186th Annual Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of Louisiana

Presentations at Convention

Bishop’s Address

Read the text of the address here

Dodwell House Community Resource Center

 

Latino/Hispanic Ministry

Welcome Letter From Bishop Duckworth

 

Dear friends in Christ,

It is with great joy that I invite you to the 186th Annual Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of Louisiana. Our theme this year will be Faith Amplified. At my Ordination and Consecration as bishop almost a year ago, I outlined the tenets of Faith, Hope and Love as our guideposts over the next 3 years. This year’s convention will highlight the various ways in which our diocese is deepening our faith journey together. This will include a series of workshops, a festival Eucharist featuring the choir from Dillard University, a reception in which we can enjoy gathering as a community, and a celebration of the mission and vision of our unique and wonderful diocese. I am grateful to all who are a part of the planning of this event as well as St. Martin’s Episcopal School for providing such warm hospitality. I look forward to sharing this time with you.

Yours in Christ,
The Rt. Rev. Shannon Rogers Duckworth
Bishop of Louisiana

Date and Location

The 186th Annual Convention will be held October 27-28 in the Solomon Theater at St. Martin’s Episcopal School, 225 Green Acres Road, Metairie. Click here for directions.

Check in will begin on Friday at 11:30 a.m with the Call to Order at 1:30 p.m.

View the Full Order of Business and campus map

 

Business at Convention

The 186th Annual Convention will be held October 27-28 at St. Martin’s Episcopal School. If you have any questions about the business at Convention, contact the Rev. Canon Allison Reid, Chair of the Dispatch of Business, at aried@edola.org.

Download the 186th Annual Convention Book

Download the Rules of Order of the Convention

View the Order of Business Here

 

Friday, October 27

11:30 a.m. – 1:00 pm Check-In (Saints Lobby)

1:30 pm     Call to Order (Solomon Theater)

  • Welcome to 186th Convention
  • Dispatch of Business Resolutions
  •  Elect Secretary & Treasurer
  •  Balloting for Offices
  • Appointments & Nominations
  • Introduction of New Clergy
  • First Report of Constitution & Canons Committee
  • Call for Resolutions
  • Results of Ballot 1
  • First Report of Treasurer
  • Announcements

3:30 pm Holy Eucharist (Chapel)

5:00 pm – 6:00 pm Reception (Quad)

Saturday, October 28

7:30 am – 8:30 am Check-in (Saints Lobby)

7:30 am    

  • Continental Breakfast (Saints Hall)
  • Hearings  (Upper School)
    1. Budget – Room US 1
    2. Con. & Canons – Room US 2
    3. Resolutions – Room US 5

9:00 am     Convention Reconvenes (Solomon Theater)

  • Morning Prayer
  • Bishop’s Address
  • Faith Amplified Video 1
  • Second Report of Constitution & Canons Committee
  • Report on Resolutions 

10:00 am

  • Ministry Reports:
    • Episcopal Church Women
    • Inclusive Louisiana
    • Jericho Road
    • SECC
  • Faith Amplified Video 2
  • Announcements

10:30 am Breakout Sessions:

  • The Rev. Andrew Thayer,
    Renaming Bishop’s Hall (Chapel)
  • The Rev. Craig Dalferes,
    Stewardship of Endowments (Solomon Theater)
  • The Rev. Peter Wong,
    Growing Your Garden: Congregation Growth (Peyton Center) 

12:00 pm Lunch (Saints Hall & Veranda)

1:00 pm Reconvene (Solomon Theater)

  • Noonday Prayer
  • Faith Amplified Video 3
  • Second Report of Treasurer
  • Vote to approve 2024 Budget
  • Archdeacon’s Report
  • Introduction of Gaudet Ministries
    • Racial Healing Commission
    • Environmental Commission
    • Diocesan Youth Leadership
  • Report on Clergy Transitions
  • Courtesy Resolutions
  • Special Occasions
  • Announcements
  • Invitation to 187th Convention
  • Acknowledgments

2:30 pm Adjourn

Nominations to Elected Offices

We seek people interested in serving in leadership positions in the Episcopal Diocese of Louisiana. Read below for offices to be held by election at the upcoming 186th Annual Convention.

The nominations for elected offices closed on September 27th.

