The
theme of the Province III Synod held in Martinsburg, West Virginia
April 29 through May 1 was "Preparing for General Convention." Presiding
Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori was present and addressed the
gathering on the challenges facing the church. Bishop Stacy Sauls, chief
operating officer of the Episcopal Church, spoke about the
re-structuring of the national church center. Bonnie Anderson and
Gregory Staub, president and secretary, respectively, of the House of
Deputies, presented a brief history of General Convention and led an
orientation for convention deputies.
Southern
Virginia was well represented at the Synod. In attendance were: Bishop
Hollerith, Canon Caroline Black, the Very Rev. Chris Cunningham (Johns
Memorial, Farmville), the Rev. Conor Alexander (St. Francis, Virginia
Beach), the Rev. Anna Noon (St. John's, Hampton), Dr. Angela Parker (St.
Paul's Memorial, Lawrenceville), Mary Lou Crifasi (Eastern Shore
Chapel, Virginia Beach), Cleo Shields (Johns Memorial, Farmville), and
Anne Lund (Johns Memorial, Farmville).
The
Very Rev. Chris Cunningham, rector of Johns Memorial, Farmville, was
elected to the Executive Council of the Episcopal Church. The
Executive Council of the Episcopal Church is an elected body
representing the whole Church. It is the job of Executive Council to
oversee the ministry and mission of the Church. The Executive Council is
comprised of twenty members elected by General Convention (four
bishops, four priests or deacons and twelve laypersons) and eighteen
members elected by provincial synods. Scott
Norris, a member of Emmanuel, Jenkins Bridge, and Toni Hogg, a member
of St. John's, Hampton, are candidates for Executive Council election at
General Convention.
Caroline
Black, Canon for Christian Formation, was elected to the Province III
Court of Review. The court is the disciplinary body for the province.
Election
of new officers for Province III was also held. The Rev. Melanie
McCarthy (West VA) was elected president; the Rt. Rev. Neff Powell
(Southwest VA) was elected vice president.
