Yesterday was a Surprise. Our Immigration resolution passed the house of deputies without a murmur. I was sorry that we did not talk about it; I had wished for higher visibility.
My work day started at 7:30 am when I worked on committee resolutions and ended at 9:00 am, following testimony on (underlined) four resolutions related to Palestine.
Aside from my first convention, I have now learned more this time than at any other convention that I have attended. Being a sub-committee chair has really opened my eyes to how the system works. It takes a lot of writing, rewriting, discussions, nit picking and more rewriting.
The people on my sub-committee are intelligent, thoughtful, and articulate. They include Bishop Andrus+, Bishop Jelinek, Four Laymen, and two clergy. All had opinions, but worked together lovingly.
Part of the joy was listening to young adults (college age) representing Episcopal peace fellowship. We were all impressed. At least one is sure to become a senator! The staff of The Episcopal Church's Offices of Government Relations are extraordinarily helpful. They were available to advise us and help us word smith. Without Anna Soto, we would still be working on the immigration resolution! Dewayne advised us on how to make the resolution entitled "Fix our broken labor laws" into language that would get it out of our sub-committee.
Since there were several laws working their way through Congress, I discovered how the General Convention Office of Government Relations used General Convention resolutions to advocate for what we believe.
Saturday is another 7:30 am to 9:00 pm day, but Sunday is a sleep in. I need it! More resolutions coming...
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