Today was the first day “cognate committees” met. There are legislative committees for the House of Bishops and the House of Deputies. Technically they are separate committees, but have chosen to meet together. Even so, they vote separtely. In practical application, members vote on paper ballots and mark the ballot either “bishop” or “deputy.” The ballots are then separated and counted separately. These committees are working hard to deal with resolutions that have already been filed (see here) in order to provide the convention with something to do tomorrow when convention convenes its first legislative session tomorrow at 8:00 AM.
The theme for the convention is “ubuntu – I in you and you in me.” The term is from the African family of languages known as Bantu and means that my personhood is dependent upon you – no one can experience personhood in isolation. Application of this concept is highly advocated by Archbishop Desmond Tutu. You can find more information here.
Today, in addition to attending committee hearings, Deputies and Bishops were introduced to the process known as Public Narrative (see here). Your Michigan Deputies should be well versed in the process and able to facilitate training in the process when we return.
We are all looking forward to the appearance, tomorrow evening, of the Arch Bishop of Canterbury. He will have some remarks and then facilitate a panel discussion. Later this week he will lead a Bible study during one of the daily eucharists.
Weather in Anaheim, today, was delightful (we did have a few minutes to go outside). Although it was very warm in the direct sun, in the shade there was a cool sea breeze under bright blue skies. The smog I remember from my childhood was nowhere to be seen.
Peace to you from Anaheim!
For the Deputation, Pete Ross
Pete… thanks for the perspective. I am interested in your impression of Rowan Wms. I have been much influenced by his writings, which are dense, nuanced, yet poetic. He is the sort of writer who anticipates every possible objection before stating his own view. His experience of Christianity is similar to my own in many ways, although I detect no exposure on his part to Pennsylvania deer hunters, blue grass musicians, or Chicago street gangs. I, on the other hand, have never been to Africa nor had tea with the queen, nor was I at Trinity Church when the twin towers fell.
Anyway, I’m interested in what you think.
Jonathan+