DWTX from Anaheim - Episcopal News Service – The 76th General Convention adopted a $141 million budget for 2010-2012 on July 16 that asks for less money from dioceses and drastically reduces church-wide spending by $23 million.

The House of Deputies spent approximately three hours debating the budget and rejecting all attempts to change its revenue or expense categories. The budget was then passed on a voice vote and sent to the House of Bishops, where it was approved.

The deputies had no stomach for adding money to the budget, despite repeated attempts to do so in six categories. David Abbott (East Carolina) at one point called it “less than totally responsible” to amend the budget.

“This committee has labored for over 60 hours … with complete transparency, agonizing to tears over the decisions they have made,” he said. “We must trust our committee. We cannot micromanage our budget, and I urge you, as I intend, to vote against each and every amendment to this budget.”

Some church-wide programs will be eliminated under the budget, encouraging more mission work to take place in dioceses and congregations. At least 30 of the 180 people employed by the Episcopal Church in its New York and regional offices could lose their jobs.

The next General Convention could be two days shorter, and interim church bodies will meet face-to-face less frequently during the triennium. The Episcopal Church’s provincial contribution to the budget of the Anglican Communion Office would decrease by a third.

PBF restored a budget line item dedicating 0.7 percent of income to U.N. Millennium Development Goals work that had been cut from a draft version of the budget, and added a corresponding percentage for domestic-poverty initiatives.

PBF’s proposal predicts total triennial income of $141,271,984, with $79,161,193 coming from the dioceses and $27.6 million from investment income. Expenses are budgeted at $140,856,531. Those figures compare with the projected bottom line of the current 2007-2009 triennial budget of $164,863,529 in revenue and $163,934,334 in expenses.

In January, the church’s Executive Council approved a draft 2010-2012 budget based on $161,820,613 in revenue and $161,791,177 in expenses.

After the deputies approved the budget, the Rev. Ann Fontaine (Wyoming) called for “a moment of silent prayer for all the staff that will be axed, that they might find healing and hope.” The Rev. Francis Wade (Washington), the house’s chaplain, led the deputies in prayer “for those who bear great responsibilities for that which we have chosen to do in this budget and for those who bear great burdens for what we have chosen not to do in this budget.”

The bishops’ chaplain, Brother Geoffrey Tristram, SSJE, noted the budget’s impact during his prayers that closed that house’s July 16 legislative work. He called on the bishops to pray for those Episcopal Church employees “whose positions have been eliminated or significantly reduced by passage of this budget; we hold them in our hearts.”

The deputies’ debate was unusual. Instead of debating the entire budget, the house agreed to debate separately the budget’s sections covering funding, program expenses (generally ministry and mission), corporate expenses (administrative support of the church center) and canonical expenses (offices of the Presiding Bishop and the president of the House of Deputies, in addition to General Convention and interim bodies). The entire budget was later approved on a single voice vote.

– Mary Frances Schjonberg is national correspondent for Episcopal News Service.

DWTX from Anaheim – Here is some of what else happened at the 76th General Convention, all from Episcopal News Service. You can read the full stories at http://www.episcopalchurch.org/107145_ENG_HTM.htm

Repentance for slavery has a long way to go, say advocates

Efforts to deal with the Episcopal Church’s legacy of complicity in slavery have been difficult and slow, and the church needs more time to deal with the issue, say several resolutions from the Social and Urban Affairs Committee.

In recent hearings at General Convention in Anaheim, members of the committee have considered resolutions A142, A143 and C050, which would extend and expand the Episcopal Church’s exploration of its role in the institution of slavery and its modern-day repercussions.

General Convention 2006 passed several resolutions on the subject of the church’s complicity in slavery as well as other forms of exploitation and abuse of non-white peoples. The resolutions called on dioceses to explore the history of slavery and its aftermath and to find ways to seek reconciliation and healing.

Deputies defeat resolution addressing the disclosure of litigation costs

The House of Bishops asked deputies to concur with their recommendation on C067 – proposed by the Diocese of West Texas — to refer the resolution to the Standing Commission on Stewardship and Development, but the House of Deputies did not concur. The resolution had called for revealing the dollar amount the church spent “on litigation against dioceses, parishes, groups of churches and individuals since General Convention 2006″ as well as information about where the funds came from, the money budgeted for litigation in the next triennium and “an estimate of the amount of property value retained and expected to be retained” by the church “because of pending and completed litigation as of General Convention 2009.”

“We all need to know about the litigation going on in our church,” said the Rev. Ellen Neufeld (Albany). “I speak very strongly in favor of this resolution so that information can be shared.”

Deputies debated various options, including referring it to the Joint Standing Committee on Program, Budget and Finance or substituting previous wording to direct the Presiding Bishop and Executive Council to release the litigation information.

