by the Rev. Sharon Alexander, Chair of the Louisiana Deputation
The highlight at General Convention on Saturday was the election of our new Presiding Bishop. My day started with a Legislative Committee meeting, followed by worship and then the House of Deputies legislative session. After the worship service ended the Bishops went to St. Mark’s Cathedral to elect the Presiding Bishop. Deputies tried to focus their attention on matters in the House of Deputies but there was anticipation of the election all around. Much of the morning was spent on Courtesy resolutions honoring former officers and other key members of the House of Deputies.
When the President of the House of Deputies suggested that we break for lunch the Deputies refused, wanting to wait until we received news of “white smoke” from the House of Bishop. By midday we finally received news that Michael Curry, Bishop of North Carolina was elected. The atmosphere was electric. Bishop Curry is a dynamic, personable and pastoral leader who has brought many positive changes to the Diocese of North Caroline. He makes it clear that we are to follow Jesus and is not afraid to remind us. Today was a very good day to be an Episcopalian.