Information About Serving on the General Convention Deputation

General Information

Elected by Diocesan Convention in October 2019, General Convention deputies and alternates participate in the governance and discernment of The Episcopal Church through activities before, during and after the 80th General Convention gathering in Baltimore, June 30-July 9, 2021. Deputies are also the diocese’s representatives to the Provincial Synod. Historically, the diocesan budget funds the participation at General Convention of the eight deputies, and the first lay and clergy alternates. All members of the deputation, including alternates, are expected to participate fully in the preparation before and debriefs after General Convention.

Before General Convention

The deputation begins preparing the year before General Convention, meeting by teleconference and in-person, to do team building; to discuss elections, review and propose legislation, and to discern the assignment of focused topics of interest in which each deputy and alternate will take leadership. The meetings are set for mutually convenient times. Deputation members are expected to review the Blue Book, especially those sections relevant to their focus areas, and equip their fellow deputies to make informed choices with their votes. Deputies may be invited to present at local parishes.

During General Convention

General Convention 2021 is scheduled from June 30-July 9. For deputies appointed to legislative committees, training will begin a day or two before the official start date. During General Convention, deputies and alternates are expected to be present on the House of Deputies floor to listen to debate, vote, and track the progress of legislation. The Colorado deputation has a tradition of ensuring that all alternates present have an opportunity to sit on the floor of the House and participate in the debate and voting. Each deputation member also is responsible for tracking specific pieces of legislation. This may involve attending and even testifying at legislative hearings before and after legislative sessions in the House. The deputation meets in caucus daily, typically at a very early breakfast or at lunch for 45 minutes. This practice assures the health of the team and that all members know the current status of legislation and other business and events. Often Episcopal Church Women (ECW) delegates and other visitors attend these caucuses. Deputies coordinate with the Diocesan Communications Director to report daily updates.

After General Convention

After General Convention, the deputation has a canonical duty to report to the diocese on the business accomplished. In the past, the deputation has held briefings at Saint John’s Cathedral open to the entire diocese and made presentations at diocesan convention. Individual deputation members typically make presentations at their own congregations. Some have made presentations at other congregations and at regional convocations; the Standing Committee has also invited briefings at its meetings. The General Convention also refers a number of its passed resolutions to dioceses and congregations, and the deputation takes some responsibility for discussing and tracking these resolutions. The final duty of the deputation is to assist in the planning for the election of the next deputation by providing information and education about the work and process of General Convention. Individual deputies may also volunteer to be appointed by the presiding officers of General Convention to CCABs (although individuals may also be appointed to these bodies who are not deputies or alternates).

Time Commitment

To be a faithful and effective deputation member, the time commitment is substantial. The rewards of participation are also immense. As ministers in Christ’s church, we are called to participate and take our place in the councils of the church in accordance with our individual gifts and calling. A combination of interest and passion in the governance and future of the church as both Body of Christ and institution are necessary. Here is what the time commitment at meetings (not including teleconferences and optional briefings and opportunities) looks like:

Spring 2020 In-person meeting (not more than a day)
October 2020 In-person meeting/retreat just prior to Diocesan Convention
Spring 2021 In-person meeting (not more than a day)
June 30-July 6, 2021 General Convention in Baltimore, MD

Questions?

If you have any questions about standing for election for the General Convention deputation, please contact the 2018 co-chairs of the Colorado Deputation:

Mr. Lawrence R. Hitt II, Esq.
LRHitt2@msn.com

The Rev. Kim Seidman
rector@holycomforterchurch.net

To express interest:
Please complete the online nomination form by August 5, 2019.