Diana Wilcox's blog

Last night, as our emotions ran high from the joy of the actions on marriage equality in our church and the structure decisions, we were treated to a wonderful event hosted by the Diocese of Utah. It took place in the Salt Lake Tabernacle in Temple Square, a beautiful facility dedicated in 1875, and is the home of the world-renowned Mormon Tabernacle Choir (who, to our disappointment, is actually in our backyard – NYC – right now).

Last night, our tired, but dedicated deputation, youth representatives, and a host of others from the diocese, gathered together at a local restaurant to enjoy time to together, hosted by our Bishop.

One of the more interesting things happening at this General Convention has nothing to do with legislation. Twice, in joint sessions of the House of Deputies and the House of Bishops, we have not offered amendments or calls to end debate; but, instead talked and listened intently to one another about the work we are called to do in the world, and how we might best live into our lives as followers of Jesus.

During the packed legislative session of the House of Deputies, this afternoon the deputation from our diocese was heard loud and clear.

First up was Deputy Diana Wilcox, testifying on an amendment to resolution A159 out of the Alcohol & Substance Abuse Committee.

Then came Deputy Bert Jones asking a parliamentary question.

That was followed by Deputy Laura Russell, asking a clarifying question on D013, one of the initial resolutions coming out of Governance & Structure.

It is difficult to describe the emotions of this morning, on top of all that has transpired in this joyous week. I, along with the entire deputation from Newark, participated in the Claiming Common Ground Against Gun Violence procession. Our bishop, the Rt. Rev. Mark Beckwith, was one of the key leaders of this event, working as part of Bishops United Against Gun Violence, and it was one of the most meaningful moments of this General Convention (and that is saying something, to be sure).

Today, amid the morning rush between meetings, worship, and the rest, phones started buzzing with texts and calls about the decision of the Supreme Court to recognize marriage equality as the law of the land. And as the day went on, news of a rally by Utah Pride in one of the local parks started filtering through the crowd. Integrity, the LGBT advocacy group of The Episcopal Church, were passing around buttons and making signs. The rally was to start at 6pm, during the afternoon legislative session.

I have attended several legislative sessions at the last General Convention in Indianapolis, but this was the first time I ever stood to speak. The hearing was before the Committee on Social Justice and International policy, which was hearing testimony on resolutions A052 and C012. It was standing room only.

The tradition at General Convention is to decorate the stanchion (the pole that indicates your diocese) in some way that represents your location. Our deputation racked our brains trying to figure out what we are going to use to say "Newark is here!!!" And behold... our fabulous "Bridgegate" created by Cynthia Black.

This morning was a joint session of the House of Deputies and the House of Bishops, and it was the first time our entire deputation was together. We heard first from the Presding Bishop, the Most Rev. Katharine Jefferts Schori, who along with the House of Deputies President the Rev. Gay Clark Jennnings, received a standing ovation before and after the speech.