Gcps diowks by The Episcopal Diocese of Western Kansas

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E P I S C O P A L D I O C E S E W E S T E R N K A N S A S

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THE PRAIRIE SPIRIT JULY 2015 7 8 T H G E N E R A L CO NVE N TIO N I S SUE

FROM THE BISHOP General Convention from Across the Hall

INSIDE THIS ISSUE: From the Bishop

Presiding Bishop—Elect Currry

Around the Diocese

Safeguarding

Bishop 7 Kemper School For Ministry

Website: www.diowks.org

Diocese of Western Kansas

Episcopal Di of WKS

The General Convention of the Episcopal Church takes place every three years, and serves as our church’s highest authority, apart from the Bible. General Convention is a time for serious reflection and debate. It is a time of long days and hard work. For those deputies and bishops who serve on legislative committees many days may run from 12 to 14 hours in length! But, GC is also a time to reconnect with long-time friends and spend a few quiet moments catching up. For this General Convention Western Kansas had quite a few men and women participating in one way or another. Our elected deputies who spent long days in meetings and legislative sessions were: Mother Phyllis Flory (chair of the deputation), Sally Russell, Fr. Mark Cowell, Sherry Denton, The Rev. Karen Lemon, Pam Smith, and Fr. Randy McIntosh. Representing the Daughters of the King was Patti Wamsley, and Mother Carolyn Ballinger; and for the Episcopal Church Women of Western Kansas we had Lana Mederos. Harry Smith and Carolyn Ballinger also served the Convention as volunteers. Many thanks to all who gave of their time, talents and treasurers to serve and represent Western Kansas at the General Convention. You all were simply outstanding! I suspect that one of the biggest attention getters from General Convention was the passage of resolutions that open the door for same-gendered marriage in the Episcopal Church. For some this was a time for celebration. For others, it was a time for sorrow. Depending on which side of this issue you are on the Episcopal Church is working hard to try and make provision for all sides. Pastoral sensitivity and response are cornerstones as we work on these issues. Elsewhere in this Prairie Spirit I have included a couple of responses from the House of Bishops (“Communion Partners ” Minority Response, and “Mind of the House of Bishops” statement on same-gendered marriage). So, what about Western Kansas? For the moment things will continue as they are. Bishop Wolfe (Diocese of Kansas)and I are going to meet in late August to begin working on policies dealing with Marriage overall that we hope to implement for both dioceses. Remember, since these resolutions do not take effect until the beginning of Advent we have some working space. Of course, the other major event of General Convention was the election of The Rt. Rev. Michael Curry as the next Presiding Bishop. If you have seen any of the videos of Bishop Curry’s sermons you know that he is a dynamic and powerful preacher. He will certainly be an exciting proclaimer of the Gospel of the Risen Lord and spokesman for the Episcopal Church. But beyond that Bishop Curry is an able administrator and leader. Personally, I am convinced our Church will be in good hands for the next nine years. Bishop Curry’s installation will take place on All Saints’ Day (November 1) at the Cathedral Church of St. Peter and St. Paul (the National Cathedral) in Washington, D.C. While there were hundreds and hundreds of resolutions presented and acted on not all that many will really impact our life together in the Diocese of Western Kansas. Some actions changed a few Canons in some ways….some changed policies of the Church Pension Fund…some dealt with issues of alcoholism…a few with liturgy and worship…some with the lectionary…a number of resolutions dealt with how our Church is structured in the “upper levels”. At the end of the day, with the end of General Convention, I still believe that our beloved Church still very much alive and well. Like all other churches we are struggling to find ways to proclaim the Gospel in a changing world. The world of the 1950’s and 60’s is a memory. The world of the 2020’s is our challenge! May God continue to pour his blessings on Western Kansas. Bishop Milliken

