On June 12, 2006, the General Convention of the Episcopal Church got under way in Columbus, Ohio. General Convention (GC), which meets every three years, provides the voice for the Episcopal Church, a church led by representational governance.

The Diocese of California is  represented by clergy and lay deputies and alternates, and by our bishop in the two houses of governance at GC -- the House of Deputies, and the House of Bishops. Along with the Rt. Rev. William Swing, Bishop of California, the Rt. Rev. Marc Handley Andrus, Bishop-elect of California, is also present, serving as Bishop Suffragan of the Diocese of Alabama.

Clergy and lay alternates and deputies began their work Monday, by attending committee meetings, legislative briefings, and by caucusing together. At the California Caucus meeting, held in a basic two-queen-bed hotel room, more than 20 people gathered to hear Bishop Swing give his insights into GC, and to talk some about the work of the House of Bishops.

Deputies and alternates then reported on the committee assignments, and gave other news of interest to their colleagues. Warren Wong, lay alternate, reported that the hearing for consent of the California bishop election will be Wednesday, June 14, at 7:30 a.m. (Eastern). A report of that hearing will be posted at EpiscopalBayArea.org.

This GC is different from the previous 74 in a profound way -- there are more people blogging and reporting from here than ever. Of course, in past years, folks reported back home what was happening, but this GC is unique in the abundance of reports. One site, GenCon2006, reports 125 bloggers who are either blogging from GC or posting reports from deputations.

The Rev. John Kirkley, clergy alternate from California (who is working closely with the Claiming the Blessing collaborative), is providing his convention insights and photos at his blog meditatio.

A CDSP seminarian named Sarah, is giving wonderfully personal insights with some incredible photos at Zinnhead. Be sure to look at her photos from the Eyes Wide Open exhibit.

I am blogging each day and will begin podcasting tomorrow (Wednesday) at my site EpiscoPod.com.

Many Californians have come to Columbus to do the work of the Gospel. The Rev. James Tramel is here working for the Every Voice Network introducing folks to their evangelism and catechisis tool via media (not capitalized on purpose).

Katie Evenbeck, Director of St. Dorothy's Rest, is here working for Episcopal Camps and Conference Centers.

Mel Ahlborn from Moraga is here in her role as President of Episcopal Church & Visual Arts.

Keep watching this space for news from our Californians in Columbus.