Some spiritual leaders describe it as one of the biggest legislative bodies in the world in which thousands of Episcopalians converge on one city for the glory of God.
The 2018 General Convention of The Episcopal Church is expected to be just as enthusiastically attended as previous years when the 79th annual event is held July 2-13 in Austin, Texas. Bishop Greg Brewer and 10 clergy and lay deputies from the Diocese of Central Florida will attend the convention, which is the governing body of the Episcopal Church.
The convention’s main venue is the Austin Convention Center. But there also will be meetings at the nearby Marriott and Hyatt hotels.
The General Convention, which is a bicameral legislature that is composed of the House of Deputies and the House of Bishops, consisting of deputies and bishops from each diocese, meets every three years, according to the generalconvention.org website. Attendees examine and discuss a wide variety of significant issues facing the Church.
Work matters accomplished are implemented by committees, commissions, agencies, boards, and task forces established by General Convention in between each triennial meeting.
Seven members of the Diocese of Central Florida contingent received deputation assignments for the 2018 General Convention. They are: Bishop Brewer, Evangelism and Church Planting; the Rev. Phyllis Bartle, vice chair of Stewardship & Socially Responsible Investing; Sonya Shannon, Christian Formation and Discipleship; Krisita Jackson, secretary of Privilege and Courtesy; the Rev. Jim Sorvillo, Congregational and Diocesan Vitality; Tom Alday, Evangelism and Church Planting; and Erick Perez, Prayer Book, Liturgy and Church Music.
Also representing the Diocese of Central Florida are the Rev. Canon Tim Nunez, Canon to the Ordinary; the Rev. Canon Dr. Justin Holcomb, Canon for Vocations; the Rev. Jose Rodriguez; and Heather Rodriguez.
The Central Florida Episcopalian reached out to the diocese’s representatives for their thoughts on being a part of the 2018 General Convention. Here is what they had to say:
The Rev. Phyllis Bartle
- Church: St. Jude’s Episcopal Church, Orange City
- Convention position: Clerical Deputy
- Is this your first trip to the General Convention? If so, what are your thoughts on attending this event for the first time? If not your first time, how many times have you attended, and what was your general reaction?
I am a Clergy Deputy, serving in the House of Deputies. This is my fifth time as a deputy and second time serving as the Chair of our Deputation. I have served as secretary on the Stewardship Committee for the past two conventions and have been asked to serve this time as the vice chair of the committee.
- What do you figure will be the most important thing discussed at this year’s Convention?
I expect this Convention to be much like those in the past, with over 800 resolutions passing through committees as they make their way to the floor of the House of Deputies and the House of Bishops. Prayer Book revision is one issue I expect will draw much floor-time discussion.
- How is the General Convention important to the Episcopal Church at large?
General Convention is the body that regulates our Church. It is made up much like our Congress with a House of Deputies and a House of Bishops. The democratic process of election of deputies assures that voices from around the country are represented and heard. The hours are long – committee meetings many times begin as early as 7 a.m., and other meetings require late-night gatherings.
The Rev. Dr. Canon Justin Holcomb
- Church: Diocese of Central Florida, Canon for Vocations; associate priest for the Cathedral Church of Saint Luke, Orlando
- Convention position: Clerical Deputy
- Is this your first trip to the General Convention? If so, what are your thoughts on attending this event for the first time? If not your first time, how many times have you attended, and what was your general reaction?
I’m a first-timer. For over four years, I have served as Canon for Vocations for the Diocese of Central Florida and as an associate priest for the Cathedral Church of Saint Luke. Before serving in this diocese, I was a priest in the Diocese of Virginia, where I was ordained to the priesthood in 2006.
In my role of Canon for Vocations, I focus on developing and training leaders with missionary vision to lead and serve in local congregations. Lots of my time and energy is given to the discernment process for ordination to the priesthood, where I work closely with the Commission of Ministry and Standing Committee. The continued nurture and developing of our clergy is also a high priority as I oversee ministry, leadership and mission for newly ordained priests or priests new to the diocese; assist with continuing education opportunities for clergy; and work closely with Clergy Event Committee and the Congregational Development Commission.
- What do you see as the most important challenge facing General Convention 2018?
There are numerous challenges, such as the presiding bishop’s call and focus on evangelism, the challenge of declining attendance in TEC (The Episcopal Church) churches, and more. However, I see the most important challenge is the need for wisdom regarding how to walk together in unity as the Episcopal Church in light of significant and important doctrinal disagreements, and also how TEC relates to the global Anglican Communion. At the invitation of the presiding bishop and the archbishop, Bishop Brewer and our diocese have served as a bridge in the midst of disagreement both in the Episcopal Church and the global Anglican Communion. I think this General Convention is an important opportunity to continue that ministry.