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North Carolina Bishop Michael Curry Elected as 27th Presiding Bishop The Episcopal Church’s General Convention made history June 27 when it chose Diocese of North Carolina Bishop Michael Curry to be its 27th presiding bishop. Curry, 62, was elected by the House of Bishops from a slate of four nominees on the first ballot. He received 121 votes of a total 174 cast. Diocese of Southwest Florida Bishop Dabney Smith received 21, Diocese of Southern Ohio Bishop Thomas Breidenthal, 19, and Diocese of Connecticut Bishop Ian Douglas, 13. The number of votes needed for election was 89. Curry’s election was confirmed an hour later by the House of Deputies, as outlined in the church’s canons, by a vote of 800 to 12. He will serve a nine-year term that officially begins Nov. 1. On that date, Curry will succeed current Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori and he will become the first person of color to hold that position. Michael Bruce Curry was elected 11th Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of North Carolina on February 11, 2000. He was consecrated on June 17, 2000, in Duke Chapel on the campus of Duke University in Durham, North Carolina. Born in Chicago, Illinois, on March 13, 1953, Bishop Curry attended public schools in Buffalo, New York, and graduated with high honors from Hobart College in Geneva, New York, in 1975. He received a Master of Divinity degree in 1978 from Yale University Divinity School. He has also done continued study at The College of Preachers, Princeton Theological Seminary, Wake Forest University, the Ecumenical Institute at St. Mary's Seminary, and the Institute of Christian Jewish Studies. Bishop Curry was ordained to the diaconate in June 1978 at St. Paul's Cathedral, Buffalo, New York, by the Rt. Rev. Harold B. Robinson and to the priesthood in December 1978, at St. Stephen's, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, by the Rt. Rev. John M. Burgess. In 1988 he became rector of St. James', Baltimore, Maryland, where he served until his election as bishop. In his three parish ministries, Bishop Curry was active in the founding of ecumenical summer day camps for children, the creation of networks of family day care providers and educational centers, and the brokering of millions of dollars of investment in inner city neighborhoods. He also sat on the Commission on Ministry in each of the three dioceses in which he has served. During his time as Bishop of the Diocese of North Carolina, Bishop Curry has taken the Diocese into 21st-century Galilee, the complex modern world that churches must engage in order to continue spreading the Gospel. He instituted a network of canons, deacons, and youth ministry professionals dedicated to supporting the ministry that already happens in local congregations and refocused the Diocese on The Episcopal Church’s Millennium Development Goals through a $400,000 campaign to buy malaria nets that saved over 100,000 lives. Throughout his ministry, Bishop Curry has also been active in issues of social justice, speaking out on immigration policy and marriage equality. He has received honorary degrees from Sewanee, Virginia Theological Seminary, Yale, and, most recently, Episcopal Divinity School. He served on the Taskforce for Re-imagining the Episcopal Church and recently was named chair of Episcopal Relief and Development's Board of Directors. His book of sermons, Crazy Christians, came out in August 2013.

Bishop Milliken gives Bishop Curry a hug after being elected as the new Presiding Bishop.

Bishop Curry and his wife, Sharon, have two adult daughters, Rachel and Elizabeth. You can follow Bishop Curry on Twitter:@BishopCurry or Facebook: facebook.com/bishopcurry

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Bishops Lead a March Against Gun Violence About 1,500 General Convention participants joined a Bishops United Against Gun Violence procession in Salt Lake City Sunday Morning, June 28. The prayerful procession walked the half-mile from the Salt Palace Convention Center to Pioneer Park while marchers sang hymns and prayed. Members of Utah anti-gun violence groups and civil rights organizations joined in.

