The situation today in the Episcopal Church suggests that we need a national commission to draw back from the scene and ponder why the church is in the shape it is, and what to do about it.

The new Presiding Bishop could make this the cornerstone of the inaugural address to the General Convention in 1997. The essential thing is support, and the support of the president of the House of Deputies. Such a call for church renewal would be greeted with cheers. The new Presiding Bishop could make clear what the charge is, who would serve on it, and to whom they would report.

The definition of the charge can be quite broad - like doctrine, discipline and worship. The members of the commission should be lay and ordained (one-third bishops, one-third presbyters, one-third laity). The two presiding officers should serve ex-officio.

A new commission with such a broad charge would step on a lot of toes, so it must have clout. This would be secured by the joint call of the presiding officers of both houses, and underscored by the quality of the appointments.

At the commission's outset, church interest groups would be nervous. If the charge mentions worship, the Standing Liturgical Commission would be alarmed. If it deals with canonical issues, the Standing Commission on Structure would be alarmed. Those at "815" would be alarmed at any powerful group outside the building.

Walker Taylor

Wilmington, N.C.