Gary Moore
July 15th
Estimates
There have been overestimated and underestimated matters for this GC. For example, the prediction for protesters was vastly overestimated. I have not seen more than 3 at a time and yesterday only 1. At the GC ’03, I’m told there were hundreds, if not thousands, even mobilized from churches neighboring the convention site. Not so here.
Underestimated was the joy of worship opportunities. The variety of witness, faith and promise provide an ever widening array of choices for renewal. For conventions that last longer than nearly three phases of the moon, that is more than just helpful.
Just before lunch break (no, I didn’t actually have time to eat) we were introduced to representatives from the ecumenical community, our fellow believers in Christ, and treated to powerful representatives of the interfaith community. The Jewish cantor’s voice and song was absolutely spine chilling in ancient rite. Beautiful! The Islamic cantor’s version was not as palatable to my ears and understanding as I am sure it was to his. Joining in, the Episcopal cantor sounded refreshingly familiar. Then, all 3 cranked it up and at times I wished for a bird gun. At times, the inconsanant sounds were as if scratching finger nails down a chalkboard…but they all finished in ecstatic harmony. It prompted my thinking that perhaps they were singing/canting beautifully all along but when not together, it produced conflict. When canting together, sweet sweet sounds were lifted up to each faith’s interpretation of God. May we all be one.
In the meanwhile, may we Episcopalians sing in many voices, but in the different harmonic parts, giving voice to all who join in, to enrich praise to God? And may we enjoy the ancient and the new songs equally?
(How long does it take for a new song to become an ancient favorite?)
Our legislative sessions seemed to drag on Tuesday the 14th. Many of our votes required 2/3 majority and we had several votes “by orders” (I explained that process a few blogs ago) which takes a huge amount of time! That process was underestimated. I’ve read and re-read D025 now approved by both houses with amendment. It will not change my faith, witness or plans. I may not be happy, but I am far from distraught and look forward to our time in conversation about GC ’09.
Tempers are now shorter. Patience has worn thin among some of those in the HOD. Then we’ll receive an outward and visible sign that we are involved in worship, and we move forward together. Human frailty should not be placed at His feet.
Following our diocese debriefing last evening, I had the joy of dining out with ECW reps Elizabeth and Karen from Nativity Dothan and Dorothy from St Francis of Assisi, Gulf Breeze. It was fun and I learned a lot from these powerful followers of Jesus. The value of time with new friends is often underestimated. It was also a wonderful reminder of the richness of our diocese and how I enjoy knowing people from all parts of our diocese. (We have a great diocese and I look forward to its growth in mission and ministry)……. And I bet the same joy awaits my getting to know even more from within our larger church.
Thanks to Fr Albert Kennington, Fr Mark Wilson and Mother Betsy Powell for their words of encouragement yesterday. They knew I was tired.
I also thank my wife Kathy for her sacrifice in caring for all things back home, especially on the celebration of our son Taylor’s 19th birthday.
Finally, thanks to all for this opportunity to serve….got to run, choir practice is at 8:15am!
Peace Y’all, Gary Moore
July 14th
“At 7:15am Tuesday (14th) I was at a hearing on the resolution authored by our own Mother Martha Kreamer (Advent, Lillian) regarding Prevention of Domestic Violence. So, not much time for a blog entry this morning.
I urge everyone to read and digest Fr Thack Dyson’s pastoral letter/blog. I cannot say it better. I should not try to say it different.
After our diocesan meeting at 7pm last night for debriefing, I went alone for a long walk and a bite to eat. Temporarily retreating to a garden or oasis for prayer and reflection can be of great value.
Thank you for this opportunity to serve.
Peace Y’all, Gary Moore
July 12th
Sunday, July 12th, marked our mid-point in legislative sessions. I mean no offense when I reflect that in some ways it has seemed like a month has passed and looking at another week ahead, I feel as if another month looms before us. Frequent get-togethers among our deputation helps keep our morale high, but…..
Yesterday’s Eucharist was absolutely wonderful. Over 7,000 people gathered and from my vantage point in the choir I saw it like few others could. I am a lucky man.
For a great report, visit Episcopal Life on-line and look for (former curate @ St James Fairhope) Jerald Hyche’s article. I’ll add that the music was, once again, as if by heavenly voice made present among us. Remember, s/he who sings, prays twice.
