Deputies putting in long days with committees

Our deputation discusses the work of their assigned committees.

On the official opening day of GC, deputies and bishops participated in five hours of meetings and hearings, and three hours of legislative sessions. That’s how the work gets done here. Committees process and perfect resolutions before sending them on to the House of Deputies and House of Bishops for vote during legislative session. Even before the official start of GC, committees were reviewing resolutions, holding hearings, making changes, and deciding whether to recommend support.

Serving on a legislative committee means starting early and working late. The Rev. Mark Wilkinson (St. Aidan’s, Virginia Beach) posted this on his Facebook page the day before GC started, “So the convention officially begins Thursday, but today was a 7:00 a.m. committee meeting, opening remarks to house of deputies from the Presiding Bishop, President of House of Deputies and ECW president… Afternoon was hearing from all four PB candidates... Ended the day with a 2 hour hearing on the marriage changes. Did I mention that the official start is Thursday. Sure feels like we are in high gear already.”

Committees meet at predetermined times and locations and people sign up in advance to speak, hoping to persuade committee members to support or reject resolutions. Others just come just to listen. While all resolutions have their passionate supporters and critics, those around structure, marriage, and divestment from companies, especially those related to Israel and Palestine are drawing the largest crowds.