The General Convention adopted the 2016-2018 triennial budget July 2 after agreeing to add $2.8 million for evangelism work. While the addition passed with relatively little debate in the House of Deputies, it faced some opposition in the House of Bishops. The triennial budget is based on $125,083,185 in revenue, compared to the forecasted $118,243,102 for the triennium that ends Dec. 31 of this year. The expenses are projected to be $125,057,351. The budget comes in with a negligible surplus of $25,834. Its revenue projection is based in part on asking the church’s dioceses and regional mission areas to give 18 percent of their income to fund the 2016 budget, 16.5 percent for the 2017 budget and 15 percent in 2018. The version of the budget presented July 1 by the Joint Standing Committee on Program, Budget and Finance (PB&F) also included a major new $2 million initiative on racial justice and reconciliation, even as it reduces the amount of money it asks dioceses to contribute to 15 percent by 2018.

The United Thank Offering Representative is Mrs. Kathy Milliken. She attended Convention in Salt Lake City, UT and presented our Diocesan contribution figures from 2012-2014. The United Thank Offering’s little blue offering boxes were everywhere throughout the Salt Palace Convention Center – some 20,000 of them distributed so far, according to UTO Missioner Heather Melton – and every penny collected during the General UTO suggests that people should daily pray and give – by putting some coins in their Blue Box – in recognition of their daily thanks for what God has given them. Convention will go to support innovative young adult ministries. The total ingathering for 2012-2014 was $4,378,328.16. UTO suggests that people should daily pray and give – by putting some coins in their Blue Box – in recognition of their daily thanks for what God has given them. Oftentimes, the people whom the UTO calls “thankful givers” supplement their daily contributions before sending the money to UTO either individually or through a process known as diocesan in-gatherings. The UTO believes that thankful giving unites the givers spiritually with the people who benefit from their gifts.

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Reflections on the General Convention 2015

ELECTION of PRESIDING BISHOP Pam Smith—Deputy

The position of Presiding Bishop is an elected position with a tenure of 9 years. The four finalists were announced in May. During general convention, the House of Bishops and House of Deputies held a joint session where the candidates were introduced. Each candidate presented a video about themselves, their family and their ministry. Following the videos, candidates drew questions and answered them. For the first time in the history of the Episcopal Church, the Presiding Bishop was elected on the first ballot. The House of Deputies then concurred with the vote from the House of Bishops. Michael Currie, Bishop of North Carolina will be installed as our new Presiding Bishop on November 1, 2015 at the National Cathedral in Washington D.C. We were excited about the election of Bishop Currie. He represents a new chapter for the Episcopal Church. He is enthusiastic, presents a platform of mission, communicating the gospel of Jesus Christ. It was an exciting time to be a delegate to convention.

During the closing Eucharist of General Convention on July 3, Presiding Bishop Katharine Jeﬀerts Schori reads a letter from President Barack Obama congratulating North Carolina Bishop Michael Curry, right, upon his election as the Episcopal Church’s first African‐American presiding bishop. Photo: Sharon Sheridan/Episcopal News Service

WORSHIP Holy Eucharist was celebrated daily during convention. Music was a central part of worship from beautiful organ music to Native American musicians, Mexican band, choirs, Taiko drummers and always a beautiful celebration. The Mass was performed in English, Spanish, and many other languages. Sign language was also included at every service. Hymns were also sung in Spanish & English. Many of our deputation assisted with communion. It is a moving experience to worship with so many Episcopalians. On a personal note, it was a thrill for me to attend a mass when a tribute was made to Fr. Hiram Kano, a Japanese immigrant who became an Episcopal Priest. He converted many Japanese immigrants to Episcopalians in the North Platte and Scottsbluff, NE area. I'm an Episcopalian today through my grandparents that were part of that movement by Fr. Kano. I was thrilled to meet members of His family following the service.

Bishop Milliken takes some time to visit the vendors at Convention. He stopped by the St. Mark’s Press booth. They are located in Wichita

Virtual Binder Rev. Randy McIntosh—Deputy

This year we used a Virtual Binder which was an Ipad, instead of having to carry around what was called the Blue Book. The Blue Book was a binder that was 5” thick and very heavy. It had all the resolution’s that would be voted on. Hundreds of pages of paper. You would then add to that the everyday amendments. With the V-Binder it was all at your finger tips almost instantly, along with the schedule of the day, the worship service and seating chart. Much easier to use and carry around. The voting machines were really easy to use this time around and did not have any problems. Votes were for or against the subject that was on the table at that time.

