wfn.org | [ELD] Testimony is overwhelmingly in favor of moving beyond B033 / Budget committee hears Episcopali

["Matthew Davies" <mdavies@episcopalchurch.org>]

>Episcopal Life Daily
>July 9, 2009

Episcopal Life Online is available at  http://www.episcopalchurch.org/elife.

>Today's Episcopal Life Daily includes:

* TOP STORY - Testimony is overwhelmingly in favor of moving beyond B033
* TOP STORY - Budget committee hears Episcopalians ask for hope,  symbols,
money
* TOP STORY - Committee hears opinions on future of church  communications
* TOP STORY - Marriage equality, same-gender rites receive broad support  at
hearings
* TOP STORY - Bishops support increasing MDG commitment to 1 percent
* TOP STORY - Convention Notebook: Christian anti-Judaism, Anglican  group
leads prayers, slave trade film
* TOP STORY - LA diocese, Habitat for Humanity Orange County partner to
build 'Gordon's House'
* TOP STORY - Budget committee's revenue hearing won't be testimony as  usual
* TOP STORY - 'Holy Women, Holy Men' is approved by liturgy and music
committees
* TOP STORY - Denominational health plan gets committee endorsement
* TOP STORY - Archbishop thanks church women for 'sharing prayers, care  and
experience'
* TOP STORY - Opening day for Episcopal Church Women marked by firsts
* TOP STORY - Archbishop of Canterbury offers meditation, expresses
gratitude to convention
* TOP STORY - Convention Daily newspaper
* DIOCESAN DIGEST - LOS ANGELES: Archbishop of Canterbury visits Santa  Ana
preschoolers
* MISSION - Episcopalians practice ancient art of conversation
* MULTIMEDIA - Image Gallery: Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams at
General Convention
* MULTIMEDIA - Image Gallery: Habitat for Humanity
* OPINION - Reader Responses to Episcopal Life's coverage of the 76th
General Convention
* DAYBOOK - July 11: Today in Scripture, Prayer, History
* CATALYST - Grace on the Go - Powerful Prayers to Ease Money Worries

>_____________________

>TOP STORIES

Testimony is overwhelmingly in favor of moving beyond B033

>By Pat McCaughan and Melodie Woerman

[Episcopal News Service -- Anaheim, California] Most people spoke in  favor
of repealing 2006 General Convention resolution B033, which calls on the
Episcopal Church to "exercise restraint" by not consecrating bishops  "whose
manner of life presents a challenge to the wider church," during  testimony
before the World Mission Committee on July 9.

B033 which was generally assumed to pertain mainly to homosexual priests
living openly in committed relationships.

Full story: http://www.episcopalchurch.org/79901_112254_ENG_HTM.htm

>- - - - -

Budget committee hears Episcopalians ask for hope, symbols, money

>By Mary Frances Schjonberg

[Episcopal News Service -- Anaheim, California] Warning that the  Episcopal
Church ought to expect "severely reduced income for the next triennium,"  the
General Convention's committee on Program, Budget and Finance (PBF)  listened
to a cross section of the church explain why their ministries and causes
should be funded.

Connecticut Bishop Andrew Smith, the vice chair of PBF, predicted the
constrained budget and asked witnesses to tell the members why their  program
should be included in the church-wide budget rather than being funded at
another level of the church and how it fits into the proposed ministry
priorities for the 2010-2012 period.

Full story: http://www.episcopalchurch.org/79901_112252_ENG_HTM.htm

>- - - - -

Committee hears opinions on future of church communications

Proposal would change Episcopal Life to quarterly magazine from monthly
newspaper

>By ENS Staff

[Episcopal News Service -- Anaheim, California] A proposal by the  Episcopal
Church's communications department to change the nature of some church
communications vehicles, including transforming Episcopal Life into a
quarterly magazine from the current monthly newspaper, was on July 9 the
subject of testimony before the Communications committee at General
Convention.

At issue was Resolution D034, which opposes the plan. Among other  things, it
calls upon the church to retain Episcopal Life as a monthly publication,
reaffirm the oversight responsibility of the paper's board of governors  and
reinstate an Executive Council liaison to the board.

Full story: http://www.episcopalchurch.org/79901_112255_ENG_HTM.htm

>- - - - -

Marriage equality, same-gender rites receive broad support at hearings

>By Sharon Sheridan

[Episcopal News Service -- Anaheim, California] More than 50 people
testified on a collection of resolutions requesting marriage equality or
rites for same-gender blessings, with a vast majority speaking in favor  of
the resolutions, in hearings before the joint Prayer Book, Liturgy and  Music
Committee on July 9.

Four resolutions proposed canonical changes, while seven recommended
developing rites for same-gender blessings or marriage. Witnesses  supporting
the resolutions varied in age, gender, sexual orientation and marital
status, including one newly engaged visitor planning a same-gender  wedding
for 2011 who told the committee, "I am counting on you." Retired Utah  Bishop
Otis Charles and his partner Felipe Sanchez Paris each testified, while  the
Rev. Reid Farrell, Vermont alternate deputy, testified with Dale  Willard,
his partner of 20 years, at his side.

