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 3