wfn.org | New Executive Council focuses on ta

[ENS.parti@ecunet.org (ENS)]

November 13, 1997
Episcopal News Service
Jim Solheim, Director
212-922-5385
ens@ecunet.org

97-1993
New Executive Council focuses on tasks of transition, need for
reconciliation

by James Solheim
       (ENS) The newly constituted Executive Council immersed itself in
the tasks of transition as it gathered in New York City November 6--
bidding farewell to one presiding bishop while welcoming a new one--
and trying to determine the structure it will need to accomplish its tasks.
       Describing Presiding Bishop-elect Frank T. Griswold III of
Chicago as "a faithful pastor and a wise and articulate leader," Presiding
Bishop Edmond Browning used his last address from the chair (text in
NewsFeatures section) to describe a common thread of "reconciliation" in
his recent travels.
       In Coventry, England, he preached at a cathedral "which has been
rebuilt amidst the rubble of World War II bombing," and now serving as
"a powerful reminder to me of the call to healing in the midst of division
and pain."  He described a statue at Coventry and a similar one at the
war memorial in Hiroshima, Japan, of two kneeling figures embracing,
"a witness to the reconciliation that can come out of division and
tragedy."
       He described the signing of a New Jamestown Covenant with
Native Americans on All Saints Day as "another powerful witness of
reconciliation" because it is based on "mutual respect and a commitment
to justice." 

Ministry to the disaffected
       While he said that the General Convention in Philadelphia was
"the best I remember, one of the high points of my 12 years as presiding
bishop," Browning acknowledged that "some of our community left
dissatisfied." Yet he decried that "some of the dissatisfied persons are
sowing seeds of disunity in the church." The work of reconciliation is
more difficult when it must deal with "threats." He called council
members to "higher ground and to the ministry of reconciliation among
those within our own household of faith who are disaffected, alienated or
angry. Though their number is not great, and their concerns must be kept
in perspective, their voices should be heard."
       "At the same time, the mission of the church must not be held
hostage by the discontented," Browning added. "Withholding funds from
our common mission is not the best way for anyone to make their views
heard. To let those voices dominate your agenda is to lose sight of the
mission." 
       He also cited as "another example of discontent" the recent letter
from the Episcopal Synod of America to senior wardens in some dioceses
offering an alternative oversight by ESA-related bishops, with or without
the knowledge and approval of the diocesan bishop. 
       Despite the conflicts and discontent, Browning said that he is
convinced that there is "an immense amount of great ministry being lived
out every day" in the church.

Honoring the structures
       Pamela Chinnis, president of the House of Deputies and vice-chair
of Executive Council, said in her comments (text in NewsFeatures
section) that she was "immensely proud of the discipline and courage" of
the deputies "as they worked through a huge agenda" at General
Convention. Noting that most participants praised the dedication and
civility that characterized General Convention, Chinnis said that "most
everyone was relieved to know they could count on an attentive hearing
no matter how much their views might differ from the majority. It was
good not be have to be armed for battle all the time."
       She said that this "path to the reconciliation God wills" is one that
avoids "rancorous debate" and asks participants to walk "side by side
toward One who reconciles all in the peace that passes all
understanding."
       Yet she pointed to the danger that when "those who are
disappointed feel strongly about an issue, it's natural for them to question
the authority of the body making a decision." It may be necessary for the
Executive Council "to remind them of our common responsibility to
honor the authorized structures until such time as they may be changed."
That is especially crucial in a climate of "ambiguity and uncertainty"
during the transition of leadership.         She urged council members to
be humble about their role. "It is not up to Executive Council to fix the
Episcopal Church. I'm not at all sure that this church is broken. Our task
is rather to be the church."

Staying centered
       In brief comments to the council before returning to his diocese,
Presiding Bishop-elect Griswold talked about "living a schizophrenic
life," trying to complete his duties as bishop of Chicago while deflecting
some of the "urgencies and expectations" of many in the church who are
pushing their own agendas. He said that he was being "very careful to
stay centered." He repeated the belief he shared recently in meetings with
the staff that he is "a change agent, not a revolutionary."
       Describing the search for an assistant for administration,
authorized by last summer's General Convention, Griswold said that he
still hopes to present a candidate to council at its February meeting. And
one of his first tasks will be to look at the office of the presiding bishop
and make necessary changes to suit his style. He expressed an eagerness
not to be a "prisoner" of staff, shielded from issues and people.
       "In the congregations the church is alive and well--and relatively
free of controversies," Griswold observed. "I see a community that is
healthy, and I am hopeful."

Finding a structure that works
       Led by Suzanne Lawson of the Anglican Church of Canada,
council members spent time in small groups and plenaries looking at a
structure that will help them accomplish their work in the next triennium.
After sifting through possibilities, they opted for committee structures
more closely tied to the program structure of the national church--
realizing that things are still in flux so it will be necessary to stay
flexible.
       The Rev. Brian Grieves, introducing a number of shareholder
resolutions, reminded the council that they are responsible for pressing
the church's agenda on corporate responsibility. "We first got involved in
these issues 26 years ago when Presiding Bishop John Hines appeared
before the annual shareholder's meeting at General Motors and called on
the company to withdraw from South Africa, launching an ultimately
successful anti-apartheid campaign of economic sanctions." 
       He pointed out that "from that beginning we have moved into
commitments on a range of issues, including the environment, militarism,
equality of employment, economic justice and labor/human rights issues
overseas, and health." He added, "Our goal still is dialogue seeking
change. Corporations are more and more open." A social responsibility
in investment committee makes recommendations, based on church
policy, and the council responds.
       Treasurer Steve Duggan urged council to take a "holistic
approach," arguing that "dollars and figures can't be separated from
people and mission." Council members have responsibilities in areas of
oversight, approval, guidance and policy.
       Judge James Bradberry from Southern Virginia asked Duggan
about recent challenges to the church's handling of the trust funds. The
Attorney General of the State of New York is still seeking information
from the church, in light of a complaint, Duggan said. He reported that
the principal of the trust funds "were not touched, as far as we can tell,
and are in no danger," adding that "this church has gone to great lengths
to make sure that there is no problem."

Take a Lutheran to lunch
       In the closing session, the Rev. David Perry, the church's
ecumenical officer, said that the overwhelming support for full
communion with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America at last
summer's General Convention represented a high-water mark in the
"enthusiasm and activity and interest in ecumenism."
       Yet he described feelings of depression and embarrassment when
the Lutherans failed, by just six votes, to endorse the Concordat for full
communion. A subsequent vote to study the issues and search for new
ways to move forward--and to vote again in 1999--passed almost
unanimously. 
       The first steps have already been taken, Perry said, with meetings
of Browning and Griswold with Presiding Bishop H. George Anderson of
the ELCA and the appointment of three Episcopal participants in a
drafting committee to revise the Concordat. Perry's office will prepare
educational materials to help Lutherans understand the Episcopal Church,
one of the obstacles cited in the rejection by the Lutherans. The ELCA
hopes the drafting can be finished in time for consideration at its synod
assemblies in the spring.
       "It is my hope and prayer that the text will essentially remain the
same and that the elements of the Agreement of full communion will be
in place, allowing our General Convention in 2000 to have the second
reading on the constitutional changes voted in Philadelphia," Perry said.
       He asked council members to "double our efforts to connect with
Lutherans," overcoming stereotypes and improving the prospects for a
positive response. "Work at mission together, pray and share worship,
build relationships," he added. "Take a Lutheran to lunch, maybe
breakfast and dinner, too," he urged. "Stay connected and communicate."

--James Solheim is director of news and information for the Episcopal
Church.