4IN THEEPISCOPAL DIOCESE OF THE RIO GRANDEBishop-Elect Michael Vono’s Address to ConventionI have always felt that it was appropriate thatconventions are held in <strong>the</strong> time in which we movetowards Thanksgiving, because, in fact, in everydiocese, it is a time for people to rejoice and celebrate<strong>the</strong> many things that we have to be thankful for, andhaving <strong>the</strong> consecration, as well as this convention,close to Thanksgiving is a wonderful, wonderfulcontext in which both <strong>of</strong> us begin our new ministry.I am very grateful to all <strong>of</strong> you for <strong>the</strong> wonderfulgenerosity <strong>of</strong> spirit and outpouring <strong>of</strong> love that Ihave experienced in not only <strong>the</strong> time when we had<strong>the</strong> walk-abouts with my colleagues, but also in <strong>the</strong>parishes that I have visited, in <strong>the</strong> clergy that I haveseen. It is truly overwhelming, <strong>the</strong>strength <strong>of</strong> hospitality and <strong>of</strong> love andwelcome that you all seem to have as aunique charisma in this part <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> world.And mind you, this part <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> world is anew part <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> world for me.I want to begin by saying <strong>the</strong>se words<strong>of</strong> thanks to you all, clergy and laity. Inmy pastoral letter I wrote to you in ourdiocesan newspaper, “Toge<strong>the</strong>r,” some<strong>of</strong> you might have already read that Iquoted St. Augustine, who said on <strong>the</strong>day he was bishop, “Believe me, bro<strong>the</strong>rsand sisters, if what I am frightens me,what I am with you reassures me. Foryou, I am <strong>the</strong> bishop. With you, I am aChristian.”You and I will share a mutual ministry<strong>of</strong> all <strong>the</strong> baptized, carrying on Christ’smission and ministry in what I woulddescribe as our new challenging age,because I believe it is an age in which <strong>the</strong>world and <strong>the</strong> church are moving fromfamiliar boundaries to new frontiers,God’s frontiers.Those <strong>of</strong> us who have recently movedto New Mexico know something aboutwhat this means. Walter Brueggemann,an Old Testament <strong>the</strong>ologian and churchscholar, recently wrote, “The great crisisamong us is <strong>the</strong> crisis <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> commongood, <strong>the</strong> sense <strong>of</strong> community, solidaritythat binds all people in common destiny.”The early church, he says, was bornout <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> passionate conviction thatin Christ crucified and Christ risen, <strong>the</strong>y, followers <strong>of</strong>God’s incarnate son, Jesus Christ, could welcome oneano<strong>the</strong>r in all <strong>the</strong>ir unique differences and everyoneelse overcoming every superficial earthly challenge,just <strong>the</strong> way Jesus did.For <strong>the</strong> Church <strong>of</strong> Jesus Christ, I’d like to think thatPentecost is a daily experience. We learn in <strong>the</strong> NewTestament writings, particularly <strong>the</strong> Gospels, thatChristian unity never meant sameness. It always meanswholeness. Christ has come to make us whole, tomake us one with each o<strong>the</strong>r, one with God. Diversity,St. Thomas Aquinas says, is <strong>the</strong> perfection <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>universe. Imagine that being said centuries ago. AndSt. Augustine concurred, and St. Paul makes <strong>the</strong> caseto <strong>the</strong> Corinthians. “My dear people, in Christ andby <strong>the</strong> grace <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Holy Spirit, I do believe we areempowered and poised to meet every single and allchallenges which resist <strong>the</strong> priority <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> commongood, violate community solidarity, and inhibit thatwhich binds all in common destiny, <strong>the</strong> destiny weproclaim to <strong>the</strong> world redeemed by <strong>the</strong> blood andPhoto by Rev. Brian Wintercross <strong>of</strong> our Lord, Jesus Christ.”We are a special people, God’s people, God’s holypeople. And we as Episcopalians, as members <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>Anglican communion, we as Episcopalians who elicitfrom o<strong>the</strong>rs, people’s eyes to cross and to wonderabout us, we practice <strong>the</strong> presence <strong>of</strong> God in allpeople, because we truly believe that we are all madein <strong>the</strong> same image and likeness <strong>of</strong> God. There areno foreigners in <strong>the</strong> body <strong>of</strong> Christ, no