Post-GC Reporting Session, Part 2

Here is Part 2 of the General Convention Reporting Session: http://vimeo.com/48023852. It runs about 45 minutes.

Much of the conversation focused on the "restructuring" of TEC and what it will mean to dioceses and congregations.  Deputies offered frank insights for the Diocese of Missouri.

There was a great deal of discussion also about South Carolina's "walking out" from Convention, and about the Anglican Covenant.

Post-GC Reporting Session, Part 1

Back in August, four General Convention Deputies presented a post-Convention program at Grace Episcopal Church in Jefferson City.  I was there, along with Deputies Lynette Ballard (St. Matthew's, Warson Woods), Mike Clark (Christ Church Cathedral), and the Rev. Jason Samuel (Transfiguration, Lake St. Louis).  We talked about the actions of Convention and the experience of being a Deputy.  Beth Felice videotaped the session, which runs to about an hour.  Part 1 is here, and runs nearly 40 minutes. 

There were fun comments about my long-standing engagement on the Bishops/Deputies listserv, and how I came to meet some of my "sparring partners" from that listserv and came to appreciate them.

The Rev. Jason Samuel speaks about building bridges with people who typically vote differently than our Deputies and about how we modelled Christian community that might be a gift to other churches.  He spoke of the sense of "joy and charity" that the Deputies experienced. 

I encourage you to listen to my "testimony" around the 14:00 mark, where I spoke about those who  are opposed to the direction of TEC, but who are faithfully participating.  Those were true words. 

The Deputies talk about the work of being a Deputy. 

And we get into some of the "meat" of General Convention resolutions. 

View the video if you wish.  As far as I know, this is the only post-GC session that was recorded.  I'll share Part 2 in a moment. 

Romney Tax Returns: How Charitable is He?

Mitt Romney has finally released his 2011 tax returns.  He paid a lower rate I did -- except that he earned nearly $14 millon.  What's that the Bible said about proportional giving?  Oh well, never mind.  For Mittens has said, "I pay all the taxes that are legally required and not a dollar more. I don't think you want someone as the candidate for president who pays more taxes than he owes."

Here's what I wonder: His tax accountants say he gave $4 million to charity.  I hope that some journalists will gain access to his tax returns and tell us which charities he supported.  Was it the Mormon-backed anti-gay referendum in California?  Were they the thinly-veiled political organizations that have 501(c)3 tax-exempt status?  Or were they the kind of charities I support -- my parish and organizations that care for the poor in my community? 

Journalists, please tell us what "charities" Mittens supported to the tune of $4 million. 

Has Paul Ryan Gone Delusional?

Many of us saw Paul Ryan’s address to the AARP today.  He’s running with Mitt Romney to become President and Vice-President of the United States. 

I was astonished by the video I saw of his speech.  You can see the clips here: http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/video/paul-ryan-booed-aarp-convention-17291642

Pretty early in his remarks, he announced his and Romney’s plan to “repeal Obamacare.”  You can hear a thunderous chorus of “Booooooo” coming from the crowd.

Faced with thundering, full-throated opposition, what does Ryan say?  He says to the AARP crowd:  “I had a feeling there might be mixed reactions.”

“Mixed reactions”? Representative Ryan, there were no “mixed reactions” in that hall.  There was a thundering chorus of disapproval. 

On what planet is Ryan living?

Watch the video. It's painful. He keeps smiling and talking the Romney line, but it’s clear most of the crowd is against him and everything he’s saying.  I’ve done a lot of public speaking, and I can’t imagine keeping his Cheshire Cat grin against such obvious opposition.