One Convention, Two Views

Here's a letter to the editor in today's paper from a South Carolina priest who attended GC2006 as (I think) a visitor. I didn't have the pleasure of seeing this priest and his wife in Columbus.

Where was I? Oh, right, I was on the floor of the House of Deputies (for hours and hours each day) watching paint dry.

This letter is so interesting. It sounds like the author attended a different convention. For those of you who were in Columbus, does his experience match yours?

"My wife and I were privileged to attend the 75th General Convention of the Episcopal Church recently in Columbus, Ohio.

"We were impressed by the city and its convention facilities. We were elated to meet and greet fellow Episcopalians from throughout the country, and we were impressed with their serious attempts to be true to scripture in today's world. We were there for the presiding bishop's forum on reconciliation and heard several wonderful speakers, including John Danforth, an Episcopal priest and former U. S. senator and ambassador to the United Nations.

"We observed the clergy and lay delegates from each diocese deliberating and voting on the many resolutions and issues to come before the convention. We participated in a wide variety of liturgical worship services attended by thousands, which incorporated many styles of music, and were flavored with the diverse cultures and people who are in our communion.

"We heard many fine preachers, and we enjoyed the "table conversation" on the Bible lessons for each day with the people sitting with us. We watched and listened as the House of Bishops prayed, deliberated and voted on key issues...

Read the rest in today's Post and Courier.