The House of Bishops’ first legislative session on the afternoon of July 5 carried a light workload, with half of the allotted time spent devoted to private table conversations and receiving a handful of resolutions from committees.
After introductions of new visiting bishops, and a welcome from the Rt. Rev. Catherine Waynick, Bishop of Indianapolis, the bishops welcomed ecumenical and interfaith visitors.
The bishops also:
- Adopted Resolution A156, renaming the Convocation of the American Churches in Europe the Convocation of Episcopal Churches in Europe.
- Adopted Resolution B004, calling for the establishment of summer camps for children. The adopted version deletes original language calling for the Joint Standing Committee on Program, Budget and Finance to consider a budget allocation of $150,000 over the next triennium to pay for the program.
- Discharged and referred to committee Resolution A030, which would amend language in the canons relating to “voluntary renunciation of orders” to the language of “release and removal” of clergy. The resolution also has implications in language relating to the disputed Title IV canons.
- Discharged and referred to committee Resolution A033, which also attempts to revise Title IV, by allowing a process to file a complaint, provides for the complainant to have an “advisor” to “support, assist and consult with” without having to hire a lawyer, and sets bounds for confidentiality.
Joe Thoma worked as the communication for the Diocese of Central Florida when he reported from General Convention for The Living Church. He is now chief executive of Joe Thoma Real Estate Investment Advisors in Orlando.