Following worship, folks serving in various capacities here from the Central Gulf Coast gathered for a nice luncheon. We had ECW, Historians and Archives and Official Youth Presence Jonathan Mathews, a postulant from St Mark’s Troy headed for seminary next month. We were joined by Jerald Hyche (St Martin’s Houston) and Luke and Hopie Jernigan (from Christ Church Pointe Vedra FL) all with diocesan connections, much like a family reunion!
Using the “family” description, our afternoon legislative plenary session reflected that families contain members who are loved but who may not always agree on every topic. So was the case in the approval of D025. Please go on-line to read it in its final amended form. Many see this as highly troublesome in our Anglican communion relationship, others do not think this repeals or negates B033 (the defacto moratoria on gay bishops and blessings of same sex couples.). We’ll see.
The resolution was the subject of much, but orderly and considerate debate. Only one comment was heard, and from the Secretary of the Conv when he said “this amendment doesn’t make sense”….he could have said that differently.
A vote to divide the resolution, which I favored, was defeated. It would have allowed a vote on a portion of the resolution without agreeing with the entire matter. We also voted “by orders”: the clergy and lay deputies had their votes, by diocese, counted separately and then our deputation chair cast a single ballot for each order. The votes in the lay order was yes, 77, no, 31; in the clergy order, yes, 74 and no, 35. Again, these the numbers of dioceses…the HOD has had an official presence of deputies in the 816 range at every session.
Our deputation’s single vote in each order was against D025. The larger number of family members voted over 2 to 1 in favor. We’ll see what the House of Bishops has to say.
We also voted in favor of raising the diocesan pledge from .7% to 1.0% for the Millennium Development Goals. We expect the % of our budget to The Episcopal Church to be less of a % in the coming triennium. Other cost saving measures are being proposed. Latino ministries got a big boost in funding for outreach and development.
There’s wasn’t much humor in the Hall yesterday but when a deputy rose from the Hawaii deputation to ask about a “finance and budget” matter, his tongue slipped and he said “fudg-et” matter…..likely far more accurate a call than he intended!
Please know that we are all in prayerful discernment.
We are in the midst of a church which may be said through its success in mission and ministry to those once at the edges, to have created a multi-color, mix of voice and experiences that looks different than those in the naves of many of our churches on a typical Sunday. That doesn’t mean it’s wrong. I wonder that if I truly followed Jesus’ teachings and few commandments in my own neighborhood, how different would the people in the pew look to be? Or, do I hang out with people too much like me without stepping to the edge? I’m glad the good news of Jesus was for Jew AND Gentile….. then and now.
Thank you for chance to serve you and my Heavenly Father.
Peace Y’all, Gary Moore
July 11, 2009
Our Saturday morning plenary session began with the House of Deputies’ (HOD) chaplain quoting Dickens’ Tale of Two Cities in a sly toned voice “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times” ….actually, we enjoyed little controversy inside the house and only 3 protesters outside the conv center. I’ll send a pix of the folks and their hateful signs. The only comic relief I gained was in the recognition that they looked much like the lead guitar players of ZZTop.
In our first legislative/plenary session we took time out to hear from the president of the ECW. What a powerful force in the life of our church. I quickly thought of the importance of this group back at St James Fairhope.
I failed to mention in the blog for Friday that the HOD refused, at least for now, to approve the election of the Bishop of Ecuador Central. Allegations of irregularities and smelly politics gave us pause. At great risk, a young female priest rose to address the HOD giving details she submitted would discredit the process. At one point she declared “the Bishop may have the power, but we have the truth”….we postponed the vote so we could learn more, study more, etc.
Our daily worship was great (as was the choir!) Ray Suarez of the Jim Lehrer News program gave the sermon. Obviously “one of us” he spoke of a rich, if not unblemished church history and a rich,if not bumpy, future ahead.
During lunch time (which doesn’t necessarily mean you actually get to eat lunch) we new deputies heard from folks involved in Resolution B033 (the moratoria on gay bishops, etc) learning of what actually happened and maybe why, in the GC ’03 and ’06. This was helpful to give better understanding of how legislation can wind its way under, around, etc —-again, much like our state and national legislative bodies.
In our afternoon workshop on “the public narrative” our own Mother Martha Kreamer (Advent, Lillian) was chosen to share her story of self and of us. She spoke to the issue of domestic violence against women, how it affects those around us and what we laity and her fellow clergy can do about it. Having lost a daughter as a victim of domestic violence and having studied the subject, Martha is in a place to know. Her story should soon be posted on our diocesan website in a video clip. She has written a resolution on the topic which should soon be assigned a committee.
