Bishop Robinson talks with Joe Solmonese, president of the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), following the video "Voices of Witness",

Bishop Robinson and NH Deputies reported during the first deputation meeting on Monday evening that many deputies from across the Episcopal Church say they are ready to move beyond debates about sexualilty and focus on the mission of the Church.

While it is clear that the past three years have been difficult for many in the church and Anglican Communion, Deputy Bill Exner of Goffstown said his favorite comment during round-table discussions – in which Deputies from many different dioceses are randomly placed in discussion groups – was “We need to keep moving forward as a Church of Christ-like love.”

Bishop Robinson echoed that comment Tuesday evening returning from the premiere showing of “Voices of Witness,” a new video produced by Claiming the Blessing. “This convention is surprisingly tranquil,” the bishop said as he was stopped repeatedly on the streets of Columbus to be hugged, thanked, and encouraged. “This is nothing like Minneapolis.”

 The “Voices of Witness” video was the bishop’s first public appearance in Columbus.  The video is a compilation of interviews with gay and lesbian lay people and clergy, telling “stories of wounds that have been healed, hearts that have been touched, and lives that have been changed by the Holy Spirit working in and through the ministry of Word and Sacrament in the Episcopal Church.”

 Tuesday afternoon and evening deputies and bishops packed two hearings to overflow capacity for the first public hearings of the church’s response to the Windsor Report. Reports from Episcopal News Service on the hearings will be posted in the news section.

On Wednesday morning, Bishop Robinson will keynote a press conference with the Human Rights Commission and Integrity to urge the Episcopal Church to stay the course towards equality and reject discrimination based on sexual orientation.

"It's time we took the Bible back," said Bishop Robinson. "It's time we took our faith back and stopped having to apologize for being Christian or Jewish or Muslim without having to explain, 'No, we're not that kind of a Jew, we're not that kind of a Christian.'"

Most NH Deputies reported hearing strong support for Episcopal Church support of the UN Millenium Goals to eradicate worldwide economic dependence, poverty and disease.

Following the HRC media conference, Bishop Robinson will present his first report to the House of Bishops as chair of the Committee on Structure.

On Friday evening, the bishop will preach at the Integrity Eucharist in historic Trinity Church, Columbus. He also will be the guest speaker at a conversational lunch sponsored on Saturday.

Genuine fondness

In many ways, General Convention is more like a triennial family reunion than a huge legislative body. Deputies and bishops, some of whom have attended many conventions,  greet each other with hugs and kisses throughout the various meeting areas in the multi-acre Columbus Convention Center. “There is a genuine fondness and a positive attitude that we can disagree agreeably and stay together,” said one Deputy.

One NH Deputy said her favorite remark came during a round-table discussion when a deputy said, “We’re so turned in on ourselves that all anyone else can see is our backsides.  It’s time to move along.”

This is the first of daily reports to be written for and by the NH Deputies to General Convention.  Postings will be made every evening or early in the following morning. If you would like the Deputies to answer specific questions or comment on a topic, please send an email request to mbarwell@nhepiscopal.org.

© Copyright 2004-2006 by The Diocese of New Hampshire, The Episcopal Church

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