In addition, she has a great sense of humor, real knowledge of our systems and polity and is not afraid to challenge me. The Presiding Bishop and I have gotten off to a good start. I thank him for his courtesy in agreeing to have our Vice-President join us in making the appointments. Jane Cosby, a Deputy from Philadelphia made a comment in 1997 concerning those times when both presiding officers were clergy. It is my intention to include Vince Currie and other lay leaders in representing our House.
Laity is the first order mentioned in our catechism.
At the end of October our Secretary, Rosemari Sullivan, and I hosted a meeting of fourteen of the people deeply involved with last convention s House of Deputies. This led to seven pages of notes, single spaced, which address both the past and a vision for the future. I also invite you to share your thoughts on how we might better do the business of the House of Deputies. Finally, as I reflect on the contributions of the four presidents under whom I served, I think that what I bring to this office is the accessibility of a parish priest. Unless specifically requested to preach or lead a quiet day, these are conversations and dialogues to help us connect and work better together in this part of the Body of Christ.