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Reflections on the General Convention 2015 All About the People Rev. Carolyn Ballinger—DOK and Volunteer

I went to the Daughters of the King Triennial as just one of the hundreds of Daughters, and to General Convention as a volunteer. I was on the sideline as far as legislation and the working of the Church leadership was concerned. For me, it was all about the people. The DOK meeting was in the Heber Valley, up above Salt Lake City in the Wasatch Mountain foothills. I met women from all over the world and learned about their ministries from the abused, the poor, the hungry, the widows and orphans. People are doing inspirational and beautiful things all over the world, living the life of the Body of Christ, serving others in his Name. We worshipped together every day, celebrating our communion in his love and service. At the General Convention, I stayed with a woman who is active in the cathedral parish of St. Mark’s, along with another priest who is rector of the parish in Bainbridge, Washington. Both are people whom I became very fond of, and will be lifelong friends. I also met some people from Navajoland, and had a wonderful conversation with a woman who is a deacon at Good Shepherd Mission at Fort Defiance, near Window Rock. There they have a retreat center, which I expressed interest in seeing. She invited me to visit on my way home, though she wouldn’t be in church that week. This was seconded by another lady who is studying to become a deacon. I ran into them again in the gas station rest room in Bluff, Utah, which sealed the idea that I would go there. Off I went for a quiet day on my way home. I am still trying to assimilate all I have learned. What a varied and mind-boggling three weeks! Good Shepard Retreat Center near Window Rock, in Arizona.

SAME SEX MARRIAGE LEGISLATION Rev. Mark Cowell—Deputy

One of the most important things we did at the 78th General Convention was to pass legislation on same sex marriage. One of the most important things we said in that legislation is that we do not have an answer. What we did say was important, both in terms of affirming fully our LGBTQ brothers and sisters as children of God and affirming our own union as God’s people, a union that has room even for those whose understanding differs dramatically on this issue. As I said, the legislation recognized that everyone is a child of God regardless of sexual orientation or gender orientation. Having said that, the legislation also recognized that we do not all agree on that marriage is for only one man and one woman. We decided that same sex marriage is an issue on which we need not all agree, and instead we decided to leave that decision to each individual diocese and to each individual clergy person as to whether they felt they should preform same sex marriages. If the bishop of a diocese permits same sex marriages, it will still be a matter of conscience for priests. No one may be punished for celebrating a same sex marriage where it is permitted and no one can be punished for declining to celebrate a same sex marriage where it is permitted. In making this decision, we, as a church, recognize that it is in true and frank discussion and discernment that God’s will is revealed. We, as a church, recognized also that we are divided on this issue. But first and foremost, we recognize, as a church, that there is one God, that Jesus Christ is his Son our Savior, and that he commanded us to love each other even when we disagree.

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Reflections on the General Convention 2015 DOK Triennial

Highlights of Convention The Rev. Canon Phyllis Flory—Deputy

There were many highlights during these two weeks. One of my favorites was the “entertainment” during “Utah Night”. All of us were invited to the very beautiful sanctuary where The Mormon Tabernacle Choir usually performs. It was both heartwarming and encouraging to see two high ranking leaders of two major denominations The Right Reverend Scott B. Hayashi, The Episcopal Bishop of Utah and Elder L. Whitney Clayton, Presidency of the Seventy, together as friends, each working for God’s Kingdom. The Western Kansas Deputation n was also present for another historic “first” in The Episcopal Church. We continued our history making tradition. Our Bishops elected and the people concurred! We have our first African American Presiding Bishop Michael Curry! Oh yes, he can Preach. How he does preach! This man had the “frozen chosen” as we are called, on our feet, applauding, and shouting “Amen”! What’s this world coming to? I’ll tell you what I hope it’s coming to…My hope is that we are coming home. Coming home to Jesus, out right, in the open, unadulterated praise and worship of our Almighty God! And the people said, "AMEN”!