For questions or assistance: Contact Tamika Gerhardt at tgerhardt@edola.org.

Election Results:

Secretary of the Diocese: Marsha Wade
Treasurer of the Diocese: Keith Crawford
Standing Committee, Clerical: The Rev. Holly Burris
Standing Committee, Lay: Carolyn Harris
Executive Board, Clerical: The Rev. Stephanie Fox
Executive Board, Lay: Penny Bankston and Olin Parker
Disciplinary Board, Clerical: The Rev. Gina Brewster-Jenkins, the Rev. Chris Duncan, and the Rev. John Pitzer
Trustee, University of the South, Sewanee: The Very Rev. Robert Beazley

 

Nominees

Secretary of the Diocese - 1 to be elected

Duties: The Secretary serves as Secretary of the Episcopal Diocese of Louisiana and The Convention. It shall be their duty to give timely notice of all annual and special meetings of The Convention, to prepare the list of lay members of The Convention, to record and publish the proceedings of The Convention, to preserve its journals and records, to attest, as occasion may require, its public proceedings, and faithfully to deliver into the hands of his successor all books and papers in his possession relative to the concerns of The Diocese and of The Convention. (See Canon 3)

Term: One year (term to expire 2024)

Nominee- 1 to be elected

Marsha Wade
St. James Episcopal Church, Baton Rouge

What motivated you to seek nomination for this committee?

I have been honored to have been elected to serve as Secretary since 2012 and would be pleased to continue to serve in that role.

If nominated, what added value would you bring to the diocese in moving the committee forward with God’s work?

I bring a deep love of the Episcopal Church and a desire to see it flourish under the stewardship of good governance. To that I add my experience as vice chancellor for many years and as past chair of the Committee on Constitution and Canons, as well as experience in the position of Secretary of the Diocese.

Occupation: Lawyer

Relevant experiences, skills and talents:

I have served in several areas of the work of the diocese and St. James Church, including Christian education, spiritual formation, EfM co-mentor, diocesan EfM coordinator, past search committees for bishop of the diocese and for rector of St. James Church, vocational discernment committees and other projects and tasks over the years as requested by Bishops Jenkins, Thompson and Duckworth and the clergy at St. James Church.

Treasurer of the Diocese - 1 to be elected

Duties: The Treasurer is elected by The Convention. The duty of the Treasurer to receive and disburse the funds of The Diocese in accordance with the annual budget. The Treasurer shall make an annual report to The Convention of all sums received and disbursed during the preceding year and shall include in such report a statement of the condition of the assets of each Parish and Diocesan Mission with regard to its annual financial commitment to The Diocese for the work of the Church. (See Canon 3)

Term: One year (term to expire 2024)

Nominee- 1 to be elected

Keith Crawford
Trinity Episcopal Church, New Orleans

What motivated you to seek nomination for this committee?

I desire to serve the diocese in the way that I think best fits my abilities.

If nominated, what added value would you bring to the diocese in moving the committee forward with God’s work?

I believe that my 30+ years experience in financial management and strategy will provide great value as the diocese navigates a complicated financial landscape in both the short and long term. I further believe that my 10 years experience as treasurer of my home church (Trinity, New Orleans) will allow me to take on this responsibility understanding the pastoral and liturgical aspects of the work, always trying to find the best ways to manage the resources entrusted to us.

Occupation: CFO of Peter A Mayer Advertising, Inc.

Relevant experiences, skills and talents:

30+ years experience in various financial management roles, including current roles as CFO of a regional advertising agency and owner / operator of a multi-family real estate firm. I have also served as treasurer of my church for 10 years, and have served on the Executive Committee of the diocese for 1 year.

Standing Committee - 1 clerical and 1 lay to be elected

Duties: The work of the Standing Committee, as set forth in Canon 4, Section 3, of the Canons of the Episcopal Diocese of Louisiana, “shall be to fulfill all functions required of it by the Constitution and Canons of The Episcopal Church and of The Diocese and to act as a council of advice for The Bishop.” The Standing Committee works with the Commission on Ministry to ensure the canons are followed in regard to the ordination process. This includes interviews with candidates throughout their ordination process. The Standing Committee also processes requests from other dioceses for consent to the election of bishops. The Standing Committee oversees the election process should there be an election for Bishop. The Standing Committee also is required to approve transactions involving any immovable property held in the name of the Diocese. Meetings are held as necessary, with required attendance at the Ministry Conference in January.

