The 81st General Convention of the Episcopal Church is underway in Louisville, Kentucky; this is the governing body of the Episcopal Church. Every three years it meets as a bicameral legislature that includes the House of Deputies and the House of Bishops, composed of deputies and bishops from each diocese. The General Convention also includes Interim Bodies (various commissions, committees, task forces, agencies, and boards) which meet between the triennial sessions to accomplish ongoing work and tasks set in the triennial sessions.
There are two things of particular interest this year. First, the election of our next Presiding Bishop, who will serve a nine-year term. The Most Rev. Michael Bruce Curry has been the Presiding Bishop and Primate of The Episcopal Church, and his term concludes with this convention. The Presiding Bishop is the Chief Pastor and serves as President and Chief Executive Officer and as Chair of the Executive Council of the Episcopal Church.
Second, the Convention is also expected to pass meaningful legislation on the Prayer Book. While a new book is not likely, the Book of Common Prayer defines our beliefs as a church. This convention will likely allow for some new ways of offering liturgical resources and doctrine as is passed by the General Convention.
By the time you read this, much of the convention will have happened. You can read more about it HERE. I expect to offer you more information as it becomes available to clarify the convention's final resolutions as well. Let us all offer a prayer for a productive and spirit-filled 81st convention.
Blessings,
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