Convention - Reflection from Rev. Mees Tielen, Curate

Did you know that when clergy are ordained, part of their vows include “taking [their] share in the councils of the Church?” (Book of Common Prayer p. 531). Priests are called to preach, teach, pronounce forgiveness, celebrate the Eucharist, and yes, go to Diocesan Convention and all other times and places where the Church meets to govern itself.

It’s not one of the more inspiring parts of ministry, let’s say: church governance often looks like long meetings, signing up for endless committees, taking minutes, rounds of amending motions, lots of discussion and not always a lot of action. Church governance moves at a slow pace, on the local level, the diocesan level, and the national level. And it is sometimes really frustrating.

Life at St. Swithin’s, by the Rev. Jay Sidebotham, via The Church Pension Group

It is really important, though, because it’s through these processes and procedures of church governance that important, holy changes are made in and to our church: from authorizing new liturgies to better meet current needs, to electing new bishops who will shape the life of the diocese, and thus the church, for years to come, to officially admitting women to the priesthood. And so while Diocesan Convention may not seem to reflect much of the Kingdom of Heaven, I firmly believe that there, too, the kingdom draws near. That politicking and pontificating may occur, that people may metaphorically keel over from boredom when a discussion goes on too long, that contentious issues may expose divides in our diocese—but that among all that, the Spirit also stirs and makes herself known.

On Saturday, lay people and clergy from all over the diocese will gather at Grace Cathedral to elect nominees for various positions, approve the budget, hear from the Bishop, vote on resolutions, and otherwise do their best to prayerfully discern the will of God for the Diocese of California.

Please hold the Convention in your prayers this weekend—and please also consider whether the Spirit is calling you to take your place in the councils of the Church. As the Book of Common Prayer tells us, “All […] people are called to make Christ known as Savior and Lord, and to share in the renewing of his world” (p. 531). We’d love to have you join in the work.

With love,

Mees+