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Dear Sisters, Brothers, and Siblings in Christ,
Grace and peace to you in the name of our God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. During this time of transition, I give thanks for your continued leadership in our diocese. As we prepare for our annual diocesan convention in November it may be helpful to know, per our Constitution and Canons, in the absence of a Bishop, the Ecclesiastical Authority of our Diocese rests with the Standing Committee, and the President of the committee is the President of diocesan convention.
Following the success of a one day in-person convention last year, the Executive Council has decided to continue with a one day convention this year. Our 104th Annual Convention will be held on Saturday, November 7, 2026 at Lake Logan Conference Center in Canton, NC. We are continuing our tradition of deaneries hosting our annual convention and are deeply grateful for the clergy and lay leadership of the Piedmont Deanery for helping to host our annual convention this year.
We are happy to welcome the Rt. Rev. Shannon Duckworth as our preacher at morning prayer. Bishop Duckworth is a native of Mississippi, and prior to her consecration in 2024 as the 12th bishop of Louisiana she was the diocese’s Canon to the Ordinary. She previously served as curate at St. John’s Episcopal Church, Ocean Springs, Mississippi; vicar at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, Lexington, Mississippi; chaplain at St. Andrew’s Episcopal School, Jackson, Mississippi; and associate rector of St. James’ Episcopal Church, Jackson, Mississippi. She is married to James Duckworth and has two sons, Nicholas and Tucker.
Below you will find necessary information and links for certifying delegates, the budget, resolutions, nominations, registration, and details about meeting at Lake Logan.
Preparing for Convention
Pre-Convention Virtual Budget Road Tour by Zoom on will be held on Tuesday, September 29, 6 p.m. and Wednesday, September 30, 1 p.m. Please note there is now a daytime option for the Budget Road Tour. The Treasurer of the Diocese will present the proposed 2027 budget. This will be a time for clergy and lay leaders to offer feedback and suggestions on the funding of our mission for the next year. Two weeks prior to the event, we will share the Zoom link in a separate, diocesan-wide email as well as including the information on the Events page on our website.
New Delegate Orientation will be held virtually on Wednesday, October 28 at 6 p.m. New delegates will need to register for this orientation event and will receive a Zoom link via email. More information is on our website.
Certification of Delegates: According to Canon 2.2 delegates to Diocesan Convention shall be certified in writing as follows: (a) in the case of a Congregation other than a Chapel, by the Cleric in charge of the Congregation, or in the absence of a Cleric by a Warden or by the secretary for such Congregation; and (b) in the case of a Chapel or Institution, by any officer of such Chapel or Institution. The certifications of election of Delegates and alternate Delegates shall be forwarded to the Secretary of the Diocesan Convention as soon as possible after their election and at least 20 days prior to the date of the Diocesan Convention. Please use this link to certify your delegates as soon as possible and no later than Monday, October 19, 2026.
Registration for Convention: Registration is required for anyone who attends Convention (clergy, delegates, spouses, non-voting visitors). Please know there is a fee for each person attending Convention; this fee helps defray the costs associated with hosting this important event, including morning refreshments, snacks, and lunch.
Nominations and Resolutions: Every year there are several opportunities for people to serve in leadership roles in the Diocese. You are invited to prayerfully discern for yourself or other individuals who may be called to offer their gifts and talents in service to the Church. The deadline for nominations is Friday, October 9, 2026. Likewise, every year members of the Diocese are welcome to submit resolutions for the business of the Diocese. The deadline for submitting a resolution requiring the expenditure of funds is Thursday, September 24 and for a resolution not requiring the expenditure of funds the deadline is Friday, October 9. Resolutions and nominations will be published on the diocesan website on Monday, October 19, 2026. Canon 2.6a and b.
Convention Schedule
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