More than sex talk -- what has been happening here

Lots of issues have been dealt with here, and everyone -- I think -- would tell you that evangelism and poverty are more important than the fights the church has been having as of late.

As proof of that, here are some reports of OTHER things happening here at the Convention.

The Episcopal Network for Economic Justice is supporting a resolution put forward by the Revs. Sandye Wilson, Jane Gould and Mark Beckwith that could affect the locations of future conventions. Resolution D047: "Justice, Respect and a Living Wage" commends worker rights and union recognition for hotel workers as a part of considerations when selecting official Convention hotels. Read the ENS press release.

Revise the Book of Common Prayer and more young people might show up at General Convention, a youth contingent told members of the Prayer Book, Liturgy and Music Committee at a June 16 hearing. "Our prayer book is already outdated and it is hard for my generation to relate to everything in it," said a youth, identified only as Hannah, from Northern California. She gestured to seven young adults who joined her at the podium."Standing behind me is the future of the church," she said. "I don't think you want to lose that. Revise the prayer book and next time there might be more of us here." Read the ENS press release.

The House of Bishops has approved, with amendments, resolution A123: "Slavery and Racial Reconciliation." The resolution declares "unequivocally, that the institution of slavery in the United States and anywhere else in the world" is a sin. It calls on the church to acknowledge its history and participation in this sin. Read the ENS press release.

The dog didn't offer expert testimony but his brief presence during an early Friday hearing of the Prayer Book, Liturgy and Music Committee served as witness to the need to create a rite for loss of a companion animal. "Our animal companions provide a unique connection to creation and expand our sense of God's diverse gifts in creation. In many cases they also join us as partners in ministry, in such capacities as assistance animals, i.e. Seeing Eye dogs, etc. as well as therapy dogs and cats used in health care facilities and for pastoral care," according to the resolution, authored by the Rev. Lee Shaw of Utah. Read the ENS press release.