Standing Committee members will be most effective if they work will with others, understand and appreciate the complexity of ministry, possess an understanding of sound business practices, and have a deep love of the Lord and of the Church.

Term: Four years (term to expire 2027)

Clerical Nominees – 1 to be elected

The Rev. Holly Burris
St. John’s Episcopal Church, Thibodaux

What motivated you to seek nomination for this committee?

I was honored to be asked to run for election of this position.

If nominated, what added value would you bring to the diocese in moving the committee forward with God’s work?

In fulfilling the duties of this office, I feel I bring a sincere honesty, openness, and willingness in approaching whatever matters may be at hand. Being anchored in prayer and guided by the Holy Spirit, I will work with others on this committee to continue the mission of the church in this diocese to be the embodiment of God’s love through Jesus Christ.

Occupation: Rector, St. John’s, Thibodaux

Relevant experiences, skills and talents:

I have served on the Executive Committee and the Disciplinary Committee in the Diocese of Mississippi. I am also currently serving on the Disciplinary Committee here in the Diocese of Louisiana.

Lay Nominees – 1 to be elected

Mary Katherine Blackburn
St. John’s Episcopal Church, Thibodaux

What motivated you to seek nomination for this committee?

I am honored that I was encouraged by my priest to submit my nomination.

If nominated, what added value would you bring to the diocese in moving the committee forward with God’s work?

I served one term on the Executive Board under Bishop Jenkins. I have served several terms as senior warden at St. John’s, Thibodaux, as the senior warden without a priest, and as the chair of the search committee. I have also served on two discernment committees. I was chosen as an ECW Honored Woman at St. John’s.

Occupation: Retired Registered Nurse

Relevant experiences, skills and talents:

I have experience with a wide range of people from different backgrounds and cultures (from working as a bedside nurse in the Intensive Care Unit of a small charity hospital to being a nurse manager). As a nurse, I feel I bring a bit of compassion to the table. I feel that I am a good listener and am able to listen to different sides of a problem to help come up with solutions.

 

Carolyn Harris
Historic St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, New Orleans

What motivated you to seek nomination for this committee?

Interest in participating in a leadership role as a Standing Committee member and play a supportive role in the growth and development of the diocesan community.

If nominated, what added value would you bring to the diocese in moving the committee forward with God’s work?

My experience as a vestry member and junior warden at St Luke’s Church. Recent participation as a deputy to two General Conventions and elected to serve on the upcoming General Convention.

Occupation: Retired

Relevant experiences, skills and talents:

Knowledgeable in the areas of investment planning and personal finance. Communication skills, experience in leadership positions on non-profit and public service political boards. Experience as an instructor in higher education and in the lower classroom.

Executive Board - 1 clerical and 2 lay to be elected

Duties: The Executive Board shall have charge of the development and prosecution of the work of the Church, subject to the provisions of the Constitution and Canons of the Diocese and to the direction of The Convention. It shall have the power and authority to implement and carry out the programs and policies adopted by The Convention and to act for The Convention between meetings thereof, except where the authority is reserved to the Standing Committee. The Bishop shall be the executive head of all such work, and the Board shall assist the Bishop in the administration thereof. (See Canon 7.1)

Term: Three years (term to expire 2026)

Clerical Nominees – 1 to be elected

The Very Rev. David duPlantier
Christ Church Cathedral, New Orleans

What motivated you to seek nomination for this committee?

I believe the Dean would make an excellent addition to the Executive Board. He has been at the helm of the Cathedral for two decades and knows the issues across the diocese well.

If nominated, what added value would you bring to the diocese in moving the committee forward with God’s work?

The Dean has strong relationships across the diocese, so he brings knowledge of our people as well as the church’s work. He would bring great insight to the work of the Executive Board. He previously served on the Executive Board under Bishop Jenkins, so he is familiar with the board’s work.

Occupation: Cathedral Dean

Relevant experiences, skills and talents:
Executive Board, SECC Board, Transition Committee Chair for Bishop Thompson, Head of the Uptown Deanery, St. Martin’s Episcopal School Board of Visitors, President of Jericho Road Episcopal Housing Initiative

 

The Rev. Stephanie Fox
St. George’s Episcopal Church, New Orleans

What motivated you to seek nomination for this committee?

