[Episcopal Church Office of Public Affairs] The Rev. Canon Gregory Straub, the Episcopal Church’s executive officer and secretary of the General Convention, led the tribute, thanking Anderson for the ways she influenced the church and the world, at the close of the House of Deputies July 12.

It has been my honor and pleasure to work with Bonnie Anderson for the six years of her Presidency of the House of Deputies. If it seems to you out there that we are friends, it is because we are. We have had a good working and personal relationship for both her terms. I have enjoyed the hospitality of the Andersons at their house in Michigan and spent hours floating with a noodle in their swimming pool. It simply is not possible to sum up the impact she has had on our church, as she has championed the role of all the baptized, all the orders of ministry. She has been an untiring advocate for the under-represented in the councils of the church. Thanks to her there’s a Youth Presence in the House of Deputies. Thanks to her there have never been more persons of color on Committees, Commissions, Agencies, Boards and Legislative Committees. Thanks to her the Millennium Development goals are an established part of our budgeting and our conscience at every level of the church. Thanks to her the Five Marks of Anglican Mission are the foundation of our next triennium’s budget. Bonnie was recently accepted into the Cheyenne River Tribe of the Lakota Sioux people. They gave her the most fitting of names, “Strong Heart Woman.”

I would ask that Bonnie introduce to you her family members present with her at this convention.

I know Bonnie is looking forward to her next challenging ministries, but I want to take time this afternoon to thank her for her service to this House. Her Council of Advice asked Sean McConnell to prepare a visual tribute to her. Let’s watch it now.

I wrote to you some time ago to ask you to consider contributing “Nets for Life” in Bonnie’s honor. Her Council of Advice believed nothing would please her more than knowing that lives around the world were being prolonged in her honor. As of today, I am pleased to announce that thanks to your generosity, 380.5 families will be protected from malaria. Thank you, House.

The Diocese of San Joaquin has asked to make a presentation. I call on them to join me on the platform.
The Vice President of the House of Deputies will make a presentation.

All good wishes to you, Bonnie. You have served this House with distinction and at some sacrifice. Please know how much we love you.