Deputy Diary: Wilmot's General Convention Experience

Wilmot Merchant:

As a first time Clergy Deputy to General Convention, representing The Episcopal Church in South Carolina, I am amazed by the schedule and the speed with which things are being done. My first reaction was, this is like a very large family reunion, and you are meeting people that you having seen for many years and some for a few months; thank God for name tags. There seems to be is true joy in the meeting and greeting that is taking place. Because of the schedule, many things are overlapping and so you have to make decision of where you will be, while at the same time, at least in mine case, you are on a Legislative Committee and you are expected to be there. Believe it or not, some of us we keep running and being at the places we have decided to be. For me it was Saturday night, I did not attend my Legislative Committee Hearing, because I when to the Program Budget and Finance hearing.

With Dr. Charles V. Willie, former Vice President of the House of Deputies.

After the hearing, the Union of Black Episcopalians hosted a reception for the Presiding Bishop-Elect.

With the Presiding Bishop-Elect

As we gathered in the room, having refreshment and drinks and were reflecting on the day’s event, the election of Bishop Curry; we were told that when he comes in, we will gather around him lay hands on him and pray for him; but no one was identify to pray. When the Bishop Curry came in we gathered around him to pray for him. As we gathered around him and lay hands on him, Canon Richard Miller said Wilmot you pray. Because I did not know I was going to be asked, I paused for a minute and then open my mouth; and for the next few minutes words came pouring out. I do not remember what I said, but sure the Holy Spirit knows, everyone in the room heard me pray. Since Saturday, I have been stopped a number of times and thanked for the prayer. That moment on Saturday night, has become the highpoint of this Convention for me thus far. We still have more days to go before the Convention ends, and so we go on…

Praying for Presiding Bishop-Elect Curry

Moments from GC78

The pace of activity at General Convention is fast, but there are some moments that we don't want to slip by unnoticed on this blog. This morning at Eucharist, we'll be hearing singers from Voorhees College, who have traveled here from Denmark, SC, to sing in a combined choir. (Watch the service live at 11:30 am in South Carolina, here: http://episcopaldigitalnetwork.com/gc/) Watch for more about this later today.

Historically Black Colleges

Last Friday, our deputation spent some time at lunch with the presidents of the two Episcopal Church-affiliated historically black colleges, Voorhees College in Denmark SC and St. Augustine’s University in Raleigh, NC. It was an emotional time: The group had just finished watching President Obama’s eulogy at the funeral for Sen. Clementa Pinckney in Charleston. The president of Voorhees, Dr. Cleveland Sellers, fought back tears as he stood at the podium, and asked St. Augustine’s President Dr. Everett B. Ward to join him to introduce the program.

Voorhees student Daryl Harper addresses the college presidents' luncheon.

Bishop vonRosenberg greets
Voorhees President
Dr. Cleveland Sellers

The event was a chance to talk about the value and contributions of these institutions, and make a plea for increased financial support. These are the only two HCBUs remaining in The Episcopal Church. Changes to federal student loan programs have caused enrollment to drop at both schools, the presidents said. Ideally, they said, $1 million a year for each school could let them achieve full enrollment and work toward achieving their missions.

Describing his journey to becoming a student at Voorhees, student Daryl Harper spoke eloquently of how people at the school believed in him. “Voorhees attracts broken souls, but it builds leaders,” he said.

Both Bishop vonRosenberg and Bishop Andrew Waldo of Upper South Carolina were there; both dioceses recognize Voorhees as diocesan institutions.

Honoring a leader in the House of Deputies

Deputy Lonnie Hamilton had a special assignment on June 27 as a member of the Privilege and Courtesy Committee. He escorted to the platform Dr. Charles Willie, who was vice president of the House of Deputies. 

Lonnie Hamilton, right, escorts Dr. Willie into the House of Deputies.

Dr. Willie was the preacher at the ordination of the first women priests in The Episcopal Church, sometimes known as the Philadelphia 11. In 1974, when the House of Bishops refused to uphold their ordination, he resigned in protest. On Saturday, the President of the House of Deputies, the Rev. Gay Clark Jennings, presented Dr. Willie with the House of Deputies Medal. Read more about him in the text of this resolution approved in his honor.

Deputy Diary: From our deputation chairman

Tom Tisdale:

I am very pleased to report to you that our deputation from South Carolina has worked quite well together in all aspects of the activities at the 78th General Convention of our Church. There is a lot of activity, and there are many issues for us to consider and participate in resolving. We are gratified and pleased that we are once again a real and welcome part of The Episcopal Church and the Anglican Communion. I personally have enjoyed re-engaging in long-time relationships with old friends and meeting many new friends who, like all of us, are interested in everything that is going on in our Church.

The most exciting aspect of what we have done is to participate in the selection of Bishop Michael Curry as our next Presiding Bishop, whose election we, as members of the House of Deputies, confirmed after the vote of the House of Bishops. Many people, and I personally, believe that his leadership will transform our Church in many positive ways over the next few years.

It is difficult to describe the breadth of activity at this convention, as almost all of our church-related organizations are active participants in everything that we do. As examples, the University of the South has a strong presence here, as do most of the seminaries of our church. There is a vast Exhibit Hall containing information and products from many organizations and companies related to Episcopal Church activities, from bookstores to vestment makers, and even a food court where we often have lunch.

It is most gratifying for us, as representatives of our diocese, to see and feel the importance and the high quality of everything our Church represents and is offering to the whole world. Its mission is expanding and strong.

(Thomas S. Tisdale, Jr. was elected chair of the deputation in 2014. This is the fifth General Convention he has attended, but the first since 1985.)

