
	The Rt. Rev. Michael Curry, Bishop of North Carolina, preacher for the Opening Eucharist of the 108th Convention and Bishop Sauls enjoy a moment together before the service. Advocate Convention photos by Kay Collier McLaughlin

These words heard in the Bishop’s Address to the 108^thAnnual Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of Lexington remained uppermost in the hearts and minds of the 37 clergy and 119 deputies attending the Convention this year at Jenny Wiley State Resort, informing discussions and deliberations, and influencing actions. Despite differences of opinion over recent events at General Convention, the bonds of family prevailed. In the face of grief and anger, attendees repeatedly demonstrated respect, acceptance, and compassion for one another, and disputes over resolutions subsided as areas of agreement were sought and found.

Opening Eucharist

The Opening Eucharist at St. James Episcopal Church in Prestonsburg, with Bishop Stacy Sauls as Celebrant and the Rt. Rev. Michael Curry as guest preacher, combined with the warm hospitality of the mountain churches, helped to set the tone for the weekend.

Entering St. James Church on Friday evening, one quickly realized this would be a special service, quite different from the usual worship experience of many in attendance. Traditional mountain music and fiddle tunes performed by Stay Tuned were heard before the service, during the Offertory, and at the Communion. Songs such as What Wondrous Love Is This and Amazing Grace imparted a haunting beauty to the celebration of the Eucharist, while the livelier tunes heard during the postlude generated an enthusiastic atmosphere that spilled over to the reception afterwards.

Using the Gospel of John as his text, Bishop Curry introduced the theme of God’s “awesome and titanic love for us.” He also emphasized the importance of context, recalling that his American Literature professor taught him to read literary works in the context of the world in which they were written. “Context always defines meaning,” he said. Similarly, when you read scripture, you have to look at context. “Biblical passages taken out of context can be taken to mean anything.” As Christians, “we are meant to live in the context of God’s love,” he said. “Living in that love can transform this world into what God intended.”

A reception at the new East Kentucky Science Center followed the service. Hosted by the mountain churches, the event featured an interactive exhibit entitled The World We Create and an impressive planetarium/laser-light show as well as hors d’oeuvres and other foods.

Convention enjoys hospitality of mountain churches

The hospitality of the host churches continued the following evening with a traditional mountain supper. Afterwards, convention goers were treated to a comedy routine performed by “Munroe.” Then it was square dancing with local dance caller Ron Vanover and more music from Stay Tuned. Members of the musical group include Donavan Cain, Administrative Assistant at Mission House and Lay Chaplain at Berea College and Transylvania University; University of Kentucky Music Professor Dr. Ron Penn (Holy Trinity, Georgetown); and Deborah Thompson.

Bishop’s Address (See full text)

Motion from the floor is defeated

Friday’s business session began with a motion to suspend the Election Procedures for Diocesan Elections. The Election Procedures, as established by the 2003 Diocesan Convention, require that incomplete ballots be considered “spoiled”—therefore they are not counted. The reasoning is that submitting a ballot with only one vote, rather than two, for example, increases the chance of that person winning the majority.

Louis Browning of Church of the Nativity, Maysville, who proposed the temporary suspension, contended the Election Procedures deprive deputies of their right to exercise free choice. The Rev. Philip Haug of St. John’s, Versailles, explained the rationale behind the Election Procedures. Counting “spoiled” or incomplete ballots causes some votes to count more than others.

After further discussion, a voice vote was taken. The results being inconclusive, a show of hands was taken, and the motion was defeated.

Report from St. John’s, Versailles (See full text)

Long-range planning committee formed

Bishop Sauls announced the formation of a Long-Range Planning Commission to be chaired by Garland Barr, Christ Church Cathedral, Lexington. The Commission will develop goals for the Diocese through a series of town meetings with individual parishes over the next three or four years. Several “congregational conversations” will take place at each church. Bishop Sauls said he is depending on clergy and church leaders to “arrange and encourage good attendance.” Updates on the Commission’s progress will be provided at each Convention.

Parliamentarian David Davidson (Trinity, Covington) reported the Committee on Canons recommended parish status for St. Philip’s, Harrodsburg. The resolution to accept St. Philip’s as a parish passed. The Rev. Joan Smith will be priest in charge.

A special feature of the afternoon was the showing of two videos on mission work within the diocese. The Mission Quilt, produced by Kent Gaitskill and Chas Calloway, members of the Diocesan Communications Commission and members of St. Raphael’s, Lexington in conjunction with Kay Collier McLaughlin, Diocesan Communications Officer, featuring narrators David Dick and Sam Dick with music by Steve Lyon, gave deputies a look at six educational ministries in the Diocese, and posed the question , “Whom shall I send?” (This video will be the subject of a story in the April Advocate. The nationally produced video Women of the Table featuring several diocesan ministries was reviewed in the September 2003 Advocate.)

Resolutions committee debates issues surrounding actions of General Convention

The Resolutions Committee, chaired by the Rev. Birch Rambo, convened on Friday afternoon in a room so crowded with attendees, the folding doors were opened to create more space. In an exhausting session nearly three hours long, the Committee debated several resolutions motivated by the recent actions of General Convention.

One proposal called for ascertaining the opinions of the Diocese on potentially divisive issues prior to General Convention. The impetus for this particular resolution seemed to be that some people in the Diocese felt “blindsided” by the actions of General Convention. Those opposed to this resolution pointed out that deputies do not represent their constituents; they attempt to discern the will of God. Other arguments centered on the impracticality of canvassing the entire Diocese. The resolution was defeated.