The Rev. Canon Tim Nunez
- Church: Diocese of Central Florida, Canon to the Ordinary
- Convention position: Clerical Deputy
- Is this your first trip to the General Convention? If so, what are your thoughts on attending this event for the first time? If not your first time, how many times have you attended, and what was your general reaction?
This is my first General Convention. I’m curious what it will be like to participate in the “Councils of the Church” at this level.
- What do you figure will be the most important thing discussed at this year’s Convention?
The possibility of beginning the process of Prayer Book revision.
- How is the General Convention important to the Episcopal Church at large?
It sets canon law that the church must follow.
- How will our deputies talk about the importance of Bishop Greg Brewer’s message of “Evangelism – Embracing Our Neighborhoods” at the General Convention?
We’ve got quite a witness to share about how Jesus is reinvigorating our life and work. We hope to be of help and encouragement to others.
- What do you hope to learn from this year’s event?
While much of the work of the General Convention may seem mundane or controversial, we are blessed with an effective organizational structure for our Church that has been formed over the years. We tend to disregard it – until we need it. I’m looking forward to taking part in it.
The Rev. Jim Sorvillo
- Church: Rector, Church of the Ascension
- Convention position: Clerical Deputy
- Is this your first trip to the General Convention? If so, what are your thoughts on attending this event for the first time? If not your first time, how many times have you attended, and what was your general reaction?
This will be my third time to General Convention. In my opinion, it takes a couple times to go through General Convention in order to get an idea of how it works, and how one can work in it. Between morning committee meetings and resolution hearings to time on the floor of the House of Deputies to evening hearings and meetings, each of the 12 days can run from 7 a.m. until 10 p.m. It can be both grueling and exciting to be a part of such a process.
- What do you figure will be the most important thing discussed at this year’s Convention?
Early conversations indicate a move to begin the revision process for The Book of Common Prayer in order to accommodate gender-neutral language and make space for same-sex marriage. At the same time, in regard to the same-sex marriage trial-use-rites which are currently available to those dioceses who wish to use it, there is a move to remove what is called the “conscience clause” from the legislation, which, in essence, forces a bishop to allow such rites in all dioceses without exception. This directly challenges the theological authority of the diocesan bishop, which should be concerning to all.
- How is the General Convention important to the Episcopal Church at large?
Beside the Bible, The Book of Common Prayer, and the Constitution and Canons, the General Convention is the authoritative canonical apparatus available to us to make decisions as the Episcopal Church. It gives us a chance to bring all of our differences and commonality into one place in order to discern God’s desire for our churches present and future.
- How will our deputies talk about the importance of Bishop Greg Brewer’s message of “Evangelism – Embracing Our Neighborhoods” at the General Convention?
As elected deputies, we are called to represent the Diocese of Central Florida and use all available means to move legislation forward which align with the vision and mission of our diocese. In regard to the bishop’s specific call to evangelism, as a denomination whose current trend is to lose more parishioners than it’s gaining, it would serve us well to find new ways to reach out to our communities in order to invite them into a living relationship with Jesus Christ. If we ignore this call, we do so at our own peril.
- Are you serving on any special committees at the convention?
I have been asked to serve on the Committee for Diocesan and Congregational Vitality.
- What do you hope to learn from this year’s event?
“Hope” is the key word in this question. I hope that the members of General Convention will seek God’s leading over societal trends. I hope that General Convention will make decisions which bring people into a saving relationship with Jesus Christ instead of dividing people based on identity politics. I hope to learn that the members of General Convention will follow the call of the Holy Spirit, humbly and obediently, over following their own political goals and desires.
The Rev. Jose Rodriguez
- Church: Interim rector, Iglesia Episcopal Jesus de Nazaret, Orlando
- Convention position: Clerical Deputy (1st Alternate)
- Is this your first trip to the General Convention? If so, what are your thoughts on attending this event for the first time? If not your first time, how many times have you attended, and what was your general reaction?
This is my first trip. I am very much looking forward to attending this Council of the Church. I very much believe that when the church gathers the Holy Spirit is present and moves. I very much believe that the Holy Spirit still speaks to the Church and look forward to us gathering together to listen.
- How will our deputies talk about the importance of Bishop Greg Brewer’s message of “Evangelism – Embracing Our Neighborhoods” at the General Convention?
