Father Stephen started serving as the rector of St. Stephen's Episcopal Church on January 10, 2020. Prior to that position he served as priest-in-charge in Miles City and Forsyth, Montana. He is originally from West Virginia and has experience in youth ministry, mission work and more.
Morning began with Morning Prayer in our respective Houses. We heard prayers and readings in many languages. Following the Sermon, we heard the Necrology of the House of Deputies, which included the dear Rev. Steven Yurosko of Montana. We also honored those who were injured or died in mass shootings in all of the dioceses of The Episcopal Church. Singing hymns a cappella with approximately 900 Episcopalians is a powerful experience.
415 Clerical Deputies, 414 Lay Deputies, for a total of 829 deputies
106 dioceses have lay deputies, 109 dioceses have clergy deputies.
We began with a report from the Official Youth Presence at General Convention. They spoke powerfully about the need to expand youth involvement and the value of belonging over believing.
After that, we moved to elect the Vice President of the House of Deputies. The first ballot did not result in an election. We voted on a second ballot and before receiving the results we prayed. The Rev. Steve Pankey, of Kentucky, was elected. (Disclosure: He was a seminary classmate)
We then moved on to the Consent Calendar. It was adopted.
We then moved into a special order on three resolutions related to the Rules of Order and relate to legislative committees. There were many questions about the package of resolutions. We moved on A152 – Resolution Submission Deadline in House of Deputies Rules of Order). After lengthy discussion, we ended debate. The vote was held electronically and passed with 85% of the vote.
Next, we moved to D048 – Length of Future General Conventions. The resolution would set the lengthy of General Convention to be at a minimum of 10 legislative days with up to 4 days for committee meetings before that. This would be going back to a format used several decades ago. The committee of jurisdiction recommended no further action be taken on this matter. There was much discussion and then it was voted to “Take No Further Action” by a HUGE margin.
We then suspended the rules and considered two courtesy resolutions. We first heard on A180 – Express gratitude for the life and ministry of the Very Rev. George L.W. Werner. It was approved with applause. Finally, we addressed A188 – Celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the Philadelphia Eleven. We then heard an amendment to add acknowledgement to the first woman to celebrate Eucharist in The Episcopal Church. The amendment was passed, and the amended resolution passed. We then sang to celebrate.
We then adjourned for lunch. More fun begins at 2 pm.
We resumed business at 7 pm. The credentials committee shared updated numbers of deputies; however, I was busy finishing some delicious pizza that a dear colleague got for the deputation and thus… did not hear the numbers in any useful manner.
The House voted to suspend the rules and treat the auxiliary calendar as the Consent Calendar II. It was quickly adopted.
We then heard from the chair of the Social Justice & International Policy Committee regarding D056 – Calling for a Ceasefire in Gaza. The committee disagreed with the changes made by the House of Bishops, which removed the word “genocide” from the original resolution. The committee instead asks the House to consider the version as presented here. There were several powerful speakers. We then heard a proposed amendment. The amendment would strike the language added back into the resolution that had been removed by the House of Bishops. There was again powerful discussion on the amendment. We prayed and then voted on the amendment. The amendment was adopted.
We then voted on the resolution, in the form passed by the House of Bishops. It passed with 91% of the vote. That was followed by prayer.
We then moved to A072 – Amend Article X of the Constitution of The Episcopal Church [Of the Book of Common Prayer — Second Reading]. There was very serious debate about this change, which must be approved by orders. There was much serious discussion, but it passed.
During the lunch break the Committee for the Confirmation of the Election of the Presiding Bishop (House of Deputies only) met to discuss the results of the House of Bishops actions.
414 Clerical Deputies, 414 Lay Deputies, for a 828 total deputies
106 dioceses have lay deputies, 109 dioceses have clergy deputies.
Rules suspended to hear a report from the Committee for the Confirmation of the Election of the Presiding Bishop.
The House of Bishops elected the Right Reverend Sean Rowe as 28th Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church.
