The Episcopal Diocese of Virginia is re-launching its online/on-site publication, Center Aisle, ahead of General Convention 79 with an overview of some of the major topics of concern at this summer’s GC: faith in the public square:
We live in a divided world – politically, economically, racially. That’s why witnessing to our Gospel truths in the public square is more important than ever.
We’ll be following closely the various proposals and discussions on such matters as racial reconciliation, gun violence, and economic justice.
…leading together and the role of the president of the House of Deputies as a possible paid position rather than full-time volunteer, and the implications of that –
Who speaks for The Episcopal Church – the Presiding Bishop, the President of the House of Deputies, both together, either alone?
…strengthening the episcopacy, particularly in the aftermath of Tom Palermo’s death in a hit-and-run by then-bishop Heather Cook; the Jesus Movement and the “wow factor” prompted by the Presiding Bishop’s sermon at the royal wedding a few weeks ago; and movement toward a new Book of Common Prayer through one of two possible routes:
- Path towards a new Prayer Book: ‘Option One’ would begin with three years of study and exploration, drafting a new BCP after GC80 (2021), and approving it at GC81 (2024).
- Going deeper with the ’79 BCP: ‘Option Two’ would invite the whole church to clarify the role of supplemental liturgies (e.g., Enriching Our Worship) and to broaden its familiarity with our current Prayer Book.
The GC78 archive of Center Aisle can be found here, and a full archives dating back to GC73 in 2000 can be found here.