Happy Birthday, Fr. Fred!
by the Rev. Sharon Alexander, Chair of Louisiana Deputation
Tuesday was another long day at General Convention, but one on which we did not get to vote on many resolutions. My day began, as have all my days in Salt Lake City, with a Legislative Committee meeting. The Structure and Governance Committee has prepared nearly all the resolutions given to it for disposition by the House of Deputies. We were supposed to vote on some of the more important proposals to restructure the Episcopal Church late this afternoon but because the resolutions had not been translated into Spanish so the deputies from our Latin American Dioceses could understand them, the votes were postponed until Wednesday.
Yesterday the House of Bishops passed two resolutions approving a liturgy for same sex blessings. This was not at all unexpected. I have not yet had a chance to read the resolutions carefully nor have I had a chance to speak with Bishop Thompson about how the liturgy may be introduced into the diocese. I anticipate that this is very good news for some in the diocese and that others are disappointed. The good news is I am seeing people, especially clergy, who disagree with each other on this issue treating those with whom they differ with respect.
One of the highlights today was the Deputation’s lunch. We not only discussed upcoming resolutions but also celebrated Fred Devall’s birthday.
Wednesday will be another long day, but we are quickly coming to the end of our time in Salt Lake City. The final day of deliberations at General Convention is Friday. While we have truly enjoyed working together, I think we are all ready to come back to our homes in Louisiana soon.