Virginia Episcopalian Magazine Winter 2015 Issue | Page 5
Convention Countdown
Center Aisle to return for Salt Lake City meeting
Ed Jones
We’re baaaack … and we’re bigger and more nimble than ever.
Center Aisle is packing its bags to head west from the Diocese of Virginia
to Salt Lake City in June 2015 for our sixth General Convention as a force
for reconciliation.
For those new to Center Aisle, here’s a quick recap: Every three years,
Episcopalians from across the globe come together for our governance
meeting called General Convention. And since 2000, the Diocese of Virginia
has offered an opinion journal – Center Aisle – as a gift to attendees, and as a
way to keep folks back home connected.
Before we leave town, we’re getting an earlier start than ever, by
launching a digital version of Center Aisle online at CenterAisle.net. In the
months leading up to General Convention next summer, we will be regularly
updating our website with an array of views and proposals that reflect the rich
diversity of our Church.
We’ll focus on the key issues that will be debated in Utah, from
reimagining the Church to electing a new presiding bishop. We’ll also spotlight
ongoing activities in our Diocese, General Church and Anglican Communion
that reflect the spirit of Center Aisle.
On the site, you’ll find a profile of Lynnaia Main, who helps connect
parishes and dioceses to the important work Episcopalians are doing at the
United Nations. Expect to see more such stories and commentaries. From
world mission to local outreach, we’ll examine how working together can help
us overcome our divisions.
Every three years or so, we look in the mirror and ask ourselves if Center
Aisle still has an important role to play in the Church. Times have changed
mightily since the divisive days of 2000 and 2003, when we began our run.
But our answer to that triennial question is a mighty “yes.” We do have a
role to play. Our society is more polarized, our cities are more divided and our
world is more violent than they have been in years.
The uniting passion of a movement that focuses on the “center” –
not the midpoint of a line but the middle of a circle that represents our
commonalities as Christians – is more important than ever.
So visit often. Let us know what you think at [email protected].
Together we’ll count down to the important work that lies ahead in Salt Lake City. t
General Convention: The Details
What is General Convention?
The triennial governance meeting of the
Episcopal Church.
When and where will it take place?
June 25-July 3, 2015
Who from Virginia will go?
Our deputation includes the following
members. Our bishops and several staff
members will also attend.
Clergy
The Very Rev. Dr. Hilary B. Smith
The Rev. Dr. Robert Prichard
The Rev. Lucia Lloyd
The Rev. Kim Coleman
Lay
Mr. JP Causey Jr.
Ms. Cyndi Bartol
Mr. Russell Randle
Ms. Helen Spence
Clergy Alternates
The Rev. Jim Papile
The Rev. Jacqueline Thomson
The Rev. James Richardson
The Rev. Dr. Chris Agnew
Lay Alternates
Ms. Martha Burford
Ms. Ellyn Crawford
WINTER 2015 / Virginia Episcopalian
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