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Everything You Need to Know about Diocesan Convention

Saturday’s 239th Annual Diocesan Convention will be a day-long event placing the business of the diocese into a prayerful context, both online via Zoom and online video streaming and in person at Trinity Cathedral in Trenton.

Deputies and licensed clergy will determine many matters of policy facing the diocese, including budget concerns and priorities going into the next year.

But before that, they will gather in Holy Eucharist celebrated by Bishop Chip Stokes beginning at 9:00 a.m. In place of a homily, the bishop will offer his final annual address on the state of the diocese.

Following Eucharist, Bishop Stokes will announce this year’s class of honorary canons, people recognized for particular service to the diocese.

Deputies and guests will then hear a brief address by our bishop-elect, the Rev. Dr. Sally French, who will be present in Trinity Cathedral. Deputies will hear recorded greetings from Presiding Bishop Michael Curry, as well as Bishop Carlye Hughes, Diocese of Newark; Bishop Juan Carlos Quiñonez Mera, Diocese of Ecuador Central; and Bishop Cristobal Leon Lozano, Diocese of Ecuador Litoral.

On hand to present a report on conditions within Ukraine, which continues struggling under the ongoing Russian invasion, will be Archbishop Daniel, leader of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church in the United States.

Deputies will again turn to prayer before beginning the business session of the meeting, with Convention Chaplains Daphne Roberts and the Rev. Nicole Kurkowski, who will lead prayers at the convening of each business session, at noonday, at the closing of convention, and whenever called upon throughout the day. At other opportunities during the day delegates will sing hymns together to recognize that although this is a business meeting, the church’s business must always be grounded in recognition that we serve Jesus Christ first and foremost, and that our decisions should be guided by the Holy Spirit.

Throughout the day, deputies will elect diocesan officers, adopt a budget for 2023, and hear reports from diocesan bodies and programs such as Episcopal Community Services, Way of St. Paul, and the Reparations Task Force.

According to the published agenda of the meeting, business is expected to wrap up with prayer around 3:30, though discussions during the day may change that.

Fast Facts

If you requested online attendance, you must use the link you were sent to register for the Zoom meeting.

No printed materials will be available at Trinity Cathedral. You must either bring your own printed material or access them online during the convention.

Convention documents are posted on our web site

Bring your device: You’ll need a web-enabled device to vote at the cathedral

Not a voting deputy? You can watch the proceedings here on our Web site or on YouTube, Facebook, or Twitter.

Voting questions (including if you can’t find your emailed credentials) should be emailed to our partner, Data on the Spot

Live Video

We’ll be “live” below during the meeting, with recorded video available immediately afterwards. You can also watch at dioceseofnj.org/live