The Rev. Kay Reynolds
At home it is possible to avoid or to be unaware of the larger picture of our Episcopal Church identity. Here at General Convention it is clear that we are many and varied. Our visitors from Europe, Africa and New Zealand speak to us and help us to see ourselves as others see us. We’ve learned that Anglicans in other places know little of our polity – just as we are unaware of theirs. Many in Africa, for example, were unaware that our church decisions are made by a house of deputies made of both clergy and laity, and by a house of bishops. Our decisions must be approved by both houses. In other countries, the archbishop makes decisions. Our Presiding Bishop cannot arbitrarily make choices for the whole church.
Our daily worship reflects the variety of cultures represented here. We’ve sung hymns from many traditions, including Appalachian folk hymns, Taize chants, Black and white gospel, African call and response songs, sometimes with drums, native American and Hawaiian songs, to say nothing of 1982 Hymnal favorites. Spanish speakers are urging the church to see evangelism among the Spanish speakers in our communities as the next great possibility for church growth and one not to be missed.
What we see here is that all of us must learn more of other cultures in order to work together as The Episcopal Church, and to work with our brothers and sisters in the Anglican Communion. Learning to listen and to speak clearly about who we are continues to be critical.
We are here reflecting on many issues, such as health care, saving money, going as green as possible, showing compassion in concrete ways to the poor in our land and throughout the world, and how best to use our new technological skills. In the midst of differing opinions on many things we are making decisions together to promote the work of God in our world. Today we voted to have comprehensive health care coverage through the Medical Trust, so that we can have more clout as a larger group of clients. In addition, lay employees will be covered. Pray for us as we continue to deal with important issues.