Walking, singing and praying to end gun violence

This morning, our deputation and several others attending General Convention from South Carolina walked together in a prayerful procession called "Claiming Common Ground Against Gun Violence" sponsored by the group Bishops United Against Gun Violence. (More about the event is here: http://www.claimitgc.org/)

The event began not long after sunrise in Salt Lake City, and participants walked through the downtown streets singing together, "Out of the deep I call / Unto thee, O Lord, / Consider well the sound of my longing soul."

South Carolina's participants were wearing dark blue t-shirts with the beautiful image created by Mount Pleasant artist Gil Shuler as a message of unity after the shooting deaths of the Emanuel 9: a white palmetto tree and crescent for our state flag, with nine white doves ascending toward heaven.

You can find a photo album from the march here.

A message from Bishop vonRosenberg

June 27, 2014

The election today of the Right Reverend Michael Curry as our 27th Presiding Bishop is a historic day for the House of Bishops and the House of Deputies, as well as for the whole Episcopal Church. This is a moment which is positive and hopeful for our future. Michael Curry’s election as our first African American Presiding Bishop comes against the backdrop of the terrible tragedy at Mother Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, but also amid signs of hope: a desire for racial reconciliation and a willingness to work together across the lines that have divided us to improve quality of life and educational opportunities for all. The gifts that Michael Curry brings as our next Presiding Bishop make this sense of hope real, vital and exciting. As he told the bishops and deputies assembled for the announcement today, “Nothing can stop the movement of God’s love in this world.”

Just as there is much joy in this election, there is also a great sense of gratitude for Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori, who will remain in office until November. As well, there is much appreciation for each of the other three nominees. As Presiding Bishop-Elect Curry told the House of Bishops today, all four candidates have been on a journey together. This is a necessary part of our governance, for people to be open to the leadings of the Spirit and the will of the Church, and I am extremely grateful that both of those movements are converging so closely together at this moment in our history.

I commend each of these leaders and their families to your prayers, along with all of the bishops and deputies who are assembled in Salt Lake City for General Convention, that our work together may indeed show “the movement of God’s love in this world.”

Next Presiding Bishop

The Right Reverend Michael Curry from the Diocese of North Carolina has been elected as the next Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church. More details to come...

Election for Presiding Bishop

There is a buzz among the deputies in the House anticipating word from the House of Bishops that they have elected the next Presiding Bishop for our Church. Looking at our schedule for today, that election will probably happen sometime this afternoon. The formal announcement of an election will be carried from the House of Bishops to the House of Deputies and given to the President of the House of Deputies to announce to Convention. At such time President Gay Jennings will proceed and ask our House to officially confirm the election. 

I am thrilled that each candidate for Presiding Bishop came to the House of Deputies two days ago, in a special joint session, and offered their vision for our Church moving forward in a complicated yet hungry world; a world longing to connect with a living and loving God, and a responsive, relevant, caring body of Christ. 

The election is really a process of discernment, that in prayer and silence and seeking the will of God,a candidate will emerge whose life and faith and talents is the person to lead our beloved Church in this day and age. I trust that process.

May we pray for those who have humbly placed their names in nomination for Presiding Bishop:

Tom Breidenthal

Dabney Smith

Ian Douglas

Michael Curry

Almighty God, by your grace you have called into discernment our Church for the election of the Presiding Bishop; you have also called into that discernment process four bishops among us and we thank you for their willingness to stand for election. By your grace provide a leader among leaders who will lead faithfully and with courage this your Church. We place before you, your servants Tom, Ian, Dabney and Michael. In Christ we pray.

Deputy Diary: Joy in the House

June 26,2015

Today began with a rousing worship service. The musical genre was somewhat jazz-y and really cool. Because of the earlier announcement concerning the Supreme Court decision allowing same-sex marriage throughout the country, the house was jubilant and the tone was celebratory.

President of the House of Deputies, The Rev. Gay Clark Jennings, preached and she is a great preacher! As she discussed the visions in both Isaiah (6:1-5) and The Revelation to John (5:8-14), even the interpretation for the deaf conveyed the joy with which we heard the Biblical texts explained. We were a congregation blessed by renewed spirit for our mission not only in this place but also into the world, "so that we all may be one." (John 17:17-23). The sermon spoke to both our spirit moving forward from this place and time and the renewal of the Holy Spirit in each of us for a new day's business.

Our morning legislative session was a combined meeting of both Houses--Bishops and Deputies. The four nominations for Presiding Bishop were made. No frills...no surprises.

Most of our delegation rushed from the legislative session to the Sheraton Hotel for lunch at the Historically Black College Presidents Forum (Voorhees and St. Augustine's).  This nice event was very moving given that it was held only moments after President Obama finished his eulogy at the funeral of Sen. Pinckney.  Even in Utah we were watching and listening. It was very emotional for all of us, but, once again, the event ended on a positive note--hearing from 4 college students who are wonderful representatives of their schools.

In the afternoon this deputy spent a few minutes strolling through the Exhibit Hall, telling the Episcopal Church on Edisto story and drooling over the lovely vestments, altar pieces, and chalices.

The afternoon session opened as usual with prayers for those recently ill and for the bereaved in Charleston.  We ended with a bongo Alleluia chorus.  Rousing again.

The session consisted of reports, resolutions, amendments, a little humor, and some progress through our ambitious convention agenda.  At times it seemed that our business had little to do with The Kingdom; yet every speaker and every vote was offered with respect and good intentions. We ended the day with deputies heading in all directions, still working, still anxious for steps forward. Thanks be to God!

Speaking for anti-racism curricula for youth

Testifying at a Legislative Committee hearing at GC78.

