233rd Diocesan Convention Provides Opportunity to Testify to the Life and Vitality of the Diocese
The 233rd Diocesan Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of South Carolina adjourned on Saturday just before noon on the third day of this year’s annual gathering. This year’s convention was held at the historic St. James Episcopal Church, Charleston, on James Island. It was a joy to be with people from all corners of the diocese in this beautiful location.
The convention convened on Thursday afternoon with the first business session that led into the Convention Eucharist at 5 pm in the sanctuary. The Very Rev. Michael Battle, Ph.D., was the preacher. A reception followed in St. James Center.
The next morning, the Second Business Session convened after Morning Prayer at 9 am. Delegates handled business of the Convention before listening to reports from two institutions of the diocese, Voorhees University (represented by Dr. Ronnie Hopkins, the school’s president) and Bishop Gadsden (represented by Sarah Tipton, President and CEO). Next, was a plenary session led by the convention’s keynote speaker, Sophfronia Scott–a novelist, essayist, and leading contemplative thinker.
After lunch on Friday, attendees were offered an opportunity to attend a workshop of their own choosing. There were five options: a tour of Bishop Gadsden; a St. Christopher Outdoor Encounter with staff from St. Christopher Camp & Conference Center; an Artist Talk with Graeme Mortimer Evelyn offered by the Foundation for Spirituality and the Arts; a discussion on Restorative Justice with Dr. Michael Battle; or a closer look into the works of Thomas Merton with Sophfronia Scott.
The third business session convened at 2:30 pm and began with elections for various diocesan offices. The results are below:
Diocesan Council (Three-year terms)
Clergy: The Rev. Katie Presley, the Rev. Joseph Smith
Lay: Susan Grimes, Mildred Keith
Standing Committee (Three-year terms)
Clergy: The Rev. Bill Coyne, the Rev. Cn. Wilmot T. Merchant II
Lay: Vermelle Simmons, Rick Stall
University of the South Trustee(Three-year term)
Lay: Jean McDowell Martin
A number of reports followed the elections including from the Commission on Ministry, Racial Justice and Reconciliation Commisssion, St. Christopher Camp and Conference Center, Sewanee, and international partners. After a brief break, the convention returned for afternoon devotions, the bishop’s address (watch the recording on YouTube at this link), and the report of the Strategic Visioning Team. The second business day ended with a food truck social and a performance from a live band!
The final business session convened on Saturday morning after Morning Prayer (led by diocesan youth). The day began on a joyful note as the Convention affirmed and celebrated the parish status of the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd in Summerville. The majority of the congregation was present to parade into the Convention for the recognition. Another highlight of Saturday’s session was the presentation of the bishop’s cross to three recipients: Eric and Tommy Bultman of Good Shepherd, Sumter, and Dr. Frances Elmore, a founding member of St. Catherine’s, Florence. Watch the presentation on YouTube at this link. This final session of the convention also included a panel discussion with Bishop Ruth and the two special guests, Dr. Michael Battle and Sophfronia Scott.
View an album of photos from Convention on our Facebook page
A more detailed recap and videos will be added to the Convention webpage over the coming week. Additionally, all videos will be added to the 233rd Diocesan Convention playlist on the diocesan YouTube page at this link.