The Rt. Rev. Charles vonRosenberg
John Tarrant’s name will come before the House of Bishops for consent soon, as bishop-elect of our companion diocese of South Dakota. I will be delighted to welcome him to the floor, as a guest at this point.
It is an interesting challenge to take on special interests in any organization. I have authored a resolution which is making its way through the legislative process, and the resolution has two basic intentions: to redirect finds away from our church structures and meetings and put them to use instead in the service of mission. It will be interesting to see how this matter develops over the next several days.
I serve on the Church Pension Fund legislative committee. Our primary focus has been on the proposal for a denominational health plan (DHP). The Pension Fund has provided wonderful support to the life of the church through the years, and I, for one, am grateful for their interest – through the Medical Trust – in offering a plan for clergy and lay professionals throughout our denomination. The savings church-wide and the containment of costs would benefit The Episcopal Church greatly, I believe.
On behalf of the deputies from East Tennessee, I give thanks for the interest, concern, and prayers of the people “back home.”