The House of Deputies then voted to confirm the election.
We then moved to elect lay members to the Court of Review. We elected seven. We then moved to elect deacon members to the Court of Review and elected two. We then moved to elect priest members to the Court of Review and elected 4. Next, we voted on Disciplinary Board for Bishops (Lay members) and elected two.
More elections… We next elected six lay members to Executive Council. Next, we voted for two clergy members to Executive Council. One the first ballot, we elected one. On the second ballot, no one was elected. On the third ballot, one more was elected – a deacon!! Yay!
The Presiding Bishop-elect is now addressing the House of Deputies.
Following that we took a thirty minute to celebrate!
When the House resumed business, we heard a report from the Executive Director of Episcopal Camps and Conference Centers, The Rev. Jess Elfring-Roberts.
We then resumed… elections with the lay members of the Joint Nominating Committee for the Election of the Presiding Bishop. We elected four on the first ballot. On the second ballot, we elected no one. On the third ballot, we elected one. Next, we elected the deacon member of the Joint Nominating Committee for the Election of the Presiding Bishop. Then, four clergy members of the Joint Nominating Committee for the Election of the Presiding Bishop. On the first ballot three were elected and on the second ballot no one was elected. On the third ballot, one was elected. No more elections today!
We then moved to Consent Calendar 1 for the day, which was adopted.
Then we had time of prayer and began special discussion around a series of resolutions related to the Israel/Palestine situation. We began with a report from the Social Justice & International Policy Committee. They received 25 resolutions and sixteen of them related to Israel/Palestine. They received a great deal of testimony on these topics.
The chair of the committee spoke powerfully about their work and closed by quoting from the brilliant lyricist Pet Seeger.
We had discussion about the definition and usage of the word “genocide” and “apartheid.”
We then heard a report on D007 – Peace Through Equal Rights in Israel/Palestine, which has been passed by the House of Bishops from the Social Justice & International Policy Committee. Three people spoke in favor. It was adopted unanimously by voice vote.
The morning began with Holy Eucharist in a variety of languages. It was a beautiful liturgy and we heard a powerful sermon. Following the distribution of Holy Eucharist the bishops departed to go to the diocesan cathedral to discern who shall be the next Presiding Bishop.
415 Clerical Deputies, 414 Lay Deputies, for a 829 total deputies
106 dioceses have lay deputies, 109 dioceses have clergy deputies.
We have been told to prepare for an evening legislative session due to the volume of our legislation.
First, we began with some elections. Beginning with the election of a Treasurer of General Convention (N. Kurt Barns). He won with 93% of the vote.
Next, we elected members to the Church Pension Fund Board of Trustees. 7 were elected on the first ballot. On the second ballot… none were elected – all failing to receive the required 407 votes. On the third ballot, two were elected. For the fourth ballot, the number of candidates was reduced to seven, and three were elected!
We were then informed that a delegation from the House of Bishops had returned to share results from the deliberation of that body. They will know meet with the House of Deputies committee on the election. The House will be in recess until 2 pm when we will resume business.
415 Clerical, 414 Lay Deputies present for a total of 829 total deputies.
106 dioceses have lay deputies, 109 dioceses have clergy deputies.
A very busy slate of legislation is ahead of us… VERY!
First, we voted on the President of the House of Deputies. This had been a very… challenging process. Despite that, the vote was overwhelming and clear. The House of Deputies re-elected Julia Ayala Harris as President for another three-year term.
We then moved onto the budget (A164) for the next triennium. There were questions about some unlabeled items in the budget. Questions were also raised about Creation Care and the priority placed on it within the budget. The budget passed with an overwhelming voice vote. I for one was one of the few voting no. In my opinion, the process is terribly flawed, lacks transparency, and integrity. But… that’s just my perspective.
