It’s back! General Convention is back in motion. While everyone may have their own bias as to who the rockstars of the General Convention may be, the Presiding Bishop, the bishops, or the GC pigeon (will they return?), the absolute rockstars of the convention are the deputies. You see, the work they produce and the recommendations they make become a reflection of The Episcopal Church and us, its people. They have an incredible and fascinating responsibility and are charged with important work.
So what is a deputy? What do they do?
A deputy is a lay confirmed adult communicant in good standing in the diocese or a presbyter or deacon canonically resident in the diocese. These clergy and lay representatives are called deputies, creating a deputation. Deputies are elected at the diocesan council at least two years in advance to represent the diocese at General Convention. Deputations may include up to four clergy (priests) and four lay members. In addition, each deputation can have up to 3 alternates for clergy and lay members. Check out the Texas deputation here.
Each deputation has a Chair of Deputation that must be chosen at least one year before the first legislative session of the General Convention. Among many things, the Chair of Deputation will serve as the primary contact for House of Deputies communications, certify the deputation’s votes by orders, approve changes in the deputation during General Convention and perform other duties as directed by the President.
Now, the House of Deputies consists of deputations elected from each diocese of The Episcopal Church; from Navajoland; from the Convocation of Episcopal Churches in Europe; and from Liberia. Additionally, because we are a growing church and believe in the power and voice of the young people, members of the Official Youth Presence also have a seat and voice in the House of Deputies.
So let’s get to what they do. Deputies attend General Convention this year in Baltimore, Maryland, for long days of legislative sessions, voting on resolutions, making motions, and more.
The majority of the time spent by a deputy at General Convention is in legislative sessions. The legislative session is a regular session of the House of Deputies where the House considers resolutions, hears reports from committees, and provides deputies an opportunity to debate. A typical day of legislation can begin with opening prayer, followed by a report of the certification of the minutes, a report from the committee on credentials, live communications from the President, and shared messages from the House of Bishops. A committee report on the dispatch of business is followed along with a report on elections and ends with committee reports and legislation. Woah. Do you see what I mean by important work?
During legislative sessions, deputies are also able to make motions. Motions may be made by any deputy or other person authorized to make a motion by the Rules of the House. A Deputy wishing to make a motion must provide their name and the Diocese they represent; acknowledge his or her intent to make a motion in any queuing system, and be recognized by the President or presiding officer.
Deputy work is no walk in the park, but it is not all done alone. A great cloud of witnesses and community lives and supports the exceptional endeavors this group has been called to do. The Rules of Order exists and is a riveting document that governs the nitty-gritty of day-to-day business during meetings of the House of Deputies. Our 2022, Rules of Order have streamlined our process for this 4-day General Convention.
Do you see why they are the rockstars of General Convention? While they do this incredible work, my prayer is that God fills their hearts and minds with compassion, discernment, understanding, love, and lots of caffeine.
The Episcopal Herald 