The Rev. Canon David W. Lovelace is in Anaheim, California for the 76th General Convention of the Episcopal Church.  See below for updates from Canon Lovelace.

07/16/09 @ 2:32 am:
On a day when we were invited to think about stewardship of the earth, it amazes me how much paper I am accumulating in my General Convention Legislative notebook.  The pages of resolutions are at least six inches tall.  I have divided the book of resolutions originally sent to me so I do not have to carry two very large books with me all day.  We are coming to the end of General Convention.  Two days to go and so much work to be accomplished. 

I understand the headlines in the newspapers announce that Episcopalians have agreed to ordain gay persons.  Anyone who knows our canons knows that change was made years ago when we passed a non discrimination canon.  Perhaps the biggest challenge will be to help people reading only the headlines to understand how we make decisions in this church and what the implications are back home.  This much is clear to me, in both houses of the General Convention we have said clearly the mystery of God's call to ordained ministry is open to all.  Whether this means a gay bishop will be elected and approved is up to the movement of the Holy Spirit, standing committees from all the dioceses and the bishops of our church. 

Today we approve a denominational health care plan for all employees of the church who work 1500 hours or more.  We also approved a pension plan for lay employees who work 1000 hours or more.  Both have to do with treating our employees with the proper care and respect.  Yes, this will place a burden on some parishes in terms of staffing costs but should we not work to assure our employees are provided health care and retirement?  The Houses of the General Convention responded with a resounding "yes."

Tomorrow promises to be a very long day as we deal with the difficult decisions about budgeting.  The Episcopal Church does not have reserves to fall back on to fund the ministries all of us would like to have funded.  The Millennium Development Goals were reinstated in the budget as a priority in the 2010-2012 budget. Costs have been cut at the Church Center, staff will have to be laid off, various groups will have to use other means of communication to hold meetings, the diocesan asking is cut and there will be increased accountability.  The bottom line is familiar to all of us, there is more to be done than funds to accomplish the ministry.  We are truly blessed with abundance and talent.  The proposed budget invites the local parish and diocese to be creative in mission.  

The Rt. Rev. Stephen Charleston preached at the noon day Eucharist.  He powerfully reminded us that we have to pay attention to the crisis of caring for mother earth.  For years we have been told the clock is ticking.  The ticking has stopped and the alarm is sounding.  He challenged us to act responsibly to protect this our island home.  I believe this is one of the few times I have experienced an instanteous standing ovation at the end of a sermon.  

I expect this to be my last posting from General Convention.  I am privileged to have shared in this experience of the larger church.  I have been moved by the stories, the people, the worship and true sense of mission that has filled my life for the past ten days.  I have been awed by the witness of many different servants called to share in ministry through a wide variety of means.  I have been exhausted by the tremendous amount of work involved in dealing with hundreds of resolutions that will shape our lives as Episcopalians.  I thank God for the church, your church, my church at work in the world about us to share God's love and grace to all. 

For those who want to know more or who have questions - I'll offer at least two opportunities for conversation.  The first is between services on Sunday, July 26.  I'll ask Dale to put the coffee pot on.  I'll provide a continental breakfast for those interested.  We'll sit around the table in the Parish Hall and talk.  Come join me if you wish.  I'll set a time later in the summer or early fall for conversation as well knowing people are on vacation.

07/15/09 @ 12:52 am:
Today began with a hearing on how we as a church confirm credentials for the election of a bishop.  After listening to a number of bishops describe the process for confirming an election, our committee proposed amending our canons to allow 120 days for exploration prior to confirmation. It seems that there has not been a consistent process for diocesan standing committees and bishops to follow to confirm an election in another diocese. It is hard for me to believe that resolutions are still coming to legislative committees to hold hearings and prepare resolutions.  We have but three days left for the process to work through both legislative houses.  I imagine some of these later resolutions will not be passed on by this Convention. 