UTAH SHOWCASE Sally Russell‐Deputy

Next to the excitement of the election of the Presiding Bishop-elect, I think the highlight of the Convention was the “party” put on by the Diocese of Utah. Historically, the host diocese offers an event for everyone one evening during the convention. This year it was “Utah Showcase” held in the Salt Lake City Tabernacle. This national historic landmark is the home of the worldrenowned Mormon Tabernacle Choir. The most prominent feature is the 11,623-pipe organ, with golden pipes made of round wood staves, hand-carved from Utah timber. The Mormon Tabernacle Choir was off on a tour so we did not have the privilege of hearing them, but the groups we saw and heard were spectacular. The program was a representation of the varied cultures of Salt Lake City and opened with the remarkable Kenshin Taiko Drummers, a Japanese Church of Christ sponsored group. They were followed by the Calvary Baptist Inspirational Choir. Then came the Lux Singers who are in residence at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church in Provo (although they are an interdenominational group not tied to any specific faith community or congregation). The Ballet Folklorico Citlali, a traditional Mexican folklore artistry group, presented “the best” of Mexican music, dance and culture”. Next came El Coro Hispano from the Roman Catholic Cathedral of the Madeleine. This troupe is made up of singers and musicians from Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, Colombia and Peru. They presented vibrant and exciting traditional music of their countries—sharing el amor de Dios (the love of God). Next came the Pow Wow Family, a time-honored tradition for tribes to meet and share their music and dance as well as to honor elders and military veterans. Their communal drum circle is the heart of the music. Ute, Navajo, Northern Shoshoni and Hopi tribes were represented in the group. The last group to perform was the American Festival Choir and Orchestra – 220 talented regional singers, faculty and students from the Utah State University Dept. of Music and local high school choral conductors. Their conductor previously was the music director of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. The acoustics in the Tabernacle were outstanding and the program so magnificent that the lack of air-conditioning and the sweltering heat was almost bearable! Probably the most remarkable part of the evening came when the program ended and the organist played the grand organ letting all the stops open wide. Several of our deputation who remained just stood there in awe! A fabulous end to a wonderful evening.

Wamsley‐ DOK Representa ve

Here I am at Midway, Utah with five hundred women gathering under the theme of "Shining the Light Of Christ", How do we do that? By being kind and loving to each other and it starts with me. The Rev Canon Andrew White, known as the "Vicar of Bagdad" is the keeper of the Chris an Church in Jerusalem. He went there as a peace envoy from the Bishop of Canterbury, but very quickly he became a champion of the children of war. He agreed that peace is not likely in the Middle East but we should never give up. Closer to home, Rev. Becca Stevens in Nashville, Tenn., has a ministry among women who have been molested, drugged and forced to work on the streets. Her message is "Love Heals" and it works, one woman at a me. What did I take away from the mee ngs? You don't have to go to the ends of the world to do God's work.....Just take a look around you. There are plenty of opportuni es to share Christ's healing LOVE.

The Clergy Deputation, Rev. Randy McIntosh, Rev. Karen Lemon, Rev. Mark Cowell and Rev. Canon Phyllis Flory celebrate the 230th birthday of the House of Deputies.