strangers oroutcasts in <strong>the</strong> community <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Anglican church,especially in our Episcopalian church. We believe thatall people by <strong>the</strong> grace <strong>of</strong> God do seek to be holy asGod is holy.The Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts-Schori presents Bishop-Elect MichaelVono a gift with <strong>the</strong> following message: This is a gift. It has a quote fromDom Helder Camara, who was <strong>the</strong> Archbishop <strong>of</strong> Recife in Brazil in <strong>the</strong> 1960sand 1970s. It says, “The bishop belongs to all. Let no one be scandalized if Ifrequent those who are considered unworthy or sinful. Who is not a sinner?Let no one be alarmed if I am seen with compromised and dangerous peopleon <strong>the</strong> left or <strong>the</strong> right. Let no one bind me to a group. My door, my heart,must be open to everyone, absolutely everyone.”Now, I am sure you can tell by this time that I amvery happy to be in <strong>the</strong> Land <strong>of</strong> Enchantment. And, infact, I have been dreaming -- and some <strong>of</strong> you haveheard me say this -- I have been dreaming <strong>of</strong> a diocese<strong>of</strong> enchantment in <strong>the</strong> American Episcopalian church.And by definition -- because one <strong>of</strong> my dear priestsasked me, “But what does that mean?” I know whatit means. My best definition is described in Psalm133. “Behold how good and pleasant it is for peopleto dwell toge<strong>the</strong>r in unity.” It is what Christ prayed for,what <strong>the</strong> Holy Spirit inspires and calls all <strong>of</strong> us to.In your diocesan pr<strong>of</strong>ile, you describe yourselves asa missionary people. Therefore, I will be a missionarybishop. I.e., my hat. A missionary bishop in NewMexico and Southwest Texas. And I will pray we willmake this our public presence that we are a visionarytransformational people in New Mexico, being inspiredby all scriptures, tradition, and reason and humanexperience as we live this experience in our newchallenging age. We will seek to be transformed inChrist into <strong>the</strong> likeness <strong>of</strong> Christ. You have heard mesay time and time again, our greatest challenges willbe, in time, our greatest blessings.I know you have high expectations <strong>of</strong> your new bishop.I have high expectations <strong>of</strong> you. What consoles me isthat God has higher expectations than both <strong>of</strong> us. Butpart <strong>of</strong> my expectation is my hope that our diocesanmission imperatives will include <strong>the</strong>se things which Ihave been thinking about, praying about, in <strong>the</strong> twomonths that I have been here, in getting to knowyou, and in getting to see some <strong>of</strong> our wonderfulcongregations, a public presence <strong>of</strong> grass roots caringministry to all God’s people in every parish and everymission <strong>of</strong> this church in SouthwestTexas and New Mexico. It is already inall your parishes and missions. I havebeen carefully reading. Those <strong>of</strong> youwho have pr<strong>of</strong>iles, I read <strong>the</strong>m whenI was still in Rome. But I pray for thatto be <strong>the</strong> single public presence thatemerges, that on <strong>the</strong> grass roots, we areso attentive to <strong>the</strong> people around us.And who are <strong>the</strong>y? Our militaryveterans and <strong>the</strong>ir families certainly inthis part <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> world, in <strong>the</strong> <strong>Diocese</strong><strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Rio</strong> <strong>Grande</strong>. The poor who arearound us; <strong>the</strong> sick, those who areunchurched, struggling families, forcedeconomic migrants. It wasn’t only inRome that I was attentive to <strong>the</strong>m.We need to be attentive to <strong>the</strong>m here.Displaced and abandoned adults, aswell as youth. The Hispanic unchurched,<strong>of</strong> which <strong>the</strong>re are many. And to oururban Native American bro<strong>the</strong>rs andsisters, which you are already soconscious <strong>of</strong>.I believe our future is bright becauseI believe our future is in God’s hands.I will conclude <strong>the</strong>se reflections bygiving you two inspiring quotes. Theclergy have already heard <strong>the</strong>m. I gave<strong>the</strong>se quotes to <strong>the</strong>m at our clericusga<strong>the</strong>ring. The first is from <strong>the</strong> ProphetIsaiah. “A voice crying out in <strong>the</strong>wilderness.” We’re in <strong>the</strong> wilderness.