I was thrilled to attend General Convention in Louisville KY, where my favorite modern mystic Thomas Merton had a vision of everyone “shining like the sun” on the now-famous street corner: Fourth St. and Muhammad Ali Blvd. I was not expecting this vision to become such a “touchstone” for our entire convention, which is exactly what our new presiding bishop-elect Sean Rowe called it in his opening remarks, moments after he was elected. Bishop Rowe concluded his remarks with these words from Merton: “What really matters [in times of drastic change] is openness, readiness, attention, courage to face risk.” It was an honor to bear witness to the many ways the Episcopal Church embodied these virtues throughout the week by adopting resolutions that reaffirm our commitment to inclusivity, creation care, racial reconciliation, ecumenical and interfaith relations, and peace and justice for Israelis and Palestinians. I believe Thomas Merton would have been most proud.
Also, Sassy the Sasquatch, our Episcopal Diocese of Northern California mascot is safely back in Eureka. He had a great time representing his deputation. As many of the deputation have come down with Covid, he is standing in for us as we recover. Please join Bishop Megan as she sends “Prayers for our whole deputation to be whole and well.”
DANIEL DeFOREST LONDON 