Bishop Barry Beisner, author of  Resolution B003, Status of Jerusalem:

"It's never a surprise that debates on Israel/Palestine issues reveal deep divisions and strong emotions-which is why we need to be having these discussions in places other than General Convention, with plenty of time for respectful conversation, framed by prayer. I am personally grateful that the resolution on Jerusalem which I put forward was adopted, even if in a greatly amended form."

Canon to the Ordinary Andrea McMillin, chair of our deputation 

and Title IV subcommittee member:

Grace Flint, seminarian from St. Paul's, Benicia: 

"I have often heard folks refer to General Convention as a "big family reunion" and that was certainly my experience of GC79. I caught up with friends from all aspects of my life as an Episcopalian, but the true joy of attending my second General Convention was building and deepening relationships with the Diocese of Northern California's deputation and my colleagues from CDSP. It was a privilege to see the deputation in action as important topics such as racial reconciliation, marriage equality, disability access, and trans inclusion, all of which speak to our commitment as Christians in the Episcopal Branch of the Jesus Movement to respect the dignity of every human being. I am grateful for the opportunity to be present with the Diocese of Northern California at GC79 and I am humbled by the good work done by our members in Austin."

 

Lay deputy Myles Clarke, St. Martin's, Davis:

"I was especially pleased with our (Stewardship and Socially Responsible Investing) committee's work on addressing the church's investments that may support Israel's occupation of Palestine. We were able to offer the convention several options. In the end, both houses agreed to join our full-communion partners in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and take a mixed approach that would blend a human rights screen for investment holdings, positive investment in Palestine, and shareholder advocacy. This gives Executive Council's Committee on Corporate Social Responsibility tools to speak and act forcefully for peace in the Holy Land, along with the flexibility to do so thoughtfully."

 

Clarke said he also looks forward to bringing some ideas back to the youth group at St. Martin's. "The Rev. Stephanie McDyre Johnson spoke about caring for creation out of love for each other and God's handiwork, instead of obligation to 'do the right thing.' I think that could be a powerful, generative way to talk about this issue, especially with our younger members."

 

Lay deputy Charis Hill, Trinity Cathedral:

"At General Convention I had countless opportunities to be a voice for and with people with disabilities, deaf people, people with undertreated pain, poor people, and nonbinary/queer people.  As a first-ti me deputy I authored a resolution (D048) that passed both the House of Deputies and House of Bishops without amendment. This resolution calls for a review of language in our Church's Constitution and Canons related to the use of the words 'disabled' and 'disability.' 

"Being a deputy to General Convention reminded me how powerful that 'still small voice' can be, and how empowering it is to be heard. We tell stories in The Episcopal Church, and we also do our best to listen and move into being a more loving, radically embracing institution."

 

Lay alternate deputy Jim Jordan, Shepherd by the Sea, Gualala: 

"By the time we got to Salt Lake City (site of the 78th General Convention in 2015) most of the tension (around the ordination of Bishop Gene Robinson and before that, women) had drained away. We knew we were going to move forward, but we weren't sure what the path we would be taking. When we got here (in Austin) we knew what we had to do, and we got a lot of it done."

 

Clergy deputy the Very Rev. Sara L. Potter, rector of St. Alban's, Arcata:

"This was my first convention and it was an eye opening if somewhat overwhelming occasion.  The General Convention is part family reunion and it was fabulous to connect with everyone from a dear mentor priest to the priest at the closest Episcopal Church in Oregon.  The legislative process was fascinating to learn and observe - the back and forth between the two Houses and the willingness to compromise to achieve the greatest good for the whole church. The joint sessions with the Bishops on racial reconciliation, evangelism and creation care brought together powerful presenters and provided an opportunity to engage the material with respect to our local contexts. If I have a critique of convention it is that there did not seem to be a lot of focus on strengthening the capacity of the local congregation. A related concern is simply wondering how much of the resolutions that were considered and passed can reasonably be carried out in the manner envisioned in the next three years? As the rector of a small congregation these are concerns close to my heart."

 

From clergy deputy the Rev. Brian Baker's Facebook page:

"Here is a fuller picture of what General Convention did on marriage: 

Clergy alternate deputy the Rev. Jim Richardson, interim dean, Trinity Cathedral, included this in his July 15 sermon:

"A member of this cathedral, Charis Hill, had a profound impact on this convention. Charis brought light into a place of neglect in our church. Because of her and a resolution she sponsored, there will be a day when the rubric in the prayer book that now says, 'All stand' will say 'All stand as able.'  Her resolution requires that any revision of the Book of Common Prayer must take into consideration the disabled. And because of her, soon there will be a task force that will take a hard look at all the other ways we exclude those who are disabled." 

Hear the rest of his sermon, including his reflection on joining Bishop Barry and other people of this diocese who took buses  to a detention center in Hutto, Texas, here.