Statement by Pamela Chinnis, President of the House of Deputies, on Appointment Policies
Episcopal News Service. September 17, 1993 [93166]
Press accounts of my address to the Integrity Convention in July 1993 have led some to suppose that I intend to "stack" 1994 General Convention legislative committees with Integrity members to the exclusion of those holding other points of view. Nothing could be further from the truth, and I want to set the record straight regarding my appointment practices and intentions.
As president of the House of Deputies, I am responsible for appointing lay and clerical members of the interim bodies which study issues and develop policy and program recommendations to bring to each General Convention, and also for appointments of convention deputies to serve on 26 House of Deputies legislative committees which consider those recommendations during the Convention itself. By canon, interim body appointments are generally for six years, with half the membership appointed each triennium -- about 200 clergy and lay persons, and about 100 bishops (appointed by the presiding bishop). House of Deputies legislative committee members -- more than 500 persons in 1991 -- serve only during the convention and are appointed in January of convention year.
In fulfilling these appointment responsibilities, I have widely solicited and always welcome suggestions of qualified persons from all quarters of the church. I have given particular attention to identifying competent people from groups which have been previously under-represented in our leadership and decision-making processes, seeking balance in terms of gender, racial/ethnic identity, geography and ideology. I have received suggestions of persons representing the interests of groups as diverse as Episcopalians United and Integrity, the Episcopal Synod of American and the Episcopal Women's Caucus, National Organization of Episcopalians for Life and the Union of Black Episcopalians. Most of my appointments to the 1991-94 interim bodies were made in the fall of 1991. I sought persons whose interests and expertise were appropriate to the responsibilities of each interim body, and whose diverse perspectives and willingness to work respectfully with those who oppose their views would enrich the work those groups do on behalf of the rest of the church.
It was in this context that I assured the Integrity convention that I do not exclude openly gay and lesbian Episcopalians from consideration for appointments to interim bodies or legislative committees. I asked those present to tell me about the qualifications of deputies I might not know, just as I asked members of the National Network of Episcopal Clergy Association earlier in the summer, and as I encourage members of other groups I meet with to make suggestions for appointments.
It grieves me that some have read this invitation to broader participation as a threat to exclude other groups. I reiterate my welcome of suggestions from all constituencies within the church, and ask your prayers that we may all listen for the voice of the Spirit through the clamor of'our public debate.