On Tuesday evening, I joined Disney hotel workers, their families, other members of the Episcopal Church and labor rights activists in a march from near the Hilton to the gates of Disneyland to demand justice for hotel workers who are about to have their health care costs hiked.
I met several children of hotel workers dismayed when they saw people driving by giving them a “thumbs down” sign out their car window. They asked why people would be against justice – they “understand why would just drive by but why would they say no? They stink!”
I also met a young woman originally from Texas but now living in California and working for worker’s rights through the National Farm Worker’s Council. She was very excited to meet someone from Convention that came to support them, and thanked me. She also asked a lot of questions about our Church and what we have been doing this week. My story-telling skills from Public Narrative came in handy! The fact that she wanted to listen to my story in addition to telling me hers was a wonderful gift, and I hope I returned it to her.
Back at Convention session today, we were asked to pass legislation that would provide lay workers who work 20+ hours per week a pension plan and to support a new denominational health care plan that will be enforced completely in 2012. Both passed the HD, and reinforced that we must back up our words with actions – that we can’t march with hotel worker’s one day and then ignore the lowest paid workers in our own congregations and dioceses. While this may be hard for some parishes to swing, it really is fundamentally about justice, not about dollars and cents. Allowing parishes to “make ends meet” by not offering quality health care and benefits to some of their workers while providing them to those at “the top” is unjust and will soon be unacceptable.
As the Disney worker’s chanted: “Si se pueda!” – Yes we can! And we now we actually are. Amen!
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Catching up - Sunday through Tuesday - Days 5-7
The highlights of the past couple of days were many:
• The House of Deputies passed legislation to commit 1% (not just to recommit 0.7%) of our annual budget to further the work of the Millennium Development Goals. The money will be allocated to Nets for Life, a ministry of Episcopal Relief and Development to get mosquito nets to help stop the spread of malaria particularly in areas that are “off the beaten track” and get overlooked. This shows tremendous leadership in the oft-mentioned “tough economic times” – go us!
• Both houses have approved a Strategic Vision for Reaching Latinos/Hispanics, including a $3.5 million commitment to minister to and evangelize Hispanics and the creation of 46 new congregations in the next three years. The vision also calls for marketing tools and leadership training for growth in this area. The big question now before the houses is budget – whether or not this initiative will be funded at all, or to the extent asked for. Most people are doubtful that this will be the case.
• The House of Bishops confirmed with minor amendment the new “buzz-number” – D025 –that reaffirms our commitment to the Anglican communion, acknowledges that same-sex couples can be in committed and loving relationships, and that people in these relationships can and will continue to serve and may be ordained in any position in our Church. The HD confirmed the amendments, so it has now been adopted by both houses. Some people are concerned about what this means for our relationship with other churches in the Communion.
• A recommended restriction of the use of bottled water at Convention and church activities because of the impact of the bottles as well as the impact of taking water from an area and shipping it away so that it will not be returned to the water cycle.
• A Jewish cantor, an Episcopal priest and an Muslim mu’athin came to the house of deputies to sing an “Abrahamic blessing” to us – it was one of the most beautiful pieces of convention so far. The resonance of the three voices both separately and then together was amazingly powerful.
• The midnight screening of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince was attended by Lynch, Deputy of Western Massachusetts, and was enjoyed immensely by her.
• The House of Deputies passed legislation to commit 1% (not just to recommit 0.7%) of our annual budget to further the work of the Millennium Development Goals. The money will be allocated to Nets for Life, a ministry of Episcopal Relief and Development to get mosquito nets to help stop the spread of malaria particularly in areas that are “off the beaten track” and get overlooked. This shows tremendous leadership in the oft-mentioned “tough economic times” – go us!
• Both houses have approved a Strategic Vision for Reaching Latinos/Hispanics, including a $3.5 million commitment to minister to and evangelize Hispanics and the creation of 46 new congregations in the next three years. The vision also calls for marketing tools and leadership training for growth in this area. The big question now before the houses is budget – whether or not this initiative will be funded at all, or to the extent asked for. Most people are doubtful that this will be the case.
