Resurrection is not an easy thing.  It requires death before it can occur.  Today at General Convention has been a day celebrated by many, and mourned by others.

The day began with worship to the sound of Japanese Taiko Drums by Kenshin Taiko, with a moving sermon by The Rev. Becca Stevens, founder of Magdalene and Thistle Farms.  The commemoration was of Hiram Hisanori Kano, who was a missionary among the Japanese-American population throughout the Southwest.  The presider was the Rt. Rev. Scott Hayashi, Bishop of Utah.  During the day, testimony was given by deputies and visitors of Japanese-American descent as to how powerful the service was and how much it affirmed their ethnic identity within the church.

The budget was presented today.  It will go to deliberation in the House of Deputies tomorrow.

Many of the structure resolutions that evolved from the TREC report, Episcopal Resurrection, and other sources were passed through the House of Deputies.  Many of them are still being weighed in the House of Bishops.

Of course, the biggest news is the passage by votes of orders of the rites and canonical changes made to bring about the possibility of same-gender marriage in states where such is legal.  It is a cause of great happiness for much of the convention, and of sadness for others.  The House of Deputies acted with great decorum, restraining applause and celebration.  A deputy from Albany thanked the convention for showing restraint and care for the minority.

At the end of the day, the Union of Black Episcopalians and Acts8 gathered at the Hilton ballroom for a discussion of race and mission.  It was an event that had many positive aspects, but also highlighted in it’s very format the fact that we still have a long way to go in the way we talk about race as a church, even among those of us who consider ourselves dedicated allies.  Acts8 would like to thank all those who participated.

Resurrection cannot happen until we die to the things that hold us back.  What is it that holds us back?  Racism and privilege?  Buildings and endowments?  Political constructions of liberal or conservative?  The Gospel tells us we must give up all that does not serve the kingdom.  We must die to ourselves so that we may receive everlasting life now, and in the age to come.

Where do you see resurrection?