The Acts of Convention

House of Bishops

Original Text of Resolution:

(B055)

Whereas, in celebrating the bicentennial of the first General Convention of the Episcopal Church, the 68th General Convention has been enriched by the presence and participation of the Most Reverend and Right Honorable Robert Alexander Kennedy Runcie, the 102nd Archbishop of Canterbury, thus linking us visibly with the roots of the Episcopal Church; and

Whereas, that presence and participation were most clearly seen and heard as the Archbishop was the preacher at the Commemorative Eucharist and Ingathering of the United Thank Offering; and

Whereas, after brief good humor, he demonstrated in his sermon a keen grasp of the early history of the Episcopal Church and its place in the worldwide Anglican Communion as well as in ecumenical relations; and

Whereas, using St. Paul's exhortation, he urged us "to build up the body" by recognizing our diversity and celebrating our unity in Christ; and

Whereas, appreciation by the bishops, deputies, delegates to the Triennial and visitors for that sermon was expressed in spontaneous applause; now, therefore be it

Resolved, the House of Deputies concurring, That this 68th General Convention hereby expresses its deep gratitude to the Archbishop of Canterbury for his gracious presence among us, for his sharing of himself, for his witness to the faith of the catholic church in the unity of the Body of Christ, and for his call to the Episcopal Church to look forward as we begin our next two hundred years, and be it further

Resolved, That a copy of this resolution together with the affectionate good wishes of the 68th General Convention of the Episcopal Church be forwarded to Archbishop Runcie.

Seconded by the Bishop of Chicago.

Motion carried

Resolution adopted

(Communicated to the House of Deputies in HB Message #189)