A Message from the Bishop

Dear Friends,

Some time now has passed since General Convention, and perhaps some further reflection on that event will be helpful now. I am so very grateful to the deputies from our diocese and to Holly Behre for the helpful ways that information from Salt Lake City was shared “back home.” In fact, if you took advantage of such resources, you were kept quite up-to-date about news from the General Convention of The Episcopal Church. Nevertheless, I do want to add a few current words and reflections about subjects that have been raised since Convention’s adjournment.
 
Of course, the marriage canon and liturgies received a good deal of attention, and they will continue to do so. I call your attention to what I wrote soon after the Convention took action. (The Bishop's Message of July 2 can be found here.)  I will ask the diocesan Liturgical Commission to spend some time and energy in studying the rites and in helping me formulate policies for our diocese, in response to Convention action. Corresponding to understandings from Convention, our current policy involving “blessings” remains in place until Advent I (November 29, 2015). At that point, the liturgies for marriage will be appropriate to use, as authorized rites of the Church.
 
Discussion about formulating a policy on alcohol use in churches has been ongoing in Diocesan Council meetings for several months. There was a resolution passed on such policies at General Convention. Therefore, that resolution will become part of the considerations at our next Council meeting, in September. I imagine that we will be prepared to publish and publicize a diocesan policy soon after that time.
 
Anti-racism training for clergy has been mandated by General Church canons for a number of years, and such training also has been directed for those laity in positions of church leadership as well. Once again, training in anti-racism was a matter of discussion and support at this General Convention. This is a timely topic for us in South Carolina for many reasons, and it represents an appropriate subject for special training. Prior to General Convention, we had arranged for Dain and Constance Perry to offer initial training here, in September. Information about those opportunities is available on our website, and I encourage your attention to this matter. In this regard, though, we all need to be aware that such training will not complete our responsibility to deal with personal and systemic racism in our world. Indeed, this is a life-long journey.
 
Finally, a matter of local interest involves a new canon dealing with a process of reinstating clergy who previously had left The Episcopal Church. We had a particular interest in this matter, because of our experiences in this regard while there was no canon yet in existence. The canon that finally came out of committee for consideration was greatly influenced by experiences in South Carolina. Indeed, the process which we formulated and put into practice here is now followed pretty closely in the canons for the whole Church.
 
Much of the work of General Convention – requiring a great deal of the time of many people – may seem remote and somehow removed from the experiences of the local church. Indeed, a concern I always have at General Convention is the need for links and connections between the work done in such a large setting and the people in the pews on Sunday mornings. General Convention, at its best, meets, prays, deliberates, and makes decisions on the part of the whole Church … and in service to the Church.
 
As I look over the topics I have mentioned in this communication, I certainly am aware that each one of them has particular, local interest and application – not just the final one listed. The General Convention has the responsibility to consider matters of local interest and concern and to formulate policy – or decide not to formulate policy – that makes sense for the Church at large. This particular Convention, perhaps more than any other I have attended, did an excellent job in valuing the local experience, while also appreciating the distinctions among us. For this reason and for many others, it was an honor to attend the Convention, representing Episcopalians from South Carolina!
 
Faithfully,
The Right Reverend Charles G. vonRosenberg

Following up on GC78

The convention is over, but the blog continues

Thanks to all who have followed this weblog through General Convention. We'll be continuing to post here periodically with reflections and information.

Want an overview?

Follow this link for an Episcopal News Service article that provides an excellent overview of the major business that was completed at General Convention. Within each section is a link you can follow for more details.

Post-General Convention deanery meetings

Each deanery in the diocese is organizing a get-together with deputies to offer information and answer questions about General Convention. Here are the ones that have been set up so far; a date for the Peninsular Charleston deanery will be announced later.

July 23, 1:00 pm
Pee Dee/Waccamaw Deanery (location TBD)
July 26, 2:00 pm
West Charleston Deanery, at St. Thomas, North Charleston
August 19, 10:30 am
Southern Deanery, at the Episcopal Church in Okatie on Highway 170, with Deputies Rick Lindsey and Mary Ann Foy. A barbecue lunch is being served afterward, so participants are asked to RSVP by August 12: stmarksc@gmail.com or (843) 379-1020.