The Rev. Wil Keith of Holy Cross Faith Memorial in Pawley's Island testified before the Formation and Education for Ministry Committee in favor of D040, a resolution to create and fund youth anti-racism curricula. The text of the resolution is here, and Fr. Wil's remarks are here:

"My sisters and brothers, we reap what we sow. As Christians, I hope this is something that we have all heard or read somewhere before.  It’s a simple concept, really. If you sow cotton, you will not reap peanuts or tobacco, you will reap cotton. Many of those who have been called to minister to and among the youth of our Church recognize this as a sowing ministry. We treasure the all too few moments of reaping when a youth of bygone days returns to us as a God-loving and Jesus-following adult. 

"However, recent events in my diocese have reminded us of the darker side of this principle. The perpetrator in the Charleston, South Carolina shootings said that he “almost” didn't go through with the killings because of the welcome and hospitality his victims showed him on that night. I imagine that this was the first time he may have been allowed, by himself or by others, to experience this outside of his own race…my race. In the Kingdom of God, to experience and share this welcome and hospitality across race and culture is the norm. 

Resolution D040 promotes sowing the seeds of cross cultural understanding and reconciliation. It promotes the seeds of sisterhood and brotherhood as fellow children of God and it seeks to sow those seeds in our most amenable and susceptible soil…our children."

Deputy Diary: Doing More in Memory of the Emanuel 9

Andrea McKellar:

My water cup. "Be the change in the world you want to see"

It is 4:30 in the morning here in Salt Lake City. No rest for the weary. Most days so far have been get up at 5 am, go steadily to meetings til 9 pm, regroup and fall into bed. The stereotype that people have of General Convention being a big cocktail party is not true or I am hanging out with the wrong people. The benefit of being younger is that I am bouncing back well so far but I will check back in in a few days.

Today will be a special day for me and our deputation. With the assistance of The Rev. Wil Keith from Pawley's Island and The Rev. Nurya Love Parish from Grand Rapids, Michigan, we submitted two resolutions.

One (D039) is to send a deputation from The Episcopal Church to an ecumenical gathering that the African Methodist Episcopal Church is sponsoring in September to discuss race in our country. It is so important for us to partner with our brothers and sisters in Christ to have this conversation.

The second (D040) is to create a Youth curricula in Anti-Racism. This resolution will receive testimony at 2:15 pm today at the committee on which I serve. I believe these materials are necessary because our youth are hungering to talk about these topics but many youth leaders and clergy to not have the resources to start the conversation. In the last 9 months in our country, countless acts of violence have been seen and people are waking up to the fact that racism still exists in our country and it is all of our jobs to name it and fix it. 

The 2015 Official Youth Presence with Bishop Katharine

At General Convention, there is a group called the Offical Youth Presence, made up of 18 youth aged 16 to 19 from each of the 9 provinces of The Episcopal Church. It is a diverse group of exceptional individuals that make our time together more fruitful and meaningful. I have asked them to speak to this resolution if they are so moved and I wait to see what the Holy Spirit will do!

I had planned on being quiet this General Convention. To observe the proceedings, being my first, and come back with knowledge on how to make a difference in future years. But at the Prayer Vigil I attended the day after the Mother Emanuel AME Church shootings, the AME bishops told us to pray, and mourn and grieve but then to get off our knees and go into our communities, break the silence, and work to make a difference in the world. General Convention is my chance to do that and I hope my voice will be loud enough for them to hear back in Charleston.

From General Convention - JimTaylor

Today, began a good day for our deputation. This was the first official legislative day for the Convention. Most of us assembled at 8:00am, to vote on some minor business for the Convention. This was the first time the deputies had the opportunity to officially vote. After voting, it was time for the Opening Eucharist of the Convention.

As, you can imagine, the Holy Eucharist was inspiring, glorious and filled with the Spirit. The Celebrant and Preacher for the Eucharist was the Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori. She talked about how we as the Church can build a new road in a broken, sinful and fallen world. In her sermon she referred to the tragic event that occurred at Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, SC. She was amazed at the offer of forgiveness displayed by the victim’s family. The Presiding Bishop said, “We can help to build a different kind of road. One with light bearers rather than death dealers. The good news is there are forerunners at work in all the places of the world’s conflict and hate – forerunners pointing to the Prince of Peace. Members of Mother Emanuel AME Church in Charleston made their light-filled witness at the arraignment of the young man charged with shooting their fellow parishioners. They stood up and said, ‘we forgive you, even in the midst of our nearly boundless pain; hate must not win.’” Her words touched all of us, and helped to set the tone for our business at the Convention. The rest of the day was filled with Legislative Committee meetings and a Legislative Session.

One of the traditions of the Convention, is that each deputation decorates their pole sign that tells which diocese they are representing. Andrea McKellar decorated ours to look like a Palmetto Tree. She did a wonderful and creative job, and very much appreciated by our deputation. Several other deputies came to our tables, and commented that we had the best decorated sign.

Well, that is all for the day. It is time to get some rest, and prepare for tomorrow. Blessings.

Committee work on clergy reinstatements

From the Bishop:

On Wednesday evening, I testified before Committee 12, Formation & Education for Ministry, regarding a resolution designed to facilitate reinstatement of deacons and priests formerly removed from ordained ministry in The Episcopal Church. Of course, this is a matter about which we have both interest and experience. Indeed, we have reinstated two priests thus far, but we did so without benefit of church canon (law), for the canons did not anticipate circumstances like ours in South Carolina.

In my testimony, I raised several questions about the proposed canon before the committee, while reflecting on the process we had followed. The response was quite positive and supportive. People on the committee were interested in our experience, and they wanted to apply that experience to the proposed canon.

As a result of this time before Committee 12, I find myself working with a subcommittee to "perfect" the resolution, making sure to inject the lessons learned from our experiences in South Carolina.

This, then, is one way that our deputation to General Convention is being warmly received as full and appreciated members of The Episcopal Church. In this case, we are present to offer what wisdom we have gained, for the benefit of the whole Church.

