General Convention finally is growing up.

After years of tempestuous infighting on sexuality and how we relate to the rest of the Anglican Communion, we finally seem to have learned how to talk with and listen to each other with respect and maturity.

Opening with a powerful call to listen carefully, Special Legislative Committee 26’s hearing last night was characterized by calmly passionate testimony from across the spectrum of the Episcopal Church.

The high turnout – 1,500 in the ballroom and 200 standing outside – reflected the passionate voices yearning to be heard, as well as the desire by many others to open their hearts to hear their brothers and sisters.

The spirit in the room reflected a strong desire to remain in the Anglican Communion and to comply with Windsor (although questions remain as to what Windsor really says).

However, some of the suggestions were wildly divergent, ranging from a recommendation for a complete moratorium on new bishops until 2009 to walking apart from the rest of the Anglican Communion.

A key moment took place when Pittsburgh Bishop Robert Duncan spoke and was immediately followed by New Hampshire Bishop V. Gene Robinson. Duncan said this “could be an impossible moment in holding the Communion together,” while Robinson declared, “I am not an abomination. … Our homosexual agenda is Jesus Christ.”

While many called for clarity in the resolutions, others warned that we should not go too far down that path, instead arguing that these resolutions are provisional responses in the Windsor conversation.

The debate is far from over but once again, we see hope for our future.