On the op-ed page

The election of our first African American Presiding Bishop is evidence of a revival in The Episcopal Church, according to this article by the Rev. Donald Fishburne

Deputy Diary: Our next Presiding Bishop

Lonnie Hamilton:

In February 2014, Bishop Michael Curry came to preach at the Diocesan Convention of The Episcopal Church in South Carolina at All Saints', Hilton Head Island. I remember shaking Bishop Curry's hand and saying to him, "Bishop, if the opportunity should present itself, I hope you would consider running as a candidate for Presiding Bishop." 

Bishop Curry said, "I will pray on that."

On June 27, 2015, I received a powerful lesson on the power of prayer when Bishop Curry was elected as the first African American Presiding Bishop of The Episcopal Church.

The margin of the votes he received was an indication of what a superior candidate he was for the office.

All of us should put on our Jesus garments and get ready for an exciting new religious journey.

- Lonnie Hamilton

Presiding Bishop-Elect Michael Curry preaching at the final Eucharist
of General Convention on July 3, 2015

Deputy Diary: Daily Eucharists

From Charles Geer:

As an Episcopalian in the Anglocatholic tradition I am naturally drawn to the daily Eucharists. It has been invigorating to go to mass daily and see and hear the different presentations. Psalmody in its various chants, hymns of praise (many old favorites) for the Gloria, multiple settings for the Sanctus, and the different Eucharistic prayers which are robust in meaning and wording.

It was particularly thrilling to go the service on Thursday morning where the Bishop of the Dominican Republic presided and the music of the DR accompanied. I can't imagine what today's service will bring!

All of this in the setting of traditional ceremonial and vestments (including mitres). I missed the bells and incense, but that is acceptable for a daily mass given the excitement of the variety.

Sermons were centered in one way or another on the Five Marks of Mission in the Episcopal/Anglican tradition. If you don't know the Five Marks of Mission, look them up.

Preludes, communion music, and postludes included: gospel music by the Voorhees and St. Augustine college choirs, the Kenshin Taiko Drummers, Lux Singers singing a capella, native American drumming and flute, and a jazz ensemble which, with organ, presented and unforgetable Widor postlude following a jazz mass.

All of this, and communion served to over a thousand in less than an hour.

Thanks be to God,

Charles

Charles Geer at the June 26 daily Eucharist at General Convention.

A Tale of Two Perspectives - The Rev. Dr. Jim Taylor

For the past twelve years, specifically since coming to South Carolina, I have heard how awful General Convention was to attend. As I get ready to depart the 78^th General Convention, I want to say this has NOT been my experience.  Attendees from other dioceses have been courteous, encouraging and welcoming to our deputation.  They have wanted to hear our stories, and learn about the ministries we are performing in the diocese. The one comment, I have heard from other deputies the most, “We in the Church have much to learn from South Carolina.” When individuals have made this statement, I believe they are genuine, and are ready to stand in unity and partnership with us.  For me, it has been good to see the larger Church at work.  Certainly not everyone agreed on all resolutions that were proposed but the House of Deputies discussed these resolutions with respect and Godly graciousness, so the work of the House could be performed. For this experience in Salt Lake City, I am grateful, blessed and renewed. 

The Legislative Committee that I served on was Stewardship and Development.  The Chairs of the Committee were the Rev. Andrew Green, Palm Springs, CA and the Rt. Rev. Gary Lillibridge, West Texas.  I served as Vice-Chair.  We had numerous resolutions before our committee. Specifically, we discussed Donors Bill of Rights, Rates for Diocesan Apportionment Asking, Encourage the Ministry of the Development Office in the Episcopal Church, Worship Offering at General Convention and Non-Participation Pertaining to Stock Purchase of For-Profit Prisons. Once again, Committee members respected differing opinions, and edited resolutions that we believed would be good for the House of Deputies. Not all of the resolutions passed once presented, which was fine, but the work of the Committee was faithful and dutiful. 

"We are not leaving!"

The House of Deputies rises to applaud for the South Carolina deputation.

(Watch this on streaming video here... the presentation starts at about 24:00 minutes in the video titled "HOD 07-02-15 Morning")

South Carolina experienced a wonderful moment in the House of Deputies during this morning's legislative session after Deputy Wilmot Merchant, who is president of our Standing Committee, rose for a point of personal privilege.

