Convention Journal: Click here to see this 48-page document which contains the agenda, lists of clergy, delegates and alternates, photos and short bios of nominees to diocesan committees, and annual reports from our many ministries.
Past Conventions: 2011 Convention | 2010 Convention | 2009 Convention
227th Annual Diocesan Convention
February 10-11, 2012
Dover, Delaware.
Two Recordings From Convention
AUDIO RECORDING: Click here to listen to Bishop Wright's 20-minute address to the Episcopal Diocese of Delaware meeting in convention. This .MP3 recording begins with laughter as Bishop Wright remembers the recent failed predictions by some of The Rapture. He goes on to talk about finances in the year to come, the closing of the Cathedral Church of Saint John, the move of the Cathedral Choir School to a new home, a recent day-long tour of Delaware, and the success of our advocacy of same-sex unions. His address ends with a call to the State of Delaware to place a moratorium on executions.
AUDIO RECORDING: Click here to listen to Bishop Michael Curry's 15-minute sermon given at the morning worship service on Saturday, February 11, 2012. A new heaven and a new earth.
Bishop Michael Curry was our guest speaker
and our theme was “Hope & Perseverance.”
The banquet address on Friday evening was given by a dynamic speaker, the Rt. Rev. Bishop Curry, eleventh Bishop of North Carolina (in photo at right).
Our hosts were Christ Church, Delaware City and St. John the Baptist Church, Milton. One of the advantages of holding the convention at the Sheraton Hotel in Dover is that smaller churches in the diocese can serve as hosts.
227th Diocesan Convention Convention Election Results
Standing Committee
The Rev. Russ Bohner, Christ Church Christiana Hundred
Mr. Richard W. Harra, St. Albans Church
Trustees
Steve Boyden, Christ Church Christiana Hundred
Constitution & Canons
The Rev. Peter Huiner, Sts. Andrew & Matthew
Bishop & Council
The Rev. Kenneth F. Athey, Jr., All Saints' Church, Delmar
The Rev. Kim Capwell, Immanuel Church, Highlands
Mr. Christopher Bennett, St. Paul's Church, Georgetown
Mr. Gary Lawrik, St. John the Baptist, Milton
Deacon Katherine Tate, St. Peter's Church, Lewes
Ms. Sue Taber, St. David's Church, Wilmington
Ms. Valerie Bragg, St. James Mill Creek
Mr. Jerry Lucas, Sts. Andrew & Matthew
Disciplinary Board
The Rev. Edward Godden, Church of the Ascension, Claymont
Mr. Joshua W. Martin, III, Sts. Andrew & Matthew
Nominee Bios and Photos are shown in the Convention Journal.
Members of the Nominating Committee
Two Resolutions From The 227th Convention
Salvation Army
Whereas, 6 years ago, several Episcopalians embarked on a plan to see whether or not parishioners would ring the bell for the Salvation Army, eleven people signed up and at Zingo's we held our bell ringing. This year 91 Episcopalians from 4 churches did 7 bell ringings at 2 sites in Newark.
Whereas, we, the members of the Diocese, know that if we join together to volunteer our time for a greater good knowing that we can accomplish more together than we can alone and,
Whereas, we do this not only to do the most good, but, to lend a direction to our churches in seeking the strength brought to a congregation who come together in a common cause,
Be it resolved that a partnership between the Episcopal Diocese of Delaware and the Salvation Army be formed to provide volunteers to assist in the 'Red Kettle Christmas' campaign and,
Be it resolved, that we, the members of the Diocese, join in this work to provide funding for the needs of the poor, the homeless, the hungry and the destitute throughout the year, but especially at the time of the year that we celebrate the Birth of Our Lord.
Resolution submitted by: Mr. Jack Williams; Christ Church, Delaware City
Mr. Jack Williams will respond to questions concerning the resolution.
THIS RESOLUTION WAS REFERRED TO COUNCIL FOR STUDY.
Voice and Vote for Clergy
in charge of congregations in the Diocese of Delaware,
but not canonically resident in the Diocese
Whereas there are in the Diocese of Delaware clergy not canonically resident in the Diocese of Delaware serving in various parishes with responsibility for the pastoral and sacramental ministry with and to those congregations, and
Whereas those clergy are under existing canons given voice but not vote in Conventions of the Diocese, and
Whereas these clergy, licensed in the Diocese of Delaware and active in the life of this Diocese, are a source of wisdom and strength to the life of the Diocese,
Be it resolved, that the 227thConvention of the Diocese of Delaware direct the Committee on Constitution and Canons to study the issues concerning granting voice and vote at diocesan convention to clergy serving as clergy in charge of a parish and to prepare a report, together with recommended resolution(s) on this matter to the 228thConvention of the Diocese of Delaware.
Resolution submitted by: The Rev. Canon Mark Harris; St. Peter's Church, Lewes, Delaware
In the absence of the Rev. Canon Mark Harris, The Rev. Jeffrey Ross will respond to questions at convention concerning the above resolution.
THIS RESOLUTION WAS ADOPTED.
Why a February Convention?
The annual Diocesan Convention passed the following resolution in March, 2010:
“BE IT RESOLVED that the 225th Diocesan Convention urges the Bishop and the Diocesan Council to refrain from scheduling the Annual Diocesan Convention during the season of Lent except in time of extreme and profound urgency.”
After a review of the diocesan calendar and feedback received from clergy and lay leaders, Bishop Wright and the Diocesan Council set the date and location for the next two conventions:
227th Convention – February 10-11, 2012
228th Convention – February 1-2, 2013
Meeting at the Sheraton Hotel in Dover
These conventions will be held at the Sheraton Hotel in Dover, providing a central location and excellent meeting spaces to facilitate the gathering.
Convention has always been a great opportunity for the diocese to come together for learning, worship, and fellowship. This next convention will be no exception. Two parishes will be invited each year to “co-host” the event together. Unlike previous years, when only parishes with relatively large facilities could host convention, now every parish can serve as a host.
Recognizing that weather could be an issue in February, a back-up date and location have been planned in the event of a weather-related cancellation. A one-day convention would be held instead of our usual two-day affair. A full range of communication methods would be used to keep people informed if the weather is questionable.
Questions? Call the Bishop's Office at 302 656-5441.
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