Full story: http://www.episcopalchurch.org/79901_112249_ENG_HTM.htm

>- - - - -

Bishops support increasing MDG commitment to 1 percent

>By Jerald Hyche

[Episcopal News Service -- Anaheim, California] The 0.7 figure that has
adorned Episcopal Church buttons and bumper stickers for the past three
years would change to a single digit of 1 according to a resolution  passed
by the House of Bishops on July 9. If also approved by the House of Deputies, Resolution D019 would allot 1
percent of the church's non-government revenue -- up from 0.7 percent --  to
support the Millennium Development Goals, with hopes of raising $5  million
to the international fight against malaria.

Full story: http://www.episcopalchurch.org/79901_112248_ENG_HTM.htm

>- - - - -

Convention Notebook: Christian anti-Judaism, Anglican group leads  prayers,
slave trade film

>By ENS staff

[Episcopal News Service -- Anaheim, California] Much happens each day at
General Convention. In addition to Episcopal Life Media's other  coverage,
here's some of what else happened on July 9.

* Request to address Christian anti-Judaism

* Anglican group to lead prayer for convention using modern technology
* Film screenings will explore church's role in slave trade
* More fashion notes

Full story: http://www.episcopalchurch.org/79901_112247_ENG_HTM.htm

>- - - - -

LA diocese, Habitat for Humanity Orange County partner to build  'Gordon's
House'

>By Lynette Wilson

[Episcopal News Service -- Anaheim, California] With hammers and nails,
family and friends of the late Rev. Canon Gordon B. Yeaton, Jr. began
building Gordon's House at the Anaheim Convention Center, where the 76th
General Convention of the Episcopal Church is underway.

The home, a partnership between Habitat for Humanity of Orange County  and
the Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles, is being built in memory of  Yeaton, an
Episcopal priest, HHOC board member, teacher, volunteer and activist who
died in 2007.

Full story: http://www.episcopalchurch.org/79901_112239_ENG_HTM.htm

>- - - - -

Budget committee's revenue hearing won't be testimony as usual

>By Mary Frances Schjonberg

[Episcopal News Service -- Anaheim, California] The reality of the  world's
economic situation calls for a different approach to discussing options  for
paying for the Episcopal Church's ministry over the next three years,
according to four members of the church's committee on Program, Budget  and
Finance (PBF).

PBF member and Diocese of New Jersey Bishop George Councell said July 9  that
the committee feels it has to show the church that "we get that  everybody's
having a hard time," but that the committee needs the church's help in
determining how to fund the church's ministry in the midst of shrinking
income.

Full story: http://www.episcopalchurch.org/79901_112232_ENG_HTM.htm

>- - - - -

'Holy Women, Holy Men' is approved by liturgy and music committees

Bishops will consider expanded listing, a revision of 'Lesser Feasts and
Fasts'

>By Sharon Sheridan

[Episcopal News Service -- Anaheim, California] English composer Henry
Purcell and Frances Perkins, first female U.S. Cabinet member, are among
some new 100 names included in Holy Women, Holy Men, a revision of  Lesser
Feasts and Fasts that is on its way for consideration by the House of
Bishops.

The Prayer Book, Liturgy and Music committees July 8 recommended  adoption of
additions to the church calendar and accompanying prayers and Scripture
readings for trial use during the next triennium.

Full story: http://www.episcopalchurch.org/79901_112222_ENG_HTM.htm

>- - - - -

Denominational health plan gets committee endorsement

>By Mary Frances Schjonberg

[Episcopal News Service -- Anaheim, California] The 76th General  Convention
committee on the Church Pension Fund unanimously recommended on July 9  the
implementation of a denomination-wide health insurance plan by 2012.

Resolution A177 now goes to the House of Bishops for consideration.

Full story: http://www.episcopalchurch.org/79901_112220_ENG_HTM.htm

>- - - - -

Archbishop thanks church women for 'sharing prayers, care and  experience'

>By Nan Ross

[Episcopal News Service -- Anaheim, California] Archbishop of Canterbury
Rowan Williams addressed the Episcopal Church Women July 8 and commended
them for "sharing their prayers, care and experience" to strengthen the
bonds that tie the Anglican Communion together. Prayer, care and  experience
"unite us one to another in Christ," he said.

Groups such as the Mothers' Union and ECW in the U.S. stand for service,
education and self-awareness, the archbishop said. "It is clear that the
women of faith are among the most effective leaders of lasting and  prophetic
change. They are the people that will bring about the Millennium  Development
Goals or whatever we determine is needed," he said.

Full story: http://www.episcopalchurch.org/79901_112210_ENG_HTM.htm

>- - - - -

Opening day for Episcopal Church Women marked by firsts

>By Nan Ross

[Episcopal News Service -- Anaheim, California] The 46th Episcopal  Women's
Triennial Meeting opened July 8 with its traditional greeting from the
church's presiding bishop. This just happened to be the first time they  were
greeted by another woman.