Vince Currie and I were pictured on the front of the magazine “Living Church” which came out Friday….ya never know who’s watching and may have a camera, ha!
Oh, the pigeon returned to the great hall today and I didn’t hear anyone give it the credentials of the Holy Spirit Dove. Maybe we do know the difference after all.
Allow me to return to remarks by the HOD chaplain: he offered that “Christianity” is a verb, not a noun. We are called “followers of Jesus” because He is going somewhere. We aren’t called “standing next to Jesus” “sitting next to” “stacked next to” “filed under ‘Christ, Jesus’ ” we are followers, we are active, we are in the world with Him. May we truly be “followers” and not content to remain seated, reading about Him as some historic relic. He lives. We are His people. And we are full-time, active followers as George Herbert’s poetry proclaims it: “Seven Whole Days, Not One in Seven, We Will Praise Thee”.
Thanks for the opportunity to be a part of our church’s discernment and governance.
Peace y’all, Gary Moore
July 10, 2009
Emerging characters…removing obstacles
My Friday began with a long walk that took me past several entrances to Disneyland. Families were completing breakfast and preparations for the day ahead. My irreverent lapse had me comparing some of the emerging characters of our convention to some of Disney’s characters: there’s Goofy, Mickey, Minnie…..there’s Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride, Space Mountain, etc. And, let’s not forget the nightly fireworks.
Yes, the tension level and the tone of things have changed. No longer do we hear the prefatory “I rise to offer a friendly amendment to my Brother in Christ’s proposed resolution”. Now, it’s more likely to be a growl, though still mostly polite, that “this proposal makes no sense, has grammatical errors, is an end-run around an issue or is simply “goofy” (at least at this point the actual word “goofy” isn’t being used…I fear it is not far away.
Committees continue to met occasionally but their work is largely done…we are considering many resolutions on a variety of issues. It’s long, it’s tedious, it can be a strain on the fanny and on one’s faith. However, it IS how we’ve chosen to govern ourselves as compared to other faith expressions which are not so “democratic” in process.
I visited at length with folks from the National Cursillo office and the Episcopal Relief and Development office. Both of these missions and ministries are dear to my heart. The report from ER-D was that we have been as work in 46 countries this year, and have directly assisted 2.5 million folks. As a group we Episcopalians have contributed over $3M to the Millennium Development Goals to eradicate poverty, help developing communities, etc. When I hear leaders and parishioners say they will not support ER-D because they think they would be contributing to “the dreaded (in their minds) national church” I stop to pray over such small mindedness and hope we can erase the obstacle of pettiness to help heal a hurting world. This mission is the main avenue for our faith to be demonstrated outside our communities. Nets for Life, used to fight malaria by shielding people from the disease carrying mosquitoes, have saved millions of lives already. These folks know that people acting in the name of Jesus have helped save their families from the overly expected need to bury their relatives, gone too soon.
Speaking of removing obstacles, the office of Episcopal Giving was very excited to hear that in our diocese we now have safe, secure on-line giving opportunities. Our Communications Director Cindy McCrory and Financial Secretary Jennifer Bernard handled the effort necessary to make this happen for our diocese. Removing barriers between donors and their causes is yet another tangible way we are not “doing business as usual” in our diocese. Please visit the website and choose how to contribute. The Cursillo Commission is launching it’s “Pay-it-Forward (with T3)” campaign and donating on-line and through small, recurring monthly debits to a checking account is also easily set up. We are also looking for folks with time and talent as well!
In the choir yesterday we sang in Spanish, what might have been Zulu, English and I know I heard some Southern drawl! Sweet!
One final note: as we were in the thick of things yesterday afternoon, a pigeon flew through the large warehouse style hall in which the House of Deputies was meeting. As many folks grabbed for their hats, gasps of “oh look, the sign of the Holy Spirit!”. Let us be prayer fully alert to discern the difference between the Dove of the Holy Spirit sent to lead us, and a very similar looking pigeon which will only poop on our heads and fly away while we are left to clean up the mess.
Thank you for this opportunity to serve you and my Savior.
