Greetings from Austin!


My first event was the initial legislative session of the House of Deputies. As an alternate, I’m not allowed on the floor, but got relegated to an area on the side.

Many people thought the resolution on providing compensation to the President of the House of Deputies (PHOD Gay Clark Jennings pictured above) would be controversial, but it has been passed by both houses!

The Diocese of Washington favors being back-row-Episcopalians during our daily eucharistic services. On the first day, PB Curry introduced our new evangelism plan called The Way of Love, which are practices for a Jesus-centered Life: Turn, Learn, Pray, Worship, Bless, Go, and Rest. I’ll be bringing some of these cards for people interested in the program.

The Presiding Bishop presiding over his flock.

You’ve got to have a lot of wine to administer communion to 10,000 Episcopalians (note: this was my first meal of the day).

I’ve been assigned as a legislative aide to the Committee on Structure and Governance. Of interest, we’ve looked at legislation dealing with name changes in the Church Archives, the relationship of the Pension Fund and DFMS, an amendment to the Constitution to allow the absorption of Extra-Provincial Anglican Dioceses as required* for the admission of the Diocese of Cuba back into the Episcopal Church.

*food interlude*

After our hearing calendar was over for the day, I ventured to the exhibit hall. Thistle Farms, affiliated with the Episcopal Church in Nashville and Rev. Becca Stevens, produced these welcome mats, which are made by refugees from recycled life vests.

It’s been said that the 8th Sacrament for Episcopalians is coffee, and the Starbucks at one of the hotels where we were having meetings had an Episcopal discount for coffee!

We had the first of three TEConversations today on racial reconciliation. Here’s a photo of the EDOW deputation to General Convention. Bishop Mariann and the deputies joined the alternates off the HOD floor because the alternates had been denied access.

More to come soon!
Matthew Taylor
