Walk in the Way • Widen the Walls • Wake Up the World

Highland Episcopalian A Quarterly Publication of the Episcopal Diocese of Western North Carolina

General ConventionSalt lake City, June 25-July 3, 2015

Spring 2015

Bishop’s Corner

On June 25 of this sum-mer over a thousand

Episcopalians will gather to do the business of The Episcopal Church in Salt

Lake City as The General Convention. This happens every three years. This will be my fifth General Convention: one as a deputy and four as a bishop. I have given up trying to understand this event. Ad-mittedly, it’s a very strange way to govern a Church and is like another world with its own logic and rhythms—yet as much as it must change, it also represents much of who we are as Episcopalians. First of all, we attempt to do in ten days what most denominations would do in three years. In 2012 approximately four hundred and fifty resolutions were passed. As a result, there is always too much to read, too many opinions to digest, and far too little time to think. It reminds me of scenes from the Chicago Futures Market with lots of men and women standing and shouting. This summer I foresee three key issues. First, there will be a revision of the structure of General Con-vention. Some of the suggestions are to limit the number of deputies and bishops as well as the days and kind of resolutions. I am most excited by the proposal to include workshops on key issues, like stewardship and Christian formation, as part of the business of future conventions so that deputies and bishops might be better equipped for the work of the ministry.

Second, the convention will deal with a number of resolutions concerning marriage for same sex couples. I urge you to go to the General Convention website and read these. My own sense is that we as a Church tend to make theological changes through our liturgy, yet few of the resolutions actually deal with the Book of Common Prayer in any systematic way. Therefore, I think these discussions in Salt Lake will be lengthy and energized, and perhaps will arrive at a new proposal.

Third, the bishops will elect a new Presiding Bishop and the Deputies will vote on whether to confirm that election. I both voted and counted ballots in Columbus, Ohio when Katharine Jefferts Schori was elected as the 26th Presiding Bishop. It remains a highlight of my life and I look forward to voting on June 27. As of now we have four nominees: The Rt. Rev. Michael Curry from NC, The Rt. Rev. Tom Breidenthal from Southern Ohio, The Rt. Rev. Ian Douglas from Connecticut, and the Rt. Rev. Dabney Smith from Southwest Florida. The term of office is nine years. The ordination is set for November 1, 2015 at the National Cathedral in Washington, D.C. Sometimes our General Convention gets bad press, and I confess sometimes I complain. However, I am proud that as a church we do our business in pub-lic. Everyone gets a say and we invite the media into our halls so that everyone knows what is said. Our votes are all public records and on important votes, everyone has to vote one way or another and sometimes has to sign his or her name to the vote. There is no abstaining or getting stuck in traffic. I am proud that we insist that we have no secrets about our business. There are no smoke filled rooms.

I am equally proud that we as the whole church gather for important decisions. General Conven-tion is large, but our Church is large. The Diocese of Haiti gets to vote the same as Los Angeles. In ad-dition, bishops and deputies both have to weigh in on every issue. Our governance is slow and messy but thorough, and that’s a good thing.

Our days begin in worship. The Eucharist is always the highlight of every day. It’s wonderful to gather with 3,000 people—because the Episcopal Church Women’s convention runs concurrently and there are tons of staff and visitors—to break bread and hear the Word. After the vote to give consent to Gene Robinson in 2003, I sat next to deputies from Central Florida and Navajoland, who were very unhappy, but we said the prayers together; we received the Body and Blood of Christ together; and we shared the Peace that passes all understanding together as well. There is more that unites us than ever divides us.

Perhaps the greatest gift to me from General Con-Page 2

vention is its outward and visible sign of the unity and the wideness of the Episcopal Church. We forget that our church is in fourteen countries and that Episcopalians speak English, French, Spanish and Mandarin. The prayers we say each Sunday are also repeated in Montana and Paris and Quito and Chicago. Despite how tired I get at General Conven-tion and how disgruntled I can be when we debate for an hour on whether the sun is shining, I am always proud to be part of our Church and honored to be part of General Convention. Keep me and the deputies in your prayers. We will posts blogs on the diocesan website daily.

