CODE Celebrates 20th Anniversary
Episcopal News Service. April 21, 1988 [88075]
HONOLULU, (DPS, Apr. 21) -- Presiding Bishop Edmond L. Browning and the Rt. Rev. John B. Coburn served as Keynoter and Chaplain for the annual Conference of Diocesan Executives (CODE) which met here, Apr. 13-17, with the largest attendance in its 20-year history. One hundred and fourteen members, joined by spouses and guests, represented 62 domestic dioceses, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Antigua, New Zealand, two seminaries, Episcopal Church Center staff, and seven dioceses of the Anglican Church of Canada.
Coburn opened each day's session with morning worship and meditations on the journey we all share toward living into God's vision for his Church, reflecting on places of rest and waiting, the desert places, and holy places which mark each journey.
Browning amplified the Conference theme, "A Vision for the Church and How We Can Help Fulfill the Vision," by recalling all to the promises of our baptismal vows as members of the community of faith from which the fullness of vision for ministry and wholeness of the body emerge.
In four daily sessions Browning discussed Baptism -- the Beginning; Communication -- the Dialogue; Witness and Nurture; and Partnership, which leads to Unity. In applying these themes to the specific ministries and leadership roles held by diocesan executives, he repeatedly emphasized the critical need for communication marked by clear and accurate discussion of issues facing the Church as it moves toward General Convention, Lambeth, and beyond.
"Your foremost task," Browning said "is to the mission of the Church in partnership with Christ," and he urged members to seek those things which bind together. Citing the Archbishop of Canterbury at this year's Trinity Institute, he described Christian leadership not as a technique, but as a sacred trust. In partnership, prayer, and worship, he said, God acts through Christ to bring a holy unity from diversity.
Each morning session with Browning also included candid and informative question-and-answer periods on far-ranging topics. Workshops on program and personnel topics led by CODE members, and networking sessions completed the agenda.
The 20th Anniversary Banquet, held at St. Matthew's parish church, Waimanalo, featured an authentic Hawaiian luau and an exhibition of traditional hula music and dancing presented by parishioners.
Meeting in the annual business session on Saturday, members elected Jean Burns, diocese of Mississippi, and the Rev. Canon Walter Neds, diocese of Southeast Florida, to the board of directors, replacing president Vince Currie, Central Gulf Coast, and treasurer Evelyn Haygood, Dallas, whose terms expire. Continuing as officers of the Board for 1989 are Mary Lou Lavalle, diocese of Western Massachusetts, president; the Rev. Charles Johnson, Virginia, vice-president; the Rev. Canon William Geisler, California, treasurer; and the Rev. Canon Edward Schmitt, diocese of Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, secretary.
CODE 1989 will be held April 5-9 in New Orleans.