[Episcopal Church Office of Public Affairs] The House of Bishops of the Episcopal Church is meeting in retreat at the Camp Allen Conference & Retreat Center in Navasota, Texas (Diocese of Texas) from March 16 to March 20.  The following is an account of the activities for Monday, March 19.

The spring retreat meeting of the Episcopal Church House of Bishops continues the House’s ongoing theme of The Church for the 21st Century, with a focus on The Gift of Episcope/El Don el Episopado. The schedule calls for prayer-filled sessions, and bishops participate in daily Bible study, reflection and worship.

The morning began with Eucharist celebrated by Bishop Nedi Rivera of Eastern Oregon. Preacher was HOB chaplain the Rev. Simon Bautista of Washington.

A meditation and reflection on the role of bishops from our ordination vows in relation to Faith, Unity and Governance was presented by Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori. After reflection the bishops discussed it in small groups.

Emcee for the day was Bishop Skip Adams of Central New York.

The afternoon was dedicated to work sessions, presentations and discussions on various topics.

Evening prayer was officiated by Bishop Scott Barker of Nebraska.

The bishops met in the evening to receive an overview of topics to be considered for further discussion, which included:

– The Anglican Covenant, led by Bishop Ian Douglas of Connecticut

– Revised Delegated Episcopal Oversight (DEPO) document, led by Bishop Ed Little of Northern Indiana with Bishop Bob Fitzpatrick of Hawaii and Bishop Nedi Rivera of Eastern Oregon.

Media Briefers for Monday, March 19

Bishop Scott Benhase of the Diocese of Georgia, Bishop Gayle Harris of the Diocese of Massachusetts and Bishop Shannon Johnston of the Diocese of Virginia.