee asks us to reject it. This is so wrong! If we don’t do this, then any constitutional changes offered by the task force won’t go into effect until 2018, because currently constitutional changes require readings and approvals at two consecutive General Conventions. I am hopeful this is changed, allowing the Bishops (who are the only body that can call a special convention) to gather us, perhaps immediately after GC2015, to approve such changes. I hope enough people are left on the floor to understand the importance.

This morning’s session, which was in rapid fire mode as we were trying to deal with over 60 resolutions (we changed the rules of order to limit time to speak and to have no one speak in favor other than the committee chair proposing the resolution unless someone spoke in opposition). Many of these resolutions fall under the “GunnRule”. Scott Gunn is a deputy and priest from Rhode Island who writes a lot about our processes. Scott believes, and I concur, that resolutions that “reaffirm” something done at a previous convention, as well as resolutions that “call upon” some entity (like a government) to do something, instead of calling upon Episcopalians or OUR church to do something, should not be presented – and in protest, to vote no to all of them. This would essentially eliminate the Committee on National and International Concerns, which is where everyone’s pet issues are dealt with by resolution after resolution. We were debating national health care, Cuba’s treatment of prisoners, clean air, racial profiling by police officers, and the need for a jobs bill. THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH ANY OF THOSE CAUSES, in fact I support most. It is just, in my opinion, an enormous waste of time and energy to debate such with 800+ other deputies, few of whom have the expertise to do so. Yes, the church should and must speak on such issues, but let’s do that through local parishes, through forums, through interactions with our local representatives. If I was king of reform, this is one place where we can really improve GC. People speak passionately to these issues, which is great – just remember our passing of such resolutions really makes no difference in the world. As one speaker noted, 3 years ago we approved “calling upon” the Queen of England to apologize for something one of her predecessors said 500 years ago! REALLY? And we are still waiting on her highness to obey our resolution!

It does seem our older “baby boomers” are the ones most interested in such things at GC. It’s perhaps a generational thing – boomers were brought up in the 60s and 70s and see the church’s work on such social issues as one of the main things we are to do. Younger folks tell me they want to see the church focus more on evangelism and mission. Older ones tell me resolutions on Congress supporting a carbon use tax ARE mission. Personally, I don’t get it. Let’s DO something about such things, not pass meaningless and ignored resolutions that make us feel better. May the Gunn Rule live!

An interesting note – while structure reform passed overwhelmingly we elected two people to be President and VP of the House who have long, long histories in the very structures we want to change. Both are wonderful people and I think inspired to do the right thing, but it is interesting. I hope to be involved in this conversation in some way.

Our deputation has been wonderful and we have worked really hard. We have some movers and shakers here for sure. I have been buoyed and fed by our daily worship and by many conversations with old friends and new ones. The Young Adult presence was amazing, they were well spoken and very well informed. And our Official Youth Presence – these folks (16-18 years old) spoke often from the floor (they have seat and voice) and lent a great witness to the future of our church.

I will have more wrap up stuff in the days ahead. If anyone is still listening (reading), thank you for joining me and it is a real privilege to represent the Diocese of Mississippi

Well the best intentions….yesterday’s post was almost complete when WordPress decided to eat it. So I had no time to redo it and I apologize for that.
Yesterday we got pretty bogged down, and is usual for GC, we are pretty far behind. Resolution A050 passed (study of the Theology of marriage) but several of us were against it as the resolution was too specific. Instead of directing the study in various ways, what we really need is an open ended study of marriage – scripture, tradition, history, issues, etc. Marriage itself, as it exists now, is a fairly new concept. We would do well to study all aspects of marriage, not just how it might relate to current debates.
Today was an amazing day. We dragged through a lot of resolutions (don’t get me started on Israel / Palestine) and our response to the Anglican Covenant (the wind is really out of that sail, but we agreed to continue in dialogue on this). Finally we voted (after two postponements) on Executive Council and our own Anita George was elected on the first ballot! She was one vote from being the top vote getter. I am so proud of her! I’ve loved having her daughter (and friend), Andrea, here with us all week and Andrea has worked hard promoting her mom. The church has spoken well!
Next up was the structural reform amendment. This was great! The structure committee passed a resolution calling for a task force of 24 people to examine EVERY aspect of our life – national church, headquarters, constitution, general convention, standing committees, you name it. They will report back to GC 2015. Their makeup is to be from folks not currently involved in the governance of our church and will include diverse voices, especially young ones. An unnecessary amendment was defeated, and as at least 15 people stood at microphones, most to offer other amendments, we called the question and voted. The resolution passed unanimously! This is unheard of! When the PHOD called for the NAY votes, there was silence. It gave me goose bumps! Then the HoD erupted in a spontaneous standing ovation. We are ready to streamline, network., flatten, examine, get mean and lean. It was so awesome – the best moment I’ve had in three GCs. We burst into song and celebrated. Our own Canon David Johnson was on this committee and was giddy with excitement. It really was phenomenal.
This was followed by A049 – authorize a trial (provisional) liturgy for same sex blessings. I encourage you to READ THE RESOLUTION! It is well written and provides ample provision AND support for those who oppose this, and no one is required to offer or participate. We want three years of trial use with feedback to the Liturgy folks (the liturgy is ok but needs work). This is NOT marriage, it doesn’t change the Prayer Book or constitution or our understanding of Sacraments. After a lot of debate and an hour of parliamentary procedures, we took a vote by orders. We concurred with the Bishops by a 78% majority in the lay deputies and 76% in the clergy. Afterwards there was no celebration, no gloating, we just adjourned quietly for the day.
And WHAT a day! We also elected our new President of the House of Deputies, the Rev. Gay Jennings,whom I got to know on the Coast following Katrina when she came down as a great help to the clergy on the Coast. I have already asked Gay to appoint me to the task force for reform. Keep your fingers crossed!
On a personal note, by this time at previous GCs Jennifer has joined me. But she can’t this year and I really miss her. Home soon and I’m ready to be there!