Thomas Fitzhugh III (Texas) said he was concerned that the resolution could put the Presiding Bishop and Executive Council “in a bad spot” because divulging information about ongoing litigation would reveal strategy to the other side. “Let’s just kill it. This is nothing but an effort by people who try to steal our property” to find out how much the church has spent. “If they didn’t try to walk off with it, we wouldn’t have this motion.”

Deputies ultimately voted not to concur with the bishops’ recommendation, killing the legislation.

ERD Sunday encouraged, liturgy for companion animals proposed

The Prayer Book, Liturgy and Music committee recommended a long list of resolutions for consideration by General Convention.

Among others, the resolutions recommend establishing an Episcopal Relief and Development (ERD) Sunday during Lent; referring resolutions to the Standing Commission on Liturgy and Music (SCLM) that propose an alternate Baptismal Covenant and various calendar commemorations, including a possible creation season; directing SCLM to develop a rite to observe the loss of a companion animal; and directing the commission to confer with the Standing Commission for Constitution and Canons about matters affecting liturgical translations.

Resolution A178 originally asked for the first Sunday in Lent to be designated ERD Sunday, but several committee members objected either to designating a Sunday or to specifying that particular Sunday.

The amended resolution the committee recommended would “encourage dioceses, congregations and individuals to remember and support the lifesaving work of Episcopal Relief and Development during Lent through prayer and a special offering.”

The committee also recommended referring to SCLM an amended version of Resolution D005, which proposes an alternate Baptismal Covenant for possible inclusion in supplemental prayer book materials. The proposed rite rephrases the format of the affirmations so that those making the vows, rather than the celebrant, state the content of the affirmations. For example, the celebrant would ask, “How will you each remain faithful to these things you believe?” and the people would reply: “With God’s help, by continuing in the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, in the breaking of bread and in the prayers.” However, D005 was rejected by the House of Bishops.

Bishops delay decision on retired bishops’ voice and vote

The House of Bishops ended an emotional discussion July 17 by again delaying a long-sought decision about whether retired bishops should be able to vote.

Bishops voted 72-39 to refer Resolution A052 to the Standing Commission on Constitution and Canons to provide more time to study the issue. The issue will not resurface until another “first reading” at the 77th General Convention in 2012, where, if passed, it will require approval again at convention in 2015.

Several bishops expressed conflicting personal as well as theological feelings about excluding retired bishops from any official legislative role.

Questions on the authority of retired bishops have swirled within the church for decades. In 2000, the House of Bishops voted to eliminate retirees’ voting power, but the House of Deputies defeated that resolution. In 2003, the move passed in both houses, but it then was amended in 2006 to become yet another first reading.

The resolution would maintain seat and voice in the House of Bishops for all bishops but limit votes to bishops with jurisdiction; coadjutor, suffragan or assistant bishops; and “every bishop holding an office created by General Convention.” As a constitutional amendment, the resolution must pass two successive conventions with the same wording.

Bishops seek deeper relations with Presbyterians, Church of Sweden

The House of Bishops passed two resolutions July 8 that would bring Episcopalians into closer relationship with the Presbyterian Church (USA) and the Church of Sweden.

Both resolutions, A075 and A076 respectively, were sent to the House of Deputies for approval where they were later adopted.

The Presbyterian Church moved forward with the agreement during its General Assembly in 2008, but the action still must be ratified by a simple majority of the denomination’s 173 regional presbyteries. That ratification should be complete by the General Assembly’s next meeting in 2010. The denomination’s Committee on Ecumenical Relations is to oversee the continuing conversation on the agreement and report to the 220th General Assembly in 2012.

Bishops also passed a resolution calling for deepening relations with the Lutheran Church of Sweden. The resolution calls for the Standing Commission on Ecumenical and Interreligious Relations to “begin a dialogue” with the Swedish church in hopes of eventually forming a “relationship of full communion.”

Even with a sagging economy, Episcopalians still go shopping

General Convention’s Exhibit Hall encompassed about 300 10-foot by 10-foot booths filling nearly 30,000 square feet, representing more than 160 exhibitors, according to hall manager Artie Meyer. When the hall opened for business, they had “the biggest crowd we’ve ever had,” he said.

“We’ve been very fortunate this year in this down economy,” said Meyer. While some big trade shows have shrunk 30 to 40 percent, this year’s General Convention Exhibit Hall is about 3 percent smaller than in 2006, he said. “That’s pretty insignificant in the show business.”

“We’ve been growing 3 percent steadily every [convention] for about six conventions,” he added.

