Out and About with Bonnie

Bonnie Anderson travels across the Episcopal Church to advance the work of deputies between the conventions and to preach and teach about the ministry of the baptized.

Opening Remarks to Cognate Chairs

May 9, 2012

bonnie smile tc oct11 bill 300 This General Convention is a gathering of some of the family. We extend this on site gathering through webcasts, live streaming, blogs, photos and comments through social media. By the time resolutions come to the floor of each of our houses, they have been conceived and authorized by a proposer and supporters, in some cases these resolutions the have been carefully considered by large groups, such as provinces and diocesan convention. Once these resolutions come to General Convention, committees of 20 or more persons carefully consider them.

Forecasting the Future: We Must Face 'Adaptive Challenge' Carefully and Creatively

April 26, 2012

Bonnie Anderson This article originally appeared in Episcopal Journal

Like many church leaders, I've been thinking about the need to reform/restructure the Episcopal Church.

The demographic reasons are clear: like other mainline denominations, our church's membership is declining. Since 2000 it has decreased by 16 percent, and we lose about 50,000 members each year.

Because, in large measure, it is the laity who fund the church, declining membership means declining revenue. The church's draft proposed budget for the 2013-2015 triennium includes $105 million in revenue available for operations, a reduction from the 2010-2012 forecast of $109 million.

Like so many crises, however, this one has provided the church with an opportunity. As the world around us changes, the church must also change.

Executive Council Closing Remarks - April 2012

April 20, 2012

We did a lot of good work this triennium. The budget process has been difficult. However, I have great faith in the collective wisdom of the people of this Church and I believe that General Convention can do what is necessary to begin our renewal. I know God can and will do it as God, and all that God creates, gives us life.

This morning in our worship we were asked to reflect on the question, "What enables us to give our lives for others?" Some at our table commented that the Holy Spirit enables us.

In my closing remarks to the Executive Council for this triennium I want to make an offering to you, it is offered in celebration of Earth Day and offered in thanksgiving for the Holy Spirit that dwells in all things including each of us.

Opening Remarks to Executive Council - April 2012

April 18, 2012

Like all of you, I've been thinking about the need to restructure The Episcopal Church. The demographic reasons are clear: like other mainline denominations, The Episcopal Church's membership is declining. Since 2000 our membership has declined by 16% and we lose about 50,000 members per year.

Because, in large measure, it is laypeople who fund the church, declining membership means declining revenue. As we are all aware, the church's draft proposed budget for the 2013-2015 triennium includes $105 million in revenue available for operations, a reduction from the 2010-2012 forecast of $109 million available for operations. That's 4 million dollars. For dioceses and people doing ministry "on the ground" that's a lot of money.

But nevertheless, we are fortunate. Like so many crises this one has provided the church with an opportunity. Isn't it just like God to do that? Provide us with these incredible challenges and then be with us as we figure them out.

Tough Choices Ahead: Committee Seeks Your Views on Proposed 2013-15 Budget

April 5, 2012

bonnie smile tc oct11 bill 300 This article orginally appeared in Episcopal Journal

We have entered the season of preparation for the 77th General Convention to be held in Indianapolis from July 5–12. As I write this column, many leaders across the church are having hard conversations about the draft budget proposed for 2013-15, available at http://generalconvention.org/gc/prepare.

At this stage the draft budget presupposes income of $105 million from dioceses, rental of facilities and other sources. Income from those same sources was $118 million in 2009-12, so obviously some tough choices have to be made.

President of the House of Deputies