I thought I knew what to expect by coming here as a deputy to General Convention. After all, I had been to three other conventions as a visitor, but this was my first as a deputy. It’s different coming here as a deputy.
What’s different? Being part of a committee and letting that work seep into my heart and prayers. I served on Committee #06 on the Episcopal Church in Cuba. I thought re-unification would be a slam dunk. It wasn’t. It took enormous work to make this reunification happen but happen it did.
One of the refrains we’ve been hearing from the chaplain to convention is a South African refrain, “I see you.” And that’s what happened on the commission. We saw the people of Cuba; it wasn’t just a matter of hearing.
And there was more. We saw the women at the Hutto Detention Center, many separated from their children at the border, who let us know they saw us when we gathered there for prayer. The only way they could make their presence know was by waving pieces of paper against the windows. It was a mutual seeing.
You’ve heard that the days here are long, but you may not know why. That’s because we take the time to truly see one another. We may not agree with all, but we are doing our best to live into our baptismal covenant, “To respect dignity of every human being.”
And a final word about our deputation. What an honor to serve with these people. They love Jesus and they love our diocese. They serve with good humor and mutual care for one another. We are a diverse group; we have deputies on their 20’s, 30’s, 40’s 50’s, 60’s and 70’s. They bring a wealth of wisdom, grace and enthusiasm for our branch of the Jesus Movement. It has been a privilege to serve with this group from the Diocese of Georgia. Thank you.
– Cynthia Taylor+
