The Rev. Cal Calhoun, ET Deputation Chair
I have learned a lot the last two days. The schedule is full beyond belief. There is very little time even for meals. The process in the legislative sessions is very formal. Rules of Order are very precise and closely followed. Of course with a body of 850 members, the organizational process must be precise. I learned that the General Convention is the second largest democratic legislative body in the world, the largest bicameral (two houses: House of Deputies, ½ clergy and ½ lay, and the House of Bishops) legislature in the world. (I haven’t learned what the largest is.)
Our East TN deputation is making every effort to meet at the lunch break to caucus and share with each other what is going on in the committees we have been assigned to or have visited. At this point in GC most of the work is being done in committees. A divide and conquer strategy is necessary to even begin to access a large portion of what is going on. This process has been very helpful to me as a new deputy to hear from the others and to have others help me know what to expect next.
We have done little other than organizational kinds of things. (Approving appointments and electing the Secretary and Treasurer of GC.) We did consent to the consecrations of two bishops today: John Tarrant of South Dakota (our companion diocese) and Laurence Provenzano of Long Island. If the House of Bishops concurs, they will have completed all their confirmations.
The worship has been wonderful. The music is varied and really grand. The Presiding Bishop preached and celebrated today’s Eucharist. Rowan Williams, the Archbishop of Canterbury, spoke about the Global Economic Crisis and our need to continue to do more for those around the world in need. Our idea of wealth needs to change from being about “how much I have,” to “well-being” and a relationship of trust in which we can really care for others.
Tomorrow we will have the first of two unusual sessions called “the committee of the whole.” This is a procedural tactic to allow the entire House of Deputies to discuss resolution 2006 B033 (resolution from last GC asking for restraint in consenting to the episcopate anyone whose manner of life might cause distress for others in the Communion). We’ll see how that goes.
Blessings to you all.