• The House of Bishops confirmed with minor amendment the new “buzz-number” – D025 –that reaffirms our commitment to the Anglican communion, acknowledges that same-sex couples can be in committed and loving relationships, and that people in these relationships can and will continue to serve and may be ordained in any position in our Church. The HD confirmed the amendments, so it has now been adopted by both houses. Some people are concerned about what this means for our relationship with other churches in the Communion.
• A recommended restriction of the use of bottled water at Convention and church activities because of the impact of the bottles as well as the impact of taking water from an area and shipping it away so that it will not be returned to the water cycle.
• A Jewish cantor, an Episcopal priest and an Muslim mu’athin came to the house of deputies to sing an “Abrahamic blessing” to us – it was one of the most beautiful pieces of convention so far. The resonance of the three voices both separately and then together was amazingly powerful.
• The midnight screening of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince was attended by Lynch, Deputy of Western Massachusetts, and was enjoyed immensely by her.
Saturday on Wednesday
Thought I would re-post this piece that I wrote for the Western Mass deputation blog. Please check out what the other deputies are seeing, hearing and doing!
Saturday, July 11th. Day 4. We are just about at the halfway point at our time here in Anaheim, and I think I have finally been here long enough not to feel totally lost as a first time deputy. As Archdeacon Coyne remarked last night, no amount of orientation or advice will prepare you for General Convention – you just have to jump in and experience it in order to really “get it.” Amen!
Although I am not assigned to a committee, I have been following the National and International Concerns committee by attending hearings and deliberation sessions (which are all open to the public) and it has given me a much better handle on what is going on. In fact, the first significant resolutions from that committee came forward today, and since I have witnessed their evolution from hearings, to subcommittee, to committee, to the House, I feel like a couple of my children have finally “made it” – and this is without having any role whatsoever in their development other than as a silent witness!
Anyway, I want to commend one of them to anyone back at home as something to watch – it is a resolution on health care (C071 for those who like the code names). This is a resolution that was submitted by the diocese of East Tennessee and came out of a resolution passed at their Diocesan Convention. It urges members of the Church to be equipped for a grassroots lobbying movement for health care reform that will allow access for all, but the best part is that the diocese is actually developing an online curriculum that will be available by the end of the month (they hope) to all dioceses and congregations.
This was an efficient and exciting resolution that I think shows the power of our Church system at work – and I think could be a model for our diocese. I don’t think that we tend to think about passing resolutions at our convention with the idea that they will travel on to affect the life of congregations all of the nation and the world. And East Tennesee found a way to act in a timely manner so that they can use GC as a platform to affect an issue that will be acted on by our local and national legislators in the next several months. Not an easy feat! The resolution was adopted by the House of Deputies (HD) and moves on to the House of Bishops, but I think either way, the curriculum is being produced, and I urge people to watch out for this material.
Other notable legislation today:
A resolution to ensure the full disclosure of members of all committees or other appointed groups so that the Church is a model for transparency in governance (this caused some debate on the floor, but was adopted by the HD in the end)
A resolution to formulate strategy for lifelong Christian formation (to further act on the Charter for Lifelong Christian Formation that was passed yesterday), which was adopted by the HD with slight amendment
We also had a great visit from some international guests today, including (and especially) Jenny Te Paa from College of St. John the Evangelist in Auckland, New Zealand. I will not try to summarize her remarks here, but I encourage you to read this article on their comments (http://www.episcopalchurch.org/79901_112399_ENG_HTM.htm) and to watch out for other references to their visit. It was enlightening and reaffirming to hear what Jenny and others had to say to the House of Deputies.
There was plenty more that happened today, but I will stop here so I can get to sleep. The big Eucharist and UTO Ingathering is tomorrow – should be a great time! Then it is back to the grind – legislative sessions will only get longer and more intense from here on out, so I am planning on enjoying some Sabbath time tomorrow.
Monday, July 13, 2009
Watch Barbara Harris's sermon
http://gchub.episcopalchurch.org/
In the search box, just type "Harris" - you should get an option for the Integrity Eucharist video on demand. Highly recommended!
