Jaw is Dropped

Well, the consensus of pre-Convention thinking (my own, too) was that what was needed for the new Presiding Bishop would be a nice, Southern male bishop to help soothe the nerves of the good people in the church upset by the last General Convention. That was the going wisdom at breakfast, at lunch, and at the Eucharist. When the announcement was made that the bishops had elected a woman there was an audible gasp, followed by uncontrollable cheering, several people weeping, and then a reminder by the Chairman of the House of Deputies, George Werner, that we don't do things like cheer, gasp, weep unless given permission by the chair.

++Katharine came to introduce herself with the presiding bishop, Frank Griswold, about 45 minutes later. Introducing her husband, daughter, and son-in-law, she thanked the bishops who ran with her and the Presiding Bishop, and mentioned how sad she will be to leave her diocese. She spoke in Spanish and English.

Thanks be to God for the Holy Spirit!