Grace and peace,

+G. Porter TaylorBishop, Diocese of WNC

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About the Highland EpiscopalianThe Highland Episcopalian is a quarterly publication of the Episcopal Diocese of West-ern North Carolina. The magazine is sent to anyone who wishes to receive it within the boundaries of the diocese. Those outside the area may subscribe to the magazine for $5 per issue. Donations to support the cost of mailing the magazine are welcome, and may be made online or sent to our office.

If you would prefer to receive it electronically, please email Alice Keenan at akeenan@diocesewnc.org.

For questions, comments, or story ideas, con-tact the editor:

Chris Goldman | Episcopal Diocese of WNC900B CentrePark Drive | Asheville, NC 28805Phone: (404) 697-4191Email: cgoldman@diocesewnc.org

COVER PHOTO: The House of Bishops (ENS pho-to).

Help WNC Deputy Raise Money for Episcopal Relief & Development

Dear members and friends of the Diocese of WNC:

I am representing the WNC General Convention Deputation in a 200 mile Relay Race a few days before General Convention. I’m running with other deputies from around the country. In honor of the 75th Anniversary of Episcopal Relief and Development, the House of Deputies has challenged each deputation to raise funds to support ERD. On behalf of our deputies, I ask you to make a donation today for yourself or for your church in support of Episcopal Relief and Development.

Thank you,

The Rev. Karla Woggon, Deputy to General ConventionRector, Ascension Hickory

To donate to the Rev. Woggon’s campaign, visit the General Convention tab on our website.

On Easter Sunday, 2015, we lost a true friend of the diocese when Roy Davis died. Davis served

as chancellor of the diocese for three bishops, as well as serving on the vestry and as a senior war-den at Trinity Episcopal Church in Asheville.

In a reflection at the time, Bishop Taylor wrote: “Roy had been the chancellor of the diocese for longer than I can remember. In my early days as the bishop I called him frequently for his advice and wisdom, but most of all to have his slow North Carolina voice give me a sense of calm and peace, because his perspective was so much wider than mine.”

Davis was a senior principal with the law firm Van Winkle, Buck, Wall, Starnes and Davis, PA, where he practiced for nearly 55 years. As chancellor of the diocese, he advised on matters of secular and ecclesiastical law.

In 2009, Davis was the recipient of the Chief Jus-tice’s Professionalism Award given by the Chief Justice of the North Carolina Supreme Court. The award is “presented annually to an individual or or-ganization whose contributions have demonstrated the highest commitment to genuine professional-ism and the highest standards of legal ethics.” Davis was also awarded the North Carolina State Bar John B. McMillan Distinguished Service Award in 2013 for his “exemplary service to the legal profession.”

In 2001, Davis received the diocese’s Distinguished Communicant award. This is the highest honor giv-en to a lay person in our diocese who has demon-strated unusual leadership and who has made a unique witness to the Gospel in their parish and on the diocesan level over a number of years.

Part of his legacy was his commitment to helping ensure that every child who wants to attend Camp Henry can do so. Camp Henry director Ian Wil-liams wrote, “Roy Davis started the Chancellor’s

Fund in 1996. This is an endowment that provides thousands of dollars each year specifically for the purpose of helping kids come to Camp Henry. I am one of these former campers and can attest to the personal growth and spiritual transformation that occurs at Camp Henry. On behalf of all of the camp-ers who were and are able to spend a week each summer of their childhood at the ‘greatest place on earth’ because of the financial assistance of the Chancellor’s Fund, I would like to take this opportu-nity to thank Roy Davis for his selfless and genuine love for the ministry of Camp Henry. Roy will be missed dearly, yet his legacy will carry on. “

Bishop Taylor added, “I will miss him so many ways, but today it’s his authenticity that comes to mind... Living in this age of constant distraction and in this consumer culture that manipulates us to invest in the newest thing, it’s easy to forget who you are. It’s easy to lose your way and end up living some artificial life. We need people like Roy Davis who remind us of what it is to have values and live them out.”

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Remembering Roy DavisBy Chris Goldman, Diocesan Staff

“I called him frequently for his advice and wisdom, but most of all to have his slow North Carolina voice give me a sense of calm and peace, because his perspective was so much wider than mine.” — Bishop Taylor

Roy Davis, 1930-2015

HISTORY

The first General Convention of The Episcopal Church took place in Philadelphia in 1785. The spirit behind the formation of General Convention was much the same as the writing of the Constitution of the United States of America, as both were created around the same time in Philadelphia. The idea was to find a way to govern the Church in a democratic, egalitarian way.