Peace y’all, Gary Moore
July 9, 2009
As you have seen in news media and via Episcopal Life online, the committee meetings and hearings are long and demanding, but courteous in tone and tenor. Fr Thack Dyson, David Quittmeyer, Fr Jim Flowers and Sally Green, who serve on committees, have really experienced long hours. Those of us without specific committee assignment are covering other committee hearings and reporting back to the deputation from the Central Gulf Coast.
I attended the National and International Issues meeting and the Prayer Book, Liturgy and Music meeting on Thu, the 9th: the most fervently debated topic there was whether to extend marital rites to same sex couples. There is disagreement on the matter.
After a “work session” on how to tell our story/how to listen to others, we remained at our work tables for worship which included a bible study and sermon by the ABofC Rowan Williams—-wow!
Joining our table to my immediate right was The Most Rev Nathaniel UEMATSU, Primate and Bishop of Hokkaido Japan, the Anglican Church in Japan. He was an incredible person with whom to fall into conversation (before and after worship). Next year they will be celebrating 150 years since the first Anglican missionary came to his province. The ABofC will be in attendance, Bishop Nathaniel said. I have his card so with those contacts I’ll be able to find a parish if I ever make it to Japan. (I haven’t even made it to Disneyland 3 blocks away!)
I joined the Ubuntu Choir yesterday, too. I just couldn’t help myself. It’s the first ever “organized” choir for a GC. And, yep, Bass Sections are the same all ’round the world (“what page are we on? Can’t hear you! I’ve never heard this one before!”)
Maybe it’s because we are at the back of the stage or are we at the back of the stage because we…… ?? Perhaps we need a new committee to hold hearings on the issue??
I’ll try to continue these daily posts from a “deputy at street level” point of view.
Thanks for this opportunity.
Peace Y’all, Gary Moore
(Visit the website for blogs from all our deputies)
July 8, 2009
They are precious in his sight…plus lies and marbles
In ’07 and ’08 my family enjoyed family visits to Providence RI, Boston (twice), Atlanta, Savannah and NYC searching for the right art and design college for our son. We searched for and enjoyed worship at the closest Episcopal church, especially those with college programs. I expected the students at the art schools to be…colorful…. but the parishes in these urban areas also included parishioners of all race, culture, national origin, color, hair style, you name it. Such is the case here at GC.
My VBS song of long ago, “Red and yellow, black and white, these are precious in His sight” seems a bit underestimated or understated. It is a wonderful sight. Not everyone is wearing starched button-down shirts and slacks!
Morning worship was wonderful: we experienced African chant and dance, American gospel, Spanish liturgy, Philippine good- will presentations, and the “one bread, one body” in our eucharist. And yes the chance to sing!!
Our first legislative plenary session commenced on Wed, reminding me of my days as an intern in the U.S. Senate. In the large full house, parliamentary procedure was the real time consuming process and many housekeeping items addressed (change this date, move this meeting, amend this resolution).
Committee and subcommittee hearings, testimony (and some complaints) from those appearing before the committees clearly were reminiscent of my 6 months in Congress as an intern. I certainly appreciate those in our deputation serving…long hours, patient ears (and bottoms), caring hearts and discerning minds.
After I visited several hearings (most of the time was in the Evangelism Committee), we enjoyed a “lunch and learn” session on the topic of Program, Budget and Finance(P,B & F). The $12 bland salad in a plastic box reminded me I was at a “convention” ….don’t they know Episcopalians like real food?
I have several pix from inside the exhibition hall—– as reported before, there are interest groups with just about every conceivable cause: that’s OK by me for at least they are thoughtful, courteous, etc. even if of one purpose. By contrast, the first of the protesters arrived today. They were anything but polite as they yelled out at us as we walked by .
The day did not end at 6pm when the afternoon plenary session closed. I went directly to the PB’s forum “Christian Faithfulness in a Global Economic Crisis”, with keynoter the Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams and a panel of 3 more…I urge you to view this via the mediahub that Cindy McCrory notified you about recently. The ABofC speaks to the notion: “we have lied to ourselves and others (about our economies and how and why we create what we have come to understand as wealth)”
Following that incredible experience, I attended the Committee on Canons….Fr Thack Dyson serves on that committee (pix). As a preacher’s kid, I was interested in Title IV and what protections exist for a clergy wrongfully accused….and as one watching some parishes and dioceses try to leave the Episcopal church and “take their marbles with them”, I was interested in the streamlining of dealing with those ordained folks who lead those exodus expeditions.
