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Monday afternoon… and looking backwards.

 

Well, I certainly have not been very good to this blog!  Folks should know (I think I said this) that I only have access to a computer from about 9 to 5 in one of the offices here at the Convention Center – and believe me, most of that time I can’t get anywhere near to it.  Too much to do!  This afternoon we have a special order of business to deal with all the “Windsor Report” resolutions – “Special Committee 26” has been working early mornings and late into the night to bring us the resolutions.  They are a diverse (theologically) body.  I think I might have mentioned that Tuesday night they had a special hearing to hear points of view == 1500 chairs were set up and there still were lots of folks standing!  I gave up my seat this afternoon to Kim Byham, who has spent so many hours on these issues.  Let us keep everyone in prayers.  Before Special Committee 26 begins, the budget was presented to a joint session (Deputies and Bishops).  It is a wonderfully prophetic budget of mission and vision – it will be brought for a vote tomorrow.  By the way, we began our day today in a Eucharist with the music by Elizabeth Von Trapp – yes of THE Von Trapp family – and as we recessed, sang Edelweiss (of course…)

 

But I’m sure folks are wondering about yesterday.  What an unbelievable shock!  When the word came that the bishops had elected on the fifth ballot, and the chair of the elections committee came to report we were waiting on the edge of our chairs.  And when he said the Right Reverend…and then hesitated a moment of two and said “Katharine Jefferts Schori” the place erupted.  First of all, a woman – who would have thought!  But also, I had heard so many folks say that she was probably the best candidate “but” (the but implying since she is a woman, she would not be elected.)  She also is wonderfully young (they are referring to her as the first baby boomer to be elected).  And she has a priority of MISSION!  She spoke at the budget hearings the other night on the MDGs (Millennium Development Goals) and the importance of our church responding. 

 

AND in order for the bishop to be “elected” the House of Deputies had to concur.  And who offered the motion to concur??? Marge Christie of our deputation.  It was an unbelievable moment in history – Marge, who fought so hard for women’s ordination in the 70s (actually, probably starting in the 60s), was able to offer this motion at this historic time.  And then woman after woman after man got up to speak in support.  Only one person spoke in opposition (because of the fear of what would happen in the Anglican Communion).  Then “Vote by orders” (Clergy and Lay report separately) – and it overwhelmingly passed in both houses (95 plus for, about 12 against in each order.)  Bishop Jefferts Schori was then brought to the House of Deputies to be introduced – and place stood in wild support for a VERY long time.

 

Well, I’m off to go back to the House to watch the debate on Special Committee 26.  I can’t even remember what I have told you about.  I know I told you about the Integrity Eucharist which was so spirit filled.  There has been very little time for proper meals – basically the day starts at 7 a.m. with hearings – I have been monitoring the National and International – and we’ve discussed Iraq, Israel/Palestine, environment, etc. etc.  (I’ll be happy to share a whole listing at a later point.)  Hearings end at 9, and Eucharist has usually been from 9:30 to 10:45.  And then we meet from 11 to 1 in Legislative Session (and then includes noonday prayer, including a reflection, by one of the 4 chaplains.)  Lunch from 1 to 2:30…and then meet from 2:30-6:00.  And then in the evening, seminary dinners (last night), parties and receptions, hearings from some committees.  I’ve tried to get into the exhibits to visit some of the 200 plus exhibitors – ministries, bookstores (Jane Tomaine was signing her book on Sunday…and had w workshop in Triennial Sunday too.), clothing and jewelry, etc.  And lots of time to meet new folks, and renew friendships with long time friends and colleagues.

 

I will certainly try to write a message or two before leaving Thursday morning – we adjourn Wednesday at 6:00.  And then hopefully when I get back I can write some final thoughts of reflection on this extraordinary experience.  If I am elected again for 2009, I will try to have a laptop so I can do these messages more often.  I’m trying to give you the spirit of Columbus these days….and also it helps me try to remember what I have done and am doing day by day during these 12 days in Ohio.

 

For now ….

 

Faithfully,

 

Martha Gardner