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Reflections on the General Convention 2015

Fossil Fuel Divestment Sherry Denton– Deputy

The 78th General Conven on addressed several issues related to the 5th Mark of Mission: “To strive to safeguard the integrity of crea on and sustain and renew the life of the earth.” In resolu on A171 the Conven on commended the papal encyclical on climate change and the interrelated nature of our world and urged the Presiding Bishop to write a Pastoral Le er to the church on climate change prior to the United Na ons Climate Change Summit in Paris in late 2015. In A030 the Conven on created an Advisory Council on the Stewardship of Crea on to advise dioceses and parishes on sustainable development and green conversions of church property including energy audits, solar conver‐ sions and other alterna ve energy. In C013 the Conven on decried the environmental racism of loca on, extrac on, produc on and disposal industries where they dispropor onally harm neighborhoods of low income and people of color. In the explana on of the resolu on the proposers noted that The United Church of Christ and the Unitarian Universalist Associa on have voted to divest from fossil fuel companies, and the Presbyterian Church USA is studying the ac on. The Anglican Church in Aotearoa, New Zealand and Polynesia and Union Theologi‐ cal Seminary and the University of Dayton divested in 2014. Investment professionals are warning about the inevitability of a “carbon bubble”, a term referring to the over‐valua on of fossil fuel companies which currently depend on fossil fuel reserves as a substan al part of their value. An overwhelming majority of scien sts and policymakers believe two‐thirds of these reserves will not be burned due to climate related factors which will lead to devalua on of fossil fuel companies. The church’s investment managers must evaluate this risk. As a result in C045 the Conven on asked the Investment Commi ee of the Execu ve Council, The Episcopal Church Endowment Fund, and The Episcopal Church Founda on to divest from fossil fuel companies and to reinvest in clean renewable energy in a fiscally responsi‐ ble manner. The resolu on also requested that investment managers not reinvest nor purchase corporate bonds from fossil fuel companies. Finally, the resolu on urged parishes and dioceses to discuss the topic of divestment from fossil fuels and reinvestment in clean energy within the next year.

The Diocesan Deputation at General Convention in Salt Lake City: Rev. Karen Lemon, Sherry Denton, Rev. Mark Cowell, Rev. Canon Phyllis Flory, Rev. Randy McIntosh, Pam Smith, Sally Russell and Bishop Milliken.

PRAYER BOOK AND HYMNAL REVISION Rev. Karen Lemon—Deputy

Both the BCP and the Hymnal will begin the process of revision in this triennium. The BCP needs to be revised not only to bring it into line with the changes made to the marriage liturgy, but really needs to be studied in all areas of our liturgy to see where changes and or improvements should be done. Most depu es felt that our prayer book is a great gi to our church, and wholesale revisions are not necessary. However, a book that was put together in the last century may not always provide the best liturgies for our present mes. The Hymnal will also be revised. Many depu es said they could not aﬀord to keep purchasing the supplemental hymnals that have been published to give some variety to our music, and that these are only a stop‐gap measure. Several depu es spoke about the Lutheran Hymnal as being outstanding, and suggested the commi ee look at that as a model for what we might do with ours. No one wanted to eliminate the “old fa‐ vorites,” but music is changing and there is a need to make diﬀerent styles more readily available, being especially mindful of the smaller churches that don’t have organists or large choirs to lead the music. Don’t look for the new BCP or Hymnal in the near future. It will take a number of years to bring both of them to the point where trial copies will be available.

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Communion Partners Salt Lake City Statement The 78th General Convention of The Episcopal Church, in passing Resolutions A036 and A054, has made a significant change in the Church’s understanding of Christian marriage. As bishops of the Church, we must dissent from these actions. We affirm Minority Report #1, which was appended to the text of Resolution A036: The nature, purpose, and meaning of marriage, as traditionally understood by Christians, are summed up in the words of the Book of Common Prayer: “The bond and covenant of marriage was established by God in creation, and our Lord Jesus Christ adorned this manner of life by his presence and first miracle at a wedding in Cana of Galilee. It signifies to us the mystery of the union between Christ and his Church, and Holy Scripture commends it to be honored by all people. The union of husband and wife in heart, body, and mind is intended by God for their mutual joy; for the help and comfort given one another in prosperity and adversity; and, when it is God’s will, for the procreation of children and their nurture in the knowledge and love of the Lord” (BCP, p. 423) The nature, purpose, and meaning of marriage are linked to the relationship of man and woman. The promises and vows of marriage presuppose husband and wife as the partners who are made one flesh in marriage. This understanding is a reasonable one, as well as in accord with Holy Scripture and Christian tradition in their teaching about marriage. When we were ordained as bishops in the one, holy, catholic, and apostolic Church, we vowed to “guard the faith, unity, and discipline of the Church of God” (BCP, p. 518). We renew that promise; and in light of the actions of General Convention, and of our own deep pastoral and theological convictions, we pledge ourselves to

