GC81 House of Deputies Feedback Results

Summary

The 81st General Convention of the Episcopal Church was well-received by deputies, with a strong sense of community, purpose, and engagement in church governance. Deputies appreciated the opportunity to participate in significant church decisions, connect with fellow Episcopalians, and engage in meaningful worship experiences.

Key Highlights

Positive Experiences
- Strong sense of community and connection
- Participation in historic church decisions
- Engaging in democratic church governance
- Diverse and inclusive worship experiences
- Notable: Presence and contributions of young people
Major Challenges
- Time management and scheduling issues
- Technology and process difficulties
- COVID-19 concerns
- Legislative process inefficiencies
- Notable: Inclusivity and accessibility challenges

By the Numbers

96.37% of deputies found value in their role
93.01% would recommend the deputy role to others
90.93% expressed interest in serving again
70.98% found onsite training and orientation helpful
83.16% felt well-equipped with resources for diocesan reporting

Deputies Offering Feedback

Average Age: 59.8 years
Order: 51.30% Lay, 48.70% Clergy
Experience: 33.16% First-time Deputies

Top Recommendations for Future Conventions

Optimize scheduling to balance legislative work and community-building
Enhance technology systems, especially for debate queuing and voting
Develop comprehensive health and safety protocols
Streamline the legislative process
Improve inclusivity and accessibility measures
Enhance pre-convention training and resources

Deputy Voices

“Participating in the democratic governance of our church. It’s helpful to see/experience the interactions within TEC as we make decisions. In-person tells you more.”

“Meeting people from other dioceses and worshipping together in creative, inclusive and expansive ways. I found overall people were respectful and genuine with one another.”

Looking Ahead

The feedback from GC81 provides a solid foundation for continuous improvement in this crucial aspect of Episcopal Church life. The President of the House of Deputies will share the full report with:

The Joint Standing Committee on Planning and Arrangements
The General Convention Office
The GC82 platform team

This comprehensive sharing ensures that feedback related to areas outside the President’s direct purview – such as matters under the responsibility of The Joint Standing Committee on Planning and Arrangements or The General Convention Office – will reach the appropriate decision-makers.

These key stakeholders are committed to addressing the challenges identified while building on the convention’s strengths, working collaboratively to enhance future General Conventions.

If you would like to read the full report with detailed feedback and analysis, please click on the link below.