The Church of the Pacific Northwest

The General Convention of the Protestant Episcopal Church in 1880 was characterized by a rare and harmonious atmosphere. For the first time, the convention was held in a church whose rector had previously been censured for associating with other denominations—a sign of softening stances. A central focus of the 1880 gathering was the church's expansion into the far West and Northwest. The body authorized the election of three new missionary bishops to manage this growth. Debates regarding the 'Indian question' were significant; while some deputies feared political entanglement, the church resolved to form a committee to observe government actions regarding Indigenous peoples and advocate for favorable legislation. The convention also considered, though ultimately rejected, alterations to the Prayer Book, including petitions to send forth more laborers into the harvest. Additionally, the assembly addressed the potential role of deaconesses, proposing that women perform specific work for the Church under regulation, though it stopped short of formal vows. The convention ultimately affirmed its conservative core while attempting to address the practicalities of a growing nation.