I forgot to mention in my post on day 3 one of the most delightful things I’ve had the pleasure of witnessing while here. I went to the ECW’s recognition ceremony of Distinguished Women. One person from each Diocese is recognized and escorted in by her Bishop. I was proud to be there as St. James’ own Barbara Brunson was the Mississippi honoree! Way to go Barbara! We are all so proud of you!
Only one legislative session on Sunday. On Sundays we always have the UTO ingathering Eucharist, a very festive service and the UTO contributions from each Diocese are presented as well. Following Eucharist the Diocese of Indianapolis hosted a great event at the baseball field very near our hotels. They had food and lots of fun events, folks dressed in costumes from Indiana’s past, dance competitions, music and lots of fun. They accepted donations only and all the money went to their international outreach efforts. The diocese had many, many churches and their people turn out to put this event on. Great job!
The legislative slate for Sunday was a bit lean as committees are still scrambling to finish up resolutions. We voted down a resolution making September “Lay Ministry Month” – for two reasons: no one really pays attention to things like that and it seemed pretty condescending, every month the baptized are hard at work and honored in that work, lay or clergy.
The only controversial resolution was a second reading (it takes two GCs to change the Constitution) of a resolution to change consents for all Bishop elections to be handled by Bishops and Standing Committees (a majority of which must approve such elections). This is how consents take place now UNLESS the election is within 120 days of General Convention. If the latter case, the bishops-elect come before a committee of the House of Deputies for approval. Removing that clause allows us to use the same consent method for any and all bishop elections, which just plain makes good sense. It also eliminates a committee from General Convention, which is a good thing.
Today (Monday) we will have the first ballot for Executive Council. Praying for and actively supporting our own Dr. Anita George in that election. Come on Deputies, we NEED Anita in that body!
Last night was our traditional Mississippi Night dinner where any folks with any ties to Mississippi are invited to join us for dinner. We had a wonderful turn out, our ECW folks were there, as well as many old friends from our Diocese. Great time!
Today the Structure Committee should be ready to present their exciting resolution. After the testimony the other night the committee could see there was a huge groundswell of support for forming a special task force to take on the task of reforming our structure. The resolution will insist on diversity of voice and suggests the Presiding Bishop and President of the House of Deputies appoint people who are not the usual cast of characters in our governing bodies. They are to report to the next GC, but I may amend the resolution to include a provision for their reporting to a specially called convention, should that take place. Can’t wait to debate this one!

Yesterday (Saturday) I gave my floor seat to one of our more than capable alternates and spent time with some old friends who were in town. Breakfast with seminary classmate Monique Ellison, who now works for the fabulous Listening Hearts ministries. I hope our COM will take a look at how they can help train discernment committees (are you reading Melanie Lemburg?). Then a great visit with Bruce Colville, a stalwart at Camp Cost Care following Katrina and dear friend. Bruce has dedicated his life as a missionary to disaster relief and recovery and brings incredible energy and expertise and abilities to those situations. It was great catching up with both.
In the afternoon I watched legislation progress online, and sat in the House of Bishops gallery to observe their debates. I always like to spend a bit of time in the HoB while at convention, they are of course a much smaller body than the House of Deputies and therefore their debates are very different. I am impressed with their respect for one another. AND, just like in the HoD, there are “certain” Bishops who really don’t feel a resolution should ever go to vote without them speaking to it!
I was GREATLY disturbed about resolution D045. Read it here. While tucked into a seemingly innocuous resolution to our Rules of Order (which frame how we debate things – this resolution talks about how long people can talk, how we handle certain elections, how long debate must take place prior to an amendment being presented, etc.), this resolution ALSO proposes a bizarre element. The resolution calls for a “polity review” of every resolution to make sure it doesn’t violate our “polity” or make changes to it. The review person for each legislative committee would be appointed by the President of the House of Deputies. WHOA NELLIE! First of all, this arbitrary review based on one person’s opinion of “correct polity” is a blatant attempt by the sitting PHOD and her supporters to maintain control over every piece of legislation. A polity reviewer could simply reject any reform legislation before it even is addressed by the committee. What a back door way to maintain status quo! I was stunned to read this and I was immediately regretting not being on the floor so I could speak against it. The other really bad news – the resolution was proposed by our current Parliamentarian (appointed by the PHOD) – a rumored candidate for Vice President of the HoD, and co-sponsored by our chancellor – also a candidate for VPHOD, and the just-appointed-by-the-President acting VPHOD.
This reminds me of old Communist Party tactics. What an amazing attempt to control legislation and combat the movement of reform sweeping this GC! Fortunately there were folks who caught on and the resolution was sent back to committee. DEPUTIES LOOK FOR THIS – we must not allow that language to win the day, it gives way too much power to the PHOD, no matter who that is, and is just a really bad idea.
A resolution to add some “official” translations of the Bible to the list in our Canons brought on a lot of debate, but also highlights one of the areas of needed reform in our canons. Do you know how hard it is to get over 800 deputies, most of whom have no real expertise in this area, to agree on proper Bible translations? There has to be a better way to approve, or disapprove, such things.
Much attention had been spent on the ongoing budget process. I know that committee has been really putting in long hours and have a monumental task.
Congratulations to our own Canon Kathryn McCormick on her election on the first ballot to be a Trustee of the Church Pension Fund! Now on to Anita George’s election to the Executive Council. Vote Anita y’all!
Today your Mississippi deputation will proudly wear our Camp Bratton Green t-shirts to the host diocese’s event at the baseball field. Go CBG!