Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,
This summer has been a whirlwind for our family. Our son graduated from Virginia Theological Seminary, moved to Columbus, MS and was ordained a transitional deacon. One week later our family celebrated the wedding of our daughter and a fine young man at St. James’ Episcopal Church in Jackson, Ms. Two days following I was chairing the Social Justice and U.S. Policy committee meeting at General Convention in Salt Lake City, Utah. All events were life giving but even a bishop can only have so much fun. I needed some time to process what I had experienced. What I learned surprised me. I use the word “surprise” because even though we had planned for all three happenings and were “prepared”, when they finally materialized, I was filled with unanticipated amazement. For example, when our son stood in front of his Bishop and made his vows I was overcome with deep gratitude. He was beginning his life’s desire to become a priest. I was caught off guard that he was no longer a student but an adult living into his vocation. As I stood with our daughter in front of the officiating priest, he jumped the gun in asking who presents this woman to be married to this man. I was not ready to say, “her mother and I”. I was supposed to have another page before I let her go. I said my line and sat down and watched our daughter as she made her vows to love until she is parted by death.
Watching newness can be overwhelming and even frightening. Change happens daily. Some noticeable and some like two ships passing in the night. Only the ripples come our way. Yet change happens whether we want it or not. It is a fact of life. Every three years General Convention of the Episcopal Church brings change. I remain hopeful that these changes are the followings of the Holy Spirit. Time will always tell if we are on the right track or not. If not then we will make changes again.
So much took place at General Convention this summer. We elected Bishop Michael Curry to be our next Presiding Bishop, beginning November 1, 2015. Our current Presiding Bishop, the Most Rev’d Katharine Jefferts Schori has led our church with strength, grace and vision. She ordained me a bishop and for me she will always be the model of leadership. Bishop Curry has a different kind of energy and gift and I believe he will be a fine Presiding Bishop.
For the first time in our history General Convention used Virtual Binders, no paper! Everything we needed from resolutions, daily calendars to worship leaflet were on our iPads. I was skeptical at first but I learned how to operate this new innovation and it worked very well. The Standing Commissions were reduced to two: A Standing Commission on Structure, Governance, Constitution and Canons; and A Standing Commission on Liturgy and Music. We began whittling the plethora of the committees that often were redundant thus frustrating the work of the convention. Two million dollars were given to do the work of reconciliation and race relations. Five million dollars were allotted for evangelism and creating new churches.
One of the resolutions that garnered attention centered around marriage. GC passed two resolutions regarding marriage. These two resolutions gave permission for the officiating of weddings between same-sex couples at the discretion of the Diocesan Bishop. Since GC I have met with the clergy to give my initial thought regarding the position of our Church. I have gathered a small group of clergy who represent all sides of this issue to help me discern the path for our diocese. The resolutions stated that these rites will not become effective until Advent I of this year. This will give me time to better articulate my position and define our actions in the Diocese of Louisiana. I will have more to say about this later.
I encourage each of you to go to the General Convention website to read the many resolutions, elections, appointments and other items regarding the work of our church. I returned to Louisiana very hopeful for the church and the world. We have in front of us the great commission to tell the world our story of Christ’s redeeming love. I pray you will join me in this task, for what better way to be alive than to sing the praises of grace and redemption.
Download the Summary of Actions of the 78th General Convention
Yours in Christ,
The Rt. Rev’d Morris K. Thompson, Jr.
Bishop of Louisiana