General Convention gathers every three years. The 2015 meeting will convene in Salt Lake City, Utah for a nine-day legislative session (June 25 –July 3, 2015), and will be the 78th General Convention of the Church.

LEGISLATIVE HOUSES

General Convention includes two legislative bodies that decide on resolutions: the House of Deputies, with more than 800 members; and the House of Bishops, with over 300 active and resigned bishops.

The House of Deputies is composed of deputations elected from each diocese of The Episcopal Church; from Navajoland; from the Convocation of Episcopal Churches in Europe; and from Liberia (which has seat and voice). Deputations may include up to four clergy and four lay members.

The House of Bishops is composed of every bishop of The Episcopal Church with jurisdiction; every bishop coadjutor; every bishop suffragan; every assistant bishop; and every bishop “who by reason of advanced age or bodily infirmity, or who, under an election to an office created by the General Convention, or for reasons of mission strategy determined by action of the General Convention or

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What is General Convention?Information from The Episcopal Church and web resources compiled and edited by Chris Goldman

The House of Deputies at the 2003 General Convention. Photo courtesy of Episcopal News Service.

the House of Bishops, has resigned a jurisdiction.”

WHAT HAPPENS AT GENERAL CONVENTION?

The work of General Convention includes adopting legislation of concern to the Church; amending the Book of Common Prayer, the Constitution, and the Canons of the Church; adopting a triennial budget for The Episcopal Church; and electing candidates to offices, boards and other committees. This work in undertaken in support of the mission and ministry of the Church, and with prayerful gratitude and spiritual discernment.

While the principal work of the General Convention is conducted in its legislative processes, GeneralConvention is also filled with activities and opportunities for mission and ministry gatherings. For more than a century, the Triennial Meeting of the Episcopal Church Women has been held at the same time and place as the General Convention. For information about the ECW Triennial, visit (http://ecwnational.org/triennial-meeting-2015/).

Episcopal Relief and Development will be celebrating its 75th anniversary (http://www.episcopalrelief.org/church-inaction/75), and the United Thank Offering will also celebrate a milestone anniversary. This small sampling of activities shows why some have described General Convention as having elements of a family reunion.

HOW DO CHANGES COME ABOUT?

The principal way General Convention conducts its legislative work is through perfecting, debating, and adopting resolutions. Only Commissions, Committees, Agencies and Boards (CCABs); Bishops; Provinces and Dioceses; and Deputies may submit Resolutions for consideration.

In the legislative context, a resolution is a statement that requires specific action, so that, if both Houses adopt it, the General Convention or an identified person, group, or agency of the Church will act accordingly. Resolutions are classified in several ways, according to their origin: “A” Resolutions are those submitted by CCABs in the Report to the 78th General Convention. “B” Resolutions are those submitted by Bishops. “C” Resolutions are those submitted by Provinces or Dioceses. “D” Resolutions are those submitted by Deputies.

In the legislative context, a memorial is comparable to a petition — a statement about a matter of great importance that urges the General Convention to

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Prayers at General Convention. Photo courtesy of Episcopal News Service.

continued on page 7

NOTABLE GENERAL CONVENTIONS

• 1785 Philadelphia—Initial General Convention of The Episcopal Church

• 1817 New York City—Passed legislation founding General Theological Seminary

• 1865 Philadelphia—After the close of the Civil War, bishops from two Confederate dioceses are warmly welcomed to General Convention, paving the way for the remaining Southern dioceses to rejoin the church soon afterward.

• 1976 Minneapolis, Minnesota—Approval of women for Ordination

• 2003 Minneapolis—The Reverend Gene Robinson was confirmed to be the first openly gay bishop in the Episcopal Church

• 2006 Columbus, Ohio June 13–21—Election of Katharine Jefferts Schori as 26th Presiding Bishop.

take action. A memorial should present arguments for the proposed action, and may provide evidence of widespread concern for the matter being memorialized. Memorials are referred to a legislative committee to inform their deliberations.

