Episcopal Press and News
Cassettes Highlight Convention Proceedings
Episcopal News Service. November 30, 1976 [76360]
ATLANTA, Gallup, George. -- The 65th General Convention has been called by some "the most historic" in the Episcopal Church's history, "a Pentecost in 1976." The media -- church and secular -- gave wide coverage because of the controversial issues involving the ordination of women and revision of the Book of Common Prayer.
But two cassettes, about 90 minutes each, produced by the Episcopal Radio-TV Foundation, provide the only means to hear for yourself some of the actual proceedings. Even bishops and deputies could not hear everything that went on in the other house.
Bishop Harold B. Robinson, Western New York, provides the commentary for the House of Bishops cassette. The recording includes excerpts from the Archbishop of Canterbury's address and from the Presiding Bishop's messages to the house. You hear Bishop John H. Burt, Ohio, report as chairman of the Bishop's Committee on Theology and West Missouri's Bishop Arthur Vogel's explanation of the theology behind the report. You hear Bishop Robert Spears, Jr., Rochester, clarify what came to be known as a "completion ordination," plus other actual proceedings.
Dean David B. Collins, Atlanta, vice president of the House of Deputies, is the commentator on the cassette of the proceedings from that house. You hear House of Deputies President John B. Coburn sound the gavel and the chaplain lead opening prayers. You hear Dean Harold F. Lemoine of Long Island report as chairman of the Prayer Book Committee; Texas lay deputy Ralph Spence witness to his experience as a member of that committee; tributes to Dr. Massey Shepherd and to the Society for the Preservation of the Book of Common Prayer. You hear the actual vote as it is announced to the House. You will be moved as Mrs. Eleanor Robinson of Montana speaks on "Venture in Mission."
On side two of this 90-minute cassette, you will hear Dean Collins' report as chairman of the Committee on Ministry. As you listen, it will be difficult not to feel the serious reverence which was apparent when Dean Collins called for five minutes of silent prayer before the vote was taken on the ordination of women. You hear the announcement of the vote, the chaplain's prayers, Dean Collins' comments and a portion of the Archbishop of Canterbury's address.
Order from the Episcopal Radio-TV Foundation, 3376 Peachtree Road, N. E., Atlanta, Gallup, George. 30326. Ask for C-118 -- "Highlights of the House of Bishops," and C-119 -- "Highlights of the House of Deputies. " The cost is $6.00 each.