As we prepare for the Episcopal Church’s 80th General Convention, being held July 7 - 14 in Baltimore, Maryland, we invite you to get to know the Deputies who will be representing The Episcopal Church of New Hampshire.
Next up, we have The Rev. Kate Atkinson.
How many years have you attended General Convention (as deputy or otherwise)?
I attended the 2015 and 2018 conventions, and I am second clergy alternate for this year’s. That means that, unless one of our clergy deputies has to drop out, I will not be attending this year – because only first alternates are permitted to attend under the COVID restrictions.
Why do you enjoy being a deputy to General Convention?
We can all fall into the trap of limiting our vision to the boundaries of our own diocese – even our own parish – and General Convention provides a wonderful opportunity to break out of that mindset and discover the breadth and depth of our multinational, multicultural, endlessly diverse Episcopal Church. I enjoy meeting fellow Episcopalians whose life and faith experiences differ from my own; I am always inspired by new (to me) approaches to ministry and worship; and I invariably come away from legislative sessions, committee meetings, social events, even worship gatherings, with greater ecclesiastical knowledge, a fuller understanding of the workings of our Church, and the reassurance that we are never alone – in either our struggles or our joys!
What committees, if any, are you sitting on this year?
Alternates are not assigned to legislative committees, but, at the last Convention, I served on the committee dealing with Title IV and Safeguarding. Title IV is The Episcopal Church Canon which addresses “ecclesiastical discipline:” a process of determining accountability, reconciliation, and pastoral response in matters of alleged clergy misconduct. Safeguarding addressed the wider issues of ensuring safety in church communities.
What are you looking forward to the most in Baltimore?
Since it’s unlikely that I will join the New Hampshire deputation, what I look forward to most is a positive experience for my colleagues, a safe and COVID-free stay in Baltimore, and a smooth and successful transition from the traditional Convention format.