General Convention has begun!

The 78th General Convention of The Episcopal Church is well underway, even though the official first day of convention is tomorrow, Thursday, June 25. The deputation from WNC arrived on Monday and Tuesday and has had full days of activities. Tuesday most of us went through the process of being credentialed as deputies and picking up our iPads. This convention is paper-free or as close to paper-free as possible. The iPads are very user friendly and it is so easy to find resolutions and calendars and daily schedules. After picking up our credentials, many of us had time to go through the exhibit hall. Anybody who has an organization affiliated with The Episcopal Church, or sells supplies that may be used by the Church has a booth. It is amazing and I think I may complete my Christmas shopping while I am here! I had many interesting and informative conversations with exhibitors. The day ended with legislative committee meetings from 7 - 9 PM.

Today began with presentations to both houses meeting together by Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori and House of Deputies President Gay Clark Jennings.  The ECW meets concurrently with the church, so the national president of the ECW also addressed the joint houses. The houses then separated for orientation to how the business of convention works. The 78th Convention has 46% of the deputies attending for the first time and another 23% who have attended only one other convention. This afternoon the houses met jointly to hear presentations and a formal question and answer period with the four nominees for presiding bishop. It was very informative. AT 7 PM  The legislative committees met for more consideration of resolutions. We capped off today with a  meeting of the WNC deputation at 9:15 PM.

As a first time deputy to convention, I am overwhelmed with the organization it must take. I am encouraged and energized by the sincere desire to be a presence in the world that is a common theme in all the meetings I have attended. This convention is about work--about the serious work of figuring out where we are and where we need to do to speed the word about Jesus and his love. It is an honor to be here.

Kristi Neal