by the Rev. Sharon Alexander
Sunday began with a Prayerful Procession Against Gun Violence. A large group of Bishops led hundreds of others, including members of the Louisiana Deputation, in procession and prayer against gun violence. Bishop Thompson is one of the founding members of Bishops United Against Gun Violence. The participants heard moving stories of people whose lives have been affected by shootings.
Later in the morning the worship room was filled with worshippers attending the United Thank Offering Ingathering. The Presiding Bishop, Katharine Jefferts Schori, was both celebrant and preacher. She emphasized that the church is not dead and that we should all get up and get on with God’s work. At the offertory UTO Representatives from each Diocese placed the donations for their Diocese at the altar.
The House of Deputies had another legislative session Sunday afternoon. One of the resolutions it approved will reduce the assessment each diocese pays to the Episcopal Church from 19% of its income to 15%, beginning in 2019. The House of Bishops must concur with this action for it to become effective.
One of the highlights of the afternoon for the Louisiana Deputation was when a Deputy from another diocese made a motion to add New Orleans to the list of places to consider for hosting General Convention in 2021. We passed out lots of Mardi Gras beads and promised everyone great food and hospitality. However, it was later determined that the motion was out of order, but the General Convention Office has been officially notified that we are interested in hosting General Convention in the future.
The evening ended with a dinner hosted by Bishop Thompson for the Deputies and others from Louisiana. We are grateful for his leadership and hospitality.