As a Latino member of the neighborhood who is underrepresented in the life of the Church, I am very much bringing our bishop’s charge to us into convention. Evangelism is about spreading the good news of God in Christ. Many of us see evangelism as saving souls – which is our major push – but evangelism also reveals hope and the good news that in Christ we find freedom from a variety of things that hurt, bind, and bring us and our communities down.
For those of us of a different people group in the Episcopal household of faith, evangelism also gives us hope that there is room for us at the table as we are and that those things that make us unique have equal footing in the life of the Church. Often, we talk of the dignity of persons as individuals, but I will speak of evangelism also reaching out and welcoming people in as a people group. I will communicate that our evangelistic efforts must respect the dignity and integrity of people groups. I take the evangelical embrace of our neighborhoods to include an embrace of people and the culture they bring into the church. I also hope that in reaching out to our neighborhoods, we configure our local congregations to adapt and embrace our neighbors by encouraging them to grow into the full stature of Christ in the fullness of the God-given diversity the Almighty has given each and every one of us.
- What do you hope to learn from this year’s event?
I hope to find a convention that is open to issues of diversity not merely of the black-and-white binary, but in the shades that interracial marriage has introduced into the conversation; interracial marriage, and it ever becoming more and more common, forces conversations to happen that often get put to the back burner. I hope to find these conversations at Convention.
Tom Alday
- Church: Because my wife (Kristi Alday) is the archdeacon, I have the privilege of accompanying her – visiting and worshipping in many of our congregations in Central Florida.
- Convention position: Lay Deputy
- Is this your first trip to the General Convention? If so, what are your thoughts on attending this event for the first time? If not your first time, how many times have you attended, and what was your general reaction?
Yes, this is my first convention. I am excited to represent the Diocese of Central Florida. I am also humbled by the people of the diocese that elected me to speak on their behalf to the national church at large.
- What do you figure will be the most important thing discussed at this year’s Convention?
Not having a crystal ball, I cannot say. However, I know there are several critical and divisive issues that will come before General Convention. I welcome the opportunity to speak to and have dialogue with others who may not embrace the Orthodox faith and hopefully come to an understanding, while never sacrificing the truth of the Scripture.
- How is the General Convention important to the Episcopal Church at large?
Hopefully, General Convention can bring us together to build unity and address diversity issues as we walk together in faith. Reestablish firmly that our faith is the platform for any issue that confronts us.
- How will our deputies talk about the importance of Bishop Greg Brewer’s message of “Evangelism – Embracing Our Neighborhoods” at the General Convention?
It is my prayer that the deputies, not just from Central Florida, but also from the church at large, will employ evangelism as the lenses through which we all approach General Convention.
- Are you serving on any special committees at the convention?
Yes, I am. I was asked to serve on Evangelism and Church Planting.
- What do you hope to learn from this year’s event?
This is my first convention, so I want to learn as much as possible so that I can be a positive voice for the Diocese of Central Florida and the Episcopal Church.
Krisita Jackson
- Church: St. John the Baptist Episcopal Church, Orlando
- Convention position: Lay Deputy
- Is this your first trip to the General Convention? If so, what are your thoughts on attending this event for the first time? If not your first time, how many times have you attended, and what was your general reaction?
I was honored to have served for the first time as a deputy to the General Convention in 2015. Serving as a deputy was an exciting and educational experience. It was educational to see the process of the convention unfold legislatively – two houses working concurrently to make decisions which would determine the direction of the Episcopal Church in the short and long term.
In 2015, the presiding bishop election was held. We had an opportunity to hear the candidates field questions from the body prior to a vote. The House of Deputies decidedly voted to elect Michael Curry on its first vote. There was excitement in the air as we waited to learn of the vote in the House of Bishops. Joy filled the air as Presiding Bishop-Elect Michael Curry processed into the House of Deputies following a short deliberation of the House of Bishops.
- What do you figure will be the most important thing discussed at this year’s Convention?
I have been following some discussions online regarding the revision of the Prayer Book. There are many opinions and perspectives on what changes should be made, if any. The status of same-sex unions and liturgies I think will also be a priority for some members of our Church. Budget, of course, is always a high point of General Convention.
As an African-American, and descendant of parents who attended Historically Black Colleges and Universities, I have an interest in continuing support of these institutions. The Episcopal Church has a checkered history regarding race but has played a significant role for over 150 years in supporting education. Some of these institutions have raised up and educated priests, some of whom still serve among us.
- How is the General Convention important to the Episcopal Church at large?
I believe the decisions made at General Convention largely determine the face our Church presents to the world – and to all of its members in our own communities. The Jesus Movement preached by our Presiding Bishop Curry must be supported by the leaders of our convention and Church in word and deed.
