July 6, 2015
Dear Friends of the Diocese of Washington,
The 78th General Convention of the Episcopal Church has adjourned, and on behalf of our entire diocesan deputation, Episcopal Church Women delegates, and volunteers who joined us in Salt Lake City, I express our deep gratitude for the privilege of representing the Diocese of Washington at this momentous gathering. Our overarching experience was one of renewed faith in God, hope for the future of the Episcopal Church, and energy for the work ahead. I confess to nearly bursting with pride as I watched our diocesan members in action! Please join me in thanking them.
We are now in the process of gathering materials and organizing ourselves to bring back all that this General Convention sets before us. Some of the decisions made will have immediate implications; others will be more long term. Some resolutions passed affirm and strengthen the work we have undertaken as a diocese; others will challenge us in new directions.
The EDOW deputation and I plan to hold special meetings with diocesan leadership bodies in August, to which all will be welcome. And we will carry the decisions of General Convention forward in our work as a diocese in the months ahead.
We also have the honor of hosting the installation of Presiding-bishop elect Michael Curry at Washington National Cathedral on November 1. If you’ve never had the pleasure of hearing Bishop Curry preach, take the time to watch his sermon at General Convention or any other event available to you online. As the Bishop of Rhode Island, Nick Knisely (@wnknisely), tweeted, “It’s impossible to listen to Michael Curry preach without smiling through your tears.” Bishop Curry has also written two books, Crazy Christians: A Call to Follow Jesus (2013), and Songs My Grandma Sang (2015) Great summer reading for us all!
There is ample information about General Convention on a variety of websites, includingThe Episcopal News Service, Episcopal Cafe and Deputy News.
I will be on vacation until August 2nd. Know that I hold you in my heart and prayers always, and give thanks to God every day for the privilege of serving as your bishop.
Faithfully,
The Rt. Rev. Mariann Edgar Budde, D.Min.
Bishop of Washington
