Why is General Convention Important to Everyone?
The 81st General Convention of The Episcopal Church will take place from June 23-28, 2024, in Louisville, Kentucky. You might wonder, "What does this have to do with me?" The answer: quite a lot. Here’ how General Convention affects you.
What is General Convention?
General Convention is the church’s highest decision-making body, meeting every three years to set policies and direction. It consists of the House of Deputies and the House of Bishops. The House of Deputies consists of four clergy and four lay representatives from each of the 110 dioceses, bringing the total membership close to 900 this year. The House of Bishops is made up of all active and retired bishops, although many retired bishops don’t attend – those who regularly participate currently are about 300 bishops.
What does it do?
General Convention shapes the church's future through legislation on key issues. From approving liturgical texts to deciding on social issues like immigration and same-sex marriage, its decisions affect every aspect of church life. Proposed resolutions undergo committee reviews and open hearings before being voted on by both houses.
Why should you care?
- Influence on Worship: The Book of Common Prayer and the hymns we sing are decided here. Your worship experience at church is directly shaped by these decisions.
- Social Justice and Inclusion: General Convention sets the church's stance on critical issues like immigration, racial justice, and LGBTQ+ inclusion. It decides on clergy conduct policies and Safe Church training, ensuring a safe and welcoming environment for all.
- Leadership and Vision: This year, a new Presiding Bishop will be elected, guiding the church’s vision for the next nine years. Your prayers and awareness can support this significant transition.
- Local Impact: Decisions on diocesan boundaries and mergers, like the proposed unification of dioceses in Michigan and Wisconsin, can affect your local church community directly.
- Participation and Transparency: Sessions will be live-streamed, allowing you to stay informed and engaged with the church’s direction.
General Convention is more than a distant legislative assembly; it's where the heart of our church beats, and decisions that shape our shared faith journey are made. By staying informed and involved, you contribute to the vibrancy and relevance of our Episcopal community.
The above information was condensed from a comprehensive article written by Melodie Woerman and Cynde Bimbi, which they generously shared. Click HERE to read the original.