2024 Diocesan Convention Recap

The Diocesan Convention is the primary representative governing body of the diocese.  It convenes annually in October to conduct diocesan business, including election of officers and members of various leadership bodies; approval of a budget for the upcoming year; setting mission strategy; and establishing diocesan policy and procedure by considering and voting on resolutions and approving changes to the diocesan constitution and canons.  It is also an occasion for learning about important initiatives across the diocese; fellowship, community building and common prayer; and celebration of the Holy Eucharist together as a diocesan community.

Here is an overview of the 241st diocesan convention:

On Friday night, the following people were presented with the Bishop's Award for exemplary service to the diocese.

Renae Rutherford Lowe
Elizabeth Swain
The Rev. Jeff Moretzsohn
The Rev. Canon Kirk Berlenbach was made an Honorary Canon. If you missed the Friday night Eucharist, you can watch it here.

On Saturday, the 2025 Budget was approved by 79.85% of those in attendance. Those in attendance were introduced to a long list of new priests in the diocese and those recently ordained.  The following commissions and committees elected the following new people to represent them:

Commission on Wellness

Rev. Meghan Mazur
Liz Wendt
David Brooks

Christmas Fund

James Crowley
Maureen Higgins

Disciplinary Board

Rev. Ethan Jewett  
Rev. Sherri Deets    
Donald B. Cheetham III    
Norman (Mac) McCausland         

Board of Trustees

Rev. Emily Given
James Pope
David Griffith

Standing Committee

Rev. Samuel Murangi
Ronald Frances

Nominating Committee

Rev. Tonya Regli  
Rev. Emily Given
Rev. Trey Kennedy
Pailyn Singhapakdi
Penny Baroli
Jill Duink

The Church Foundation (terms expiring 2027)

The Rev. Eric Hungerford, St. Paul’s, Chestnut Hill
Andrew Dumas, African Episcopal Church of St. Thomas
Joseph Rollins, St. David’s Church, Radnor
Frank Rothenberger, St. Peter’s Church, Phoenixville
Wilson Smith, St. Peter’s Church in the Great Valley, Paoli
Additionally, John Wallace was voted in as the Secretary for Convention before we began Convention.

RESOLUTIONS

RB 2025 was passed. To approve the recommendations from the Commission on Wellness regarding clergy compensation changes.

R-4 was passed. Amending the standing order regarding the nominations for Diocesan Offices moving the deadline from 60 days prior to convention to 14 days.

Resolution R-5 was passed as amended. To form a committee to evaluate the current and possible future change to how the diocesan budget is funded from assessments and pledges.