"Please allow me to invite the Deputation of South Carolina to please stand," he said... and then added quickly: "We are not leaving!" That drew some laughter, as well as applause that became a standing ovation for our deputies. Fr. Merchant went on to explain that in 2012, nearly all of the South Carolina deputation left General Convention.

He then thanked The Episcopal Church, the Presiding Bishop and the President of the House of Deputies for their continuing support of our diocese in its reorganization. "We appreciate your support and prayers as we continue our journey," Fr. Merchant said. "We know that the road is long ahead, but with God's help, we will continue to be present" at General Conventions.

The Rev. Gay Clark Jennings, President of the House of Deputies, recognized both Lonnie Hamilton (our one South Carolina deputy who stayed at GC in 2012) and Tom Tisdale, who is here this year after a hiatus for his fifth General Convention.

"We commend you for your courage, your perseverance, your faithfulness and your love for The Episcopal Church and the prayers of this House are with you every day," she said.

Fr. Merchant holds up a TECSC tote bag and pins as a thank-you gift
for the President of the House of Deputies and the Presiding Bishop.

Lift ev'ry voice

Voorhees and St. Augustine's singers

Each of the daily Eucharists at General Convention has been a high point in its own way, but Tuesday's had a special South Carolina connection as we gathered near the piano and choir area to hear musicians from Voorhees College combine with those from St. Augustine's in Raleigh, NC to sing for the service. 

An estimated 2,000 people were there to hear their beautiful singing, and to hear the sermon by the Reverend Kimberly Jackson of Atlanta. We were celebrating the feast day of James Weldon Johnson, who wrote the text of “Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing" – and that was our opening hymn on Tuesday.

Voorhees choir director Rosemary Griffin, right, sings arm in arm
with singers from Voorhees and St. Augustine's at the conclusion
of their postlude on Tuesday.

From the moment the choirs began to sing, hands were clapping or raised in the air as their beautiful and powerful voices rang out in the giant worship hall. But for many of us from South Carolina, the most moving moment came at the end, when the choirs and the crowd that remained to hear them all linked arms and sang "Amazing Grace" together. 

See a photo album from the service here.

A Message from the Bishop

Note: The House of Deputies on Wednesday concurred with the House of Bishops on two resolutions that provide two new marriage liturgies for trial use, and change the canon regarding marriage. An Episcopal News Service article on these changes can be found here. Bishop vonRosenberg voted in favor of these resolutions, A054 and A036, and the South Carolina deputation was unanimous in voting for them.

From Bishop vonRosenberg:

One of the actions of General Convention, meeting in Salt Lake City, includes changes made to our church canon on marriage. In terms of timing, this change will take effect on Advent I (November 29, 2015). Therefore, we have some time to prepare for this change and to anticipate its effects. This, then, is my initial communication to our diocese about the matter, but as we continue to pray, confer, and plan, it surely will not be the last one.

At the outset, we clearly affirm the presence and participation of faithful gay and lesbian Episcopalians who have been important participants in the mission and ministry of our church through the years. Of course, that affirmation has not always been the case. By this action at General Convention, we repent of previous exclusion, and we indicate our intention to practice full inclusion in the future.

In addition, this canonical change renews our commitment to continue to engage the society into which God has called us. The Episcopal/Anglican tradition calls us into such dialogue with our world and with the particular context in which we are blessed to live. As we know, the law of the land has changed in terms of marriage. This canonical modification keeps The Episcopal Church in the conversation about marriage in our society, and it indicates our intention to position ourselves within the flow of history on this matter.

As has always been the case, a clergy person may choose to decline to officiate at any marriage. Thus, it is important to understand that this canonical change gives permission to officiate at same-sex marriages, but it does not indicate that clergy must do so. In other words, the change in canons is permissive but not directive in nature.

Another aspect of this canonical change – one that is frankly unpredictable – involves the effect it may have on our church's relationship with other bodies. As we know, The Episcopal Church itself includes dioceses outside this country, and in some of those places, same-sex marriage is not the law of the land. In those cases, the liturgy for blessings will continue to be available, but the liturgies for same-sex marriage will not be applicable.

Further challenges will emerge in our ecumenical relationships, and in those within the Anglican Communion. Once again in the United States – our context in the Christian journey – we find ourselves in the forefront of social change. This position can be exciting, or it can be lonely and uncomfortable. Sometimes it is all of those things. Our call as The Episcopal Church is to be faithful – faithful, first of all, to God as revealed in Christ and as known through the Holy Spirit; faithful to the Spirit’s movement in our particular time and place; and faithful to the commandment of our Lord to love God, neighbor and self, with the open heart of Jesus himself.

