Report on General Convention 78

by Diane Butler

The 78^th General Convention of The Episcopal Church, meeting in Salt Lake City, Utah, June 23-July 3, elected a new Presiding Bishop, passed resolutions effecting dramatic change in the structure of the Church, and approved new marriage rites.

General Convention is the governing body of the Episcopal Church that meets every three years to consider resolutions and other matters that will guide the church over the following triennium. After having the honor and privilege of attending three General Conventions, it is clear that being present at GC is ever much more than attending to legislative matters.

Serving as a deputy is an experience that has allowed me to move from a parochial view of church to an on-the-ground understanding that our Church is vast -  geographically, culturally, and in terms of the diversity represented by people from across this and other nations. Serving with people who hold views across theological and ecclesiological spectrums has enhanced my ability to enter into deep, meaningful, and respectful conversations and even to change my mind on some issues.

This year’s convention was markedly different from those previous as evidenced by more harmonious interactions on the floor of the House of Deputies and between the House of Deputies and the House of Bishops, a more expedient process by which resolutions were considered and voted upon, and, by being “paperless.” The latter was achieved through the use of iPads by each bishop and deputy (rather than reams of paper documents) and multiple large screens in meeting rooms.

On Sunday, August 23rd, the Men’s Group is hosting a forum for a report on actions and activities of General Convention. Please join us! 

Presiding Bishop Elect the Rt. Rev. Michael Curry (Photo: Diane Butler)