Although not a resolution itself, a memorial informs committees as they perfect legislation. Memorials are submitted by provinces, dioceses, bishops, deputies, and CCABs to highlight interest, concern, or opinion on a particular subject. Memorials to General Convention have often been the catalyst for major initiatives or changes in the mission and ministry of The Episcopal Church.

ISSUES TO BE DECIDED

This year, the deputies and bishops will be nominating the 27th Presiding Bishop of The Episcopal Church. The Presiding Bishop is chief pastor to the Episcopal Church’s 2.1 million members in 17 countries and 108 dioceses, ecumenical officer, and primate, joining leaders of the other 38 Anglican Provinces in consultation for global good and reconciliation.

Some of the other important topics will be around:

• The TREC (The Reimagining of the Episcopal Church) report. The TREC task force has a mandate to urge The Episcopal Church to reimagine itself, so that, grounded in our rich

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Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori preaches July 12, 2012 at the closing Eucharist of the 77th General Convention in Indianapolis. ENS photo/Mary Frances Schjonberg

PRESIDING BISHOP NOMINEES

• The Rt. Rev. Thomas Breidenthal, 64, Diocese of Southern Ohio

• The Rt. Rev. Michael Curry, 62, Diocese of North Carolina

• The Rt. Rev. Ian Douglas, 56, Diocese of Connecticut

• The Rt. Rev. Dabney Smith, 61, Diocese of Southwest Florida

Breidenthal was dean of religious life and of the chapel at Princeton University in New Jersey when he was elected on Nov. 11, 2006, to be the ninth bishop of Southern Ohio. He was ordained and consecrated April 28,

2007. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1974 from Portland State University, a Master of Arts degree from the University of Victoria, in British Columbia, in 1977, a Master of Divinity degree in 1981 from Church Divinity School of the Pacific and a Doctor of Philosophy degree in theology from Oxford University in 1991.

Curry was the rector of St. James’ Episcopal Church, Baltimore, Maryland, when he was elected on February 11, 2000, to be the 11th bishop of North Carolina. He was

ordained and consecrated on June 17, 2000. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1975 from Hobart and William Smith College, in Geneva, New York, and a Master of Divinity degree in 1978 from the Berkeley Divinity School at Yale.

heritage and yet open to our creative future, we may more faithfully: proclaim the Good News of the Kingdom; teach, baptize, and nurture new believers; respond to human need by loving service; seek to transform unjust structures of society, to challenge violence of every kind, and to pursue peace and reconciliation; and strive to safeguard the integrity of creation and sustain and renew the life of the earth.

• The Task Force on Marriage report, which includes a resolution to address the canon on marriage.

• Reviewing and passing the budget for the next triennium.

HOW DO I LEARN WHAT HAPPENS AT GENERAL CONVENTION?

Follow our blog! Our bishop and our deputies will be posting comments, opinions and observations about the goings-on at General Convention during their time in Salt Lake City. You can access the blogs through our website — look for the news items on our front page about General Convention, or in our e-newsletter; the blogs will be linked to from there.

The Summary of Actions, a list of all concurred actions of the 78th General Convention, will be published within 30 days of the adjournment of Convention on the General Convention website.

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Celebrating Eucharist at General Convention 2003. Photo courtesy of Episcopal News Service.

Douglas was the Angus Dun Professor of Mission and World Christianity at Episcopal Divinity School when he was elected on Oct. 24, 2009, to be the 15th bishop of Connecticut.

He was ordained and consecrated on April 17, 2010. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1980 from Middlebury College, Middlebury, Vermont, and a Masters of Education in counseling and consulting psychology from the Harvard Graduate School of Education in 1982. Douglas earned a Master of Divinity degree from Harvard Divinity School in 1983. In 1993, he earned a Doctor of Philosophy degree in religious studies from Boston University.