- The Right Reverend Charles G. vonRosenberg

Trellis and Vine

They told me that it would be about day 7 that I would be ready to come home.  I do miss home, we all do.  We miss that wonderful corner of the Kingdom of God that we call the Lowcountry.  We miss our families, our parishes, our beds and some of us miss our cars with all of the walking we have done this past week and a half!

General Convention is hard work.  Not the kind that builds muscle or increases our fitness, although we do have sore muscles—at least ones we have sat on so often.  How shall we describe the General Convention, or with what parable shall we use to speak of it?  The best metaphor I have heard so far is this:  “General Convention builds the trellis of structure on which the vine of mission grows.”  However, do not think the “trellis” mentioned is not the kind found in the Do It Yourself magazines advertised as something a beginner can build over the course of a weekend.  Think more along the lines of the Eiffel Tower.

This may seem unnecessarily complex and unapproachable by uninitiated. However, something my childhood rector used to say keeps me coming back for more.  “God reveals himself to man as man is able to understand Him.”  (Now, to be clear, inclusive language was neither as accepted back then, nor was he inclined to use it.)  Whether or not God has revealed God’s Church to Episcopalians in this way, looking around on the floor of the House of Deputies it seems that this is at least how we have been  able to understand it.

But that may be changing.  The Taskforce for Reimagining the Episcopal Church (TREC) was called together by the General Convention of 2012 to look closely at our “trellis” and discern new ways of understanding our governance, structure and polity.  As I write this, the House of Deputies is debating resolutions that focus on these changes.  Another metaphor is to think of the church as an oceanliner undergoing refit and we must discern what about our church is barnacle to be removed and rivet to be replaced. I must admit, I would prefer to write this post before and during the debate and not try to explain the potential changes that might be made.

It must be remembered throughout all of this that it is not God who evolves and changes, but our understanding of God that changes—it grows as we grow closer to one another and deeper in the knowledge and love of God and it probably shrinks as we build tombs around our hearts and demand proof and certainty instead of relying on the faith that God gives to us.

May we seek to be open to the Spirit as we continue to seek after a better understanding of God and all that God has given us, building our trellis of structure as best we can, all the while giving thanks for the most precious gift of all, the vine of God's mission in the world and our invitation to take our part in it.

Deputy Diary: Budget Matters

The budget came out late yesterday from Program Budget & Finance (known as PB&F) and we will discuss it at the beginning of the afternoon session today.

The budget is remarkably large, over $27 million, and is split up among the five Marks of Mission. Being a formation person, Mark 2, to teach, baptize, and nurture new believers, is the one that I have been following the most closely. It is the only Mark that was cut this triennium and I spoke to the Deputy News with some others about it yesterday. You can hear the whole podcast here. But the article in the Deputy News, says it much more clearly than I ever could:

"The budget uses the Anglican Communion’s five Marks of Mission as its organizing principle, and raises funding in four of the five areas, while cutting some $200,000 from the section devoted primarily Christian formation. Christian formation professionals say that the significant increases proposed for church planting and evangelism will be ineffective if the church does not invest in education and formation." Read more here.

The big take-away for me, though, is that we have been passing some incredible legislation with rather large price tags. It feels so good to say "Yes, I want to allocate $5 million dollars to build new churches!" but unless it makes it into the budget, it won't come true. I am very happy to see there is $2 million in the budget for Racial Justice and Reconciliation, $100,000 for Forma which is a group of which I am a member and whole-heartedly support, $3 million for starting new congregations, $1.2 million less for legal expenses than last triennium, and approximately $800,000 (depends on some grants) for Voorhees. So we are definitely doing some good work for the kingdom.

Off to a big day to discuss structure, budget, and marriage! Hope we will have some exciting updates this evening.

Andrea (right) gets ready to record a podcast hosted by the Rev. Emily Mellott about the structure debates taking place during General Convention. With them are Randall Curtis, president of Forma (left) and Lisa Kimball, Professor of Christian Formation and Congregational Leadership and Director of the Center for the Ministry of Teaching at Virginia Theological Seminary.