New ways of being Church that actually dare to
embody the faith in very ancient ways, practices, and communal disciplines

Bishop Michael B. Curry

"New Occasions teach new duties."  Those words of James Russell Lowell, written in the 19th century, may well be a descriptor of what lies before the 76th General Convention of the Episcopal Church.

The Gospel of Jesus will stand the test of time.  The Scriptures are right: "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever."  But Lowell is right as well, "new occasions teach new duties."

One of the most important speakers at this General Convention may well be Brian McLaren.  His most recent book, "Everything Must Change: Jesus, global crises, and a revolution of hope", is a must read.  We seek to be a community that truly follows the risen Christ in a world and cultural context that has changed more dramatically in days and hours than it did in centuries before.  In such a time as this, "new occasions teach new duties".  We must learn news ways of being church that actually dare to embody the faith in very ancient ways, practices and communal disciplines.  And as we do that, many of the ways we have always done things may be laid aside.  That may be one of the great challenges before this, the 76th General Convention.

In a few days the Bishops and Deputies from our diocese will be leaving for the General Convention.  Sonja Bennett, our Communications Coordinator will be at the convention and providing daily updates on the diocesan web page.  www.episdionc.org.