This resolution failed on a roll call vote by orders–KSH.<\/i><\/p>\n
Resolution R-3<\/p>\n
Subject: A Resolution Requesting that General Convention 2009 be Suspended<\/p>\n
Offered by: the Very Rev. Craige Borrett, the Rev. Dr. Kendall Harmon, Christ Saint Paul\u2019s, Yonges Island<\/p>\n
That this Diocesan Convention, while valuing and affirming the importance of meeting together in our common life for the upbuilding of the body, nevertheless asks that the Executive Council and the House of Bishops of the Episcopal Church voluntarily agree not to hold General Convention 2009 (and thus not meet in General Convention until 2012) and that all dioceses agree to abide by this request as an act of mutual submission to one another; and<\/p>\n
That all the money which is saved by this event suspension be given to a ministry focused on meeting the needs of the poor and in accordance with the Millenium Development Goals<\/p>\n
Explanation:<\/p>\n
\u201cSubmit to one another out of reverence for Christ\u201d\u009d (Ephesians 5:21).<\/p>\n
There are three reasons the Episcopal Church needs to do this. First, the last two General Conventions have been deeply divisive not only for our common life in the Episcopal Church but for the life of the Anglican Communion. As Archbishop Rowan Williams once wisely said, when times of friction and misunderstanding are high, sometimes a temporary withdrawal can promote more perspective and the possibility for healing.<\/p>\n
Second, we are in the midst of a serious massive global economic crisis. In such a time, many companies in America are canceling their conventions so as to show greater prudence and stewardship to their employees and shareholders, and as a witness to the importance of simpler living by all.<\/p>\n
Thirdly, this is a time to undertake creative and unusual initiatives. The Episcopal Church is in many ways stuck. It has been rightly said \u201cif you do what you have always done you get what you have always gotten.\u201d\u009d It is time for a change.<\/p>\n
Some may object that this is something we cannot do because of our polity as a church. But polity is made for the church, not the church for polity. If any community really wants to do something, they can make it happen, and this would be a powerful witness to our willingness to sacrifice for our own common life and that of the Anglican Communion going forward.
<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
This resolution failed on a roll call vote by orders–KSH. Resolution R-3 Subject: A Resolution Requesting that General Convention 2009 be Suspended Offered by: the Very Rev. Craige Borrett, the Rev. Dr. Kendall Harmon, Christ Saint Paul\u2019s, Yonges Island That…<\/span><\/p>\n