|
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
Due to the ongoing effects of Hurricane Idalia, which have altered the work and schedule of our diocesan staff and several convention committees, Bishop Howard has carefully determined that the wisest course of action is to briefly postpone our 180th Annual Convention.
In consultation with the Bishop, the Standing Committee diligently worked over the past few days to secure a new date of Saturday, Nov. 11, 2023. All remaining weekends in 2023 were considered by the Standing Committee with respect to the holiday and everyone’s schedules. We will recognize veterans on this day at convention.
It is anticipated that the oversight of the convention will be managed by the Standing Committee as Bishop Howard prepares for his formal retirement. Upon his retirement, the Standing Committee will be the ecclesiastical authority of the diocese until a new bishop is elected, as provided in our canons.
The convention will still take place at the Episcopal School of Jacksonville as recently announced. The Sept. 14 pre-convention meeting is also postponed; a new date will be announced soon.
We truly regret any inconvenience and conflicts this change may create as we work to host a smooth and sound convention. In the coming weeks, the Standing Committee will be working with diocesan staff on convention matters and will share more information when appropriate.
Full Slate of Nominations and Resolutions
In the meantime, much work has already been completed regarding registration, nominations and resolutions. You may view the full slate of nominations and resolutions for the Nov. 11 convention on our convention webpage here.
An ancillary benefit to briefly postponing the convention is that it allowed us to honor our initial timeline for receiving resolutions (60 days prior to convention, or Sept. 12). Unfortunately, we still cannot consider nominations received in 2023, as provided in our Aug. 16 announcement that explains language in our canons and rules of order. Delegates are still welcome to bring new submissions to the floor at convention.
Further information will be shared soon. If you have immediate questions, please contact the Standing Committee at standingcommittee@diocesefl.org.
May God be with us,
The Right Reverend Samuel Johnson Howard
And
Your Standing Committee
The Rev. Joe Gibbes (on sabbatical) Mr. Ben Hill
The Rev. Teresa Seagle Mr. Keith Daw
The Rev. Sarah Minton Ms. Jackie Jones
| 