I want to serve the diocese.

If nominated, what added value would you bring to the diocese in moving the committee forward with God’s work?

25+ years of leadership, training and human resources experience in corporate and non-profit sectors. I have been navigating COVID recovery at a pastoral sized urban church.

Occupation: Rector, St. George’s, New Orleans

Relevant experiences, skills and talents:

Pastoral Care, Confidentiality, Human Resources, Change Management, Vision, and Training.

 

The Rev. Annie Jung
Trinity Episcopal Church, New Orleans

What motivated you to seek nomination for this committee?

I strive to be open to the Holy Spirit’s movement, to allow my leadership experience and strong interpersonal communication skills to be used in ways to strengthen and support our EDOLA ministries and mission.

If nominated, what added value would you bring to the diocese in moving the committee forward with God’s work?

I have a joyful passion to serve, with intentional openness to further the Kingdom of God here on earth. I have an education background including B.A.- Mass Communications, Public Relations, M.A.- Community Counseling, and Master of Divinity. I enjoy utilizing my skill set in strategic planning and interpersonal communication with theological grounding and spirituality practices to not only ease problems for the greater wholeness of healthy community, but discern specifically for the fair, just, and equitable outcomes towards embodiment of hope, grace and reconciliation. I also hold a fresh perspective as a member of the New Clergy cohort, uniquely formed with resiliency, adaptability, and hope to launch into leading this uncharted post-pandemic ministry world.

Occupation: Associate Rector for Liturgy

Relevant experiences, skills and talents:

20+ Years in EDOLA ministries, much focused in Baton Rouge Deanery as Lay Person, with strong emphasis in Youth Ministry 15+years of Mental Health Counseling, including schools, hospital, and private practice Work Experience in EDOLA Episcopal Schools (Religion Teacher, Program Manager, Counselor, Admissions,) Previous Experience as Business Owner of Two Private Practices for Mental Health Therapy Board Member, Lambeth House Diocesan Chaplain, EDOLA Daughters of the King

Lay Nominees – 2 to be elected

Penny Bankston
Christ Episcopal Church, Covington

What motivated you to seek nomination for this committee?

As a former vestry member and warden, I’ve seen firsthand the challenges our churches face, and the value of the broad and deep resources that our diocese provides. Maintaining a strong diocese is imperative to the health of all our parishes. To do this, we must seek creative approaches to addressing needs, and assure judicious allocations of our resources. I love our Church, and feel called to lend my hand as I am able. I am inspired by our BCP (855): “The ministry of lay persons is to represent Christ and his Church; to bear witness to him wherever they may be; and, according to the gifts given them, to carry on Christ’s work of reconciliation in the world; and to take their place in the life, worship, and governance of the Church.” Moreover, Jesus teaches me (Mark 9:35): “Anyone who wants to be first must be the very last, and the servant of all”. I would be honored to serve the Lord, and the members of our diocese, on this deeper level.

If nominated, what added value would you bring to the diocese in moving the committee forward with God’s work?

I believe my leadership roles on the vestries of two parishes can inform my work for the board to help advance the objectives of the diocese. My career was in Research and Product Development; I retired from the position of Senior Research Fellow, with 20 patents. My background in innovation, analysis, and problem solving will help me tackle problems from a fresh perspective. I am a committed volunteer, both within the church and within the community. I’ve been a volunteer driver for the American Cancer Society, a Hospice volunteer, a Master Gardener, and a board member for the Northlake Newcomers Club. I am also a Lay Pastoral Minister and member of Christ Church’s Stewardship Committee and Emergency Preparedness Team.

Occupation: Retired, Research & Development

Relevant experiences, skills and talents:

Vestry and Jr Warden at St James Episcopal Church, W Dundee, IL 2016-2017; Vestry, Jr and Sr Warden at Christ Episcopal Church, Covington 2020-2023 – Helped guide the church through a time of pain and division, COVID and remote worship, a new rector search, and hurricane Ida. – Developed a Disaster Preparedness Plan. – Chaired the Stewardship committee.; PhD, Polymer Science & Engineering, with a career focused on innovation, analysis, problem solving and team leadership.

