Diocesan Convention

Logo for the Episcopal Diocese of Pennsylvania
2024 convention theme

The 2024 Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of Pennsylvania will begin on Friday, October 18, 2024 at 6:30 p.m. with Eucharist at The Philadelphia Episcopal Cathedral and continue there on Saturday, October 19. On Saturday, doors open at 8 a.m. with Morning Prayer beginning at 8:45 a.m. A light breakfast and lunch will be provided. (What is a Diocesan Convention?)

 

Youth Participation

Did you know that each parish in the diocese has the right to send two youth representatives to the diocesan convention? They will sit with your parish deputies and have the privilege of speaking on the floor of the Convention. While they are not voting members, this is a great opportunity to get interested youth involved in the life of the diocese.

 

Registration

You do not need to register for the Friday night service. This link is registration for Saturday's diocesan business meeting. 

 

Live Binder

This is where you can find all the materials for Convention. Please note: information is constantly being updated and added. Click here. 

 

Nominations

Using this form, you can complete your Nominee Biography (you do not need to send in a paper copy). Responses will be published as part of your biographical information in the Live Binder (see below) which has all convention information.  The deadline for submissions is October 5, 2024. The diocese is looking for people to serve in the following areas:

 

Pre-Convention Meetings

Trinity Episcopal Church Solebury

 

St. Francis-in-the Fields, Malvern

 

St John's Church at Diocesan Center

 

Christ Church, Philadelphia

 

Philadelphia Episcopal Cathedral

What is Diocesan Convention?*

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.

A smaller representative body, the Diocesan Council, meets regularly throughout the year to oversee and conduct diocesan business in between annual Diocesan Conventions.

The bishop, all clergy who are canonically resident in the diocese and three lay persons elected as delegates from each parish have seat, voice and vote at Diocesan Convention.  

(*From the Episcopal Diocese of Massachusetts)

They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.

Acts 2:43-47

Jesus