“We have seen the face of Jesus everywhere”—A Reflection on the 78th General Convention of The Episcopal Church

Image: Ballet Folklorico Citlali performed Mexican folk dances at the 78th General Convention. Chloe Nguyen/Diocese of Utah

The Rev. Deacon Shelly Banner, Clergy Alternate for Central New York, offers a reflection on the final day of General Convention 78.

“We are here together, Yo,Yo,Yo!” This is a gathering chant used often by our House of Deputies Chaplain to get the day started on the convention floor, or even to convene after a “7th inning stretch”. As we chanted together, it reminded us that we were working together, in community, at that collectively we could do good and wondrous things. So here all together are our daily reports and reflections, and within them, you will find the flavor of General Convention 78.

Transformation is the center of what has happened in the past 9 days. Hearts and minds have been transformed. Our sense of liturgy has been transformed. Our identity as people of the Episcopal Church has been transformed. The face of the Domestic and Foreign Missionary Society has been transformed through inclusion, through marching to bring an awareness of our stance against all the forces of gun violence, through witnessing and listening. Throughout this time, the Salt Palace Convention Center has been transformed by the sweet, sweet spirit that has been nurtured in this place. Old Mother Church has been transformed; she has gotten up and now she responds to Jesus’ command to “Go.” Delegates and Bishops have not always agreed. One delegation has not always agreed with their neighboring delegation. Even within our own delegation we have not always agreed. Yet, even so, the spirit of embracing the other continues to grow strong and builds a nimble Church, ready to love one another, and ready to minister to the needs of this world.

Watching and listening to how the entire system of what we know as the governance of the Episcopal Church has functioned has brought great pleasure to me. Using current technology to keep each of us in the same place at the same time has been a successful experiment, trend setting for efficient communications and interactions on a grand scale. We have sung hymns and worship service music in nearly every language that is indigenous to people within the Episcopal Church, and that, too, has been an incredible experience. Worship raised our spirits and our energy. The great variety of preaching styles has led us to dance and sometimes to weep. Each has left its mark on all of us. Not one of us will return to Central New York the same.

There is new fire in our bellies, new will to endure the journey for the greater good. Together, we’ve been “punching above our weight” doing more than might be expected. We’ve elected a new Presiding Bishop, passed legislation to provide for religious marriage ceremonies for every person, authorized new work for revision of the prayer book and new materials for worship. Throughout we have prayed mightily for guidance and listened for the Holy Spirit and felt her presence.

We came to Salt Lake City as individuals, and working together, built a well disciplined team and worked hard. Sometimes we laughed hard, and always we loved greatly this spectacular body of people. Now we leave here as extended family, knowing we have seen the face of Jesus everywhere.

Sawubona (I see you))!
Yebo (Yes I am here)!
Tuma mina (Send me Lord!)


Learn more:

78th General Convention Wrap-up from Episcopal News Service: First black presiding bishop, marriage equality approved, church governance revamped

Start typing and press Enter to search

Bishop Skip Celebrates Eucharist