 

Olin G. Parker
St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, New Orleans

What motivated you to seek nomination for this committee?

I was encouraged to seek nomination to this committee by members of my parish community as well as Canon Morgan MacIntire. I have always found that my faith is strengthened by serving in my local Parish or to the Diocese of Louisiana. I have been blessed with the ability to lead or take part in organized, efficient, and purposeful meetings that further the mission of the organization in question. This talent has served me well in two terms as Senior Warden at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church in New Orleans, in my role as chair of the St. Andrew’s Rector Search Committee, in my local neighborhood organization, and as the President of the Orleans Parish School Board. It is my hope to bring these same qualities to the Executive Board of the Diocese of Louisiana.

If nominated, what added value would you bring to the diocese in moving the committee forward with God’s work?

When I commit to something, I commit to it fully. This means engaging deeply with the information or materials at my disposal, building relationships with colleagues, and keeping the work of the organization moving forward in a way that is positive and productive. I have served on a number of boards with inactive or absent members–I am not that type of member. I have extensive experience on both religious and secular boards. This has given me particular insight into how to be a good board member, how to ensure that we are holding leadership accountable to setting and reaching an ambitious vision, and how to disagree and commit when the time is right. I also make delicious chocolate chip cookies, which have been known to show up at board meetings.

Occupation: President, Orleans Parish School Board

Relevant experiences, skills and talents:

President, Orleans Parish School Board (2022 – ); Member, Orleans Parish School Board (2021 – ); St. Andrew’s Senior Warden (2019 – 2021); St. Andrew’s Episcopal School Board Member (2019 – 2021); St. Andrew’s Vestry Member (2016 – 2021); Mid-City Neighborhood Organization Chairperson (2014-2016)

 

David Warrington
St. James Episcopal Church, Baton Rouge

What motivated you to seek nomination for this committee?

Prior experience in the position

If nominated, what added value would you bring to the diocese in moving the committee forward with God’s work?

My ability to communicate with and work with smaller parishes in the diocese .

Occupation: The Powell Group, LLC

Relevant experiences, skills and talents:

Experiences in banking, finance, Diocese budgeting, vestry work at my parish, stewardship at both the Diocese and parish level, and historic consulting with individual parishes in the Diocese.

Disciplinary Board - 3 clerical to be elected

Duties and Eligibility: There shall be a Disciplinary Board consisting of nine persons, five of whom shall be Priests or Deacons canonically resident in The Diocese and four of whom shall be lay persons who are adult confirmed communicants in good standing of a Parish or Mission in union with The Convention of The Diocese. No member of the Executive Board, the Standing Committee or The Bishop’s staff shall be eligible elected or serve as a member of the Board. No Chancellor or Vice-chancellor of The Diocese and no person serving as Advisor, Conciliator, Church Attorney, Intake Officer or Investigator shall be eligible to be elected or serve as a member of the Board.

Term: Three years. Terms shall be staggered so that one-third of the Board is reelected each year. A member of the Board shall not serve for longer than two successive three-year terms, but shall be eligible for election to the Board after having been a non-member for one Convention year. Each term shall run until the conclusion of the annual meeting of The Convention held three years following the date of the member’s election. (term to expire 2026)

Clerical Nominees – 3 to be elected

The Rev. Gina Brewster-Jenkins
St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, New Orleans

What motivated you to seek nomination for this committee?

I served on the Disciplinary Board in the past. It is a significant responsibility to support the health and well-being of the diocesan community by insuring that disciplinary proceedings are conducted justly and transparently.

If nominated, what added value would you bring to the diocese in moving the committee forward with God’s work?

My hope is that my service is not needed, but in the event that the committee needs to meet, My hope is that I can serve justly and fairly to maintain the church’s integrity and to assist those facing disciplinary action to find a path toward repentance, forgiveness, and spiritual healing.

Occupation: Clergy – School Chaplain at St. Paul’s Episcopal School, New Orleans

Relevant experiences, skills and talents:
I have served on this committee for the past 4 years. I am also on the disciplinary committee at St. Paul’s School.

 

The Rev. Chris Duncan
St. James Episcopal Church, Baton Rouge

What motivated you to seek nomination for this committee?