Bishop vonRosenberg testifying before the Formation & Education for Ministry Committee of General Convention.

Deputy Diary: Presiding Bishop Nominees

Andrea McKellar:
This afternoon the House of Deputies and the House of Bishops met together to hear from the four Presiding Bishop nominees,


The Rt. Rev. Thomas Breidenthal

The Rt. Rev. Michael Curry

The Rt. Rev. Ian Douglas

The Rt. Rev. Dabney Smith

 

Bishop Q&A categories

It was part video production, part vision statement, and part Jeopardy.  The Joint Nominating Committee for the Election of the Presiding Bishop invited people from all over the church to submit questions in May.  As they received questions, they noticed several themes emerging and grouped the questions into eight categories.  Once we saw the colorful backdrop, all the jokes started on Twitter that it was PB Jeopardy, Bingo, or other assorted board games.

 

The bishops then each grabbed colored pieces of paper out of a fish bowl to find out what question they would answer. While lengthy, this turned out to be an interesting way to hear from the candidates on a wide range of issues instead of canned speeches. I was especially excited that a question I had submitted was asked of Bishop Breidenthal. "If elected Presiding Bishop, how will you support reorganizing dioceses and ensure that the "big tent" of The Episcopal Church continues to have room for differing viewpoints?" I will admit that I was so excited that they asked my question that I did not hear all of the answer. What I did hear though I liked...that we are part of a category of small & poor dioceses, reorganized diocese have something to teach all of us about how to walk through pain and come out the other side, and relationships between poor and rich dioceses can create bridges.

Here we are hard at work during the Orientation

 

Over all the consensus was that The Episcopal Church is in good hands because any of the four candidates would make a terrific Presiding Bishop, although most of us are rooting for Bishop Curry.  The House of Bishops will elect the next PB on Saturday so check back for exciting news then.

 

All in all, it was a great first full (14 hours) day and I am off to bed. I look forward to the days to come and am encouraged by the work we are doing. We would love to hear questions from South Carolina if you are curious about what goes on here. Feel free to leave comments below and follow us on Twitter, and Facebook!

 

Deputy Diary: Remembering the Emanuel 9 at General Convention

Andrea McKellar:

While we are far away in Salt Lake City, our hearts and minds are still very much with the people of South Carolina. Tonight will mark one week since the horrific shooting of nine people at Mother Emanuel AME Church in Charleston. It was very hard for me to leave Charleston while my city is grieving. But we remember that we are here to do important work. General Convention is a place where we can make change in The Episcopal Church and strive to improve the world in many ways. To that end, I brought reminders of the Emanuel 9 with me here. I have the beautiful Post & Courier cover that ran on Sunday, a drawing by a Mount Pleasant 7-year-old, and the bulletin from the prayer vigil I attended the morning after the shooting.

Remembering the Emanuel 9 at General Convention

But I still felt like we needed to do more. Last night, I realized that I would be beginning a Legislative Hearing at 7 pm tonight Mountain Time. It will be exactly one week since the shooting, and there must be a way to honor that. Through work of our deputation, we have written a prayer that will be read at all of the Legislative Meetings tonight at General Convention. The Emanuel 9 will be remembered by the thousands of Episcopalians here so that they can pray for and with us. We hope that you all may read the same prayer with us this evening.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

As the Legislative Committees of the 78th General Convention gather for hearings at 7:00 p.m. today, it is exactly one week since nine people were murdered at Mother Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, South Carolina.

We give thanks for the faithfulness of God's people and we pray that, as in the death of all martyrs, God may continue to be glorified in the lives of all saints. And we pray,

O God, it is your will to hold both heaven and earth in a single peace. Let the design of your great love shine on the pains of our woundedness, confusion and great sorrow, and continue to bring peace to our community, peace to your Church, peace among peoples, and peace in our homes. And may the balm of your reconciling love lived out among us continue to soothe our suffering hearts. All this we pray in name of our wounded and risen Savior, God with us, Jesus Christ. Amen.

Reporting from Salt Lake City

Tuesday, June 23

See a photo album from today at this link.

As the exhibit halls and registration opened for the 78th General Convention today, members of The Episcopal Church in South Carolina were gathering in Salt Lake City, getting oriented, reconnecting with old friends, checking out the vastness of the Salt Palace Convention Center, and learning what people mean by “It’s a dry heat.”

Close to 10,000 people are expected to participate in GC78 for at least some part of the event, including 4,500 who are registered already. With that many Episcopalians all converging on the same place, it’s ripe for coincidental meetings. “Not even to baggage claim and I’ve already seen five people I know. It really is a family reunion,” Deputy Andrea McKellar texted from the SLC airport.

Mary Ann Foy, as a member of the Credentials Committee, got to renew acquaintances from the recent  Province IV meeting as she helped with the check-in process for deputies, which opened at 9 am.

Amanda Keith, wife of alternate deputy Fr. Wil Keith, checked in as a visitor and as the official representative who will bring forward South Carolina’s United Thank Offering gift at the UTO Ingathering on Sunday, June 28.

Lauren Kinard continued the fast-paced preparations that have been under way for days in the House of Bishops Secretariat. Her role is to be the official action recorder, ensuring that each piece of legislation acted upon by the HOB is properly recorded.

As your diocesan communications director, I picked up my official media credentials for GC78, and then attended a media conference with Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori, President of the House of Deputies Gay Clark Jennings, and General Convention Executive Officer Michael Barlowe.

The Presiding Bishop put the triennial gathering into perspective like this: “We’re here to participate in transforming this world into something that looks more like what God had in mind when God created it.”

It’s aiming to be the greenest and most digitally-oriented GC ever – not quite paperless, Canon Barlowe says, but a big step forward both in conservation of paper and in efficiency. Deputies began picking up their iPads today so they can use the new “Virtual Binder” app that replaces the old paper binders used at previous conventions.

