4 From Our Deputies

Ms. Pauline Getz

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Ms. Suzanne Foucault

What are you most anticipating about General Convention?

I love the gathering of the family.

What about you in particular makes you a good representative of

our diocese?

I do not fit into any one ideological cubbyhole, but do my level best to look at issues from many perspectives.

Is there anything you’d like to see changed?

I would like to see deputies come to General Convention better prepared, and without having made up their minds. I would like to see deputies be more open to the movement of the Spirit in our deliberations. I would like to get a little more sleep.

Mr. Jim Greer

What are you most anticipating about General Convention?

I’m looking forward to working with others in advancing the mission of the

church; addressing the pressing needs of a suffering world and because we are a border diocese, the specific issues of immigration reform, cross border trafficking and ministries to people in need without regard to their national status.

What’s so great about General Convention?

The General Convention is unlike any other institution in the Anglican movement and it’s uniquely American. It stands at the top of our various governing bodies. Though staged in

Though staged in some grandeur, as only Anglicans can do, it’s as simple as our church’s town meeting.

some grandeur, as only Anglicans can do, it’s as simple as our church’s town meeting where every voice and opinion has value. It’s an honor to be asked to serve and it’s humbling when considering the scope of the work.

‘Working the lobby’ as veteran convention goers know, is an integral part of knitting the church and patching the holes. In my experience, it’s as vital a part of a convention as the plenary sessions. And when it comes to people and personages, we’ll rub shoulders, if we allow ourselves, with the Archbishop of Canterbury, humble priests in out- of-the-way ministries, laity who know no hours in their labor for the church and of course, in the exhibit hall, the ‘fudge lady’ who told me last time that Episcopalians buy more than the Presbyterians.

What are you most anticipating about General Convention?

Sharing the Eucharist every day, with so many different people, from so many different places – all worshipping

together and using the same prayers – will be very powerful for me.

Why did you run for election to be a Deputy?

I do a lot of consulting for the Church – here in our own diocese, and for dioceses across the country. I see how the issues and governance of the Episcopal Church impact people and

We are a faith community with a democratic structure.

parishes. We are a faith community with a democratic structure. I wanted to be a small part of making some of the decisions that may impact our own diocese.

What about you in particular makes you a good representative of our diocese?

I have worked with a number of our parishes doing workshops, vestry retreats, and mutual ministry reviews. While I don’t know every parish in detail, I have a general knowledge of our perspectives and needs. I think I can articulate our perspectives and needs, and report back effectively.

The Rev. Paul Carmona, PhD

How do you feel about being elected to this position?

I feel truly blessed that I have been entrusted with this important responsibility and I appreciate the

encouragement that I have received from so many in the diocese.

What about you in particular makes you a good representative of our diocese?

I hope that I will continually be open to the guidance of the Holy Spirit, so that whatever I do furthers the proclamation of the Good News to everyone, regardless of ethnicity, language, socio- economic status, sexual orientation, physical ability, age, etc.

Is there anything you’d like to see changed?

In particular, I hope that the actions of all participants will demonstrate an appreciation that the Episcopal Church is not simply a national body, but has become an international church. I am greatly encouraged that there is already a fair amount of proposed legislation that is designed to help the Episcopal Church as a whole to grow into that sort of broader self-understanding.

The Rev. Andrew Green

What are you most anticipating about General Convention?

I’m excited about the opportunity to see what we have in common among such a diverse and sometime

contentious assembly. I have never been disappointed. I anticipate that all the people coming to Anaheim will bring the best they can offer to God and to our Convention to do the work we have been assigned.

Do you have any reservations about being a deputy?

No reservations, but I have a sense of responsibility that drives me to be prepared and be prayerful. I accept that no decision will please everyone.

I accept that no decision will please everyone.

Is there anything you’d like to see changed about the convention?

I am not so sure that the General Convention needs to be changed, although the process is far from perfect. I believe the quality of our work depends on the willingness of those who participate to be people of faith first. It’s like the Serenity Prayer. We need courage to make changes where needed, serenity to let some things be, and lots of wisdom from the Holy Spirit to know which.

The Rev. Canon Allisyn

Thomas

What are you most anticipating about General Convention?

Meeting people from around TEC and learning about what

they are doing and their hopes and desires for the church.

Do you have any fears/reservations about being a Deputy? If so, what?

I think we have some contentious issues ahead of us that will be difficult to work through. However, the amount of difficulty should not stand in the way of doing the necessary work. There are issues, especially having to do with full inclusion that have been left unresolved too long.

General Convention is a process I find interesting (my inner nerd).

Why did you run for election?

I care deeply for our church and its mission. The decisions made at General Convention have a direct impact on these things and I want to help where I can. In addition, prior to ordination I served as a Deputy City Attorney in San Diego and was involved in the drafting and carrying out of legislation; it is a process I find interesting (my inner nerd). Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8