- How will our deputies talk about the importance of Bishop Greg Brewer’s message of “Evangelism – Embracing Our Neighborhoods” at the General Convention?
Bishop’s Brewer’s message is the way in which we in our parishes support the Jesus Movement and evangelize. We are called wherever we may be to share the good news of the gospel and make disciples.
- Are you serving on any special committees at the convention?
I am excited to have been appointed to serve for the second time as secretary of the Privilege and Courtesy Committee. It is mandated to receive and propose resolutions that commend individuals or organizations and propose resolutions that express the House’s appreciation for groups or persons.
- What do you hope to learn from this year’s event?
I pray to walk away from the 2018 General Convention with my faith reaffirmed that this Church which I was raised and continue to serve in is committed to living out Matthew 25:35-40. “For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me … just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me.”
Erick Perez
- Church: Church of the Incarnation, Oviedo
- Convention position: Lay Deputy
- Is this your first trip to the General Convention? If so, what are your thoughts on attending this event for the first time? If not your first time, how many times have you attended, and what was your general reaction?
This will be my first General Convention.
- What do you figure will be the most important thing discussed at this year’s Convention?
Other than legislation of topics and discussions with different points of views, I do not know what to expect. I do feel honored to be serving as a deputy for the Diocese of Central Florida.
- How is the General Convention important to the Episcopal Church at large?
From what I’ve gathered, it is as big a deal as when the (U.S.) Congress meets. Resolutions are put forward to vote in order to amend how the Church can keep moving forward into the future.
- How will our deputies talk about the importance of Bishop Greg Brewer’s message of “Evangelism – Embracing Our Neighborhoods” at the General Convention?
Prayer Book revision will definitely be the “hot topic” at convention.
- Are you serving on any special committees at the convention?
I have been appointed to committee #12, which is the Prayer Book, Music, and Liturgy Committee.
Sonya Shannon
- Current church: The Cathedral Church of Saint Luke, Orlando
- Convention position: Lay Deputy
- Is this your first trip to the General Convention? If so, what are your thoughts on attending this event for the first time? If not your first time, how many times have you attended, and what was your general reaction?
This is my fourth convention. The process is amazing.
- What do you figure will be the most important thing discussed at this year’s Convention?
Marriage is always the hot topic.
- Are you serving on any special committees at the convention?
I will be serving on Formation and Education.
Heather Rodriguez
- Current church: Minister of Music, Church of the Incarnation, Oviedo
- Convention position: Lay Deputy (1st Alternate)
- Is this your first trip to the General Convention? If so, what are your thoughts on attending this event for the first time? If not your first time, how many times have you attended, and what was your general reaction?
Yes, this is my first trip to the General Convention. I am going open-minded as to what to expect. There’s been a lot of talk about a variety of issues, but I am hoping to get past all the “noise” and focus on our sacred duty to hear God’s voice in all of this.
- What do you figure will be the most important thing discussed at this year’s Convention?
My best guess for the most discussed points would be Prayer Book revision and gay marriage; that’s different than the most important thing discussed. To me, the most important discussions deal with our unity as a Church. I’ve been very concerned over how some dioceses and entire provinces have been marginalized. I am hoping that some of our most important discussions focus on our life together and moving forward together.
- How is the General Convention important to the Episcopal Church at large?
It is important for the whole Episcopal Church to be united, understand each other’s differences, and establish relationships with each other. In my prayers, I’ve focused on Jesus’ prayer, “That they may all be one.” I hope we can look beyond our own wants and desires to focus on moving forward as one body.
- How will our deputies talk about the importance of Bishop Greg Brewer’s message of “Evangelism – Embracing Our Neighborhoods” at the General Convention?
When evangelizing, it is important to look at the neighborhood you are trying to reach. You cannot reach someone if you are unwilling to understand their point of view, whether that be culture, language, or life experiences. If we are going to effectively evangelize and reach others, we must remember that communication isn’t just talking. We need to have difficult conversations. We need to hear difficult things. We must be willing to try to understand difficult things. If we truly are going to like Jesus, we have to experience the lives of others and not expect them to live the way we live our lives.
- What do you hope to learn from this year’s event?
I want to learn how to make a difference in the Episcopal Church’s legislation. One cannot stand on the sidelines and hope to make change. So many people call this “politics.” This doesn’t have to be a negative thing. This can be a very positive thing. Labeling the church’s legislative processes as politics and “bad” discourages people from fully participating in this very important gathering. When we walk away from wrestling through difficult conversations because they are too “political,” we silence our own voice, discourage others from participating and being heard, and cause the hurt we are trying to avoid.