President Jennings also noted that “we come together at a very tense time in our nation’s history,” referring to incidents of police violence against black citizens and the shooting deaths of nine people at Emanuel AME Church in Charleston. She said systems of racism and privilege are “inextricably bound up” with the history of both the United States and the Church. General Convention, she said, is a place where Episcopalians can take action to change that.

Though the South Carolina group is far from home, we keep being reminded that we’re never far from the hearts and minds of people in other parts of the Church. The tragedy at Emanuel, the stories of forgiveness, grace and unity, and the current demonstrations over the Confederate flag – people want us to know they are paying attention to these things, that they care, and that they are praying with us. Several people mentioned services they’ve held in memory of the Emanuel Nine at their own churches, thousands of miles from Charleston. They’ve also been following the news of our diocese and its efforts at reconciliation with the group that split off from the Church. And again: they are praying for us, and with us. All these connections bring reminders of sadness, but also profound gratitude that we are not alone, and a sense of Resurrection hope.

This evening, most of our group has meetings and receptions to attend as we continue to find our way around this very beautiful and different part of Creation. We’re staying only 3 blocks from the convention center, but unlike Charleston, the city blocks here are wide and long. By mid-afternoon, the high temperature downtown was 97, and it’s forecast to rise above 100 by Sunday and stay there. But with no noticeable humidity or stickiness, it doesn’t feel anything like the 97 we know back home. At night, it’s a dry and pleasant 68. And if that weren’t enough evidence that we’re not in the Lowcountry anymore, there is snow on the nearby mountaintops.

Meet the Deputies: Wil Keith

The Reverend William J. Keith

Wil Keith in his chaplain's firefighter gear.

As first alternate in the clergy order for our deputation, Wil Keith is in Salt Lake City for General Convention. 

Fr. Wil became Rector of Holy Cross Faith Memorial Episcopal Church in Pawley’s Island in July 2012. A lifelong Episcopalian, he grew up in a small church in Asheville, N.C., serving as an acolyte for the greater part of his youth. A graduate of Appalachian State University and the University of the South at Sewanee, Fr. Wil came to our diocese from East Tennessee, where he served under Bishop Charles G. vonRosenberg before the Bishop retired and moved to South Carolina.

Fr. Wil has an interest in outreach, the homeless, and raising up young families in the parish at HCFM, which is experiencing growth in all areas. He and his wife, Amanda, have two daughters, Lilly and Willow. In 2014, Fr. Wil became Chaplain to Midway Fire Rescue in Pawley’s Island.

Fr. Wil says he is looking forward to taking part in the councils of the church and representing the diocese at his first General Convention. “While I haven’t been here as long as others,” he says, “it is my prayer that I can continue to represent the diocese for many years to come.”

Meet the Deputies: Rick Lindsey

The Reverend Richard C. Lindsey

Rick Lindsey at the Diocesan Clergy Conference in May. 

Rick Lindsey has been a parish priest for more than 37 years and in four dioceses, and has served as Rector of All Saints Episcopal Church on Hilton Head Island since 2003.

Fr. Rick has served on the Standing Committee of our diocese, and is currently on the Diocesan Council and on the Commission on Ministry. He is also the Convener for the Southern Deanery.

Fr. Rick received a B.S. degree in Early American History from Towson State College in Towson, Maryland, in 1972, and a Master of Divinity Degree from the Episcopal Divinity School in Cambridge, Massachusetts in 1976, with special emphasis in pastoral theology.

He has not attended a General Convention before, but says he is looking forward to being a part of the larger church and finding out what is really on the agenda for The Episcopal Church.

You can follow Fr. Rick at General Convention on his new blog,  allsaintstravelblog.wordpress.com.

A Sad Morning

I am so saddened today by the terrible news of hatred and violence in our beautiful city of Charleston. Despite my once rosy perception of Charleston as a progressive and peaceful city, this morning those perceptions are clouded by the obvious disregard for God’s kingdom.  It seems that for every step toward peace and beauty made by our people, there are two steps back to maniacal fear and intolerance.  Why must South Carolina be such a hotbed of division and waywardness?

In a few days the deputation of The Episcopal Church in SC will be leaving for General Convention in Salt Lake City. I was so optimistic about our presence there and our opportunity to represent a healing and re conciliatory faction of South Carolinians. 

I know that while we are there we will have resolutions to consider concerning gun violence, concerning injustice, and concerning spiritual vitality in a harsh and ignorant world. Please pray with me that Our Heavenly Father will work through our convention to make giant steps forward toward understanding, justice and love. Please pray with me that the Holy Spirit will reign here in Charleston, healing and comforting us, especially those who have suffered loss but also those who must learn the evil of their ways.

Please pray with me that the Lord God will raise up many young, fair-minded leaders who can move forward in the vein of Clementa Pinckney—that his sacrifice will serve as further evidence of what needs to be done and how to do it. Please hear our prayer, O Lord.

Meet the Deputies: Mary Ann Foy

Mary Ann Foy

Mary Ann and her husband Harry (Bubba) are residents of Edisto Island, but Mary Ann calls Hampton her hometown. There, she was a member of All Saints’ Episcopal Church, and she taught high-school English in Barnwell and Hampton counties for 17 years.

Following her teaching career, Mary Ann became a community advocate, serving Hampton County on the Economic Development Board and on the Courthouse and Other Facilities Advisory Board. She was a founding member of PRO Hampton County, a Healthy Communities Initiative seeking cooperation among citizens and institutions to elevate the quality of life for all residents. Mary Ann and her husband have one son who, with his wife and two boys, lives in Hampton. She also says she’s blessed with a large, extended family from which she draws strength and support.

