Legislative Day 5 (and Legislative Night 2)

The fifth legislative day of General Convention began early, with a forum of the candidates for the Vice President of the House of Deputies. All were clergy, because the VPHOD is required to be of a different order of ministry from the President of the HOD, who is currently a member of the laity. The Rev. Steve Pankey of the Diocese of Kentucky was elected.

This event was followed by multilingual Morning Prayer in the House of Deputies. The bishops had their own service in their House. The homily in the HOD was a tribute to the late Very Rev. George Werner, a beloved and respected President of the HOD dedicated to inclusion, who passed away early last year. A courtesy resolution was presented to honor his long and distinguished service to the Church and the General Convention.

Jason asked a procedural question

We resumed some Rules of Order resolutions in the morning legislative calendar, concurred with the House of Bishops on some items, took no further actions on others, approved with amendment the continuance of a Task Force on Indigenous Liturgies. 

At the midday break, the NH deputation joined the Bishops Against Gun Violence public witness and visibility in a park near the convention center. Nearly all the speakers were young people who have either been affected or are very much aware of the dangers and the heartbreak resulting from the epidemic of gun violence. 

The young people who addressed the crowd about the effects of gun violence

Sarah, Kelly, Alanna, Bobbi

In the afternoon we proceeded through the legislative calendar. A surprise visitor was introduced--The Rev. Gay Clark Jennings, immediate past President of the House of Deputies, who was very warmly received and who made brief remarks from the podium.

The day included a courtesy resolution for and the moving remembrance of the Philadelphia Eleven, the first women to be ordained in the Episcopal Church, in this 50th anniversary year of that event. 

Another emotional period resulted from the resolution CO32, an expression of remorse for the suffering caused by the forced placement of indigenous children in boarding and residential schools, and the addition of "A Prayer to Remember the Innocents" in church liturgies and the creation of a day of remembrance. Here is the text of the prayer:

A PRAYER TO REMEMBER THE INNOCENTS 

Ohiŋni wičhauŋkiksuyapi kte.  "We will always remember them." 

Dear Lord, Almighty God, we pray for all Indigenous children who were in residential and boarding schools in Canada and the United States.  Some died there; we ask that you give assurance to   their descendants that their souls are with you and their ancestors. Some survived there; we ask that you give your healing grace to all who endured hardship while there and are still struggling with those memories. Lastly, we ask you to help us guard our children against harm in this world. All this we ask in the name of your Son, Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, now and for ever.  Amen. 

We were joined by Bishop Rob during our supper break, where we shared experiences and impressions of legislation in our separate houses.

Bishop Rob

Gail, Kate, Alanna, Bobbi

Rita, Jason, Kelly

On our return to the House for our evening session, we continued concurrences on resolutions regarding liturgies, which required votes by orders. No light show or much of an Episco Disco tonight. Probably everyone was too weary to get wild.

Tomorrow is the 6th and final legislative day. We'll have our deputation lunch during the midday break!