By Benjamin M. Guyer The English word canon comes from the Greek κανών. The term originally pertained to a measuring rod, but eventually referred to the standards which regulated various trades in the ancient world. After the rise of Christianity, it was also used to describe Christian norms. Many readers will be familiar with the phrase “canon of Scripture,” but canon has … [Read more...] about A Measuring Rod
Orderly Counsel
Our Political Captivity
Correction: “The Political Captivity of General Convention” misstated a figure for average Sunday attendance. The Diocese of Fond du Lac’s average Sunday attendance in 2009, as reported in the 2011 Church Annual, was 2,266. The average Sunday attendance for Eau Claire in that year was 872.By Victoria Heard and Jordan HyldenWhatever General Convention will look like in 2015 and … [Read more...] about Our Political Captivity
Checks and Balances
By Derek OlsenLike the American Congress, General Convention has two houses and two presiding officers: the House of Deputies, led by its president, Bonnie Anderson, and the House of Bishops, led by Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori. Unlike the American government, the Episcopal Church has no separate and distinct executive branch. Instead, the church vests this … [Read more...] about Checks and Balances
The Message of the Mission
By Thomas FergusonThere are two oft-repeated statements in a budgeting process. One is that budgets are “outlines” rather than strict spending plans: whether in a parish, or a diocese, or a seminary, we adopt budgets that pledge to spend money that we do not yet have. We trust that pledges, or tuition, or assessments will come in as planned. Another is that budgets reveal … [Read more...] about The Message of the Mission
General Convention’s Roles
By Timothy E. KimbroughAny reflection on the role and function of the General Convention of the Episcopal Church places one in the deep end of the pool. The discussion, at times conflicted and complicated, is already well developed. Someone will want to review the convention’s authority, another its mission. Another will want to identify the convention by its governance. Yet … [Read more...] about General Convention’s Roles