Having vacationed at Edisto all her life, Mary Ann and Bubba moved there in 2005 and became members of Trinity Episcopal Church. She became involved in Education for Ministry (EfM), first as a participant and eventually as a mentor, and she now mentors an EfM seminar group on Edisto. Since December 2012 she has been worshiping with the group that is now The Episcopal Church on Edisto, and serves on its vestry. She says her Christian journey has been circuitous but has landed her firmly in the arms of a faith and a tradition that allow her to serve and grow as a child of God.

Mary Ann has visited Salt Lake City on vacation, and is looking forward to being there for the election of the Presiding Bishop. This will be her first General Convention.

A video introduction to General Convention

Want a good overview of what General Convention is all about? Watch this 6-minute video from Bishop Greg Rickel of the Diocese of Olympia.

Meet the Deputies: Michael Wright

The Reverend Canon J. Michael A. Wright

Michael Wright has been the Rector of Grace Church, Charleston, since 2006. He is a member of the Standing Committee, and currently represents the diocese on the Board of Trustees of the University of the South. He also serves as Diocesan Ecumenical and Interfaith Officer and Diocesan Liturgical Officer.

The Rev. Cn. Michael Wright at the Diocesan
Clergy Conference at Santee State Park in May.

A musician and liturgist, Canon Wright plays the organ, frequently serves as cantor, and has written a growing collection of hymns. Many of these are set to music by Dr. Giles Bryant, who served as director of music with him at All Saints’ in Peterborough in the Anglican Church of Canada, where Canon Wright served as Rector from 1992-2006. A child of the rectory, Canon Wright is the son, grandson, great-grandson and brother of priests, while the musical side of his Anglican heritage was passed down by his mother, a musician.

Canon Wright and his wife Margriet have two daughters, Julian, a student at the University of the South, and Abigail, who attends high school.

Canon Wright has not been to a General Convention before, but was a representative to the General Synod of the Anglican Church of Canada in 2004. He says he is looking forward to taking the excitement from The Episcopal Church in South Carolina and sharing it with the larger church.

Meet the Deputies: Lonnie Hamilton

Lonnie Hamilton, III

Lonnie Hamilton, III

Lonnie Hamilton has been a member of Calvary Episcopal Church in Charleston for 57 years and served on the vestry, as choirmaster, and in many other leadership roles. He has served on the Standing Committee and the Diocesan Council in South Carolina, and this will be his fifth General Convention as a deputy or alternate. Lonnie is a retired administrator with the Charleston County School District, and served his community as a member of Charleston County Council for more than 20 years. He was the first African American to serve on that body, and was twice elected as its chairman.

Lonnie is also a renowned alto saxophonist and clarinetist who toured with the Jenkins Orphanage Bands in the mid-1940s and played with his own band, Lonnie Hamilton and the Diplomats, which was the signature jazz band in Charleston for decades.

Lonnie has visited Salt Lake City previously on vacation, and is looking forward to this trip and the special Diocese of Utah event at the Mormon Tabernacle that is part of the General Convention schedule. He’s also happy to be working with a full deputation again and to take care of the business of the church at large.

Praying for Episcopal colleges

The Rev. James T. Yarsiah, Chaplain at Voorhees College in Denmark, SC, has asked to have this prayer shared on behalf of both Voorhees College and St. Augustine’s University in Raleigh, NC, the two historically black colleges affiliated with The Episcopal Church. Funding for these colleges will be discussed at General Convention.

Bishop vonRosenberg is commending this prayer to the people of our diocese. It was written by Mrs. Patricia Woolley, a parishioner of St. Philip’s Chapel on the Voorhees campus. Fr. Yarsiah said worshipers at the chapel will offer the prayer daily throughout June and early July.

"Gracious God, You have created us to be seekers of knowledge. In our faith, centers of learning have been established that young people may come to a safe and supportive place to pursue their knowledge of You and of the world. We remember especially St. Augustine's University and Voorhees College as they seek continued funding from the Episcopal Church. Be with and guide those on the Budget and Finance Committee as they do the difficult work of preparing the Triennial Budget for consideration at the General Convention. May they, and all others who work to discern the way our earthly treasure will be used to further the mission of the Church and Your Kingdom, see the value in contributing to Voorhees College and St. Augustine's University, the remaining historically black colleges of the Episcopal Church. May they see them as centers for the pursuit of knowledge and the bettering of the lives of those who attend and whom they touch. May they make a favorable decision to contribute to the colleges with no cuts to the funding. Be with those who go to General Convention to share the vision of St. Augustine's University and Voorhees College, as they prepare their words and actions that will illustrate the work and commitment of the students and faculty of these colleges. We ask this blessing that all good works begun in your Name may continue to flourish and serve You. In the Name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen."

Resources to prepare for General Convention

As General Convention approaches, there is a lot of preparation that the deputation must undertake. The Blue Book itself is 676 pages and includes reports from Committees, Executive Council, Commissions, and Task Forces. These reports contain some of the 217 resolutions that are currently submitted. 

As a rookie deputy, I have found it helpful to supplement this reading with commentary from around The Episcopal Church. The outside perspective has opened my eyes to varying viewpoints while still being able to maintain my own opinions. Here are some of those resources I have used:

The Episcopal Café
Acts 8 Moment
Tangled Up In Blue: a blog by Scott Gunn, Exec. Dir. of Forward Movement
Crusty Old Dean: a blog by Tom Ferguson, Dean of Bexley Seabury

Note: By listing a blog here, we are not endorsing the opinions of the writer(s) but offering up various viewpoints.

If you are interested in learning even more, there is a Google Hangout tomorrow, June 10 at 3 pm EST with Scott Gunn and Tom Ferguson that I will be joining and I hope you can too!