 “Maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (Eph. 4:3). The bonds created in baptism are indissoluble, and we share one bread and one cup in the Eucharist. We are committed to the Church and its people, even in the midst of painful disagreement.  “Speak the truth in love” (Eph. 4:15). When we disagree with the Church’s actions, we will do so openly and transparently and – with the Spirit’s help – charitably. We are grateful that Resolution A054 includes provision for bishops and priests to exercise their conscience; but we realize at the same time that we have entered a season in which the tensions over these difficult matters may grow. We pray for the grace to be clear about our convictions and, at the same time, to love brothers and sisters with whom we disagree.  “Welcome one another . . . just as Christ has welcomed [us]” (Rom. 15:7). Our commitment to the Church includes a commitment to our gay and lesbian brothers and sisters. We will walk with them, pray with and for them, and seek ways to engage in pastoral conversation. We rejoice that Jesus’ embrace includes all of us. We are mindful that the decisions of the 78th General Convention do not take place in isolation. The Episcopal Church is part of a larger whole, the Anglican Communion. We remain committed to that Communion and to the historic See of Canterbury, and we will continue to honor the three moratoria requested in the Windsor Report and affirmed by the Instruments of Communion. We invite bishops and any Episcopalians who share these commitments to join us in this statement, and to affirm with us our love for our Lord Jesus Christ, our commitment to The Episcopal Church, and the Anglican Communion, and our dissent from these actions. Communion Partner signatories: The Rt. Rev’d John C. Bauerschmidt, Bishop of Tennessee The Rt. Rev’d Gregory O. Brewer, Bishop of Central Florida The Rt. Rev’d Paul E. Lambert, Bishop Pro Tem of Dallas The Rt. Rev’d Edward S. Little II, Bishop of Northern Indiana The Rt. Rev’d William H. Love, Bishop of Albany The Rt. Rev’d Daniel H. Martins, Bishop of Springfield The Rt. Rev’d Michael G. Smith, Bishop of North Dakota The Rt. Rev’d David M. Reed, Bishop Coadjutor of West Texas The Rt. Rev’d Edward L. Salmon, Bishop of South Carolina, resigned The Rt. Rev’d William J. Skilton, Assistant Bishop of Dominican Republic, resigned The Rt. Rev’d Daniel W. Herzog, Bishop of Albany, resigned The Rt. Rev’d Don A. Wimberly, Bishop of Texas, resigned The Rt. Rev’d Bruce MacPherson, Bishop of Western Louisiana, resigned The Rt. Rev’d John Howe, Bishop of Central Florida, resigned The Rt. Rev’d Russell Jacobus, Bishop of Fond du Lac, resigned The Rt. Rev’d James Adams, Bishop of Western Kansas, resigned The Rt. Rev’d James Stanton, Bishop of Dallas, resigned The Rt. Rev’d Frank Gray, Bishop of Northern Indiana, resigned The Rt. Rev’d William C. Frey, Bishop of Colorado, resigned Other signatories: The Rt. Rev’d E. Ambrose Gumbs, Bishop of Virgin Islands The Rt. Rev’d Julio Holguin, Bishop of Dominican Republic The Rt. Rev’d Alfredo Morante, Bishop of Ecuador Litoral The Rt. Rev’d Jean Zache Duracin, Bishop of Haiti The Rt. Rev’d Francisco José Duque Gómez, Bishop of Colombia The Rt. Rev’d Orlando Guerrero, Venezuela The Rt. Rev’d Lloyd Allen, Bishop of Honduras.