In the search box, just type "Harris" - you should get an option for the Integrity Eucharist video on demand. Highly recommended!
Worshipping with Integrity
Friday night seems like a long time ago now, but I wanted to write an entry on my experience at the Integrity Eucharist. The Integrity slogan is "all the sacraments for all the baptized" and works for rights for GLBT people, particularly Episcopalians. Gene Robinson was the celebrant and Barbara Harris (the first woman bishop in the Episcopal Church) was the preacher. The music was beautiful and the service was extremely moving.
At the beginning of the Eucharistic prayers, different groups of people were called to the altar, particularly people who have been marginalized and not invited to the altar - like families including families with gay or lesbian parents, people who have worked for gay rights or have preached messages of inclusion to the gay community, etc. After all of the groups were called up, they laid hands on each other and prayed.
The real highlight of the night, though, was Barbara Harris's sermon. She had the room rocking and laughing, and was blunt in her assertions. One of the best quotes in my mind was the following:
"If you don't want GLBT folks as bishops, don't ordain them as deacons. Better yet, be honest and say, 'We don't want you, you don't belong here.' and don't bestow on them the sacrement of baptism to begin with. How can you initiate someone and treat them like they are half-assed baptized?"
Obviously, not everyone would agree with that statement, but to me it was a blunt, succinct way of explaining exactly how I feel about inclusion in the church. That there should not be anyone who by their very nature should be excluded, and certainly if they can be included in certain parts of church life, they should be included in all parts.
The shocking thing was that I heard from the senior deputy in our group that Bishop Harris herself was spit on and bit when she would give people communion because they hated the idea of her being a bishop. The fact that she could live through that and still be a faithful member of the church was amazing to me, and it is no wonder that she is speaking out for this decade's marginalized group.
Bishop Barbara Harris preaching at the Integrity Eucharist on July 10.
At the beginning of the Eucharistic prayers, different groups of people were called to the altar, particularly people who have been marginalized and not invited to the altar - like families including families with gay or lesbian parents, people who have worked for gay rights or have preached messages of inclusion to the gay community, etc. After all of the groups were called up, they laid hands on each other and prayed.
The real highlight of the night, though, was Barbara Harris's sermon. She had the room rocking and laughing, and was blunt in her assertions. One of the best quotes in my mind was the following:
"If you don't want GLBT folks as bishops, don't ordain them as deacons. Better yet, be honest and say, 'We don't want you, you don't belong here.' and don't bestow on them the sacrement of baptism to begin with. How can you initiate someone and treat them like they are half-assed baptized?"
Obviously, not everyone would agree with that statement, but to me it was a blunt, succinct way of explaining exactly how I feel about inclusion in the church. That there should not be anyone who by their very nature should be excluded, and certainly if they can be included in certain parts of church life, they should be included in all parts.
The shocking thing was that I heard from the senior deputy in our group that Bishop Harris herself was spit on and bit when she would give people communion because they hated the idea of her being a bishop. The fact that she could live through that and still be a faithful member of the church was amazing to me, and it is no wonder that she is speaking out for this decade's marginalized group.
Bishop Barbara Harris preaching at the Integrity Eucharist on July 10.Sunday, July 12, 2009
GC 2009 in pictures
Here are some pics that I was just able to download thanks to Bill!
The Western Mass deputation asserts its identity on the floor.
The next bishop of Long Island!
Bishop Provenzano is welcomed with hugs...
...and shirts.
The GC Ubuntu choir
Archbishop of Cantebury preaches
Some artwork from the "Visual Prelude" by the Diocese of Los Angeles
The Western Mass deputation asserts its identity on the floor.
The next bishop of Long Island!
Bishop Provenzano is welcomed with hugs...
...and shirts.
The GC Ubuntu choir
Archbishop of Cantebury preaches
Some artwork from the "Visual Prelude" by the Diocese of Los Angeles
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Finding Ubuntu in the Shadow of B033
I figured I would write at least one blog dealing with B033, although I actually don't feel like the ordination of gay bishops is the main focus of this convention, which is great to see. And for someone who was not at the last convention, I understand and experience B033 more by story than by experience.