The day which began officially at 8am ended at 9pm.
There’s more to explore, listen to, talk about, share, learn, and love coming up today.
Peace be with you.
Gary Moore L4
CGC
July 8, 2009
On Tuesday the 7th, the 76th General Convention of the Episcopal Church was convened. The House of Bishops and the House of Deputies combined to form the largest bi-cameral legislative body in the world. We met in a very, very large room.
Greeted by the Presiding Bishop and President of the House of Deputies (“HOD”) Bonnie Anderson, we soon began to focus on a process we will engage while here and as we return to our dioceses. Called the “public narrative”, how do I relate my experience, my call, to others, and how do I engage others in the urgency of what I see/believe to be the mission of the church?
Immediately following that initial gathering, the HOD shifted to its (large) hall to begin. We were treated to homily style remarks from the author of the book we all read before our arrival: Ubuntu. You’ve read in other columns what this is about, so no further discussion here.
We learned about the resolution process through an entertaining “not ready for prime-time” group of “actors”. I sent in a photo of our electronic voting device: looks like a remote control (but has no mute button!)
Before and after these plenary sessions, the various committees are at work with many meeting late at night. Many members of our CGC deputation are working members of committees, some of us are auditing.
Much like other conventions (e.g., Rotary, Kiwanis, medical, legal, or real estate professional associations) there are special or specific interest groups. Even if I have not historically agreed with what any of these groups have said, it’s my duty as a deputy to “stop, look and listen” to what they have to say. I have been warned that the energy level of some groups may escalate as their proposed resolutions are raised for official consideration.
There are many photos being taken by many professionals, so the ones I am sending in will be easily recognized. I am trying to give a sense of the convention “from a pedestrian scale”.
I’m meeting other first time deputies from around the church and it’s interesting to observe the linkages among us. The shared commonalities. Maybe we share more common bonds than we thought. Or, could it be that it’s the church’s one sure foundation, Christ Our Lord?
We’ll be singing in our morning worship service today. None too soon!
Thanks.
All the best, Gary
July 6, 2009
The entrance to the Anaheim Convention center declares through a huge, inviting banner “The Episcopal Church Welcomes You”. Once inside, the welcome extended by hundreds of yellow-aproned volunteers from the Diocese of Los Angeles is palpable.
Excitement seems to tingle the air around us, or maybe that’s what low 80F temps feel like out of the sweltering coastal Alabama-Florida heat.
(Proof that God is already at work here)
As folks from all around the USA and from several other countries trickle in, the exhibitors are concluding final setup.
Several other meetings are already underway to discuss pending matters that will be open to all later in the convention.
So, as our Diocesan deputies continue to arrive the day before we officially start on Tuesday, the 7th, who else is arriving for GC?
Statistics reflect 43% of us are here for the first time. That experience is similar to GC ’03 and ’06…..a high turnover rate. (Is it the vast amount of preparation before this 2 weeks of convention even begins that does it? Is it the “process” itself? Is it disillusionment or disagreement? Is it what the office back home or my yard looks like after 2 weeks of abandonment? We’ll see as we continue our service.)
There at least 29 medical doctors, 3 judges, 14 military personnel, “and, of course, 91 lawyers” (says the report) among the deputation. 174 hold doctorate degrees, 65 are Ivy League grads. 64% of us are between 50 and 69 years of age.(Finally, I am in a majority) Below 30? Only 2.7%.
85 are African-Americans, 53 Hispanic, 17 Native Americans, 14 Asian-Americans, 4 Native Hawaiians.
General Theological and Virginia Theological Seminaries have the most alumni. These big numbers are followed by strong attendance from alumni from Seabury-Western and Church Divinity School of the Pacific seminaries.
The Diocese of Ft Worth has 100% new deputation, none of whom have ever been to GC (there are unique reasons for that).
OK, one last number: hopefully, we’ll leave GC ’09 on July 17th having discerned the Will of God “in 1 accord”……. (and I don’t mean in a Honda car).
Many of you have offered support through intentional and specific prayer. Your well wishes and genuine concern are appreciated. Others ask in what additional ways they may help…..well, as I think of it…..there is that yard back home that will be soon be getting out of hand!
Thank you for the opportunity to serve as a Lay Deputy from the Diocese of the Central Gulf Coast.
Gary Moore, L4
(and CGC Standing Committee ’10)
St. James-Fairhope
