The Journey is now underway.

Today, Wednesday, was a very busy day with a formal opening of the General Convention. I began my formal time with a meeting of the Legislative Committee for Evangelism and Interreligious work, which began at 8:00AM. The members are from both the House of Bishops and the House of Deputies; working on several resolutions which will be perfected and then come before both Houses of the Convention later this week. The two most prominent are: 1) the resolution to enact a full Eucharist sharing and sharing of clergy with the Moravian Church, and 2) the resolution to empower more and deeper interreligious work, collaboration and understanding between the Episcopal Church and other religions. I believe this is very exciting. This Committee met twice more throughout the day, including following worship and then during the early evening.

The opening Eucharist at 9:15AM was powerful. The Presiding Bishop preached and celebrated the Holy Communion, and it was a very moving and fine worship. The Episcopal Church in the Philippines presented a gift to our Church to further Mission and Ministry outreach.

Both the House of Deputies and the House of Bishops met twice today to organize and begin the legislative process and to welcome guests formally from around the world. That is always wonderful and empowering to witness and experience.

During the early evening there was a presentation from the Archbishop of Canterbury, followed by a panel discussion. One of the members was Sarah Eagle-Heart, who, (as mentioned in my earlier post) recently began her work for the Episcopal Church for the Native American Desk.

Over the past few days we have spent time with Sarah Eagle-Heart, Luke Jernagan, and Jerald Hyche, all of whom worked within our diocese and are now working for the Church and here at the General Convention. The attached Links are opportunities to see and receive more information about the various programs and materials we are working with, as we begin the work of and ministry for the up-building of the mission of God’s people. As we journey along this path please keep us all in your prayers.

In Christ’s Holy Name, Bishop Duncan