The House of Deputies (my legislative body) went in to what they were referring to as the "Committee of the Whole" on Thursday afternoon and Friday morning - which basically means that we just can talk about an issue without parliamentary procedure, motions, and without the threat of action. It clearly allowed people to listen to each other far more easily since every one knew that no legislation would be passed right that second and that they could not even speak to a specific resolution.
The Committee on World Mission led the discussion and, on Thursday, outlined the history of B033, the Windsor Report, and everything that had happened between last Convention and this Convention. Then they had us break into pairs and just talk to people about our experience and opinions on whether or not to repeal B033 (which essentially puts a moratorium on ordaining gay bishops and developing a marriage rite for same sex couples). I was pretty nervous about doing that, and also didn't really think I could fill a half hour of conversation about something that I wasn't around to witness and that hadn't really affected our parish.
I was very surprised. I spoke with a 5-time lay deputy from the diocese of Easton (Maryland). She started off, helpfully, with a story of how she experienced B033 when it was passed last Convention. She explained how truly troubled she was when it came from the House of Bishops, how it felt like she was being torn between her beliefs and loyalty to the new Presiding Bishop Elect who asked for deputies to vote for it. She said it was the first time that she had ever been ashamed of her vote at General Convention. She voted for it.
She told a couple stories of others who felt similarly torn, and of gay and lesbian friends who voted for it, too, in order to cede to the wishes of the PB. It really sounded horrible. Then we talked about what it is to be a "young adult" in the church, that most young people don't think of gay rights as a particularly painful decision, or sometimes even a decision at all. That we have grown up in a different time, with a different set of values, and that it is hard for us to understand what older members are going through.
In the end, we ended up talking about other things, too, and both expressed relief that despite our age differences, and the fact that her diocese is in a conservative area, that we agreed overall with each other, but could still learn something. (I continue to give thanks for the experienced deputies here, and their willingness to share their stories and insight.)
On Friday, people lined up at the microphones and addressed the Convention, with the opinions pretty split between "move on or repeal" and "no action or reaffirm." It is clear that whatever comes to the floor will be another difficult decision for many, but, at least for me, dialogue helped me articulate a stance and gave me a context for my decision, both of which are true gifts from God.
The House of Deputies (my legislative body) went in to what they were referring to as the "Committee of the Whole" on Thursday afternoon and Friday morning - which basically means that we just can talk about an issue without parliamentary procedure, motions, and without the threat of action. It clearly allowed people to listen to each other far more easily since every one knew that no legislation would be passed right that second and that they could not even speak to a specific resolution.
The Committee on World Mission led the discussion and, on Thursday, outlined the history of B033, the Windsor Report, and everything that had happened between last Convention and this Convention. Then they had us break into pairs and just talk to people about our experience and opinions on whether or not to repeal B033 (which essentially puts a moratorium on ordaining gay bishops and developing a marriage rite for same sex couples). I was pretty nervous about doing that, and also didn't really think I could fill a half hour of conversation about something that I wasn't around to witness and that hadn't really affected our parish.
I was very surprised. I spoke with a 5-time lay deputy from the diocese of Easton (Maryland). She started off, helpfully, with a story of how she experienced B033 when it was passed last Convention. She explained how truly troubled she was when it came from the House of Bishops, how it felt like she was being torn between her beliefs and loyalty to the new Presiding Bishop Elect who asked for deputies to vote for it. She said it was the first time that she had ever been ashamed of her vote at General Convention. She voted for it.
She told a couple stories of others who felt similarly torn, and of gay and lesbian friends who voted for it, too, in order to cede to the wishes of the PB. It really sounded horrible. Then we talked about what it is to be a "young adult" in the church, that most young people don't think of gay rights as a particularly painful decision, or sometimes even a decision at all. That we have grown up in a different time, with a different set of values, and that it is hard for us to understand what older members are going through.
In the end, we ended up talking about other things, too, and both expressed relief that despite our age differences, and the fact that her diocese is in a conservative area, that we agreed overall with each other, but could still learn something. (I continue to give thanks for the experienced deputies here, and their willingness to share their stories and insight.)