A resolution opposing the election of Gene Robinson as Bishop of New Hampshire was also defeated, the reason being the Diocese of Lexington has no authority to either approve or disapprove Robinson’s election.

Elected to the Standing Committee: for three-year terms, Marye Boggs of Christ Church, Harlan, and the Rev. Joe Pennington, Trinity, Covington, and for a one-year term, the Very Rev. Morris Thompson, Christ Church Cathedral, Lexington.

A lengthy and occasionally heated discussion ensued over a resolution calling for prayer and fasting on Wednesdays during the remainder of this year for ECUSA, the Diocese of Lexington, the Anglican Communion, and the Archbishop of Canterbury’s Commission. There was no disagreement on the need for prayer and fasting; there was, however, considerable disagreement on the whereas clauses that preceded the call for prayer and fasting. These clauses stated that General Convention “acted contrary to historic Christian teaching on human sexual behavior, the historic tradition of interpretation of Holy Scripture concerning homosexual practice, and the overwhelming consensus on human sexual behavior held by the Churches of the Roman Catholic, Orthodox, and Evangelical traditions.”

According to the clergy who submitted the resolution, it was not intended to be contentious; it was meant to give voice to those who feel hurt, angry, and confused.

Opponents of the resolution saw the language in the whereas clauses as “incendiary” and “divisive.” The word “contrary” was singled out as particularly troublesome.

Meanwhile, the Rev. Whayne Hougland, Christ Church Cathedral, Lexington, was busy with paper and pen, composing a new version of the resolution. Participants reacted positively as he read it aloud. After several additional changes were made to Hougland’s version, the question was called. The original resolution failed, and the revised resolution passed. (See sidebar)

Elected trustee to the University of the South at Sewanee, Dr. Robert Ross, Nativity, Maysville. Elected to the Camps and Conferences Board: Christopher Vogel, St. Andrew’s, Ft. Thomas; Billy Bennett, Emmanuel, Winchester; Tom Fritz, St. Andrew’s, Ft. Thomas, and Lois Howard, Emmanuel, Winchester.

The resolution defining marriage as “between one man and one woman” probably provoked the strongest emotions of any resolution. Supporters of the resolution urged the Diocese to take a stand on the issue. Noting that a resolution for prayer and fasting had already passed the Committee, one participant suggested everyone spend time considering the issue prayerfully. Several people spoke in favor of tabling the resolution, saying the Committee should not act hastily or out of fear. Others were frustrated the debate would then be postponed for an entire year. One member observed that pledges are already down and will probably fall further if the resolution is tabled. However, most of those present approved of the postponement, and the motion to table the resolution passed.

Convention votes to postpone same sex marriage discussion

When the business session reconvened on Saturday morning, a motion was made to bring the tabled marriage resolution to the floor so the issue could be debated. The point was made again that the Diocese should take a stand against same-sex marriages by passing this issue defining marriage. After a vote by orders, the motion was defeated. Therefore, the resolution will not be discussed until the 2005 Convention. In protest, three of the four deputies from Church of the Nativity, Maysville, walked out of the Convention.

Budget discussion is unusually quiet

An oft-debated and occasionally contentious topic is the budget; however, this year the budget passed quickly with little discussion. The conscience appeal program, which allows parishes to redirect some of their diocesan apportionment because of the actions of General Convention, caused a budget shortfall of $184,691. The budget for 2004 is $981,935. Including full payment to the national church, the budget for 2003, in contrast, was $1,119,946.

The budget committee’s only recommendation was to continue the Diocesan Web site out of the existing budget for the Communications Commission.

Elected to the Executive Council: Bill Blackmon, St. Mary’s, Middlesboro; the Rev. Emily Richards, St. Alban’s, Morehead; the Rev. Ron Summers, St. Andrew’s, Ft. Thomas; Gary Gabbard, Trinity, Covington, and Bill Sprague, Grace, Florence. Also elected was John Stempel, Christ Church, Cathedral, Lexington, absent from photo.

The Bishop explained the consequences of the budget shortfall are lack of funding for a number of mission projects, such a starting new parishes, opening a diocesan school, and expanding college ministries. It was also pointed out the Diocese has not replaced the full-time Youth Coordinator who resigned last year.

Convention concludes on positive note for most attendees

The business of the Convention concluded, the Diocesan family came together for the celebration of the Holy Eucharist. Afterwards, gathering up belongings and preparing for the trip home, people exchanged hugs and chattered happily. The bonds of family had prevailed, and there was a sense of relief in the air.

Others, however, were disappointed, even angered by the outcome. The Rev. Martin Gornik and four members of Church of the Apostles, Lexington, protested the decisions of the Convention by refusing to receive communion from Bishop Sauls. Although most attendees were probably unaware of their action at the time, it was later reported in the (Lexington) Herald-Leader.

In a press conference with the newspaper, Bishop Sauls commented on the two demonstrations. “I know they [deputation from Nativity] are angry, and I know that underneath that anger is a deep love of God and love of the church.

“Martin Gornik [Church of the Apostles] and I have a very strong and respectful relationship. He told me before Convention that they would not be receiving. It was not a surprise,” he said. “I do not consider myself in impaired communion with them in any way, but I understand that they are doing what they need to do.”

Memorial service for Rachel Sutherland Sunday, March 14

A memorial service for Rachel Sutherland will be held at the Cathedral of St. George the Martyr, The Cathedral Domain, on Sunday, March 14, at 4 p.m. (See article.)