Legislative Day 4

 Day 4...and it's the final day of General Convention. In that past, we weren't even halfway finished on Day 4! Shorter, smaller, safer. And as it turned out, faster!

Last time descending to the House of Deputies.

During the service of Morning Prayer, PHOD-Elect Julia Ayala Harris preached.

Julia Ayala Harris Sermon

As part of morning announcements, Dr. Rodney Coldren, health officer for the General Convention and responsible--with others--for developing our plans to maintain Covid-safety, gave his last report. He brought welcome news. With around 800 members of the House of Deputies, the anticipated infection positivity rate was expected to be around 10%, meaning 70-something deputies could have contracted the virus. And while we don't yet know who might become sick after arriving home, he reported that only sixteen persons are known to have fallen ill during our days in Baltimore. He expressed how moved he was by our care for one another throughout this gathering.

We than dealt with some amendments, concurrences with resolutions acted on by the House of Bishops. Then came a big batch of courtesy resolutions honoring those who are retiring from service to the General Convention. Among them, the Chancellor, the Vice President, and lastly, the President.

PHOD Gay Jennings offers her final closing remarks.

NH Unofficial Deputy Moose has descended from his perch and listens intently.

Passing of the gavel to the Julia Ayala Harris...

Who posed with some deputation members after the session...

which ended at midday!

Here is the deputation's group photo. Look at those happy faces! We got a free afternoon, and will gather again for our deputation dinner on the Inner Harbor.

Front: Gail, Tina, Benge, Bishop Rob, Jason

Back: Sue, Colin, Sarah, Margaret, Moose, Kelly

Thanks to the Episcopal Church of New Hampshire for following our adventures. Stay tuned for more updates and reports of the outcomes and insights from this hopeful, forward-looking, historic, and unusual General Convention.