On Friday, people lined up at the microphones and addressed the Convention, with the opinions pretty split between "move on or repeal" and "no action or reaffirm." It is clear that whatever comes to the floor will be another difficult decision for many, but, at least for me, dialogue helped me articulate a stance and gave me a context for my decision, both of which are true gifts from God.
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Getting Oriented in Ubuntu
I have made it through the first official day of General Convention! Yesterday I got in early to attend the scheduled New Deputy Orientation - which was promptly cancelled (we later found out that it was simply a mistake on the calendar that slipped through; there was no such thing). Many new deputies and I were very disappointed, as we all were desperately looking for guidance, already overwhelmed by the crowds and schedule. Luckily, we turned to each other and to the senior deputies for help and got some good advice and direction. And when in doubt, just follow the crowds!
Presiding Bishop Katherine Jefferts Schori addressed the Convention on mission and on our duty as deputies, as did the President of the House of Deputies, Bonnie Anderson, whose comments on "welcome" really resonated with me, saying (in a rough paraphrase) that the Episcopal Church welcomed her, not just by giving her coffee, but by showing her the truth in herself.
We also got a demonstration of parlimentary procedure by a good-natured group of volunteers taking on roles (like Deputy Hannah of Diocese of Montana) and proposing/debating/amending a resolution to decorate the marker poles of each diocese. Even though the resolution ultimately did not pass, most dioceses have done a great job of decorating the poles to represent their local flair. Western Mass is well-represented with a great Dr. Seuss hat that Mick Kalber supplied. (Hopefully, I will have photos to come - can't download them at this point).
Today was the first Legislative Session, and we already have gotten some great work done. Larry Provenzano, formerly of St. Andrew's Longmeadow, was approved by the House of Deputies as Bishop Elect of the Diocese of Long Island (and was appropriately and joyously welcomed by his new diocese). There was also an interesting resolution passed from the Committee on Education - it encourages dioceses and congregations to include comprehensive AIDS educations and to offer educational programming to interested parents and grandparents on how to discussion sex with their children/grandchildren. This will be an interesting piece to bring back to Western Mass to see if St. Mark's and other congregations can act on this - I think it would be a great extension of the work being done in Journey to Adulthood and could be a natural way to get the church supporting this key part of the formation of young adults.
I also started sitting in on the National and International Affairs Committee sessions. Stay tuned for more on the resolutions before that committee.
Presiding Bishop Katherine Jefferts Schori addressed the Convention on mission and on our duty as deputies, as did the President of the House of Deputies, Bonnie Anderson, whose comments on "welcome" really resonated with me, saying (in a rough paraphrase) that the Episcopal Church welcomed her, not just by giving her coffee, but by showing her the truth in herself.
We also got a demonstration of parlimentary procedure by a good-natured group of volunteers taking on roles (like Deputy Hannah of Diocese of Montana) and proposing/debating/amending a resolution to decorate the marker poles of each diocese. Even though the resolution ultimately did not pass, most dioceses have done a great job of decorating the poles to represent their local flair. Western Mass is well-represented with a great Dr. Seuss hat that Mick Kalber supplied. (Hopefully, I will have photos to come - can't download them at this point).
Today was the first Legislative Session, and we already have gotten some great work done. Larry Provenzano, formerly of St. Andrew's Longmeadow, was approved by the House of Deputies as Bishop Elect of the Diocese of Long Island (and was appropriately and joyously welcomed by his new diocese). There was also an interesting resolution passed from the Committee on Education - it encourages dioceses and congregations to include comprehensive AIDS educations and to offer educational programming to interested parents and grandparents on how to discussion sex with their children/grandchildren. This will be an interesting piece to bring back to Western Mass to see if St. Mark's and other congregations can act on this - I think it would be a great extension of the work being done in Journey to Adulthood and could be a natural way to get the church supporting this key part of the formation of young adults.
I also started sitting in on the National and International Affairs Committee sessions. Stay tuned for more on the resolutions before that committee.
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