CNY Diocese: Local paper reviews the highlights of The Diocesan Convention
from the Syracuse, NY Post-Standard
Saturday, November 26, 2005
by Renee K. Gadoua

Some excerpts:
At least two local Episcopal clergy appear to be fans of the English author, G.K. Chesterton.

The Rev. David T. Andrews concluded a brief presentation about the upcoming national Episcopal General Convention with an excerpt from the end of Chesterton's book, "Orthodoxy."

Andrews' comments came during last Saturday's session of the two-day annual convention of the Central New York Diocese of the Episcopal Church at the Holiday Inn in Salina.

A few hours later, Bishop Gladstone "Skip" Adams referred to the same quotation during his sermon and convention address at St. Paul's Episcopal Cathedral.

Coincidence? Or, as Adams said, a sign that "great minds think alike?"

The repetitive Chesterton reference - on the value of joy and mirth - provided a welcome light moment to a day that included concerns about financial struggles, personnel issues and allusions to the threatened status of the worldwide Anglican Church.

Chesterton, the English author and convert to Roman Catholicism, died in 1936. He wrote poetry and essays and is perhaps best known for his mystery series featuring Father Brown.

The section Andrews and Adams mentioned comes from the ending of Chesterton's 1908 book, which is considered part spiritual memoir and part defense of Orthodox Christianity.

"Joy," Chesterton wrote, "is the gigantic secret of the Christian."

Andrews, a local deputy to General Convention and rector of St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Chittenango, urged about 350 people at the local convention to learn from Chesterton's observation.

"Let us share with Chesterton and follow a Lord who loves us even when we make mistakes and will keep on loving us," Andrews said. "Let us show by our ability to listen that we can and will be a place of joy and live our lives with a grateful heart that is open and vulnerable to love."

Another excerpt:
Lest anyone doubt the Episcopal Church reflects diversity, consider the numerous shades of orange at last week's convention. The convention packet alone included paper in three versions: one reminiscent of elementary school fliers, one a deep autumnal tone and a third a peachy orange.

Wardrobe choices of convention attendees created a rainbow. (Who are we mere mortals to judge if colors clash?)

Two women who work in the diocesan offices looked sharp, wearing black pants and black jackets over orange tops. A few SU caps were on tables, and one man wore a bright SU winter scarf all day. Others wore ties of varying orange hues, and women sported numerous orange expressions, including abstract and foliage prints.

Organizers chose orange not in honor of Syracuse University sports, but as a sign of the church's light, said Judy Fried, secretary of convention.

One delegate brought orange to the convention in an unusual way. She frequently picked up a pair of scissors with orange handles, which she used to cut thread while doing needlework as she listened to speakers.
Full article here

Here is the unedited quote from Chesterton's Orthodoxy:
"Joy, which is the small publicity of the pagan, is the gigantic secret of the Christian."

It is hard not be overwhelmed by some of the sheer banality of the CNY diocesan convention. Did a church which considers itself "inclusive" not want to offend pagans? And with all the weighty issues confronting this diocese, ECUSA and the Anglican Communion, is the focus on the color theme the best that could be said? -PD

Another account written of what happened during the convention: Here