House of Deputies Vice President Byron Rushing talks with Dr. Charles V. Willie, a groundbreaking African American educator and former vice president of the House of Deputies who preached at the ordination of the first women priests, known as the Philadelphia 11. When the bishops failed to uphold that ordination and give equal rights to women, he resigned his position in protest. On June 27, House of Deputies President Gay Jennings awarded Dr. Willie the House of Deputies medal for distinguished service and loyalty to the Episcopal Church.