It may safely be said that the Deputation of our Diocese is a relatively quiet one. We are not known for rushing to microphones to make breathless speeches. Nor do we huddle until dawn in strategy sessions, scheming to sway legislation. When debate on an arcane resolution is leading all 830 deputies by the nose into a muddled torpor, we mutter under our breaths that someone should call the question, but we don't tend to do it ourselves.
All this changed on Saturday, when Betsey Monnot strode to the microphone. With fire in her eyes and red hair blazing, she stood at the microphone like a hero of the faith. Significantly, the light bulb above her head turned on. The House fell silent. The President turned her majestic head toward the light.
"Microphone 4, to what purpose do you stand before us?"
Waving her 6-pound book of resolutions before a silent House, she spoke: "Madame President, Deputy Monnot from Northern California. I rise with a question."
The President gazed over her spectacles and beheld the witness, made tiny by the distance between them.
"Proceed."
"Line 13 on page 10 of Resolution A083 refers to the SCLEF. What, may I ask, is the SCLEF?"
The President looked momentarily confused, then quickly regained her composure. "I refer your question to the Secretary."
The Secretary scowled. "Madam President," he intoned, "that would be Standing Committee for Lifelong Education and Formation."
Humbled and yet strangely warmed, the Deputy with the fiery hair thanked the President and stepped down. The light went out. And thus our moment in the sun was over.
Rev. Matthew Lawrence
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