Under the canopy of ancient moss-covered Oaks, historic St. James’ Church near Charleston was the site of Diocese of South Carolina’s convention to elect a bishop. Eleven months after electing the Very Rev. Mark J. Lawrence on the first ballot September 16, 2006, the diocese again gathered to express their emphatic support for the once and future Bishop-elect.

The morning began with Holy Eucharist, blending contemporary and traditional music and celebrated by Bishop Edward Salmon. The Rev. Steve Wood, rector of St. Andrew’s Church, Mt. Pleasant, and nominee in the previous election, was the preacher. Fr. Wood spoke to a standing-room-only crowd, taking as his text Luke 5: 1-9, the story of the miraculous catch of fish.

When Jesus said to Simon, "Put out into the deep," he was simply reminding him to go where the opportunities were. Too often, Fr. Wood reminded us, Christians are caught in the paralyzing trap of fear and a critical spirit, and we miss opportunities. Even with all the distractions in the church and in the world, Jesus still calls, stills sends, and still blesses with bountiful results.

After the Eucharist, the delegates reconvened for the business of the day. The credentials committee announced that 82 clergy members and 201 lay members were present and eligible to vote. Bishop Salmon declared a quorum and opened the convention with prayer. The Rev. Haden McCormick, president of the standing committee, rose to place in nomination the name of Mark Joseph Lawrence. A spontaneous and enthusiastic standing ovation followed.

No other names were added, the announced period for petition candidates having expired with no additional names submitted. Paper ballots were distributed by roll call. While there was only one name on each ballot, the opportunity was given to vote “yes” or “no.” Ballots were also collected in a roll call by orders. Following a brief recess, Bishop Salmon announced the following results:

Clerical Order: 78 yes, 2 no, 2 abstentions.

Parish Churches: 43 yes, 3 no, 1 abstention.

Mission Churches: 7 yes, 1 divided vote.

As Bishop Salmon declared Fr. Lawrence to be our Bishop-elect, there was again great rejoicing. Delegates were quickly reminded to take their seats so that each person could sign the testimonial required by canon. Having completed that task, delegates rose to sing the Doxology and were dismissed with a blessing.

(The Rev.) Dow Sanderson

Fr. Sanderson is rector of Church of the Holy Communion, Charleston, S.C.

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