During the Legislative session in the House of Deputies we welcomed 24 ecumenical and interfaith guests.  These guests were all leaders of other denominations and faith traditions.  What I will remember about this visit was the prayer offered at the close of the greeting.  A Jewish canter began, as he step back a Hindu canter stepped forward, as he stepped back one of our Christian partners stepped forward to chant - May God bless you and keep you.....then all three sang together in the language of their chant.  As our young people say, "It was awesome."  I find it interesting that 24 partners want a relationship with the Episcopal Church on a day when the Archbishop of Canterbury is to have said we have stepped away from the communion by affirming the non discrimination canon.  

The Legislative session in the afternoon became more anxious as various committees pushed to have resolutions they have worked so hard to craft passed in the House of Deputies.  We elected judges for the trial court for a bishop, members to the Pension Fund Board, the General Theological Seminary Board and the Executive Council.  Another full day.  

For me the day was complete with the arrival of Elaine in Anaheim this afternoon. I hope she will be able to gain a feel for what I have been fortunate to experience.  I have been privileged to meet some amazing people in the past ten days and to be awed by the mission of our church.  I have been deeply touched by the worship planned for this Convention and the involvement of so many different people. Today we heard the Gospel read in Dakota. We are truly blessed to be Episcopalians.

07/14/09 @ 1:59 am:
I began today listening to the youth presence at General Convention argue for voice and vote in the councils of the church, in particular on parish vestries.  The leader of our small group on the Ministry Development Legislative Committee had to leave, so the baton was passed to me to lead the discussion on the resolution.  What I thought would be an easy resolution to pass became a lengthy discussion about the legal impact of having someone under 18 occupy a seat on the Vestry.  Time ran out and the discussion will continue at 7:30 in the morning.

The Legislative session involved passage of canonical changes to the discipline canons of the church. We approved a number of resolutions regarding the environment, peace in the world, support for persons being oppressed and care of widows.  The compassion exhibited by members of the House of Deputies is a good indication of the desire to be a mission oriented church. We approved the election of a bishop for Ecuador Central, a very conflicted diocese that is struggling to correct the mistakes of the past.  For some of the deputation there was great joy and for others a sense of sadness of what they viewed as a flawed election. 

Close to the end of the day word leaked to the floor of the House of Deputies that the House of Bishops approved the non discrimination resolution with a slight amendment.  The resolution must now come back to the House of Deputies for approval of the amendment.  Despite what you may read in the press, this is not a statement reversing the acts of the last General Convention to show restraint in the consecration of bishops who are living in a same gender relationship.  In my opinion, what we have done is affirm what we have said all along in our canons we do not discriminate for any reason when considering persons in a discernment process.  Whether we lift the current restraint or not has not been decided. 
Our deputation heard from Bishop Baxter about this vote in the House of Bishops.  He reminded us the restraint resolution of 2006 was not explicitly addressed by this resolution.  Due to careful wording one can read any of a number of things into the resolution.  I feel sure this will be dealt with more explicitly before the Convention adjourns. 

Tonight we completed the last step in public narrative.  The idea was to take the work of the past two sessions and combine them into a challenge for now.  What would the participant like for those around the table to do?  Once the participant identified mission strategy, they were to encourage people to join in a challenge as defined by the story teller.   

We still have issues like health care insurance for all employees of the church on the docket.  I was pleased to learn of a strategy to reach out to the Latino community that is becoming the fastest growing population in America.  I plan to bring a copy of that strategy home for us to read and consider as the composition of York changes.   We are located in an area of the city where the opportunity to share in ministry with a diverse population is possible.

