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!
Mary Ann,
ReplyDeleteThank you for being one of our deputies and for doing a great job. Thanks, too, for this report. It is moving and humbling to learn that the Emanuel tragedy and marriage equality are on all of your minds in Salt Lake.
Regarding the same-sex marriage ruling by SCOTUS: Yesterday was an incredible day, and we are grateful to God for this blessing. And I am grateful for The Episcopal Church for their support. But there is much work left to do, and it’s a little hard to be too elated given what we’ve been through in the last week-and-half in Charleston. Still, in this instance, love won. Bishop Gene Robinson wrote a book entitled, “God Believes in Love,” and yesterday affirms that for me. Moreover, as The Rev. Susan Russell has said, I have to believe that love demonstrated in one seemingly impossible intractable area of prejudice such as same-sex marriage means that love can prevail in other areas. I have to believe that people of faith can listen intently, learn and digest deeply, and make a difference in this world still riddled with white privilege, heterosexism, and bigotry. I pray that all of us in the LGBT community that aspire to follow Christ will be inspired to work towards justice for ALL. May we use our collective experience for the “greater good.”
As you know, General Convention is considering legislation that would eliminate barriers for same-sex couples seeking the sacrament of marriage in our Church. I pray for justice to roll down like waters in Salt Lake City for the Episcopal Church just as justice prevailed yesterday in our Supreme Court. It is time. This doesn’t detract from my grief or concern over my brothers and sisters of color. Dr. King said, "Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” I pray that correction of this one injustice has a ripple effect on all the injustices in our world.