Disciple: The 202nd Annual Convention Preview

Brendan Murphy on November 10, 2017

By Diocesan House

The 202nd Annual Convention of the Diocese of North Carolina will take place November 17-18 at its usual location at the M.C. Benton, Jr. Convention and Civic Center in Winston-Salem.

Drawing from the ideas outlined in his first Disciple column as bishop (“Mutual Mission,” Summer 2017), this year’s gathering will continue to introduce the Rt. Rev. Sam Rodman’s vision for the Diocese. In lieu of a keynote speaker, we will again draw from the wisdom of those gathered in a panel discussion highlighting areas of deep disagreement and division we seek to bridge in Christ’s love.

Other Convention highlights include the opening Eucharist featuring Rodman’s first pastoral address; compline hosted by A Movable Feast; updates from Lift Every Voice, the Racial Justice and Reconciliation Committee, the campus ministers, the companion diocese committees for Botswana and Costa Rica, and collaborative ministries; and the Thursday night history program presented by the Rev. Dr. Brooks Graebner and the Rev. Jemonde Taylor.


GETTING DOWN TO BUSINESS

The deadline to submit resolutions and nominations was October 9 at noon. All resolutions and nominations submitted by the deadline are available through the Yapp app and in the pre-Convention materials linked to the Annual Convention page at episdionc.org.

Late resolutions and nominations are in order during the first legislative session of the Convention. The Convention must agree to consider a late resolution by a two-thirds vote. Late resolutions amending the Constitution or Canons are not allowed. A late nomination must have a nominator and two seconders, all from different parishes or missions.

The resolutions before Convention are:

  • Resolution 202.1 On Clergy of Churches in Full Communion with The Episcopal Church
    Amends Article III, Section 3 of the Constitution to extend membership in the Clergy Order of Convention to clergy of denominations in full communion with The Episcopal Church who meet all other requirements
  • Resolution 202.2 On the Relationship between Saint Augustine’s University and Botswana
    Pledges support to the St. Augustine Theological School in Botswana in its bid to secure accreditation from the Botswana government’s Qualification Authority
  • Resolution 202.3 On the Legacy of the Rev. Thomas Droppers
    Honors Droppers’ dedication to environmental ministry
  • Resolution 202.4 On Reduced Enforcement of Immigration
    Calls for decreased federal funding of immigration enforcement and for the passage of legislation for a clean DREAM Act 2017
  • Resolution 202.5 On Openness to Immigrants
    Supports congregational welcome of immigrants, asylum seekers and those needing sanctuary
  • Resolution 202.6 On Supporting the Vitality of Historically Black Episcopal Congregations in the Diocese of North Carolina
    Calls on all ministries of this Diocese to find ways to help sustain Historically Black Episcopal Congregations


MEET THE NOMINEES

In addition to hearing reports and voting on resolutions, the Convention will also elect members of Standing Committee (one clergy, two lay), members of Diocesan Council (two clergy, three lay) and a clergy trustee to Sewanee, The University of the South.

The nominations received by the deadline are:

  • Diocesan Council, Clergy Order: The Rev. Alicia Alexis
  • Diocesan Council, Lay Order: Mary Long
  • Standing Committee, Clergy Order: The Rev. Hector Sintim
  • Standing Committee, Lay Order: Richard Taylor
  • Board of Trustees, University of the South (Sewanee), Clergy Order: The Rev. Hector Sintim, the Rev. Jane Wilson


THE BUDGET

The projected 2018 budget has changed little from the 2017 budget. The fair share percentage remains at 11 percent for 2018, and the budget is set at $4,848,827. The budget webinar, along with the narrative budget pictured here, are available on the Annual Convention page of the diocesan website.


NOT JUST FOR NEW DELEGATES

New Secretary of Convention Chuck Till knows what a challenge it can be for new delegates to absorb all the information needed to navigate and execute responsibilities at Annual Convention. So, rather than sticking with the traditional in-person pre-Convention orientation on the gathering’s first day, he has recorded a new delegate orientation video now available on the Annual Convention page. Delegates can now take their time learning all they need to know. And it’s not just for delegates – it’s a great education for anyone interested in how the Annual Convention works.

The in-person orientation will still take place on Friday, November 17 at 9:15 a.m. to answer any remaining questions so all delegates feel fully prepared.


GET THE APP

The 202nd Annual Convention has its own app on Yapp, and it has everything you’ll need for Convention.

On the app you’ll find schedules; nominations, resolutions, reports and more; menus, including options for those with dietary restrictions; maps; a list of things to do and places to eat; a place to share your pictures; and a regularly updated news feed.

To get Yapp via mobile device, download the app from the App Store or Google Play. Click “Download an existing app” or “+” (depending on your device) to search, and type “DioNC202” when prompted to enter the Yapp ID. To access the app via desktop, go to https://my.yapp.us/DIONC202 and follow the download instructions.


PARTICIPATE IN CONVENTION

  • Read the full text of the resolutions and share your perspective with your clergy and delegates.
  • Learn more about Convention by watching the delegate orientation
    webinar.
  • Attend the Thursday night history program.
  • Watch the Convention livestream on the diocesan homepage.