Although Episcopalians have been trickling into Austin for the last several days and legislative committee sessions have begun, today, July 5, marked the official start of the 79th General Convention (#GC79). Here is your roundup of today’s top stories.
Most recently our own Episcopal bishops announced that they, too, are aware of this situation and they have so graciously carved out nearly two whole hours during dinnertime to listen to the stories of women who feel they have been abused. Two hours. Perhaps the mascot for GC 2018 should be a biting serpent. They are treating women the same way the Israelites treated Miriam.
The average age of all nominees was 59. Just under three-quarters of nominees were identified as Caucasian (72.5%). The JSCN was pleased with “the high level and recent nature of participation in [Church anti-racism] training,” reporting that 68 of 80 nominees, or 85%, had received such training.
The bathroom bill may be dead for now, but the fight over transgender rights in Texas is just beginning. The legislation could be resurrected during the next legislative session in 2019.
“We want to know more about how the church is advocating for economic justice, fair wages, and other justice issues,” says Deputy Laura Russell of Newark.