The Lay Deputation: (left to right) Sally Russell, Pam Smith and Sherry Denton

Convention Volunteer, Rev. Carolyn Ballinger and Deputy, Rev. Randy McIntosh take time to pose for a picture.

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Mind of the House of Bishops Statement: ‘Communion Across Difference’ We the House of Bishops of The Episcopal Church wish to express our love and appreciation to our colleagues who identify as Communion Partners and those bishops who have affinity with the Communion Partners’ position as stated in their “Communion Partners Salt Lake City Statement.” Our time together in Salt Lake City, in conversation and in prayer, has demonstrated how profoundly the love of God in Jesus binds us together and empowers us for service to God’s mission. As we have waited upon the leading of the Holy Spirit in our deliberations, we have been reminded that the House of Bishops is richly gifted with many voices and perspectives on matters of theological, liturgical, and pastoral significance. This has been shown in our discernment with respect to doctrinal matters relative to Christian marriage. We thank God for the rich variety of voices in our House, in our dioceses, in The Episcopal Church, and in the Anglican Communion, that reflect the wideness of God’s mercy and presence in the Church and in the world. We give particular thanks for the steadfast witness of our colleagues in the Communion Partners. We value and rely on their commitment to The Episcopal Church and the Anglican Communion. We recognize that theirs is a minority voice in the House of Bishops in our deliberations with respect to Christian marriage; and we affirm that despite our differences they are an indispensable part of who we are as the House of Bishops of The Episcopal Church. Our church needs their witness. Further, we appreciate that each of us will return to dioceses where there will be a variety of responses to Resolutions A054 and A036. The equanimity, generosity, and graciousness with which the Communion Partners have shared their views on Christian marriage and remain in relationship is a model for us and for the lay and ordained leaders in our dioceses to follow. We thank God that in the fullness of the Holy Trinity we can and must remain together as the Body of Christ in our dioceses, in The Episcopal Church, and in our relationships with sisters and brothers in Christ in the Anglican Communion. The bonds created in baptism are indeed indissoluble and we pray that we have the confidence to rely upon the Holy Spirit who will continue to hold us all together as partners in communion through the love of God in Jesus.

Reflections on the General Convention 2015

Triennial 2015 – Stir Up the Spirit: ¡Celebramos! Lana Mederos—ECW President

I had the wonderful opportunity to attend the 48th Triennial Meeting of the Episcopal Church Women! There is so much to tell you. I look forward to seeing you all in person. One thing you should know, is that if you are a woman, and a member of any of our wonderful Episcopal Church’s, you ARE an Episcopal Church Woman! It is an exciting time in our church as we continue to grow and adapt. As we inish up 2015 and look towards our Diocesan Convention and Women's gatherings, I challenge you to Our Diocesan ECW President, Lana Mederos (on the right) is stir up your spirit and make a difference in one anothers hanging out with a couple of the ladies from the Diocese of Kansas. lives, as well as those within our reach in our parish, community and beyond. As you may remember, you were asked in 2014 to complete a survey regarding ECW and how it does or does not affect you. Our National Board was listening, and we will begin to see changes in the coming year. You’ll be hearing more about by law amendments, and the Ad Hoc Committee report that summarizes where we are, and what we achieve to be. Watch for more information about the changes coming ahead for us. Join us on Facebook at Episcopal Church Women – Diocese of Western Kansas and remember that if you don’t have access to our Diocesan Website or Facebook, someone in your Parish does,. Ask them to print things out for you, or perhaps a clergy member can help you. Let your Lights Shine, They are Bright!

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Salt Lake City Skyline at night