07/13/09 @ 1:43 am:
Sunday began a bit slower as all meetings were postponed until after the 10 o'clock worship.  I would guess over 2000 people packed Hall D of the Convention Center.  The service began with a procession led by children drumming and dancing before the entrance of our bishops.  The Most Rev. Katherine Jefferts-Shori presided and preached.  I cannot begin to describe for you the worship experience planned and implemented by our Presiding Bishop.  I am so impressed with her and with her inspired leadership.  The Presiding Bishop spoke of Jesus sending out his disciples to announce the kingdom of God is now.  They were to accept whatever hospitality was offered, heal the sick and proclaim the kingdom.  They were to travel light and be ready for whatever opportunity came their way.  She talked about our experience coming to General Convention. What did God ask us to leave behind?  We accept hospitality where we find it and are challenged to proclaim the kingdom of God.  What is God asking us to take away from this gathering of God's people?
How is God calling us to be proclaimers of the kingdom that is now?  The music planned for our worship is exceptional.  Elizabeth von Trapp wrote and sang to offertory anthem.  Representatives from every diocese presented the United Thank Offering - gifts that will proclaim the kingdom of God around the world.  As a cradle Episcopalian I am deeply moved by the liturgical expressions and the wonderful means we have available to connect us to the Almighty. 

Both houses of General Convention have passed a resolution that makes mandatory a pension plan for all full time lay employees of the church.  The bishops described this as more of a justice issue than a financial one.  The church has to treat our lay employees with the respect and care they deserve.  The pension will be provided by the Church Pension Fund. 

A host of resolutions were voted on but all in the House of Deputies who looked at the consent calendar knew this was to be the day.  This was the day the House of Deputies would vote on a resolution that would affirm what we state in our Constitutions and Canons.  In the Episcopal Church we do not deny anyone the right to engage the discernment process for any ministry in the church.  The resolution affirms our belief that discrimination is wrong for any reason including sexual orientation. The resolution affirms our commitment to the Anglican Communion and the relationships we share with many throughout the world.  Following the Lambeth Conference call for careful listening and dialogue in 1975, 1988 and 1998 we recognize and acknowledge the diversity of people who are the Episcopal Church.  The resolution acknowledges that not all people in the Anglican Communion are where we are but we need to be true to the instruments that define who we are as a church.  This resolution passed in both the clerical and lay order by a huge majority.  The Episcopal Church has spoken and we await the decision of our bishops.  I have to admit a tremendous sense of relief and gratitude for the generosity shown during debate.  It is obvious not all of us agree on this issue but we can remain the church of God open to possibility for all God's people.  Open to the possibility that God can work through all sorts and conditions of people to proclaim the kingdom is now. 

Tomorrow begins a new round of hearings and legislative sessions.  Tomorrow night is the last of the public narrative discussions which I am assisting to facilitate.  We are at the half way point. Much has been done but there remains an awful lot to do.  The challenges are still before us as a church and as a culture.  I believe God is at work to do as our Presiding Bishop said, bringing the kingdom into reality on earth as it is in heaven. 

07/12/09 @ 2:23 am:
Legislative committees began the day early with hearings in hopes of perfecting resolutions.  It appears there will be a rush to complete the work of the General Convention as the week wears on.  I find the efforts to "get it right" a challenge.  Perhaps that is born of the already many amendments to resolutions that have come to the house floor.  I think there have been very few resolutions passed so far that have not passed as amended.  It does not take long to know which deputies will approach the microphone with the intent of adding a few words here or changed a word there.  As the issues become more sensitive I feel sure debate and amendments will intensify. 

Remember the group from Kansas that stood on the edge of the parking lot and yelled at us as we came to church?  They have been a presence the past three days in Anaheim.  Today the public narrative session was on stories of us.  I was to assist the table to tell stories that all of us could hear as being about us.  One person asked if she could pass and then described her feelings about being yelled at.  She was talking to her daughter on a cell phone as she entered the building.  Her daughter told her to get away from the evil she could hear in the background.  She went on to talk about her anxiety over the underlying issue of hospitality to those whose sexual identity is difficult for some of us to understand.  She identified something we all are feeling.  Last night over 1000 people filled a hall for a celebration of the Eucharist featuring Bishop Robinson as the celebrant.  The issue of human sexuality is not going away despite the public narrative dialogues and efforts to move on other legislation.  The press is swarming like vultures just waiting for a story.  I guess we are all going to just have to wait.  Perhaps God can speak in the waiting as we seek to do what is reflective of God's kingdom on this earth.  Perhaps the Spirit can assist us to find a way where there are no winners and losers which is what the legislative process engenders.  Perhaps.......