Some thoughts before General Convention

Province IV bishops met last week – Tuesday and Wednesday – and then the deputies joined us at Kanuga for our pre-General Convention Synod meeting, Wednesday through Friday. With all that time in chairs, and all the orientation about what is coming and all the predictions about what might happen, can General Convention itself be far behind? Indeed, the time is coming soon!

The deputation from The Episcopal Church in South Carolina is unusual in many ways. With only a couple of exceptions, this is a group of General Convention rookies. In itself, that is not at all typical among dioceses. But then, the folks going to Salt Lake City from South Carolina could not previously have gotten elected, for the most part. This group is eager, positive, and ready to go. And, all of us can be proud of the group attending General Convention from our diocese!

As I think about the experiences ahead, I anticipate quite a few varying reactions from the deputies, as well as from me. We will see and experience The Episcopal Church, with its diverse parts, in new and exciting ways. Cultures, countries, and contexts will join in Salt Lake City … and in that joining, there will be opportunities and challenges galore. The breadth and expanse of the Church of which we are a part will be on full display. And that fullness will be beautiful and challenging and unavoidable and wonderful, all at once.

Part of the reason for General Convention is to do the business of the organization known as The Episcopal Church, the General Church, or The Domestic and Foreign Missionary Society (our legal name). In attempting to do that necessary business, there will be occasions of frustration and of getting stuck. At Synod, in fact, we observed and experienced some of the molasses-slow movement of parliamentary process. At Convention, one challenge before the body will be to reform itself – and that’s always an effort fraught with emotion and misgiving, as well as excitement. Nevertheless, doing the business of the Church is a necessary and important part of the work of General Convention.

I want to make a request of our diocese, as this momentous time approaches. Pray for our church – The Episcopal Church – and pray, too, for our bishop and deputation to General Convention from The Episcopal Church in South Carolina. Prayers for the Church, beginning on page 816 of the Book of Common Prayer, are appropriate. I especially commend the one on page 818, “For a Church Convention or Meeting”, to your personal and corporate prayer, making a few modifications appropriate to this particular Convention:

Almighty and everliving God, source of all wisdom and understanding,
be present with those who take counsel at General Convention for the
renewal and mission of your Church. In all things, teach bishops and deputies
to seek first your honor and glory. Guide them to perceive what is right, and
grant them both the courage to pursue it and the grace to accomplish it;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Reflections from Synod: Andrea McKellar

I am sitting in the Kanuga Inn lobby soaking up the last moments of peacefulness and wi-fi before heading to a weekend with my family. 

The view from the back porch of the Kanuga Inn

Today, we got a taste of what the legislative sessions will be like at General Convention.  We had three resolutions that were put before us:

1. A Resolution endorsing "A Memorial to the Church".  I recommend you read the Memorial if you have not already.  I won't vote for all of the resolutions but I applaud the efforts of the group that put this together to take the vision of TREC and keep the work going.  I think that we will be discussing these things for many years, possibly decades, and I am glad to be part of a church that isn't afraid to try new things.

This Resolution was approved, without debate, on a divided voice-vote. 

2. An Amendment to Canon I.9 (full text on page 44 here if you are feeling curious) to add a purpose for Provinces of The Episcopal Church.  A little clarification was necessary because it wasn't clear if we were adding a section or replacing a section.  Once we were all on the same page, it was approved with some minor changes.  Purposes are good and I was glad that they suggested this.  There are other similar resolutions already before General Convention so I hope the committee will make these cohesive before they come to the floor. 

Province IV has been exceedingly supportive of our diocese and I personally have benefitted from their help in my work for our diocese and my church.  I hope provinces will stay or at least a "Convocation of Southeastern Dioceses"(my term) or similar group so we can keep the networking and friendships that benefit us all.

3.  A Resolution to condemn persecution of Christians and call for a Church-Wide Day of Prayer in remembrance of martyrs. This is where things got interesting, or really, really boring, depending on what you like to do for fun.  There were much discussion, multiple amendments, which a number were approved but many weren't, and a lot of parliamentary procedure, which I am not as familiar with as I should be. 

Do I want to condemn persecution of Christians? Yes! Do I think we should pray for those who are persecuted? Yes! Do I think we need to take up General Conventions time with lots of feel good resolutions that probably won't change the daily life of those in our pews? No!  This is the part of General Convention that is frustrating to me and we aren't even there yet.  It was a good introduction to our deputation about what issues will come up in Salt Lake City and the minutiae that will make us want to beat our heads against a wall.  The resolution was passed after some good modifications and I learned a lot from the experience.

Now we are all headed home, or to visit friends and family.  The next time we will all see each other is in Salt Lake City.  18 days until I get on the airplane!  I have a lot more reading to do and would be interested in hearing from parishioners and clergy in The Episcopal Church in South Carolina if you have strong feelings about these or any other issues before General Convention.  Feel free to leave comments below or contact any of our deputies directly using the links on the right of this page.

Reflections on Province IV Synod day 2: Rev. Wil Keith

Alright, so I know that I’ve made a big deal about it.  I’ve talked about the need for a monumental change to a unicameral system of governing in our Church.  I’ve defended it in conversation.  I’ve suggested that it might be what all the cool people are doing.  I’ve even said that it might bring a new generation to the church—all of which aren’t  necessarily true.

In truth, I don’t actually support this particular and peculiar change.

So why talk about it?  Because it causes discomfort among my fellow deputies and gets us talking about things like government and structure in ways that we have not talked about them in a long, long time.  For so long, “the way we do things,” hasn’t been up for discussion and the old joke about Episcopalians complaining “but, we’ve never done it that way before!” remains perennially funny because it’s becoming perennially true.

