The Joys of General Convention

As you surely know, General Convention deals with some complex and sensitive issues. But I want you to know, too, that the tenor within Convention is mostly collegial, good natured, and often full of laughter.

Take this, for instance.


In the opening, joint session of Bishops and Deputies on Wednesday, both Presiding Bishop Curry and the President of the House of Deputies (the Rev. Gay Jennings) made remarks to us. Afterwards, Bishop Curry explained that he and the PHoD had made some sort of wager regarding the outcome of a basketball game. As a consequence, Bishop Curry donned a Syracuse cap, honoring PHoD Jennings' alma mater. Then he called all the Bishops to the platform, where they serenaded the PHoD with her alma mater song. There was much hilarity in the whole thing.

It is the tradition of the House of Deputies that when we pass the first few resolutions confirming our leadership, establishing our rules of order, etc., we send a message to the House of Bishops [HoB], officially informing them that we are organized and ready to do the business of the church. Generally, this is a pro forma detail.  The PHoD just sends someone to the HoB to convey the formal message. But not yesterday. President Jennings summoned to the platform of the HoD every Deputy whose first name is Michael. Each of them got a black cap with "Michael" printed on it. She sent them (led by the Sergeant at Arms) as the formal messengers to inform the House of Bishops that we were organized. She also gave them an extra "Michael" cap to give to the Presiding Bishop, requesting the return of her beloved Syracuse ball cap.

Sitting in the House of Deputies, we didn't know what happened next. But through the wonders of YouTube, we get to peek into the reception our "Michael" Deputies received in the House of Bishops.

Please watch the 3 minute video here or at https://youtu.be/uUKhuUXnKrE. Note the glee with which our Presiding Bishop receives his "Michael" cap. Then listen. In the last 10 seconds of the video. Do you hear it? (I know the audio is bad.) The Michael Deputies process out, singing, "Michael, Row Your Boat Ashore."

This is the sort of thing that makes me love General Convention so much. Are there vigorous debates on difficult issues? Of course. But what I most experience and treasure are these outbreaks of love, good humor, and generosity of spirit.

– Lisa Fox