The Church Gathers
Members from across the Episcopal Church have begun to gather in Louisville, KY for the 81st general convention. The General Convention is more than a gathering that happens every three years: it is in fact the leadership body of the denomination that we call The Episcopal Church. The General Convention is responsible for everything from governance to prayerbook revision, discipline, and advocacy. Through worship, legislation, and communion, we come together to discern how the Spirit is calling us to serve the world in the years to come.
I’ll be attending my first General Convention as an alternate deputy, so I’ll be spending my time learning the process and supporting Ohio’s deputation wherever I can. Though we elect four clergy deputies and four lay, and of course send our bishops, there are a great number of folks from Ohio who go as alternates, volunteers, youth, and members of church organizations, so we represent the diocese in more ways than just voting from the floor!
Lots will be considered at this convention, and I encourage you to follow updates on the Episcopal News Service website. Of course, the election of the next Presiding Bishop is an important part of this gathering and you’ll want to pay close attention to the proceedings on Wednesday, June 26th. I also hear a lot about potential changes to rules of order that might help the General Convention better serve the needs of the church today, and to be a governance body in which more Episcopalians can play an active role.
Unlike generations past (or even just a few years ago), much of this will unfold in real time across media platforms that are widely available! I hope you’ll follow closely as our Convention does its vital work, and I look forward to sharing my in-person experience with you in the weeks to come.
The Very Rev. Bernard J. Owens