Invited by Canon MacIntire

If nominated, what added value would you bring to the diocese in moving the committee forward with God’s work?

Past experience on the committee.

Occupation: Rector, St. James, Baton Rouge

Relevant experiences, skills and talents:

President of the Disciplinary Board

 

The Rev. John Pitzer
Trinity Episcopal Church, New Orleans

What motivated you to seek nomination for this committee?

Served the last two. years and willing to serve again.

If nominated, what added value would you bring to the diocese in moving the committee forward with God’s work?

Experience on the board and a pastoral sense.

Occupation:Associate Rector for Administration and Outreach

Relevant experiences, skills and talents:

Have served on numerous boards with the diocese and in the community.

Sewanee Board of Trustees - 1 clerical to be elected

Duties: The University of the South has, as part of its governing system, two boards —— the Board of Reagents and the Board of Trustees. The Board of Regents is somewhat like a vestry, and handles much of the fiduciary responsibility of the school. The Board of Trustees, on the other hand, is a board of people that are interested in promoting the University and its Seminary. In turn, they are to be agents of information for those in their dioceses. The annual meeting of the Board of Trustees usually occurs in late October, when new members are installed , when honorary degrees are given, and the business of the board occurs. Each diocese has one clerical and two lay representatives. The by-laws of the university do stipulate that some actions of the Regents must be approved by the Trustees.

Term: The term is for three years. (Term begins October 2024 and term ends October 2027)

Clerical Nominees – 1 to be elected

The Very Rev. Robert Beazley
St. Michael’s Episcopal Church, Mandeville

What motivated you to seek nomination for this committee?

It has been a honor and privilege to represent the Diocese of Louisiana on Sewanee’s Board of Trustees these past three years. I hope to continue serving in this position.

If nominated, what added value would you bring to the diocese in moving the committee forward with God’s work?

My time on the Board of Trustees gives me insight into Christian formation and education that directly improves ministries throughout our diocese.

Occupation: Rector, St. Michael’s, Mandeville

Relevant experiences, skills and talents:

Currently serve on the Board of Trustees, graduate of the School of Theology, worked for the University’s Department of Development before coming to the diocese.

 

Resolutions

Convention rules require resolutions to be submitted to the Committee on Dispatch of Business 30 days prior to Convention or else receive the consent of two-thirds of the members of Convention to be moved from the floor. The deadline for submitting resolutions was September 27th.

 

Courtesy Resolutions

Download the courtesy resolutions 

Resolutions submitted for consideration at the 186th Annual Convention

None submitted

Amendments to the Diocesan Constitution & Canons submitted for consideration at the 186th Annual Convention

 

Resolution # Title & Link to Full Text Purpose Referred to Action
CCR1 To amend Canon 6.1

Purpose: To amend Canon 6, Section 1 to provide that the election of Deputies and Alternates to General Convention be conducted on one balloting slate in each order and that once four deputies have been elected by majority vote, alternate deputies for that order shall be chosen from the remaining candidates in order of the number of votes received on the most recent ballot.

 

Hearing Room: Constitution  & Canons, Rm US 2

Amended by the Committee on Consitution and Canons

Passed as Amended

CCR2 To amend Canon 27A V4

Purpose: To amend Canon 27A to provide that the members of the Board of Directors for The Solomon Episcopal Conference Center are appointed by the Bishop and approved by The Convention, removing references to the Board of Visitors and Diocesan Support Organizations.

 

Hearing Room: Constitution  & Canons, Rm US 2 Passed
CCR3 To amend Canon 30.2 v 2

Purpose: To amend Canon 30, Section 2 to provide that at least three-fifths of the membership of the Board of Trustees of each Diocesan School shall be confirmed Communicants in good standing of the Episcopal Church, removing requirements that trustees reside in the community where the school is located and that they be confirmed Communicants in of the Church in the Diocese.

 

Hearing Room: Constitution  & Canons, Rm US 2 Passed

 

Budget Documents

Click the toggles below to view the budget documents for the 186th Annual Convention. If you have any questions, please contact Chris Speed, Diocesan Administrator, at cspeed@edola.org.

Action at Convention

The 2024 budget was passed with no amendments

Minimum clergy compensation was passed with no amendments.

