House of Deputies Consent to Election of Jefferts Schori as Presiding Bishop

Out of 108 dioceses, I believe that consent was granted by 96 in the lay order, and 95 in the clerical order. A big majority.

And so we have a new Presiding Bishop. The House of Bishops have been sequestered at Trinity Church. Now that the Deputies have consented, the new PB is making her way here to address us.

A couple of intial thoughts: Bishop Jefferts Schori was trained as a scientist. She is the only one that I can recall that emphasized the Millennium Development Goals in the interviews. She was also the only bishop who testified at the hearings regarding the MDG. As these goals appear to be emerging as the future vision of the Episcopal Church, she is the right person at the right time.

Absolutely no one I talked to before the election had predicted this. What a wonderful surprise. The Deputies are absolutely elated. Eveything happening here is begininng to stream together.

The Spirit is moving among us. God is doing a new thing in Columbus.

I need to go offer a prayer of thanksgiving.

J.