We then went on to D031, Addressing the Ongoing Harm of Coercive and Abusive Christian Ministries. This is focused on Pregnancy Crisis Centers or “pregnancy resource centers” that operate under the auspices of Christian ministry. There was heated and sometimes emotional debate. There was also some discussion about how this resolution also included references to indigenous boarding schools and that is not the same thing as Pregnancy Crisis Centers. After prayer the vote was taken and it passed on voice vote.
Next we moved onto A140 which is adopting some revisions to the Title IV disciplinary canons. This amendment would ensure speedy moves on an initial phase of the disciplinary process. It changes “meeting as soon as possible” to within 30 days and clarifies that the Reference Panel MUST make a decision how to refer the report. We then heard an amendment that was changing the timeline to 45 days, instead of 30 days. The amendment passed with 55% of the vote. The resolution was adopted by voice vote.
Next… another change to Title IV with A107. This is… a bit complicated and… I don’t have much to say about it. It was adopted after short discussion.
And next… another change to Title IV with A052. This is to add Restorative Covenant as a possible outcome of Conciliation. After brief discussion, it was adopted unanimously.
After a brief break, the House resumed business with a special report from the president of Episcopal Church Women (ECW).
We then resumed our journey through Title IV revisions with D015 (Examine the disparity in treatment in the adjudication of Clergy under Title IV Disciplinary Process by Race, Gender, and Sexual Orientation). The committee felt there are some logistical and practical concerns and therefore recommended it be referred to a standing committee for further study and report back to the 82nd General Convention. We then voted to end debate and then voted to send it to committee for further work.
Next… we LEFT Title IV, thankfully, to discuss B006 – Include the Episcopal Church in Micronesia in the Diocese of Hawai’i. This is a wise move! It was unanimously approved by acclimation.
We moved on to D039 which is a condemnation of censorship. There were a number of speakers who spoke about the need to adopt this resolution as a statement of our values. It was adopted with wide support.
Continuing a theme, we next moved to D011 – The Prohibition of Assault Weapons. One person rose to speak against the resolution because it would do nothing to actually change anything. Further discussion ensued, followed by a prayer. Then a proposed amendment was shared that would add the phrase “bump stocks” to the original resolution. The amendment was adopted. After more prayer, the resolution was adopted.
Next we moved to C009 – Petition of the Episcopal Church In Navajoland to become a Missionary Diocese. This is an essential step for respecting the autonomy of the people of the Navajoland and enables them to elect their own bishop, among many other things. Several members from the Episcopal Church In Navajoland spoke about this being an important step in their life as a faith community. This was agreed to by acclimation and the people of Navajoland were warmly welcomed as a Missionary Diocese of The Episcopal Church. This is the partial culmination of work ongoing since 1978.
We then adopted A185 Gratitude for Language Services at General Convention. Similarly, we adopted A193 to Express Gratitude to the Nomination Committee for Presiding Bishop. We also adopted A182 to Express Gratitude to Candidates in Presiding Bishop’s Election. Likewise, we adopt A187 – Express gratitude for the ministries of the Episcopal Camps and Conference Centers. We adopted A175 – Express Appreciation for the ECW, and A178 Express Gratitude for the United Thank Offering, and D001 – Commend the Episcopal Communicators Organization and Celebrate their 50th Anniversary, and A179 Express Gratitude for Krisita Jackson.
Today is Camp Shirt Day! The Diocese of Montana represented Camp Marshall well! Seven of our deputies and our stellar bishop are wearing this summer’s shirt. I was rocking a shirt from either last year or the year before.
This morning’s session is, once again, a joint meeting between the Houses of Bishops and Deputies. This time it was to hear a report from the Joint Nominating Committee for the Election of the Presiding Bishop. The report began with an explanation of their process and introducing the twenty members of the committee. The House of Bishops selected five members, the House of Deputies selected 10, the President of the House of Deputies selected two young people, and the final three were filled to ensure the wider representation of the Church.
The nominees were named and some of the process was explained.
415 Clerical, 413 Lay Deputies present for a total of 829 total deputies.
106 dioceses have lay deputies, 109 dioceses have clergy deputies.
