I am looking forward to two things this week: General Convention and seeing the Youth group at Camp Eagle. Every three years, the General Convention meets to vote on matters relevant to the Episcopal Church as a whole. The group votes on matters and hears from groups within the church. The General Convention was rescheduled from July 2021 until now because of the pandemic, even now, there will be no visitors. We can watch online as the deputies, those are representatives from the diocese both lay and clergy, hear matters.
The schedule for events includes eight legislative sessions. Some of the groups that come forward are fairly non-controversial, such as the Anglican Musician Association; I think I would be hard pressed to find many people in the Episcopal Church against musicians. Other topics and groups can take a bit more prayer for us to approach.
What drew me to the Episcopal Church was our national unity. I come from a tradition that has split many times until many of the members fight over what I see as small issues. I have always loved the diversity of clergy and members who gather and celebrate Eucharist on the each Sunday. The Episcopal church has, of course, had small splits, however other than the large split with ACNA most recently over the ordination of women and people in the LGBTQ+, we remain intact. Even after the civil war, we came back together and met as a church. What we have learned, I think, is that we need to talk out our issues sooner.
The time to do this is at the General Convention, which takes place July 8-11, 2022. It is a time to watch and pray. I do not think there are many controversial issues this year to watch, however, it is important to pray for those in leadership:
Everliving God, whose will it is that all should come to you through your Son Jesus Christ:
Inspire our witness to him, that all may know the power of his forgiveness and the hope of his resurrection;
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.1
I pray that this week finds you and those at the General Convention filled with the Spirit to do God’s work.
For His Sake,
Mtr. Beth Anne +
1 “Prayer for the Mission of the Church” in The Book of Common Prayer (1979). pp.816--817
