This is the first of what I think will be three (!) installments on the FIFTY resolutions and other comments that have come from the Standing Commission on Structure, Governance, Constitution and Canons. Canon geeks, rejoice!

Every three years the House of Deputies Committee on the State of the Church tells us how we’re doing. Here’s their report, with several resolutions intended to improve the life and ministry of our church. Read on…

The House of Bishops has two committees which have submitted reports, theology and pastoral development. In the latter report, there are proposals for a new canon to remove impaired bishops. It’s a good start but needs work.

The Episcopal Church has various agencies and boards, and most of them have written Blue Book reports. Here you go. There’s only one resolution to look at. Mostly, this is a chance to learn more about their good work.

This is the last report in the “Task Forces of General Convention” section of the Blue Book. Fear not, church geeks, we have plenty more to go. But today, as we finish up this section, let us celebrate. I’ve saved what might be the best task force report for last.

Since 1976, our church has been moving toward recognizing the “full and equal claim” of LGBTQ persons in the life of the church. Here we have an opportunity to march onward. The task force has given us lots to think about, and plenty to do.

This task force updated the 2004 policies on prevention of sexual misconduct, so the report here contains Updated Model Policies for children and for vulnerable adults. They have resolutions to create training materials. It’s important stuff.

Provinces were conceived to allow regional collaboration in a horse & buggy age. But that age has passed. In a jet & network age, do we need provinces? Are we using them effectively? Here are my thoughts, along with a bit of Star Trek, Princess Bride, and more.

This task force studied “issues of deployment, equality and justice for dual call couples” and concluded there were “no substantial differences” between clergy couples and others. So it’s good we know that now, and we can move on to the next thing.

One of the most contested topics among Episcopal church wonks is whether we should pay the President of the House of Deputies. Today we look at the task force report of those who delved into this question. And your intrepid blogger offers an opinion.

The task force proposes a resolution which “welcomes with joy the request of the sisters and brothers of the Episcopal Church in Cuba to reunite with the Episcopal Church.” My hope is that this resolution is passed and that our churches reunite for the glory of God and so that we may together proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Today, we are looking more broadly at issues around the discernment, election, transition, and deployment of bishops. Blue is going to have a purple nose by the end of all this clue-looking among bishopy reports!