[by the Rev. Roman Roldan, Clerical Alternate, Episcopal Diocese of Louisiana]
Today was the first actual day of legislation for this convention. The first order of business for the house was the adoption of new rules of order. The revised rules were purposeful at using plain language, eliminating obscure legal language that was seldom understood by the members of the house, and ending the practice of burying difficult and controversial rules within run-on sentences within other rules. The new language makes it easy to understand the process of voting on resolutions, amendments, second amendments, and motions to end debate. It also clarifies the role of the President of the house and her staff, the election of delegates for various committees of the convention, and the relationship between the house of deputies and the house of bishops.
One of the highlights of the day was the Holy Eucharist at 9:30 AM. There is something indescribably beautiful about 1,000 people worshiping and singing together under the same roof. At several points within the service, I just closed my eyes and let the communal sound of prayers and songs fill my mind and my soul. Regardless of how divided we might become on issues, the liturgy draws us together into one body, with one voice (if only temporarily) and worshiping the same Lord and Savior. It truly was a joy to worship and exchange the peace with folks of different theological, liturgical and cultural backgrounds.
The high point to me today was an introduction by the president of the house of all the delegates under the age of 30. It was remarkable hopeful for me to see that, regardless of the rhetoric of church decline, we still have a generation of young people in our church who are taking their faith seriously and who are invested in the growth of the church among their peers. I find myself very proud of our own church and all the investment we have made in our own young people. I know that this investment will pay off when all of us are gone and they will be in charge.
Committee work continues to be fascinating. Today I covered for one of the delegates at the Constitution and Canons committee meeting. It was interesting to see a large group of Christians debate for 45 minutes the difference between the words “Will” and “May.” Amendment after amendment, various delegates sought to clarify what these two words meant within the context of a Canon IV (Discipline of Offending Clergy) resolution. Ultimately, the original resolution was approved and cleared for hearings tomorrow. If approved by committee and by the House, this resolution will make language clear about the fact that there is no statute of limitation for priests who commit sexual offences against people under the age of 21, or cover for others who have committed these offences. I support the strong language but do worry about the implications of using the age of 21 rather than the legal definition of a minor as someone under the age of 18.
Overall it was another busy day, but I am beginning to understand how this process works. Please continue to keep me in your prayers as the 12 to 13 hour days are beginning to take a toll. Blessings to all of you, Fr. Roldan+.