Here at Kanuga, at this Province IV Synod gathering, I was taken aback at the level of discomfort merely suggesting a change of this magnitude.  But, here’s the thing—I believe in the work of the Task Force for Reimagining the Episcopal Church.  I believe they have diligently and prayerfully offered us many new ways of approaching the way we do “church.”  However, I find the value of their work not necessarily in the resolutions they propose, but in the discussion that these proposals have engendered.  These discussions are indeed uncomfortable and to question long standing (read 50-60 years) ways of governance can and will lead us to an “in-between-time,” or “wilderness experience,” or whatever catchy phrase we want to apply.

This transition time is good for our Church, even if it disturbs our comfort.  Actually, it is good because it disturbs our comfort lest we forget how important this time is to our faith.  During these times of searching, longing, and movement, we learn to rely on someone other than ourselves and rest not in our utter changelessness, but in God’s.  We know this in our beloved diocese for we have lived and lived into our current time of transition.

And yet, we know of its fleetingness.  Even now as mission churches in our diocese gain sustainability with the calling of clergy and the gathering of resources for regular worship, they look beyond sustainability in the wilderness to stability in structure, often moving quickly to building plans.  Now, I know I haven’t been here all that long and in may ways cannot begin to understand the comfort and even healing a new building offers many of my fellow Lowcountry women and men, but the move out of the wilderness remains bittersweet.

So, I’ll keep expounding the potential merits of a unicameral governing body, if only just to seek out the merits of the holy discomfort of honest discernment.  Because, in this courage we truly have something to offer The Episcopal Church and share with all whom God puts before us on this path: the faith and trust that we are called to place in our Lord.

Reflections from Synod Day 2: Andrea McKellar

As many of you know, Kanuga is a special place. It is away from the hustle and bustle of my daily life with two young children. It is away from cell phone rings (because service is not great here). It is a place to feel closer to God.


Andrea, Holly, and Amanda at the top of Eagle Rock!

Holly Behre, Amanda Keith, and I chose to wake up early and take a “moderate” hike to Eagle Rock. It is 3 miles round trip. There were times that my Lowcountry legs, used to flat terrain, did not feel so “moderate”. After trekking through beautiful forest, we made it to the top in 30 minutes to a beautiful vista covered in morning fog that made it feel like we had reached the end of the earth. It was awe-inspiring and spiritual and the perfect way to put us in the right state of mind for a day of meetings on governance and structure.

Today we were given introductions to General Convention by the Presiding Bishop, President of the House of Deputies and the Executive Officer of General Convention. We learned about the virtual binder that the Blue Book will be on for the first time. I am comfortable with technology so I am not concerned with learning how to use it, but I am concerned about our access to wi-fi during and after the sessions. They assured us that they are working on these issues and I am anxious to get to Salt Lake City and see how it will all work. After lunch, we heard from a number of committees with reports on budget, marriage and reimagining the church.

The most interesting part for me was a presentation by Jake Dell, Digital Marketing Manager for The Episcopal Church. Jake talked about how he is using Google to help people that are searching for answers to find The Episcopal Church. I was thrilled because he tied in social media marketing with Christian Formation. I am hoping that we may be able to work with him to do some of this work in our diocese.

Tonight we have discussion groups to talk more in-depth on some of the major issues that will face us at General Convention – marriage, TREC, and budget. I look forward to healthy, respectful conversations as we envision how we can move our churches forward in mission by the work we do in Salt Lake City.

Report from Province IV Synod

Province IV Synod is under way at Kanuga near Hendersonville NC, and the South Carolina deputation is in the morning Plenary Session right now. Today began with a roll call of the 20 dioceses in the province, with each deputation giving a shout or song to represent themselves. “The Episcopal Church in South Carolina” was called in order and shouted “Shrimp and grits!” to indicate its presence, and got a big round of applause in welcome.

On the morning agenda are presentations by Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori; the Rt. Rev. Stacy Sauls, Chief Executive Officer of The Episcopal Church; the Rev. Gay Clark Jennings, President of the House of Deputies; and the Rev. Michael Barlowe, Executive Secretary of General Convention.

Synod began Wednesday evening with a welcoming reception for the Presiding Bishop at the Lakeside Pavilion. Deputies had time to visit and reconnect with others from all around Province IV. After dinner, more than 200 people gathered in the Chapel of the Transfiguration for the Provincial Eucharist, with the Rt. Rev. Dabney Smith, Bishop of Southwest Florida, as celebrant, and the Presiding Bishop as preacher. An offering was received for Episcopal Relief and Development.

Bishop Guerry

Marking the Feast of the Martyrs of Uganda, the Presiding Bishop opened her sermon by naming martyrs and witnesses to the faith from Province IV, beginning with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

One name she mentioned was William Alexander Guerry, the 8^th Bishop of South Carolina, who was shot to death in 1928 by a priest who disagreed with his efforts to advance racial equality. Many people in our diocese have been working to share Bishop Guerry’s story with the wider church, so our deputies were thrilled to hear him named in the sermon. (The Presiding Bishop also mentioned William Porcher DuBose, Voorhees College founder Elizabeth Evelyn Wright, and South Carolina native Samuel David Ferguson, who founded Cuttington College in Liberia.)

A “surprise” was listed on the agenda after Eucharist, which involved a member of our diocese: Barbara Mann was honored with a surprise cake-and-ice-cream reception, thanking her for 21 years as Treasurer of Province IV.

Nominated from our diocese

Melinda A. Lucka is among those nominated for an elected office at General Convention in the Report of the Joint Standing Committee on Nominations.

Melinda, an attorney and a member of Grace Church, Charleston, is one of four lay nominees for six-year terms on the Disciplinary Board for Bishops of The Episcopal Church. This board consists of 10 bishops elected by the House of Bishops, and four clergy and four lay members who are elected by the House of Deputies. Two seats in each order will be filled at this General Convention.