Pensive Mood in House of Bishops
06/14/2006

The opening legislative day of the 75th General Convention in Columbus, Ohio, was marked by a somber, pensive mood in the House of Bishops, as its members prepared for debate on the Windsor Report.

The mood on June 13 was akin to “collectively passing a kidney stone,” one bishop told The Living Church, while a second commented there was a noticeable lack of energy and enthusiasm during the morning and afternoon sessions. While the public face of the meetings was cordial, tensions were high in some corners of the room, with some bishops distressed at the absence of some of their colleagues.

Canon Robert Williams, director of communications for the Episcopal Church, noted the first day of convention would be a “pro forma, learning day” in both houses that would set the agenda and perform legislative housekeeping.

Presiding Bishop Frank Griswold gaveled the opening session of the House of Bishops into order at 11:05 a.m., and after the agenda for the day was adopted held the formal roll call of bishops. The roll call proceeded in order of seniority, the secretary of the House of Bishops, the Rt. Rev. Kenneth Price, acting Bishop of Southern Ohio, noted, with retired bishops cited by name and active bishops cited by title. There were 151 bishops reported present, and Bishop Griswold reported that the Rt. Rev. Frederick Putnam, retired Bishop of Minnesota, was the senior bishop present. the rest