Today we heard from some of our partners to the south.  We heard speakers from Africa and South America who came to give thanks for the support of the Episcopal Church. What struck me was something the chaplain Frank Wade talked about.  Being a follower of Jesus is a verb not a noun.  Following is an action, it is not just standing beside.  Following means we have to engage and be engaged.  Following means doing something from sharing in the worship life of the church to engaging in mission opportunities.  We are all called to be followers of Jesus - sharing the good news with the world.  I hear that as a call to be more than just nominal followers.  I believe if we can share that message and invite others to join us we can be a powerful force in our world.

May God fill us all with the power to be followers!  God bless the parish of St. John as you gather for worship on Sunday.  Keep the 76th General Convention of the Episcopal Church in your prayers, please.

07/11/09 @ 2:13 am:
By today, Friday, we are all feeling the effects of the marathon we call General Convention.  It seems like a 7 AM Legislative Committee meeting comes all to quickly after a hearing the night before.  The deputation from Central Pennsylvania has been tracking a number of committees and we meet each evening to fill one another in of the progress of the day.  I am pleased to learn of the progress being made in preparation of resolutions for both houses.  Our deputation is sending information to the diocesan web site if you wish to get a perspective from other members of the deputation.

Today we entered into the second conversation on a resolution passed at the last General Convention which called for restraint in consecrating bishops.  Many believe this resolution was intended to block the election and consecration of gay bishops.  In fact, that seems to be the motive behind the resolution.  The resolution has been used to block the consecration of bishops whose beliefs raise some concern for the entire church.  The conversation last night and this morning was intended to inform the Legislative Committee that has been charged with preparing several related resolutions for presentation on the floor of the House.  The approach was to provide a time for listening without political maneuvering or evaluation of what was shared.  I was impressed with the careful, respectful way members shared their point of view. 

We engaged in the first long Legislative session this afternoon. Most of the resolutions coming out early from Committees are not controversial in nature.  There has been the usual debate one has come to expect of legislative bodies.   Bishop Baxter commented that by the end of the day, he like the majority of us, was thinking please God let us just get this over with and by the way may we do the right thing. 

We heard a report from Episcopal Relief and Development of the amazing work you are doing in the world.  I'll pass along some of that information if it is published, otherwise I am sure it is on their web site.  Tonight many deputies went to a hearing on the budget.  As you can imagine, every group wants their ministry to receive full funding. 

07/10/09 @ 2:00 am:
Today we began the public narrative process of interactive story telling.  This is a way of sharing our story with others and communicating our values.  The first session had to do with the story of self.  I am privileged to be the narrative coach for the Diocese of Maryland table.  We heard some fascinating stories of how people pass on their faith and the values that are most important in their lives.  On Saturday we shall build on the story of self as we talk about the story of us. 

We began what I believe to be a difficult process of talking about a resolution passed in 2006 related to same gender relationships and the world wide Anglican Communion.  It is evident to me there are strong feelings on both sides of this issue.  I pray that we can listen and speak with respect for one another. This conversation continues in the morning in the House of Deputies. 

Rousing drumming, spirited music, the Eucharist celebrated in Spanish and a impressive sermon by Archbishop Williams filled the convention hall today.  I am impressed with the use of a variety of musical expressions that give a different feel to traditional Prayer Book worship.  It is a privilege for me to have an opportunity to learn from people who come from very different parts of our church. While we all use the same Prayer Book, we do so in creative and meaningful ways. I hope there will be opportunities to share some of what I have heard and seen with you when I return to York.  One observation that is worth noting - we are blessed to be part of a congregation that is three times the norm in our church.  We are bless to share in diverse opportunities for ministry and to have so many talented people give of themselves in the name of our parish.  I give thanks for each of you and your dedicated ministry that makes it possible for our parish to be extraordinary.  

07/09/09 @ 2:19 am:
The President of the House of Deputies sharing some interesting information with us today about the composition of the House.  There are 847 certified deputies from all dioceses in the United States and 8 dioceses outside the continental US.  There are 339 deputies serving for the first time and 442 deputies appointed to serve on one of 21 legislative committees.  She pointed out there is no such thing anymore as a national church.  

