It is finished! In 6 hours I'm in a shuttle heading to the airport. In 20 hours, I'm at home. I have really been homesick. Lots of emotion. Lots of tension. Late nights and early mornings. And every where one turns, there's a crowd. It has been at least a little daunting.
I know when I get home, people are going to ask me what happened. Part of me wants to say "Beats the heck out of me", but that wouldn't be nice.
In 10 legislative days, we heard and acted on over 400 pieces of legislation. Some were as simple as thanking someone for work they had done to a complete rewrite of the canons for clergy discipline.
And of course, what would a General Convention be without talking about sex? Today we acted on a resolution that has gotten a lot of attention. Let me make this real clear. We did not allow the consecration of partnered gay men or lesbians as bishops. We did say that we are of different minds on the matter. While still being asked to use restraint in consenting to such consecrations, we recognize that it may happen. The same is true of same-sex unions whatever they may be called. This is a particular concern in those 6 states that allow same-sex marriage.
In southwest Florida, nothing will change. This is good news to some and bad news to others. I don't think anyone here thought themselves winners. Facing difficult issues while respecting those with whom you disagree is difficult.
I promise to post again when I can get home and process all that has happened. I have tried to link this blog to the resolutions I mentioned, but the web site is down. I'll try again in a couple of days.
Thanks for visiting. Good night.
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Thank you so much, Fr. Bob, for your honest reflections and your resolute steadfastness to "hang in there" with those with whom you may disagree, with the whole process involved in a national convention of this magnitude, and with your own Christian integrity. I greatly enjoy reading your updates, insights, and reflections!
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Bruce Prestwood-Taylor
Is it too soon to say "Welcome home!" to you, Fr. Bob? I, too, thank you for sharing your views with us.It's been fascinating reading--so much hard work involved. (Certainly not a vacation for you.) It's obvious God's will was sought and we trust it to prevail. Your sincere efforts are appreciated and among my personal thanksgivings tonight. Welcome home and may God bless you, as I know He will--He said so in 1 Corinthians 2:9 --Your love for Him is beautifully obvious. Bonnie Kreft
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