Loading...In the press briefing this evening, Deputy Sally Johnson, clergy, Diocese of Minnesota, reported that the House of Deputies recommended that the Executive Council be directed to sell the current church headquarters building in New York City. Johnson said there was lively debate and several amendments before the decision was reached. There was no specific date set.
There are several resolutions pending for structural change in the church, and a question was asked about whether this decision puts the cart before the horse – before we really know what we need or know what needs to be done. Johnson and Deputy Jennifer Adams, clergy, Diocese of Western Michigan, both responded to the question, noting that structural change and sale of the New York property are two different issues. Johnson said that the issue of selling the property had come up several years ago, and a similar decision had been reached, but the sale didn’t happen.
Neva Rae Fox, Office of Public Affairs, gave the count of the number registered at the convention: 165 bishops and 838 deputies of which 418 are clergy and 420 are lay.
Bishop Daniel, Diocese of East Carolina, said that primates and around 20 visiting bishops from around the Anglican Communion were welcomed at the House of Bishops today. The House spontaneously broke into song with “The Church’s One Foundation,” when the visitors were introduced.
Daniel said the House received good news when Bishop Jon Bruno of the Diocese of Los Angeles communicated by phone that his leukemia is in remission. Daniel said he sounded hale and hearty.
Bishops also voted not to reduce the number of yearly meetings of the bishops in the Episcopal Church.
Prayers for all our bishops and deputies who work so hard at our General Convention. May they be filled with the Spirit and know that the entire Church is with them.
