New Executive Council Focuses on Tasks of Transition, Need for Reconciliation
Episcopal News Service. November 13, 1997 [97-1993]
(ENS) The newly constituted Executive Council immersed itself in the tasks of transition as it gathered in New York City November 6 -- bidding farewell to one presiding bishop while welcoming a new one -- and trying to determine the structure it will need to accomplish its tasks.
Describing Presiding Bishop-elect Frank T. Griswold m of Chicago as "a faithful pastor and a wise and articulate leader," Presiding Bishop Edmond Browning used his last address from the chair (text in NewsFeatures section) to describe a common thread of "reconciliation" in his recent travels.
In Coventry, England, he preached at a cathedral "which has been rebuilt amidst the rubble of World War II bombing," and now serving as "a powerful reminder to me of the call to healing in the midst of division and pain." He described a statue at Coventry and a similar one at the war memorial in Hiroshima, Japan, of two kneeling figures embracing, "a witness to the reconciliation that can come out of division and tragedy."
He described the signing of a New Jamestown Covenant with Native Americans on All Saints Day as "another powerful witness of reconciliation" because it is based on "mutual respect and a commitment to justice."
While he said that the General Convention in Philadelphia was "the best I remember, one of the high points of my 12 years as presiding bishop," Browning acknowledged that "some of our community left dissatisfied." Yet he decried that "some of the dissatisfied persons are sowing seeds of disunity in the church." The work of reconciliation is more difficult when it must deal with "threats." He called council members to "higher ground and to the ministry of reconciliation among those within our own household of faith who are disaffected, alienated or angry. Though their number is not great, and their concerns must be kept in perspective, their voices should be heard."
"At the same time, the mission of the church must not be held hostage by the discontented," Browning added. "Withholding funds from our common mission is not the best way for anyone to make their views heard. To let those voices dominate your agenda is to lose sight of the mission."
He also cited as "another example of discontent" the recent letter from the Episcopal Synod of America to senior wardens in some dioceses offering an alternative oversight by ESA-related bishops, with or without the knowledge and approval of the diocesan bishop.
Despite the conflicts and discontent, Browning said that he is convinced that there is "an immense amount of great ministry being lived out every day" in the church.
Pamela Chinnis, president of the House of Deputies and vice-chair of Executive Council, said in her comments (text in NewsFeatures section) that she was "immensely proud of the discipline and courage" of the deputies "as they worked through a huge agenda" at General Convention. Noting that most participants praised the dedication and civility that characterized General Convention, Chinnis said that "most everyone was relieved to know they could count on an attentive hearing no matter how much their views might differ from the majority. It was good not be have to be armed for battle all the time."
She said that this "path to the reconciliation God wills" is one that avoids "rancorous debate" and asks participants to walk "side by side toward One who reconciles all in the peace that passes all understanding."
Yet she pointed to the danger that when "those who are disappointed feel strongly about an issue, it's natural for them to question the authority of the body making a decision." It may be necessary for the Executive Council "to remind them of our common responsibility to honor the authorized structures until such time as they may be changed." That is especially crucial in a climate of "ambiguity and uncertainty" during the transition of leadership.
She urged council members to be humble about their role. "It is not up to Executive Council to fix the Episcopal Church. I'm not at all sure that this church is broken. Our task is rather to be the church."
In brief comments to the council before returning to his diocese, Presiding Bishop-elect Griswold talked about "living a schizophrenic life," trying to complete his duties as bishop of Chicago while deflecting some of the "urgencies and expectations" of many in the church who are pushing their own agendas. He said that he was being "very careful to stay centered." He repeated the belief he shared recently in meetings with the staff that he is "a change agent, not a revolutionary."
Describing the search for an assistant for administration, authorized by last summer's General Convention, Griswold said that he still hopes to present a candidate to council at its February meeting. And one of his first tasks will be to look at the office of the presiding bishop and make necessary changes to suit his style. He expressed an eagerness not to be a "prisoner" of staff, shielded from issues and people.
"In the congregations the church is alive and well -- and relatively free of controversies," Griswold observed. "I see a community that is healthy, and I am hopeful."
Led by Suzanne Lawson of the Anglican Church of Canada, council members spent time in small groups and plenaries looking at a structure that will help them accomplish their work in the next triennium. After sifting through possibilities, they opted for committee structures more closely tied to the program structure of the national church -- realizing that things are still in flux so it will be necessary to stay flexible.
The Rev. Brian Grieves, introducing a number of shareholder resolutions, reminded the council that they are responsible for pressing the church's agenda on corporate responsibility. "We first got involved in these issues 26 years ago when Presiding Bishop Juhn Hines appeared before the annual shareholder's meeting at General Motors and called on the company to withdraw from South Africa, launching an ultimately successful anti-apartheid campaign of economic sanctions."
He pointed out that "from that beginning we have moved into commitments on a range of issues, including the environment, militarism, equality of employment, economic justice and labor/human rights issues overseas, and health." He added, "Our goal still is dialogue seeking change. Corporations are more and more open." A social responsibility in investment committee makes recommendations, based on church policy, and the council responds.
Treasurer Steve Duggan urged council to take a "holistic approach," arguing that "dollars and figures can't be separated from people and mission." Council members have responsibilities in areas of oversight, approval, guidance and policy.
Judge James Bradberry from Southern Virginia asked Duggan about recent challenges to the church's handling of the trust funds. The Attorney General of the State of New York is still seeking information from the church, in light of a complaint, Duggan said. He reported that the principal of the trust funds "were not touched, as far as we can tell, and are in no danger," adding that "this church has gone to great lengths to make sure that there is no problem."
In the closing session, the Rev. David Perry, the church's ecumenical officer, said that the overwhelming support for full communion with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America at last summer's General Convention represented a high-water mark in the "enthusiasm and activity and interest in ecumenism."
Yet he described feelings of depression and embarrassment when the Lutherans failed, by just six votes, to endorse the Concordat for full communion. A subsequent vote to study the issues and search for new ways to move forward -- and to vote again in 1999 -- passed almost unanimously.
The first steps have already been taken, Perry said, with meetings of Browning and Griswold with Presiding Bishop H. George Anderson of the ELCA and the appointment of three Episcopal participants in a drafting committee to revise the Concordat. Perry's office will prepare educational materials to help Lutherans understand the Episcopal Church, one of the obstacles cited in the rejection by the Lutherans. The ELCA hopes the drafting can be finished in time for consideration at its synod assemblies in the spring.
"It is my hope and prayer that the text will essentially remain the same and that the elements of the Agreement of full communion will be in place, allowing our General Convention in 2000 to have the second reading on the constitutional changes voted in Philadelphia," Perry said.
He asked council members to "double our efforts to connect with Lutherans," overcoming stereotypes and improving the prospects for a positive response. "Work at mission together, pray and share worship, build relationships," he added. "Take a Lutheran to lunch, maybe breakfast and dinner, too," he urged. "Stay connected and communicate."
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