July 7, 2009

Remember when you used to take standardized tests? You'd come to these questions that you couldn't understand and look at the answers, but they all looked right. So with a naive hopefulness, you'd answer "D" all of the above. General Convention is always "D."

Because it's a legistlative process, the hall and hotels are filled with people lobbying for their cause or their candidacy. Some candidates give out pencils or pens with their names on them; some have position papers to demonstrate their wisdom.

But it's not just legislative, it's also sacramental. The best part for me is always the Eucharist. The Church is fully present when 110 dioceses representing many countries, three languages, and every theological view gather to say the prayers and eat the bread. It is the peace that passes all understanding.

It's also about friends and family. I saw a priest last night crossing the street that I have known since 1996 and the only time we see each other is General Convention. But we connect and stay connected. I learn so much from seeing the wideness of the Church and from relationships with those who love the Church as much or more than I do but are in many different places theologically. It's important to see them face to face. Our sense of them expands. No one is a position on an issue, but a person with a history just like me.

I do not know all that will come out of this convention. I know we have many difficult decisions about the finances of The Episocpal Church. I think the legislation about having everyone participate in the Medical Trust Insurance is very important. We are revising Lesser Feasts and Fasts which is huge. Of course, we will talk about human sexuality. I am on the Education Committee which will be considering a Charter for Lifelong Chrisitan Formation. It's one way of holding up the importance of being intentional about our growth in Christ all our lives.

On a personal level, it's beautiful here, but why can't they get on Eastern time? I am an early riser, but this morning I was up too early for even me. My room overlooks Disneyland. I know there's more than one joke in that, but I am too jet lagged to be safe making one.

Today is legislative meetings and orientation. We begin tomorrow with Eucharist and a Bible study from the Archbishop of Canterbury. Keep us in your prayers.

+Porter