Smith was rector of Trinity Church, New Orleans, Louisiana, when he was elected on Dec. 9, 2006, to be the fifth bishop of Southwest Florida. He was ordained and consecrated on Sept. 15, 2007. He earned a Bachelor of Arts

degree in broadcasting production from the University of South Florida in Tampa in 1980, a Master of Divinity in 1987 from Nashotah House and a Doctor of Ministry from Seabury-Western Theological Seminary with special focus on congregational development in 1999.

continued on page 9

The Journal of the General Convention will be published on the General Convention website in 2016 and will list the committees, commissions, agencies, and boards that are authorized for the triennium, along with the names of members appointed to those bodies. Both Houses’ minutes are also published in the Journal as well as in the Acts of Convention.

The updated Constitution & Canons will be published in 2016, as will be the triennial budget adopted by Convention. Each of these publications will be available on the General Convention website.

Robbin WhittingtonExecutive Director

828-274-26819 Swan St • Asheville NCrobbin@allsoulscathedral.org

theCSR.orgA collaborative portal where you can:Find a resource ∙ Share a resource ∙ Be a resource

A joint ministry of the Cathedral of All Souls and the Episcopal Diocese of Western NCSupported by the Helen Porter Foundation and the Center for the Ministry of Teaching, Virginia Theological Seminary

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Meet High Garst, our youth representative

Thanks to the many wonderful eye opening experiences with the WNC diocese, I will be attending General Convention in Salt Lake City this summer as part of the General Convention Official Youth Presence (GCOYP).

Eighteen youth (two youth from each province) were selected by the Episcopal Church Youth Ministries. I learned about this opportunity at Episcopal Youth Event in Philadelphia this past summer and knew it was something I would like to do. When the time came to apply, I had no problem completing the essays. The fantastic events and activities which I have experienced through the diocese helped to give me a strong application. I owe my acceptance to a wonderful job done by Debbie Cox, Osondu McPeters, and Ian Williams, as well as everyone in this fantastic diocese, without whom I wouldn’t have such a close relationship with the church. Thank you all!

High Garst is a member of Trinity Episcopal Church in Asheville.

Episcopal Relief & Development will be one of the many organizations in the exhibit hall. Photo courtesy of ENS.

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The Ven. Kristi Neal (Chair), St. James, Black Mountain“Since this is the first time I have been to Salt Lake City, I am looking forward to the Utah reception that will be held at the Tabernacle of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. From pictures I know it is a beautiful building, so I am eager to see it in person. The Association of Episcopal Deacons is having a reception on June 30. I am excited about connecting with deacons from all over the country. It is so encouraging to know that 21 years ago, no deacons served as deputies, but this year there are many deacons serving as deputies.”

The Rev. Karla Woggon, Ascension, Hickory

“Two days before General Convention I will be running with a group of other Depu-ties from around the country in a relay race in the mountains outside of Salt Lake City to raise money for Episcopal Relief and Development. I will be running three legs of the race, one seven-mile leg and two four-mile legs. I can’t say that I’m looking forward to running in the mid-day desert sun, but I am very much looking forward to being immersed, at least for a few days, in the beauty of the moun-tains.”

The Rev. Cn. Thomas Murphy, The Cathedral of All Souls

“I’m looking forward to better understanding the culture of Mormonism, a religion that is expanding, in the context of imagining the future of the Episcopal Church. As for representing the diocese, Appalachia has always culturally relied on a great deal of pragmatism. From what I have been told, pragmatism can be underrepre-sented at Convention.”

The Rev. Michael Cogsdale, formerly of St. James, Lenoir

“I look forward to many things: the people, the exchange of ideas, and especially the worship. I think the most important thing about attending Convention is to re-member that it’s all ultimately meant to build up the ‘Kingdom of God’ in our own particular locations back home. I ask myself, ‘How does what we are discussing build up the faithful back home?’ I look forward to seeing my old seminary class-mates, old friends from over the years, and especially making new friends with folks from other parts of the Episcopal Church.”

The Rev. Joel Hafer (alternate), St. James, Hendersonville

Of course, General Convention is exciting, intense, exhausting, and exhilarat-ing all at the same time. It’s wonderful to connect to the larger Church and to realize that we belong to a rather large faith family. We have a wonder-ful diocese where people are actively engaged with their faith in innumera-ble ways, and we have something to offer to the larger Church. I’m proud to be a deputy from WNC.