 

Reports to Convention

Diocesan boards, committees, and commissions are asked to submit annual reports to Convention by September 27. Please email reports to Tamika Gerhardt at tgerhardt@edola.org.

Read the Reports to Convention

Reports from Committees, Boards, and Commission will be available soon.

Speakers and Breakout Session

Breakout Session

The Rev. Andy Thayer, Renaming Bishop Hall
Location: Dan and Frances White Chapel

In this session, join the Rev. Andrew Thayer as he discusses the process involved in renaming Bishop’s Hall at Trinity Episcopal Church, New Orleans. Fr. Thayer will explore the theological foundations behind this shift, as well as steps taken towards successful implementation.

The Rev. Craig Dalferes, Stewardship of Endowments
Location: Solomon Theater

I so appreciate the opportunity to share what I’ve learned about Endowments over the years, and the important role they can play in advancing the mission and ministry of the church.  I’ve seen a couple of different models work well.  I’d also like to share some resources from the Episcopal Church Foundation.  They have assisted me in the past in setting up an Endowment Fund, which we began at St. Matthew’s, Houma with only $10,000.  My hope is to leave you with some tools to get started, or perhaps to expand an existing endowment at your home parish.

The Rev. Peter Wong, Growing your Garden: Congregation Growth
Location: Peyton Center

My vision for this time is to identify a few simple principles to guide those who are interested in how to break up the soil in which we find ourselves and prepare fertile ground where new persons can find their way into the ministries of the congregations in the Diocese of Louisiana. Every church is going to grow differently because there are different gardeners in our parishes and missions, but there are a few helpful hints that I have found critical over the course of years in ministry. This is not going to be a cure-all, but instead a way for you to re-think how we go about adding to our membership and deepening our discipleship.

 

Holy Eucharist

Convention Eucharist will be held on Friday at 3:30 p.m. in the St. Martin’s Dan and Frances White Chapel. We are excited to announce the Dillard University Choir will join us to provide music for the service. All members of the diocese are welcome to attend. Clergy will not vest.

 

Pre-Convention Meeting

 

The Pre-convention Meeting was held on Tuesday, October 10 via Zoom

Click here to view announcements regarding check-in procedures, hotel, and parking.

  • Convention check-in will occur in the lobby of Saints Hall. Check-in on Friday is 11:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m. and Saturday from 7:30 a.m.-8:30 a.m. Make sure to check in on time or you will not be able to vote during the Convention. Watch the video for the full instructions on the check-in procedure.
  • Accessible parking will be located in front of Saints Hall

Click here to view information about the 186th Annual Convention- theme, speakers, and breakout sessions.

Click here to view information about the Order of Business.

Click here to view the presentation on the amendments to the Diocesan Constitution & Canons submitted for consideration at the 186th Annual ConventionAmendments for consideration can be found here.

Click here to view the budget presentation.

Register for Convention

Registration for the 186th Annual Convention closed on September 27th. If you have any questions or need additional support, please get in touch with Tamika Gerhardt at tgerhardt@edola.org or (504) 895-6634.

Vendors and Exhibitors

Note: Our vendor registration is now full.

The vendor and exhibitors tables are a favorite gathering place during Annual Convention. This year, exhibitors will be located in Saints Dining Hall just adjacent to the St. Martin’s Solomon Theater. 

Cost: Any ministry affiliated with the diocese may register a table at no cost. Exhibitors that do not fall into this category will be charged a $50 fee.

Setup time: Friday, October 27 from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Questions: Contact Tamika Gerhardt at tgerhardt@edola.org with any questions.

Hotel Block

Hampton Inn & Suites New Orleans-Elmwood/Clearview Parkway Area

5150 Mounes Street,Harahan, LA 70123USA

Reserve your room by clicking here or by phone: 504-733-5646 (dial 0 to be transferred to the front desk agent)

The Group Code is EDL
The cut-off date for this block is October 6th.
All reservations are held with a major credit/debit card and will have a 72-hour cancellation policy.

For questions or assistance: Contact Tamika Gerhardt at tgerhardt@edola.org.

 

Necrology Form

Names of clergy, former diocesan officers, and/or lay delegates who have died since the last meeting of the Diocesan Convention, October 28, 2022, will be read during Convention prayers. Submissions are due by September 27, 2023.