JUNE 18, LEGISLATIVE DAY 6

SHOTS OF THE DAY:
1. Crowds gather around House of Deputies to await results of the election.
2. A short recess allows deputies to phone home with the news.
3. Katharine Jefferts Schori, Presiding Bishop-elect is welcomed by the House of Deputies. (Below)

QUOTES OF THE DAY:
“Even when you’re on the right track, you get run over if you just sit there.” A deputy quoting Will Rogers.

“Happy Father’s Day ! Dad, you rock !” - From the teenage son of a deputy who called home to tell his family that the Church had elected a woman as presiding bishop.

DISCOVERY OF THE DAY:
Thirty years after the approval of ordination for women, the stained glass ceiling for women in the Episcopal Church has been shattered.

REPORT OF THE DAY:
Today promised to be a working day of meaningful legislation and the election by the House of Bishops of our next presiding bishop. After our morning Eucharist, we stayed in place until our bishops could leave to begin casting ballots. They would not come out of session today until they had an election. It’s much like the college of cardinals, but we don’t do smoke. We proceeded with our working day. After lunch the signs were clear that the bishops had an election. There was no white smoke, but our Committee on the Election of Bishops was called out of the House and we knew an announcement would come soon. The gallery of our House filled with observers and press. The announcement was made that Bp. Katharine Jefferts Schori had been elected and the House was electric. We affirmed the election by a wide margin and recessed to await the arrival of our next presiding bishop. The recess gave us time to call and report in, but for most of you back home, the news was out before we even knew at convention. Presiding Bishop Griswold walked in with Bp. Jefferts Schori and her family, all surrounded by enthusiastic applause. Men and women were moved to tears and our new presiding bishop elect was gracious in expressing her gratitude. It was an historic day for The Episcopal Church.
Tomorrow is Legislative Day 6. I will be on an early flight to return to Chattanooga and be with my St. Paul’s family for Jerry Martin’s burial. I still can hardly believe that Jerry has died. My seat in the House will be ably filled and I will be where I need to be.