We quickly moved through approving the consent calendar for the day. Yay.
Then we went into a report from Committee 12 – Agencies and Boards. We began with A101 which is about the Denominational Health Plan. A study was conducted about the DHP and how equitable it is. Simply put – the most expensive plans are being subsidized by those on the least expensive plans and there are great geographic disparities, especially those in the Navajolands. Attached are some photos of slides that explain the issues. After brief discussion, it was approved.
Committee 3 – Governance and Structure then presented C008. The goal is to get to 10% diocesan assessment by 2033. There was a minority report from the committee that was in opposition to the 10% goal. There was strong discussion about this proposal – very, very, very lengthy discussion. After lengthy debate, it was announced that multiple dioceses had requested a vote by order. Our stellar chair of the deputation was very organized and had a paper ready for each of the deputies to voice their opinion. In the end the vote failed.
Vote on C008
After a break, Rob Radtke, the President and CEO of Episcopal Relief and Development (ERD) addressed the convention about the state of ERD and their important work.
Then we moved onto a report from Committee 03 – Governance and Structure regarding resolution A002 which is recommending locations for the 83rd General Convention in 2030. The locations are Kansas City, Missouri (Diocese of West Missouri); Minneapolis, Minnesota (Diocese of Minnesota); Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (Diocese of Pittsburgh); Portland, Oregon (Diocese of Oregon); and San Juan, Puerto Rico (Diocese of Puerto Rico).
There were some concerns expressed about how the Diocese of Puerto Rico is always mentioned but has never been chosen to host a convention. Then questions were raised about safety of some deputies in some dioceses given gender and other issues. An amended version of the resolution passed.
We then moved onto Committee 05 – Racial Truth-Telling, Reckoning And Healing on Resolution A031. Then we heard an amendment that was calling for actually creating Spanish language materials that are specifically written for Spanish-speaking people, instead of a simple translation. The amendment was unanimously adopted, as was the resolution.
We then moved to Committee 16 – Safety, Wellness and Mental Health on Resolution A079. The resolution encourages for the Sunday closest to October 10 to be designated “Mental Health Awareness Sunday.” This discussion continued for quite some time with… what some might call minutia. After being split, Part A of the resolution were adopted. We then heard discussion on Part B.
We then heard from Committee 23 – Privilege and Courtesy on A189, which celebrates the 85 years of the ministry of ERD, formerly known as the Presiding Bishop’s Fund for World Relief. It was unanimously adopted.
I created this based on documents found on the Finance website of The Episcopal Church. The Houses of Bishops and Deputies was told this information wasn’t available. This was created in less than an hour. I fully admit that there might be an error or two.
The morning began with a beautiful Morning Prayer service. Following worship we had a brief break before moving into a joint session. The Houses of Bishops and Deputies gathered together at 10:30 am for a report from the Joint Budget Committee of the Executive Council. This is the first General Convention where this was the process. The former bishop of Montana, Bishop Brookhart also joined the deputation for this discussion.
During the presentation it was revealed that all or nearly all of the dioceses of The Episcopal Church were contributing the required 15% assessment. That is quite an accomplishment! 91% of the income in the proposed 2025-2027 budget comes from diocesan assessments and investment income.
The expected expenditures for the 2025-2027 budget are $143,191,158. The budget sets aside $2,000,000 to be allocated by the new Presiding Bishop in consultation with The Executive Council.
There was a LOT of discussion about priorities and decisions made by the Joint Budget Committee. There were a lot of concerns about the process and the way the budget was crafted. There were also serious concerns about how questions were handled.
To simplify things, here is a breakdown I created of the key categories of expenditures for the 2025 – 2027 Budget.
Then we went to lunch. Thankfully.
Montana’s own Jim Wiley asking a very pertinent question about the budget.The Ninth Bishop of the (Excellent) Diocese of Montana – Frank Brookhart.Some of our deputies at lunch