“Do not remember <strong>the</strong> former things orconsider <strong>the</strong> things <strong>of</strong> old. I am about todo a new thing. Now it springs forth. Doyou not perceive it? I will make a way in <strong>the</strong> wildernessand rivers in <strong>the</strong> desert.”Bishop Katharine remembered <strong>the</strong> words <strong>of</strong> JohnXXIII. The pronunciation is adjornamiento. Andadjornamiento means that <strong>the</strong> windows have beenbroken open, that <strong>the</strong> spirit <strong>of</strong> God has been flowingin and moving people and souls closer to Christ.Adjornamiento certainly is part <strong>of</strong> this diocese.The second quote I gave <strong>the</strong> clergy was from acontemporary mystic. “Life is not measured by <strong>the</strong>number <strong>of</strong> breaths we take, but by <strong>the</strong> moments thattake our breath away.”In this time <strong>of</strong> Thanksgiving, may we all beconsciously grateful to <strong>the</strong> Lord God, to his son, ourLord Jesus, to <strong>the</strong> grace <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Holy Spirit for <strong>the</strong> manyblessings bestowed upon us individually and uponthis diocese, whom <strong>the</strong> Lord God has been mindful<strong>of</strong> always. Let us be conscious <strong>of</strong> those blessings nowwhich take our breath away. Grazie mille. Grazie ditutto. God bless all <strong>of</strong> you.
IN THE5EPISCOPAL DIOCESE OF THE RIO GRANDEDiocesan Convention <strong>2010</strong> Preliminary Reportby Diane ButlerPhoto by Rev. Brian WinterCanon Kelly presents Bishop & Barbara Frey with <strong>the</strong>ologicaleducation fund certificateThe 58th Annual Convention <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Episcopal<strong>Diocese</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Rio</strong> <strong>Grande</strong> convened at 9:30 AM onFriday morning, October 21st. Fifty-five congregationswere represented by 63 clergy and 138 laity.The Very Rev. Jan Davey, NW Area Dean led <strong>the</strong>delegates in <strong>the</strong> Nicene Creed and <strong>the</strong>n welcomed allpresent to Albuquerque. Dean Davey <strong>of</strong>fered thanksto Lois Phillips and Annie Danielsen who chaired <strong>the</strong>Convention Committee and to all <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> volunteerswho assisted <strong>the</strong>m in planning and who worked at <strong>the</strong>convention.Canon Colin Kelly introduced Presiding Bishop,<strong>the</strong> Most Reverend Katharine Jefferts Schori and herhusband Richard Schori who were enthusiasticallygreeted with a standing ovation. Her address toconvention began with congratulations to <strong>the</strong> diocese:“Congratulations on <strong>the</strong> election <strong>of</strong> a new bishop.Congratulations on <strong>the</strong> healing that has happened inthis place led by your Standing Committee, by ColinKelly, by Bishop Frey, by <strong>the</strong>ir many collaborators andpartners in this ministry.” She continued by defining<strong>the</strong> Italian word adjornamiento as “coming into a newday,” and described an image “<strong>the</strong> window is openand <strong>the</strong> Holy Spirit is blowing in.”Members <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Standing, Search, Transitionand New Life Committees and <strong>the</strong> Area Deanswere introduced and Canon Kelly expressedappreciation, on behalf <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> diocese, for <strong>the</strong>irwork over <strong>the</strong> past few years. The Rt. Rev. Bill Freyand his wife Barbara were introduced and given agift in appreciation for <strong>the</strong>ir ministry to <strong>the</strong> dioceseover <strong>the</strong> past three years. Bishop Frey has servedas Assisting Bishop during <strong>the</strong> search for a newbishop and Barbara accompanied him as he visitedchurches across <strong>the</strong> diocese. The diocesan staffand volunteers were introduced and received astanding ovation.Canon Tom Gray, Chair <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> ResolutionsCommittee presented courtesy resolutions to <strong>the</strong>delegates, including:Thanks to <strong>the</strong> NW Deanery and Dean JanDavey for hosting convention,Thanks for <strong>the</strong> Reverend Michael L. Vono withgreetings and welcome “assuring him <strong>of</strong> ourlove and support and <strong>of</strong> our trust that his lifeand ministry with us will be long and full <strong>of</strong><strong>the</strong> Lord’s own peace and grace.”Thanks to <strong>the</strong> Right Reverend William C.Frey for serving as our Assisting Bishop withgreetings to Bishop Frey and to his wife,Barbara with assurance <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> love andgratitude <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> diocesan family.Recognition <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> exemplary and faithfulleadership <strong>of</strong> groups