Meet our deputies—Clergy

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Kathy Atkinson, St. James, Black Mountain

“I know that the first time I went to our diocesan convention it was very uplifting and wonderful to participate in the liturgy and Eucharist with all the other delegates. Listening to all the updates about the programs and ministries around the diocese was enlightening. It was just exciting and en-ergizing! I expect I’ll have a similar response to the gathering of the whole Episcopal Church convention.”

Diane Mance, St. Matthias, Asheville

“I have visited Salt Lake City a number of times and found the town to be very interesting. I hope other deputies who are visiting for the first time will find it as interesting as I have. Visiting the Mormon’s visitor center and the Smith Genea-logical Center is fascinating. I look forward to seeing bishops and other deputies that I have met through the years, and also to be able to interact with some of the women who will be attending the Episcopal Church Women Triennial.”

Jane Schronce, St. Luke’s, Lincolnton

“The most important thing about representing the Diocese of Western North Carolina is the opportunity to share the experience with others in the diocese. I feel lucky and honored to be a deputy, and I want to help pass resolutions that will benefit our Church. I am looking forward to meeting the new Presiding Bishop.”

Matilda Kistler, Grace, Morganton

“The most important aspect about representing my diocese is the faith that those who elected me had in that I will make the appropriate decisions for the future of our church. I am looking forward to seeing the many friends I have met during these conventions, especially those working in Dispatch of Business since that was the first committee in which I served.”

Kathy Wright (alternate), Good Shepherd, Hayesville

“For those who do not know me, I have attended our convention at Kanu-ga for many years. I am the person who decorates name tags. I am excited about visiting Salt Lake City; I have never been there before. I want to see it all but I think I will be very busy, so I will be happy to see the Convention, the exhibits, and the scenery that is so different from ours.”

Meet our deputies—Lay

A veteran deputy returns to Convention for sixth timeBy Chris Goldman, Diocesan Staff

At the 2000 General Convention in Denver,

Diane Mance was attending the Triennial Meeting of Episcopal Church Women. Her husband, Bill Mance, was a deputy from the diocese and had to leave suddenly due to health issues.

Bishop Robert H. Johnson asked Diane to take his place, and suddenly, she was attending General Convention as a deputy.

“It was truly overwhelming,” says Mance. “We had this big book [the Blue Book] and we had all of this paper that we had to insert every day. By the end of the day it was so heavy that you could barely carry it.”

But Mance says after the first time, it got easier. “Once you got used to it, it really wasn’t hard to know where everything is supposed to be,” she says. “It got to the point where some of the newer people who were coming in, I could help them find something. It’s just being able to know the system.”

After the initial scramble to get a handle on how General Convention works, Mance was excited to see the Church in action. “Seeing all of the issues at hand that The Episcopal Church was concerned with, and resolutions from the various dioceses that had come forth...it was inspiring to me to know that we as individuals in the Church were concerned about so many of the current issues.”

But it’s not just the process that energizes Mance; there are individual moments that stand out as well. During her time as a deputy, Mance has seen our current Presiding Bishop, the Most Rev. Dr. Katharine Jefferts Schori, give her first sermon in her new position; she’s been a part of the service for Native Americans at General Convention; and

she’s enjoyed watching all the bishops line up for the processional for Sunday’s service. “Every time I go it’s just been a real thrill to see all the things happening there,” says Mance.

Despite the fact that she’s become more accustomed to the process and has had the opportunity to be inspired, Mance says it’s still hard work to be a deputy at General Convention.

“Most people seem to think it’s a vacation,” she says. “No, it’s not!” Mance has been on several commissions during her times as deputy (she is currently on the Stewardship and Development commission), and that requires additional time after the long business of the day is done. “Many of the days I had night meetings,” she says. “I would go to dinner and then I had to go back to work from 7:30 in the evening to 9, 10 or 11 at night. You don’t have much opportunity to get out and visit the places.”

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A Native American youth dancer interprets the Lord’s Prayer during the July 9, 2012 Eucharist at General Convention. Photo/Pat McCaughan (Episcopal News Service).

Although Mance doesn’t get to see much of the cities she travels to for General Convention, the hard work and long hours are worth the opportunity to give voice to the general concerns of our diocese and to provide her own perspective.

