As we enter the fourth legislative day of General Convention, I am beginning to sense a rhythm and routine despite the fact that each day is different in schedule and task. The legislative sessions are carefully run, and while any set of rules of the house can be tedious, they are the necessary framework for the business at hand.

A break in the sessions came as the order of business before us was to consider General Convention Resolution B033 (2006) in a session known as committee of the whole. It was not a debate or legislative session, but a chance to reflect, first by pairs (two deputies who did not know each other) and then in two-minute testimony to the House by about twenty five people, chosen by lottery.

B033 is the Resolution passed by the last General Convention, which calls on Bishops and Standing Committees to "exercise restraint by not consenting to the consecration of any candidate to the episcopate whose manner of life presents a challenge to the wider church and will lead to further strains on communion."

It appears to my eyes and ears that the mind of the House of Deputies is looking to go beyond B033, although it is not clear yet what form that may take.

Any question that anyone might have about the necessity of making a new statement of welcome and inclusion for all the baptized was laid to rest in last night's Integrity Eucharist. I had to hold on to the back of my chair to keep he force of the Holy Spirit in that room from knocking me over. The liturgy was a feast for the senses: gospel procession, led by drum and chant, which wound its way through the whole assembly, complete with red and gold streamers waving, holy water showers, and sweet incense. The Rt. Rev. Barbara Harris preached a powerful sermon and our celebrant was The Rt. Rev. V. Gene Robinson. The entire experience was an awesome witness to the gifts given to the church by our LGBT brothers and sisters.

All I can do today is marvel in a church that is able to expand and contract (kind of like the 'floating floor' in our own Great Hall) and still be of one piece. I will not delude myself that it can never fracture, but for today I will simply take in the richness of The Episcopal Church and the amazing gifts each person brings to the table.