providing primaryleadership during this time without a bishop:The Standing Committee, Deans, DiocesanCouncil, Search, Transition and New LifeCommittees.Thanks and gratitude to <strong>the</strong> diocesan staff:Lisa Katz-Ricker, Mary Jewell, Toye Robertson,Carol Miller, Arlene Padilla, and volunteersChris Hollis and Barbara Caldwell.Thanks and greetings to The Reverend CanonColin P. Kelly III for his service as president<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Standing Committee during <strong>the</strong> time<strong>the</strong> committee served as <strong>the</strong> EcclesiasticalAuthority.Recognition <strong>of</strong> Mr. Stephen Watkins, longtimecommunicant <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Church <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> HolyFaith, who has served as a parish delegate toDiocesan Convention for more than 40 yearsand who is attending convention for <strong>the</strong> lasttime this year.Prior to <strong>the</strong> convening <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> convention, a breakfastwas held for <strong>the</strong> Presiding Bishop and <strong>the</strong> Clergy <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><strong>Diocese</strong>. At <strong>the</strong> same time <strong>the</strong> clergy spouses met forbreakfast with Richard Schori.Convention delegates met for worship servicesincluding Noon Days Prayers, Evensong and DailyDevotions, <strong>of</strong>ficiated by Ms. Lois Phillips,Ms. DianeButler and Mr. Allen Lowery. St. Michael and All-Angels ensemble@9 music group, led by Ken Gilman,accompanied <strong>the</strong> Evensong Service. Ms. Ricki Sherrillled <strong>the</strong> UTO Inga<strong>the</strong>ring at <strong>the</strong> Offertory duringEvensong.Centenarian Rev. Al Tarbell greets delegates at conventionPhoto by Rev. Brian WinterDiocesan Convention <strong>2010</strong> Election ResultsStanding Committee Clergy: The VeryReverend Mark Goodman, Ca<strong>the</strong>dral <strong>of</strong>St. John, Albuquerque, NMStanding Committee Lay: Ms. DianeButler, St. Thomas <strong>of</strong> CanterburyEpiscopal Church, Albuquerque, NMDiocesan Council Clergy: The ReverendWoody Peabody, Epiphany EpiscopalChurch, Socorro, NMDiocesan Council Lay: Ms. Ca<strong>the</strong>rineBailey, St. Michael and All-AngelsEpiscopal Church, Albuquerque, NMCommission on Ministry Lay: Ms. RickieSherrill, St. Bede’s Episcopal Church,Santa Fe, NMEcclesiastical Court Lay: Ms. LoisPhillips, Epiphany Episcopal Church,Socorro, NMEcclesiastical Court Clergy: TheReverend Rod Hurst, Grace EpiscopalChurch, Carlsbad, NMCa<strong>the</strong>dral Chapter: The Reverent Dr.Nicholas Funk, St. James EpiscopalChurch, Las Cruces, NMNeeded to elect – 129 VotesStanding Committee ClergyMark Goodman 118Bob Gross 66Ken Semon 72Standing Committee LayDiane Butler elected 216Diocesan Council ClergyWoody Peabody elected 224Diocesan Council LayCa<strong>the</strong>rine Bailey elected 181Jesse Heald 36Canonical ChangeGeneral Convention 2009, in an effort to move from a juridicalto a more pastoral approach to clergy discipline, passed asweeping revision to Title IV <strong>of</strong> The Constitution and Canons<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Episcopal Church. As a result, virtually every diocese in<strong>the</strong> Episcopal Church will have to change its diocesan canonson clergy discipline to bring <strong>the</strong>m into conformity with <strong>the</strong>national canons that go into effect in July, 2011. The StandingCommittee unanimously agreed to sponsor <strong>the</strong> proposedrevision <strong>of</strong> Canon 17 as drafted by an appointed committeeconsisting <strong>of</strong> Robert St. John, Chancellor; <strong>the</strong> Reverend FrankBALLOT 1 BALLOT 2Commission on Ministry LaySally Blackstad 88Rickie Sherrill elected 161Ecclesiastical Court ClergyRod Hurst elected 235Ecclesiastical Court LayLois Phillips elected 219Ca<strong>the</strong>dral ChapterNick Funk elected 233Needed to elect – 124 VotesStanding Committee ClergyMark Goodman elected 133Bob Gross 43Ken Semon 70Wilson, Canonist, and Canon Michael Perko, diocesan staff.[The complete text <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Revision to Title IV, Canon 17 can befound in <strong>the</strong> September, <strong>2010</strong> “Toge<strong>the</strong>r”.]The canonical change to Canon 17 was passed by a greaterthan 2/3 majority <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> delegates to diocesan convention.BudgetThe Episcopal <strong>Diocese</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Rio</strong> <strong>Grande</strong> Operating Budget for2011, as presented by Charles Arms, Treasurer, was approvedby convention. [The complete budget can be found in <strong>the</strong>September, <strong>2010</strong> “Toge<strong>the</strong>r”].