“As a person coming from the diocese of Western North Carolina, I have an opportunity to voice my opinion on some of the issues. It’s interesting to know what other areas are doing and their perspective on the Church and how it’s affecting them. And then, number one, as a woman it’s important for me to be there, even though this year we have more women going than ever before. And also, as a minority—to let people know in the other dioceses that African Americans or minorities have that opportunity here, because in some places they don’t have that opportunity to be represented.”

While Mance has seen a number of controversial issues come up at General Convention, she believes there is a quality of civilized disagreement that brings people together, despite being on opposite sides of an issue.

“As Episcopalians, on a whole, we do respect each other,” she says. “As a Church, we respect each other. That’s why when an issue is put on the floor, we either vote it up or vote it down. And if we vote it up, it’s accepted, for the most part. There are times when people ask for a point of privilege and ask for prayers, because they know it’s an issue that’s not going to sit well with some people.”

Mance notes the nomination of the Rt. Rev. Gene Robinson, who as the bishop of the diocese of New Hampshire became the first openly gay bishop in The Episcopal Church. When General Convention was voting on the ratification of his election, there was some controversy, but Mance saw, for the most part, a Church coming together. “To see the number

of people who were for him to be consecrated as a Bishop, versus the small number of people who were against it...To hear his testimony as to why he should be moved on to be Bishop...it was emotional. It was an eye-opening experience—an opportunity to see how we handle issues like that,” she says.

The one area that does exasperate Mance is when people decide to change or add language to a resolution at the last minute.

“As a whole, we do well with all of the issues and resolutions that are presented,” she says. “But it is funny to be at General Convention, on a committee that has worked hard to get a resolution to that point, and then someone jumps up and wants to wordsmith it. These people on the committees have given up a lot of time to get it to that point, so it can be frustrating.”

But Mance is thankful for the opportunity to put in hard work and long hours in representing our diocese. “I particularly want to thank the people who voted for me to go to General Convention, and it’s an honor for me to represent the diocese of Western North Carolina,” she says. “I ask for your prayers that we deputies of Western North Carolina travel safely and be able to represent the diocese of well.”

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“As Episcopalians, on a whole, we do respect each other. As a Church, we respect each other. That’s why when an issue is put on the floor, we either vote it up or vote it down.”

New Hampshire deputy Gene Robinson in the House of Deputies. ENS photo by Jeff Smith.

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Holy Family, Mills River Celebrates 25 YearsOn May 3, The Episcopal Church of the Holy Family, 419 Turnpike Road, Mills River, NC celebrated its 25th year of being recognized as an Episcopal parish. The celebration began with worship and confirmation led by Bishop Taylor. Former clergy and parishioners were in attendance. The celebration continued into the afternoon with a reception held at the Hollabrook Farms Clubhouse.

Holy Family’s history goes back to June 30, 1988 when a “Sound-ings Meeting” was held to begin the formulation of a new Episco-pal mission parish located in western Henderson County. Congre-gational meetings were begun in April 1989 and the first Eucharist was held on June 4th,1989. On May 11,1990, Holy Family received its official recognition as a parish by then Bishop Robert Johnson. While the church met in temporary locations in the Etowah area, a search for a permanent location was undertaken and resulted in a 14-acre tract purchased in Mills River on Turnpike Road. On Jan-uary 3, 1993, ground was broken for the present church building. Ten months later on October 4, the current building was dedicated.

When asked about Holy Family’ future, the Rev. Robert Lundquist, rector of Holy Family, said, “While the 25th anniversary celebra-tion looks back at our history, it’s also a time of looking forward to our future. Mills River is a growing community and Holy Family is always exploring new ministry opportunities. As the population grows and our community changes, the next 25 years promises to be exciting as the Holy Spirit guides us into new areas.”

The Society of Saint John the Evangelist offers “Prayers of the People”

The Society of Saint John the Evangelist’s latest project is #prayersof the people. This project invites everyone from around the globe to add prayers in words and images to The Prayers of the People at the Episcopal Church’s 78th General Convention. Doing so is incredibly simple. By using the hashtag #prayersof on Facebook, Twitter or Instgram, anyone posting a prayer in words or images will have that prayer included at General Convention.

