General Convention 2009

General Convention has come to an end and the renewal of our work as a Church is just beginning. For those who attended the convention, there has been a resurgence of faith, energy, and appreciation for the work done during this 10-day event. Several realities will have an impact on the Church: budget cuts that will result in the loss of jobs for many in the church, increased benefits for the laity of our church who provide so much time and work to our benefit; and a renewed focus on mission that emphasizes local ministry and challenges us to work as a diocese to serve the needs of our congregations.

The press has represented some of the decisions made at General Convention incorrectly and portrayed the Church as damaging its relationship with the Anglican Communion following the passing of resolutions relating to the role of gay and lesbians in the Church. While the Church has decided to reaffirm that all baptized persons, regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation or age can be called to any form of ordained ministry, it nonetheless continues to uphold the moratorium on the approval of someone to the episcopate whose manner of life would strain our relationship with the Anglican Communion. This understanding has been clearly articulated in the House of Bishops and by our Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori.

Another decision made at General Convention has also received the attention of the press, specifically the resolution allowing bishops to use their pastoral discretion in states that allow civil unions of gay and lesbians. Also contained in this resolution is the call for the Church to collect and develop liturgies for the blessing of same sex unions. While both of these matters clearly indicate the Episcopal Church is moving forward in its thinking, the resolution clearly states that we are still in a discernment mode about both matters. In Southern Virginia, nothing in our policies about either has changed.

We are presently scheduling meetings in the diocese to discuss the resolutions passed at General Convention. As soon as those dates and locations are confirmed, we will contact you through email and publicize them on our website. The Episcopal Church is a diverse community of people striving to be faithful. We live in challenging times, but by the grace of God, our life together in the Episcopal Church can demonstrate the true power of the Gospel.