The Most Rev. Katharine Jefferts Schori shook the hand of every woman in
attendance and handed each a golden cross pin bearing the ECW symbol.  "It
was very exciting for all of us," said President Kay Meyer, who stood by
handing the crosses to the Presiding Bishop.

Full story: http://www.episcopalchurch.org/79901_112205_ENG_HTM.htm

>- - - - -

Archbishop of Canterbury offers meditation, expresses gratitude to
convention

[Episcopal News Service -- Anaheim, California] Archbishop of Canterbury
Rowan Williams offered a mediation during the July 9 Eucharist at the
Episcopal Church's 76th General Convention in Anaheim, California.

The full text of Williams' meditation is available at
http://www.episcopalchurch.org/79901_112197_ENG_HTM.htm

>- - - - -

>Convention Daily newspaper

[Episcopal News Service] During the Episcopal Church's General  Convention
July 8-17 in Anaheim, California, Episcopal Life is producing a daily
newspaper offering in-depth coverage of the triennial gathering. The  Daily
also includes Perspectivas Latinas, offering news in Spanish, and  Triennial
Today, featuring news of the Episcopal Church Women meeting, which runs
concurrently with General Convention.

All editions of The Daily are available at

http://www.episcopalchurch.org/107152_111761_ENG_HTM.htm

More Top Stories: http://www.episcopalchurch.org/elife

>_____________________

>DIOCESAN DIGEST

LOS ANGELES: Archbishop of Canterbury visits Santa Ana preschoolers

>By Pat McCaughan

[Diocese of Los Angeles] Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams took  time
out from a hectic 76th General Convention schedule July 8 to rub elbows  with
inner city Santa Ana preschoolers at the Episcopal Church of the  Messiah's
Hands Together program - literally.

Full story: http://www.episcopalchurch.org/81803_112199_ENG_HTM.htm

More Diocesan news: http://www.episcopalchurch.org/81803_ENG_HTM.htm

>_____________________

>MISSION

Episcopalians practice ancient art of conversation

Public narrative training continues Saturday, Monday

>By Jerald Hyche

[Episcopal News Service -- Anaheim, California] With more than 2,000  other
Episcopalians, Becky Hunter took a seat in the cavernous worship hall of
General Convention on July 9 and rediscovered the ancient and biblical  art
of heart-felt conversation.

"I sat at our diocesan table, and I thought I knew the people I was  sitting
with, but I have learned so much more about them today," said Hunter, a
deputy from Indianapolis. "I was brought up with this type of narrative.  I
was raised in a family where we told stories, listened to stories -  related
to each other - so it wasn't completely new to me.

Full story: http://www.episcopalchurch.org/81799_112245_ENG_HTM.htm

More Mission: http://www.episcopalchurch.org/81799_ENG_HTM.htm

>_____________________

>MULTIMEDIA

Image Gallery: Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams at General  Convention
http://www.episcopalchurch.org/107152_112201_ENG_HTM.htm

Image Gallery: LA diocese, Habitat for Humanity Orange County partner to
build 'Gordon's House' http://www.episcopalchurch.org/107152_112229_ENG_HTM.htm

More Multimedia: http://www.episcopalchurch.org/80056_ENG_HTM.htm

>_____________________

>OPINION

Reader Responses to Episcopal Life's coverage of the 76th General  Convention

[Episcopal News Service] Episcopal Life Online has received a number of
responses to its coverage of the 76th General Convention. A selection of
letters is available at
http://www.episcopalchurch.org/79901_112251_ENG_HTM.htm

More Opinion: http://www.episcopalchurch.org/80050_ENG_HTM.htm

>_____________________

>DAYBOOK

>On July 10, 2009...

* Today in Scripture: http://www.episcopalchurch.org/82457_ENG_HTM.htm

* Today in Prayer: Anglican Cycle of Prayer:

http://www.anglicancommunion.org/acp/index.cfm

* Today in History: On July 10, 1991, the 70th General Convention opened  in
Phoenix, Arizona.

>_____________________

>CATALYST

"Grace on the Go - Powerful Prayers to Ease Money Worries" from Church
Publishing, Inc., by Barbara Bartocci, 111 pages, paperback, c. 2009,  $10

[Church Publishing, Inc.] Barbara Bartocci returns with another  practical,
imaginative installment in the popular Grace on the Go series, which is
designed to present simple connections and time for prayer in the  ordinary
moments of our busy, hectic lives.

This new guide is particularly timely and addresses the challenges of
dealing with money worries in an uncertain economy. In a handy 4 x 6  format
that readers can carry in purse or pocket and with a price that's easy  on
the wallet, this volume offers the encouragement and inspiration of  quick
prayers for those who are experiencing money problems-from worries about
debt, to unemployment, to relationship difficulties.

To order: Episcopal Books and Resources, online at
http://www.episcopalbookstore.org, or call 800-903-5544 -- or visit your
local Episcopal bookseller, http://www.episcopalbooksellers.org

>_____________________

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Episcopalians, are offered to individuals for $27 per year. This is an  18%
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