Countdown to GC

My bag is almost packed for General Convention in Anaheim and I’m bracing for the early morning flight on Monday. Amid all the usual things in my suitcase is a folder of notes and a collection of advance reading material that deputies have been using to prepare for the wide-ranging issues we will be deliberating.
Sometimes we are asked if in our deputation’s meetings we have taken positions on the issues that will come up during the convention. The simple answer is “no.” While we have read and discussed many issues, there are a couple of reasons we do not do this. First, being a deputy means that each of us has a responsibility to be open, present, listening and prayerful during these many days of deliberations. More than once I thought I knew how I would vote on something and in the course of the convention, changed my position. I know that my experience is not unique. We trust that the Spirit is present in our gathering and working among us to inform, enlighten, and inspire us and it is vital to be open to the Spirit’s work.
Practically speaking, we cannot not know what the actual resolutions will look like or if pre-filed resolutions will reach the floor of convention until they have emerged from the committee process. A resolution is often changed or combined with other resolutions in committee. So we will all have to wait to see what comes from the intense committee work that happens during the first few days.
Our deputation members will keep you updated on the major developments of each day, so watch this space for news and their reflections. And please keep us all in your prayers as we enter into some long days filled with important conversations and decisions.