Annual Convention

The 208th Annual Convention will take place November 17-18 at the Benton Convention Center in Winston-Salem.

The livestream will be available in English on the diocesan website as well as the diocesan Facebook page and YouTube channel.

The livestream will be available in Spanish on the diocesan website.

BEFORE YOU HEAD OUT:

Have you read the "Know Before You Go" mailing?
Do you have the email (sent Monday, Nov. 13) with your Voter ID?
- Note: Alternate delegates are not assigned a Voter ID unless called to serve
Have you printed any materials of which you wish to have paper copies, including worship materials?

QUICK PREP LIST (IF YOU HAVEN'T ALREADY):

Watch the new delegate orientation | En español
Review the nominations | En español
- If you wish to submit a late nomination, please complete this form ahead of time.
Review the resolutions | En español
Watch the 2024 Budget presentation | En español | View the proposed budget
Download the Convention app (details in the "Know Before You Go" email)

SCHEDULE:

All times approximate and subject to change.
All events take place in the Salem Ballroom unless otherwise noted.

Thursday, November 16

4 p.m. - Registration/Credentials - Lobby
7:45 p.m. - “The Art of Telling Our Stories”

Friday, November 17

8 a.m. - Registration/Credentials - Lobby
9:15 a.m. - New Delegate Orientation - Downstairs
9:50 a.m. - All delegates are seated
10 a.m. - Opening Eucharist | Bulletin in English | En español
11:20 a.m. - Break
11:40 a.m. - First Legislative Session and Bishop’s Address
12:30 p.m. - Lunch - Winston Ballroom
12:30 p.m. - Clergy Spouses' Luncheon - Gaines Ballroom (Embassy Suites, lower level)
1:45 p.m. - Keynote “Throughout All Generations” - Dr. Rich Melheim
3 p.m. - Legislative Hearings - Throughout Convention Center
5:30 p.m. - Evensong | Bulletin in English | En español
6:10 p.m. - Reception - Lobby

Saturday, November 18

7 a.m. - Breakfast - Winston Ballroom
8:30 a.m. - Morning Prayer | Bulletin in English | En español
9 a.m. - Second Legislative Session | View the updated nominations | En español
10:30 a.m. - Break
10:45 a.m. - Convention Business Resumes
12:15 p.m. - Noonday Prayer
12:30 p.m. - Lunch - Winston Ballroom
1:30 p.m. - Third Legislative Session
3:30 p.m. - Convention Adjourns

PRE-CONVENTION MATERIALS

NEW DELEGATE ORIENTATION

Watch the New Delegate Orientation | En español - Orientación para nuevos delegados

REGISTRATION

Convention registration is now closed.

If you need to make a change to the lay delegation after submitting the certificate of election, please fill out the certificate of change in lay delegation. If you need assistance, please email [email protected].

Certificate of Change in Lay Delegation

BUDGET WEBINARS

Download the current draft budget (as of Oct. 24, 2023)

The diocese held two webinars to present the proposed 2024 diocesan mission and ministry budget that will be voted on by the 208th Annual Convention.

Watch the 2024 budget video presentation | En español

NOMINATIONS

Updated - All nominees (including late nominations) | En español

(Updated October 26 to reflect a nominee's withdrawal)

During the 208th Annual Convention, we will elect representatives to Diocesan Council, Standing Committee, and the Trustees of Sewanee, the University of the South.

The principal functions of the Standing Committee are (1) to consent to the election and consecration of bishops throughout The Episcopal Church, (2) to approve candidates for Holy Orders at each stage of the ordination process beginning with admission to candidacy, (3) to consent to the sale or encumbrance of real property by any church or diocesan institution, (4) to act as a council of advice to the bishop, and (5) to act as the ecclesiastical authority in extraordinary circumstances.

The Diocesan Council is responsible for the development and implementation of the diocesan program and budget. Between diocesan conventions, the council functions much like the vestry of a church, establishing policies, planning the work of the diocese, and overseeing its administration and finances.

The University of the South, located in Sewanee, Tennessee, is governed by the Episcopal dioceses of Province IV (the southeastern United States). Each diocese elects two lay persons and one member of the clergy to the University’s Board of Trustees. The trustees meet once each year for two days. Between annual meetings, trustees serve the university by promoting its mission, encouraging enrollment, and supporting it financially.

Late nominations have been accepted from the floor. No additional nominations may be submitted.

RESOLUTIONS

Download the resolutions | En español

Members of convention, constitutional and canonical officers, and constitutional or canonical bodies may submit resolutions for consideration by convention.

Authors must phrase resolutions in such a way that convention can resolve the question by a direct Yes or No vote. “Whereas” clauses and similar introductory statements are not allowed. An explanation clearly marked “Comment” may be appended to the resolution for the convenience of convention; it will be included in convention materials, but it will not be debated or published as part of the final resolution if adopted. The secretary may contact authors to propose edits for clarity or consistent style.

Canon D-III.7, Section 2 prescribes special procedures to amend the constitution, canons of the diocese, or rules of order of convention. Authors of such resolutions are urged to consult the chancellor of the diocese, Martin Brinkley, prior to submitting them.

Late resolutions are in order during the first legislative session of convention on the morning of Friday, November 17. The convention must admit a late resolution into consideration by a 2/3 majority vote.

Those intending to submit late nominations from the floor are asked to notify the secretary of convention ahead of time in order to help diocesan staff distribute the text of late resolutions in a timely manner once they have been submitted from the floor.

Late resolutions pertaining to changes to the constitution or canons are not allowed.

RESOURCES

Certificate of Change in Lay Delegation

Certificate of Election and Registration

Certificate of Election and Registration for Campus Ministry and Convocational Youth Delegates

Clergy Roster - Seat and Voice

Clergy Roster - Seat, Voice and Vote

Committee Appointments

Convocational Youth Delegate Application

Delegate Strength Table

Delegates to the 207th Annual Convention (2022) - For reference only

Exhibitor Booth Application