This was my first experience with General Convention. Those who said you really just have to see it to believe it were definitely right! Even though many had tried to explain it to me, I had a hard time envisioning it. Once there, it all clicked into place.
While I had hoped to have some time to settle in and get a feel for the process, it was not to be. AO77, put forth by the Standing Commission on Health, came up the very first night for committee. We were able to quickly round up Diana Marshall (NEHM Diocesan Liaison from Diocese of Bethlehem, PA) and Susan Spencer (parish nurse in San Francisco) to testify in addition to my own testimony. The process was straightforward and the questions were direct. We all left feeling good about the session and hoped for a positive result.
In the meantime, I sprinted across the street to other committee hearings to testify on behalf of a few National Episcopal AIDS Coalition (NEAC) resolutions. Those, too seemed to go well. This was pretty typical for the first week, as I stayed very busy moving between both booths (I also serve as Executive Director of NEAC), testifying in committee hearings, tracking legislation, and meeting with potential partners.
I'm thrilled to say that AO77 was approved! Here is the text of the approved resolution:
Resolved, the House of Deputies concurring, That the 76th General Convention urges the congregations of The Episcopal Church, which have not already done so, to explore and implement health ministry as an organizing concept or vital component of outreach and pastoral care of the congregations by 2012; and be it further
Resolved, That the General Convention encourages congregations to raise awareness of health ministries and promote the understanding that health includes body, mind and spirit.
EXPLANATION
Health ministries play a unique and critical role in facilitating the overall health of clergy, staff and congregation. Health ministry looks different from congregation to congregation, reflecting the unique needs, interests and resources of the faith community.
National Episcopal Health Ministries (NEHM) educates leaders for Episcopal health ministry and parish nursing, supports those engaged in health ministry in Episcopal congregations and provides resources to local congregations, dioceses and provinces. NEHM is a valuable resource for those seeking assistance in the development of faith ministries.
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