Theme and Speakers Announced for 236th Diocesan Convention
From Psalm 77: “Your way was in the sea,
and your paths in the great waters,
yet your footsteps were not seen.”
We are pleased to announce the theme and speakers for the 236th Annual Convention of the Diocese of South Carolina, to be hosted by St. Christopher Camp and Conference Center in partnership with St. John’s, Johns Island, and Seafields by Bishop Gadsden, October 29-31, 2026. As we continue to mature in the certainty of our mission in an uncertain world, we do well to gather, work, and pray for the gift of “Courage for Navigating the Unseen Path.”
Two wise leaders will join us along our way, guiding us through our shared time together: our preacher, Beth-Sarah Wright, Ph.D. and our keynote speaker, Jenny Te Paa Daniel, Ph.D.
Dr. Beth-Sarah Wright is an Atlanta-based author, dynamic speaker, and strategic thought partner who inspires and drives transformation in communities, institutions, and individual lives—all while centering human dignity. She serves as the Acting Director of the Absalom Jones Episcopal Center for Racial Healing. She is already well-known to many in the diocese as our primary partner in our Holy Pilgrimage to Cape Coast, Ghana program and as the guest speaker for our 2026 clergy retreat.
Our keynote speaker, Dr. Jenny Te Paa Daniel (Te Rarawa), is a scholar and a teacher, a public theologian and professional consultant in higher education. Always a pioneering indigenous woman, she taught for five years and was then appointed Ahorangi or Dean of Te Rau Kahikatea at St. John’s Theological College in Auckland for 18 years from 1995 until 2013. She was the first Maori to earn a Ph.D. in theology, and she was the first indigenous lay woman appointed to lead an Anglican seminary anywhere in the worldwide Anglican Communion.
We invite you to read the full bios of these two dynamic speakers on our website at this link.
Important Convention Registration Deadlines and Information
Delegates were asked to register by TODAY for our 236th Diocesan Convention. Clergy, lay delegates, and visitors may visit the Convention webpage linked below for a link to registration. Visitors are asked to register by October 17. Please note, late registration is available at a slightly higher cost from October 1-17 for voting delegates.
We have also added an additional registration option for those visitors who would like to attend Friday sessions only. Friday attendees can participate in morning formation, hear the keynote speaker, enjoy a festive luncheon, participate in workshops, and hear the Bishop’s address. Register for convention at this link.
Find more information about convention (including details about accomodations options and the schedule) on the convention webpage.
Proposed Resolutions, Nominations for Convention Elections Due Today
Today is the deadline for nominations for the positions that will be filled by elections during our 236th Diocesan Convention. These openings include the following:
- Standing Committee – 2 clergy and 2 lay for 3-year terms, 1 lay for 2-year term
- 82nd General Convention Deputies – 4 clergy alternates, 2 lay alternates
- Diocese of South Carolina Trustees – 1 clergy, 1 lay
- University of the South Trustees – 1 lay
Learn more about these openings in the Notice of Elections on the Convention webpage, also located at this link. The nomination form can be accessed from that document, or directly from the Convention webpage.
If you are interested in proposing a resolution for consideration antion this year, that deadline is also today as well. Please follow the format and guidelines described in the Notice of Submittal of Resolutions. Resolutions affecting the Constitution and Canons will be submitted to the Committee on Constitutions and Canons and should be received by the same date.