General Convention

So we elected Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori as Presiding Bishop by both houses (of Bishops and of Deputies) of the convention overwhelmingly. This is the highest position in the US Episcopal Church and has a 9 year term starting in November. To put this in perspective we have 13 female Bishops active and retired in the US, Canada has 3, and there are 3 others in the rest of the world. England and all of Europe have none. The Church of England has female priest and is working on allowing them to be elected Bishop but not yet. In much of Latin America, Africa, and Asia women are not allowed to be priest, serve as acolytes, or basically be a leader in the church in anyway. However, Rowan Williams - Archbishop of Canterbury, has welcomed her to the House of Primates (yes a stupid name but the name none the less) to join the other leaders of National Churches. Controversial for sure, but exciting!!!

Speaking of controversial here is the final resolution to respond to the Windsor Report on our ordination of Gene Robinson as Bishop of New Hampshire last convention:
FINAL VERSION - ConcurredResolution B033
Title: On Election of Bishops
Topic: Bishops
Committee: 26. Special Legislative Committee
House of Initial Action: Bishops
Proposer: The Rt. Rev. Dorsey F. Henderson Jr. (Upper South Carolina)
Resolved, the House of Deputies concurring, That the 75th General Convention receive and embrace The Windsor Report’s invitation to engage in a process of healing and reconciliation; and be it further Resolved, that this Convention therefore call upon Standing Committees and bishops with jurisdiction to exercise restraint by not consenting to the consecration of any candidate to the episcopate whose manner of life presents a challenge to the wider church and will lead to further strains on communion.

Any questions?
I have lots but no one answers right now.