The annual ECR diocesan convention
ended early: all resolutions were passed, withdrawn, or rejected, all
positions were elected (one after three ballots), the 2007 budget
approved without amendment, our structure and funding models chosen for
the future. Three Bishop’s Crosses were distributed honoring
extraordinary leadership and contribution to the diocese.
There were three services of celebration and thanksgiving:
at the start, before lunch, and at the closing. Ours may be the
only Episcopal diocese in which services are routinely held in three
languages: Spanish, English, and Philipino. Prayers, bible readings,
and even hymns alternate between languages. Ours may also be the
only diocese in which the Bishop sings calypso songs at the convention
to call it to order. Of course, we sang right back.
In fact, the singing is one of the pleasures of annual convention
here on California’s central coast.
There are so many good voices and trained singers among the
clergy and lay delegates that when we sing a hymn to pass the time
while ballots are being counted, it comes out in harmony. Unpracticed
but fine harmony among 250 people is a delight to hear.
ECR is so much more positive and effective during the last two years
when we have been honestly assessing our own progress and potential.
As Bishop Romero said, our wine may be sour but it is our wine:
we need to drink it together and get on with our work. With our
new diocesan structure, we can build a shared ministry and prepare
to welcome our third bishop next summer.
KatysBlog 