Convention 101
Editor’s note: The Diocese of Arizona will hold its 62nd annual convention on Friday, October 21-Saturday, October 22 at the El Conquistador Hotel in Tucson, AZ. A detailed schedule of events is available by clicking here.
This is the first of two articles about the Convention. This week’s story provides a general overview of what the Convention is and what happens during the two-day event.
Next week’s article will introduce the delegates who will represent Saint Philip’s Church at Convention and outline their responsibilities.
The diocesan convention can be considered the annual business meeting for the diocese. Elections are held, budgets and resolutions voted on, and reports given.
The clergy and lay representatives from every congregation in the diocese participate, as well as visitors (who may observe but not vote). The Bishop presides and is subject to the Rules of Order contained in the Diocesan Canons (and Robert's Rules of Order where not otherwise specified). A written account of all Convention actions is contained in the annual Diocesan Journal.
The business portion of Convention includes:
The Bishop's Address which is an opportunity for her to speak with clergy and lay representatives from every congregation. There is generally a summary of the past year and words of inspiration and a charge for the coming year.
Appointments that the Bishop makes—some of which need the consent of Convention and some which don’t.
Elections for several offices. The votes are cast by written ballot, and clergy and lay delegates vote separately.
Diocesan Council—which operates as a governing Board for the diocese. It is empowered to act on behalf of Convention when Convention is not in session, i.e., the other 363 days of the year.
Resolutions which are voted on. There is generally some debate on the floor of Convention about each resolution, and the resolutions may be amended at that time. Voting is done initially by voice vote. If there is no clear majority, there is a counted standing vote.
The budget which is recommended by the Diocesan Council on the advice of the Finance Committee (appointed by the Bishop). There is an open hearing on the budget, as well as a formal presentation by the chair of the Finance Committee during the legislative session. Voting is done initially by voice vote. If there is no clear majority, there is a counted standing vote.
Annual reports presented by various diocesan committees. A few reports are presented orally, but most of them are written.
Exhibits set up by diocesan committees and Episcopal organizations. They are designed to provide information and resources.
Worship. There are several opportunities to come together and worship, including opening prayers, noonday prayers, and the Convention Eucharist.