The 79th General Convention officially opened today with an inspiring sermon by Presiding Bishop Michael Curry calling each Episcopalian to The Way of Love: Practices for a Jesus-Centered Life. The X Church Choir of Christ Church Frederica on St. Simons Island provided music for the liturgy. We will post a video of the sermon as soon as it becomes available.
Though the convention just began officially, most of our deputation began its work by Tuesday evening as the committees of convention started their work. The General Convention has more than 300 resolutions to consider. Every piece of legislation starts first in committee with a public hearing, to hear from not only fellow deputies, but also from visiting Episcopalians, giving them the opportunity to address the group prior to its taking up work on a resolution. We have the following persons serving on committees:
Bishop Scott Benhase – Vice Chair of Congregational and Diocesan Vitality
The Rev. Ted Clarkson – Safeguarding and Title IV
Mr. Jody Grant – Vice Chair of Credentials
The Rev. Frank Logue – Chair of Evangelism and Church Planting
The Rev. Kelly Steele – Ministry
Ms. Molly Stevenson – Churchwide Leadership
The Rev. Cindy Taylor – The Episcopal Church in Cuba
The Venerable Sandy Turner – House of Deputies Special Committee on Sexual Harassment and Exploitation’s Subcommittee on Social Justice for Women
Our other deputies and alternates are tracking legislation of interest to our Georgia congregations where we do not have someone serving on the committee. These include the Standing Committee on Liturgy and Music (SCLM) which is considering Lesser Feasts and Fasts 2018, which is anticipated to include Deaconess Anna Alexander as endorsed previously by the SCLM. We are separately tracking the committee considering possible revision to the Book of Common Prayer. Check back here to read our daily updates from the General Convention.
The Rev. Canon Frank Logue, Chair of the Deputation