These first days are spent in legislative committee reviewing resolutions and conducting hearings.  After a fifteen hour day yesterday, I topped it with a 17 1/2 hour day today.  Most of the resolutions we are dealing with on the Ministry Committee involve changes to the Canons or budget items.  That means they must go to the next appropriate committee after being passed by our committee.  So, there is a push to complete the needed work on issues like funding for theological education, canons related to the election of a bishop, etc.  It is interesting to hear some of the testimony and to learn how other dioceses deal with some of the issues we face in Central PA. 

I continue to be impressed with the Presiding Bishop.  I have now heard her speak three times and all three times have felt moved by what she said.  She is extremely intelligent with the capacity to speak clearly using Scripture appropriately to make her point.  Tonight we were privileged to hear the Archbishop of Canterbury, Rowen Williams, speak to us about the current situation in the world we live in and the call to greater awareness of the need to speak the truth.  The worship is powerful with the use of a mixture of music.  Can you imagine communion for over 1000 people?  

Tomorrow we begin a process called public narrative.  This is a process that we may be able to use effectively at St. John to talk about our call to mission.  Since I am a table leader I need to get busy crafting my story and hit the sack so I'll be ready of a 7 AM meeting..

07/08/09 @ 8:50 am:
I learned yesterday that the General Convention of the Episcopal Church is the largest bicameral legislative body in the world.  There are close to 1300 people in the House of Depities and the House of Bishops.  Most of the work the first few days is done in Legislative Committee.  I was appointed by the Presiding Bishop and President of the House of Deputies to serve on the Ministry Committee.  This Committee is reviewing 35 resolutions related to ministry in the Episcopal Church.  Resolutions range from titles and training for lay ministries to Canona regarding the various orders of ordained ministry. There will be open hearings on each of the resolutions so persons with particular concerns can address the committee.  That process began at 7:30 AM yesterday morning and concluded at 9 PM last night.  We then met with our diocesan deputation to debrief on the happenings of the day.  Needless to say, it was a long day.

The theme for General Convention is Ubuntu - an African word meaning "I am because we are and we are because I am."  Yesterday afternoon we began a process known as public narrative intended to assist us to focus on mission. The Presiding Bishop reminded us that we are living in challenging times but no more challenging than other times in history.  We have an opportunity to assist the church to move forward in mission and understanding of what it means to live in commuity.  We cannot avoid interdependence and the opportunities of the world wide community.  
I have been asked to lead our neighboring diocese of Maryland in a discussion of mission as it related to Ubuntu.  We'll be invited over the course of the next week to tell our personal stories, to hear the story of community, and the challenge for now. 

Today is the first Legislative session and the first daily Eucharist. 

When I return to York, I will provide an opportunity for anyone who is interested to meet with me and talk about the happenings of General Convention.  I have not look at the schedule to determine a time as yet, but I'll do so and alert the parish.

07/07/09 @ 9:20 am:
A banner hanging over the Anaheim Convention Center Welcomes the Episcopal Church.  I safely arrived in Anaheim yesterday to find the weather very much like at home.  I followed the procedure to be certified as a Deputy.  This morning I begin with the first Legislative Committee sessions to begin the process of crafting resolutions.  I have been appointed to the Ministry Development Committee by the Presiding Bishop and Presidnet of the House of Deputies.  For the first few days the bulk of the work will be in legislative committee.  This afternoon I am to be trained as a table couch or table leader for the three discussions on mission.  The Presiding Bishop would like us to focus more on mission than issues.  We'll se how successful she can be in her efforts.  Already we are being handed flyers urging us to vote this way or for this person.  Our deputation experienced some challenges arriving in Anaheim. I am pleased to say Continential Airlines treated me well and I arrived on time and without problems.  Well, I am off and running for the first full day of General Convention.  Keep us in your prayers as we meet in the 76th General Convention of the Episcopal Church.