WASHINGTON, D.C.: Convention spends time talking, learning
Episcopal News Service. January 31, 2008 [013108-03]
The 113th Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of Washington, which took place on January 25-26 at the Washington National Cathedral, featured only one resolution.
"This blessedly frees us to spend our time together in conversation, celebration and learning -- sharing our many gifts so that we may all continue to grow and be transformed individually and as a diocese," Bishop John Chane said in his call to convention.
The sole resolution commended the work of the diocesan Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) Task Force for "fulfilling its mandate to produce a suggested work plan for implementing the MDGs" in the diocese, and re-iterated the diocese's call for all members to be involved in working to achieve the goals.
The convention approved a $4.6 million budget that assumes a three percent increase in congregational giving.
Convention attendees were able to participate in a workshop by the Rev. Dr. Peter Steinke, author of "Healthy Congregations" and "Congregational Leadership in Anxious Times." Steinke was also the convention's keynote speaker. A podcast of Steinke's address is available here. No text is available.
The Rev. Dr. Ian Douglas, Angus Dun Professor of Mission and World Christianity at Episcopal Divinity School, was the convention preacher. His homily is available in text form here and as a podcast here.
Chane's address include a description of the state of the diocese, praising its efforts at congregational growth and development and citing a number of "significant accomplishments" which Chane said are "signs of a healthy, mission driven diocese."
"Without hesitation, I would say that we are a diocese that is growing in spite of challenging economic times," the bishop said.
The text of Chane's address is available here while a podcast can be found here.
Complete diocesan coverage of the convention can be found here.
The Diocese of Washington comprises approximately 50,000 Episcopalians worshipping in 92 congregations.