Deputies told The Living Church Wednesday that they welcome the chance to discuss the volatile issue without the pressure of a pending vote during the same session.<\/p>\n
\u201cHopefully that will provide a more open discussion,\u201d\u009d said the Rev. Stephen Schafroth, a new deputy from the Diocese of Eastern Oregon. \u201cI think that\u2019s a stroke of genius by someone, because this is a church of many different opinions. That\u2019s one of the beauties of this church.\u201d\u009d<\/p>\n
The Rev. Canon Neal Michel of the Diocese of Dallas also welcomed the discussion\u2019s less pressured setting.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s important to have conversation without trying to convince people,\u201d\u009d said Canon Michel, who serves as Bishop James Stanton\u2019s canon to the ordinary. \u201cThat\u2019s what I encourage congregations to do all the time.\u201d\u009d<\/p>\n