Finding a Voice at General Convention

Liturgy at General Convention

We started the first two days of Convention with Holy Eucharist. As we gather to sing, to pray, and to worship, I watch people go forward to receive communion and marvel at the great diversity of the Church. This morning, one of the readings was done in the Hmong language–a primarily oral East Asian language. The Hmong people have been persecuted. Yet they continue to have courage and faith, and there is a large church of Hmong expatriates here in the US.

This morning, as we got to the Lord’s Prayer, the Celebrant invited us all to say that prayer in our own language. After we finished, we could hear, from the far corner of the room, the sound of a group of people singing. I do not know this for sure, but I think it was some Hmong brothers and sisters singing the Lord’s Prayer. Whoever was singing, and in whatever language, it sounded like something holy and incredibly beautiful. Despite my inability to know, I resonated with it deep in my soul and it brought unexpected tears to my eyes.

Later, in a legislative session, two young people addressed the Convention about the need to continue to fund Episcopal Youth events. One of them, a young Latina, said this: “Youth events have taught me to speak up, even when my voice trembles.” She then talked about how the youth may be the future of the Church but they are making a difference NOW. While I agree that they are making a difference now, I also believe–and have for years–that youth and children are not the future of the Church. They are the present of the Church. The now in the Church. And as I watch young people come to the microphones and find their voices to support particular pieces of legislation, my heart sings.

I am aware that there are many people throughout the world who are learning to speak up–even when their voices tremble. I pray that not only will they find their voices, but that we will have the ears to hear what they have to say.

Sheila N. McJilton+

The Rev. Sheila McJilton is the rector of St. Philip's Episcopal Church, Laurel, MD