Groundhog Day in Indy

The past few days have been virtually identical in format for me: early meetings of my legislative committee, worship, legislative session (the full House of Deputies), Newark Deputation meeting (over lunch), legislative committee hearings, another session of the House, more legislative committee meetings, and if it is still early enough (before ten), a gathering at the hospitality suite, provided by our Bishop, for catching up with others and socializing. I have been able to sneak in breakfast and/or dinner, some time on the treadmill (too hot outside, as you can see), and one evening grabbed a couple of innings of the Yankees/Red Sox game on TV (which had a good result!). The legislative committee on which I serve (Social and Urban Affairs) is one of the many legislative committees which exist solely during Convention to consider the resolutions submitted by "interim bodies": those committees, commissions, agencies and boards (CCABs) which meet during the time between Conventions (three years, or triennium), bishops, diocesan conventions and deputies. The Social and Urban Affairs Committee is considering resolutions about economic justice, healthcare, prison ministry, eldercare and racism. If you follow a resolution from beginning to end, you can see the process The Episcopal Church uses to do its work. For example, D022, Churchwide Response to Bullying. It originated from deputies (D) and was assigned to the Social and Urban Affairs Committee. It calls for the church to respond to bullying. The text can be found at the resolutions link below. The Committee discussed it, held hearings on it, and decided to recommend its adoption, with amendment, to the House. Before it goes to the floor of the House of Deputies, it is sent to the House of Bishops for action. They may make further recommendations for it (more amendment,discharge, rejection, adoption without change). When the Committee receives notice of its action, we decide further action. To be continued... To see all the resolutions, go to http://generalconvention.org/gc/resolutions