The 213th Annual Council - Diocese of Virginia

Proceedings
“Windsor-compliant” and members in good standing in the worldwide Anglican
Communion. As I understand it, they will also be charged with balancing the federal budget
deficit without raising taxes or shortchanging any domestic or national security priorities.
As for this commission, we conclude our work during the so-called open hearing time
in the context of a conversation, which will be in the context of a Bible study, and that
will be held from 4-5:30 p.m. in Regency-A and we invite you to that. Otherwise, this
concludes our report and we ask to be dismissed with thanks to the Council.
The president said that he appreciated the work of the commission but said they would
not be dismissed, and that he would “be in touch.”
Ecumenical Presentation
The president called on the Rev. Charles Syndor, an ecumenical/interfaith officer, for
a presentation.
Mr. Sydnor addressed Council:
Bishop, members of Council, distinguished guests,
In 1990, Lutherans, Anglicans and Roman Catholics in this Commonwealth united in
a covenant, the first of its kind in the United States. Many others have modeled that
covenant throughout the country: a covenant to do everything in mission and ministry
together we could do that was not disallowed by our respective traditions and polities.
We have continued that tradition, and two years ago the United Methodist Church joined
us, so LARC—Lutheran, Anglican Roman Catholic Conference—became LARCUM, with
the United Methodists of the Virginia Conference joining us.
Every year that a new executive comes on board with one of the judicatories of this
covenant, they come and sign this covenant in a very moving ceremony at our annual
conference, and we have begun to present to each of the new signers a framed copy
of this covenant with their commitment to it, and we hope it will be hung in some
prominent places as a constant reminder of this commitment.
I am pleased to present this framed document to Shannon, who signed it at our LARCUM
conference this fall, and I am pleased to present it because I know he is fully and very
thoroughly committed to the unity of the Body of Christ. Shannon, this is for your office.
Results of Ballot Number 3
The president announced that an election was made on the third ballot for clergy
alternate deputies to General Convention. The Rev. Chris Cunningham was elected first
alternate and the Rev. Linda Wofford Hawkins was elected second alternate.
The president announced that the balloting for all positions was now concluded.
Meditation Number 2
The president called on Bishop Victoria Matthews for her afternoon meditation.
Bishop Matthews addressed Council:
Awards, ecumenism, sex—it’s always sex with Anglicans—money, and mission: not a bad
afternoon! You’re quite impressive, you know! You just keep rolling on. It’s very, very good.
The Diocese of Virginia t Journal of the the 213 th Annual Council 97