And it apparently was a hungry crowd. Based on projections three years ago, exhibit planners projected a 15 percent increase in show size and expanded the restaurant area 30 to 35 percent to accommodate a bigger crowd. “It actually looks like we’re going to get the increased crowd if today is any indication,” he said July 7. “I couldn’t be happier. My life is very peaceful when there’s a good crowd for a show.”

The actual results from the nine-day Exhibit Hall run were not available when the Convention ended on July 17.

Renewing dioceses embrace mission, evangelism

Bishops and deputies from four continuing Episcopal dioceses shared stories of energetic mission and renewal, transformation and evangelism during a July 7 live webcast from the 76th General Convention.

The representatives, from the dioceses of Pittsburgh, Quincy (Illinois), Fort Worth (Texas) and San Joaquin (California) also described warm welcomes at convention and gratefulness for the church’s support during their reorganizations.

Another deputy stopped the Rev. Dr. Jim Simons, a seven-time deputy and chair of the committee on dispatch of business, from Pittsburgh, in a convention hallway. “He said I know we disagree on a lot of things, but I’m so glad you’re here. I need you in my church.”

For others, like the Rev. David Madison, a first-time deputy from Fort Worth, there were “tangible acts of love, and support” such as gift bags and notes from the Diocese of Rochester, reminders that “we’re in their prayers and encouraging us for the work we’re doing. That’s very important to us”

The webcast is available on: http://www.episcopalchurch.org/gchub

International guests find new understanding of Episcopal Church polity

International guests attending General Convention, including almost half of the Anglican Communion primates, spoke of their amazement and gratitude as they gained a deeper understanding of the legislative processes of the triennial gathering and the polity of the Episcopal Church.

“I appreciate the history and openness of debating and coming together for worship,” said Archbishop Bernard Ntahoturi of Burundi, one of the more than 70 international guests who attended the General Convention, meeting July 8-17 in Anaheim, California.

Many of the guests said they were impressed with the size and structure of General Convention, whose legislative body is composed of about 845 deputies and more than 280 bishops.

Altar Guild officers installed at Los Angeles procathedral

New officers of the National Altar Guild Association were installed July 16 at St. John’s ProCathedral in Los Angeles by Bishop Suffragan of Texas Rayford High during a service of Holy Eucharist. The Rev. David B. Hoopes, OHC, former chaplain to the Altar Guild in the Diocese of Long Island, delivered the homily.

 Officers installed are: Jane Ames, president; Katrina Packard, first vice president; John York, second vice president; Connie Castillio, secretary; Dolores Miller, nominating chairman; Lynn Hendricks, treasurer.

Christian Formation Charter approved

(Report from Lou Taylor, diocesan Christian Forman Officer) The Charter for Lifelong Christian Formation, which has passed both houses of General Convention, will serve the Episcopal Church as a guide and framework for Christian formation for all people. The preamble to the charter states that “Lifelong Christian formation in the Episcopal Church is growth in knowledge, service and love of God as followers of Christ and is informed by scripture, tradition and reason.”

 The charter outlines many of the ways that God invites, inspires and transforms all people for a lifelong journey with Christ. It grew out of a perceived need to bring to the forefront the urgent necessity of being intentional about making Christian formation central to everything we do. It will serve as a template for the ministry of Christian formation.

DWTX from Anaheim – The Rt. Rev David Reed was not “elected to serve on a committee that would nominate persons for the position of Presiding Bishop if the current Presiding Bishop becomes incapacitated during her term of office” as was previously posted on this blog. However, both Susan Hardaway and the Rev. Ram Lopez were elected.

We regret the error.

VIEWPOINT – We are back home—home sweet home. Even if it is 100 degrees plus and dry, Dorothy had it right—there’s no place like home!

Our time at General Convention has been an important time for Elizabeth and me in many ways. We have deepened and strengthened our relationships with many in the West Texas deputation whom we already loved. And we have fallen in love with the rest.

In some respects, it was a time of truth telling for Elizabeth and me. We staked out our support for full inclusion of lesbians and gays while most in the deputation were not in agreement. In our deputation, we are no longer walking on egg shells with each other, we better understand where each is coming from and why, we look forward to in depth theological conversations and we are united in our commitment to do everything we can to not lose a single sheep in the Diocese of West Texas.

I can’t begin to thank all those who made this such a special time—Nancy Stinson who is so very much fun and such a hard worker, Marjorie George, a highly professional journalist and a real sweetheart, and Susan Hardaway, our mother hen. Our Bishops are truly men of God and they provided wonderful leadership and pastoral care.

To the members of the deputation, spouses, exhibitors and Women of the Church from West Texas—We Love You!

Blessings,

Drew Cauthorn
Alternate Lay Deputy
St. Mark’s, San Antonio