By Ashley Mather
Greetings from the second day of General Convention. I am proud and honored to serve the Diocese of Kansas for the second time as a deputy. Our deputation has been hard at work in legislative committees/hearings and legislative sessions. Each deputy from Kansas has been asked to serve on a legislative committee. It is actually quite rare for all deputies from a single diocese to be asked to serve on a committee, and we should be proud about how well represented our great diocese is.
I have the privilege of serving on the Ecumenical and Interreligious Relations Committee — Committee 19. Today, my committee had hearings and discussion on resolution A041 (Episcopal Church-United Methodist Dialogue). Although this isn’t one of the most contentious resolutions, I have heard concerns expressed and would like to clear up a few misconceptions that seem to be floating around.
I understand that this is a big issue in our church, and the 800+ deputies do not take this lightly. Have faith in the work that your elected deputation has come to General Convention to do, and keep the entire convention in your prayers.
Thank you, and God bless you.
Greetings from the second day of General Convention. I am proud and honored to serve the Diocese of Kansas for the second time as a deputy. Our deputation has been hard at work in legislative committees/hearings and legislative sessions. Each deputy from Kansas has been asked to serve on a legislative committee. It is actually quite rare for all deputies from a single diocese to be asked to serve on a committee, and we should be proud about how well represented our great diocese is.
I have the privilege of serving on the Ecumenical and Interreligious Relations Committee — Committee 19. Today, my committee had hearings and discussion on resolution A041 (Episcopal Church-United Methodist Dialogue). Although this isn’t one of the most contentious resolutions, I have heard concerns expressed and would like to clear up a few misconceptions that seem to be floating around.
- This resolution isn’t asking for us to formally enter into full communion with the United Methodist Church (UMC). It is predominately proposing that The Episcopal Church (TEC) continues in relationship with the UMC as we work out what it would mean to be in full communion with one another.
- There will not be a resolution at this General Convention seeking full communion between TEC and UMC. In February of 2019, the UMC will hold a Special Session to discuss human sexuality. TEC and UMC will have more conversations around full communion after the Special Session.
I understand that this is a big issue in our church, and the 800+ deputies do not take this lightly. Have faith in the work that your elected deputation has come to General Convention to do, and keep the entire convention in your prayers.
Thank you, and God bless you.