The website (prayersofthepeople.org) includes a list of nine daily themes. For example: #prayersof #thanksgiving or #prayersof #life. Those who sign up via email will receive a beautiful audio morning meditation and evening reflection on the Prayer Theme of the day, read and sung by the Brothers at SSJE. They will also receive a link to the prayers of the people read at the General Convention Eucharist via email.For complete information visit prayersofthepople.org. And we hope you will explore and share: https://www.facebook.com/prayersof; https://twitter.com/prayersof; https://instagram.com/prayersof/

Special 25th anniversary chalice created by Charlotte Bailes being blessed by Bishop Taylor

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Bishop Visits Companion Diocese in DurgapurBy Chris Goldman, Diocesan Staff

In late January and early February of this year, Bishop Taylor and a delegation from the diocese

visited our companion diocese in Durgapur, India.

Bishop Taylor, reflecting on his experience in India, wrote: “Traveling halfway around the world has enabled me to remember that at the core of our ministry is our love for the Lord and our love for all God’s people. I don’t mean that the Indian Chris-tians are holier than we. I mean that being in this context reminds me of the essentials of the Chris-tian life everywhere.”

Our support of our companion diocese helps it build schools, run an eye clinic, and maintain a safe house that protects women and girls from becom-ing victims of sex trafficking.

Bishop Taylor wrote, “When we think of how to enliven our church, let us remember our brothers and sisters here. They are learning the faith so they know who they are as disciples, and then they are following God’s call wherever that leads. Then they

are stepping into the community and praying with their hands as they help build a new future for the downtrodden and the needy.”

For more information, visit our website at www.diocesewnc.org and click on the Ministries tab.

IndiciaEpiscopal Diocese of Western North Carolina

900B CentrePark Drive Asheville, NC 28805

July 3: Diocesan Office Closed

July 16: EYC Splash, Bishop Henry Center, 10 a.m.

July 23: Deerfield Board Meeting, Deerfield, 3 p.m.

August 11: Fiscal Ministries Meeting, Bishop Henry Center, 10 a.m.

August 11: Foundation Meeting, Bishop Henry Center, 1 p.m.

August 11: Trustees Meeting, Bishop Henry Center, 4 p.m.

August 13: Executive Council Meeting, Bishop Henry Center, 10 a.m.August 27: Deerfield Board Meeting,

Deerfield, 3 p.m.September 1: Parish Audit Reports

due into the diocesan officeSeptember 11-13: Beginning in the

Middle, Valle CrucisSeptember 15: COM Meeting, Bishop

Henry Center, 1 p.m.September 15: Standing Committee Meeting, Bishop Henry Center, 3 p.m.

September 17: Clergy Ember Day

September 24: Deerfield Board Meeting, Deerfield, 3 p.m.

October 6: Fiscal Ministries Meeting, Bishop Henry Center, 10 a.m.

October 6: Episcopal Foundation Meeting, Bishop Henry Center, 1 p.m.October 6: Trustees Meeting, Bishop

Henry Center, 4 p.m.October 7: Diocesan Staff Overnight,

Lake LoganOctober 10: Executive Council

Meeting, Bishop Henry Center, 10 a.m.October 12-14: Clergy Overnight,

Lake LoganOctober 22: Deerfield Board

Meeting, Deerfield, 3 p.m.October 23-24: Commission on

Ministry & Standing Committee Overnight, Lake Logan

November 13-15: Diocesan Convention, Kanuga

November 15-20: Wisdom School, Kanuga

Episcopal Diocese of Western North CarolinaCalendar for July, 2015 through November, 2015

CAMP HENRY SCHEDULE

Camp Henry Regular Sessions• June 21-27, Sr. High • June 28-July 4, 3rd-5th Grade• July 5-11, 6th-8th Grade • July 15-18t, Mini Camp (2nd &

3rd graders) • July 19-25, 4th-6th Grade• July 26-August 1, 7th-9th Grade

Camp Henry Leadership Adventure and Mission Program sessions• June 28-July 11, LAMP 1 • July 19-August 1, LAMP 2

Camp Henry Outdoor School Sessions• June 21-27, CHOS Middle School

1 • June 28-July 4, CHOS Middle

School 2• July 5-11, CHOS High School 1

July 12-18, CHOS High School 2• July 19-August 1, CHOS

Amplified