The 190th Annual Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of Michigan, meeting in Novi, Michigan on October 18-19, 2024, took the following action:
· Welcomed the Rt. Rev. Eugene Sutton, retired bishop of Maryland. Heard a moving workshop and sermon about transforming our communities when we embrace reparations. Watch Bishop Sutton’s presentations by clicking the links below:
Rt. Rev. Eugene Sutton Workshop Presentation
· Heard Bishop Perry’s address about racism that continues and helped participants consider how they can keep the discussion going and growing. Click the links below to watch the address or to download the transcript.
Click here to download a transcript of Rt. Rev. Dr. Bonnie A. Perry Address
Click here to watch the video of Rt. Rev. Dr. Bonnie A. Perry Address
· Participated in a group discussion to consider what has been presented on Repairing the Breach. Considered the following questions:
o What stood out to you?
o Where do you still see the legacy of racialized injustice still active in your community?
o What more do you want to learn? What are you curious about?
· Recognized members and clergy of St. Aidan’s in Ann Arbor for their growth, faithfulness, and dedication to being God’s hands and feet in the world. Members and clergy affirmed their commitment to proclaim the Gospel, serve their community, and grow in faith and love. St. Aidan’s was welcomed as they moved from Mission to Parish status
· Adopted a Constitutional Amendment presented for a second reading granting vote to youth delegates
· Learned how impactful Legacy Giving is to our congregations through video presentations. Watch the video presentations by clicking the links below:
St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Brighton
Church of the Resurrection, Clarkston
· Heard a presentation on Constitutional Amendments to be presented for a second reading at the 2024 General Convention and on Resolutions of the 2022 General Convention that had been commended to Dioceses and congregations.
· Learned about the big changes that were made as the General Convention Deputation presented an update with the 35 Big Developments in the Episcopal Church. Click the link below to review their report summary:
35 Big Developments from the 81st General Convention
· We heard from young people who participated in “Youth Working to End Gun Violence” as they shared their experience presenting at General Convention. Click the link below to watch video of the event:
Youth Working to End Gun Violence video
· Adopted a 2025 Diocesan Operating Budget in the amount of $2,570,657; approved giving Diocesan Council the authority to adjust the adopted budget in keeping with income assured from expected operating income; approved the formula for calculating the apportionment for congregational support of the 2026 diocesan operating budget – based on 10% of the three-year average of each congregation’s normal operating income as reported in the Parochial Report in the years 2022, 2023 and 2024.
· Heard from Sr. Vee about the upcoming 2025 Civil Rights Pilgrimage. Click the link below for more information and to register:
· Learned about Parliamentary Procedure from Bishop Perry, with the assistance of the Canine to the Ordinary. Click the link below to view the slideshow:
Parliamentary Procedure Presentation
· Raised $7,841.25 from the convention offering for Episcopal Relief and Development to assist those affected by recent hurricanes. Click the link below to add to our impact in the regions that have been impacted:
· Adopted a canonical amendment to add a process to elect youth council delegates for convention.
· Adopted a canonical amendment changing the Election of Bishops process to simplify the timing and process, maintain the current level of lay and clergy involvement, clearly define the rolls of the Search and Nominating Committee, and the Transition Committee, and further refine the process for nominating candidates.
· Adopted a resolution to provide a nominal honorarium for nonstipendiary clergy which will then provide access to resources provided by Church Pension Group.
· Adopted a resolution by the Climate Change Task Force to help reduce our carbon footprint. Click the links below to view their full presentation.
Climate Change Task Force Interview
Click here to download the full report
· Elected Felicity Thompson and the Rev. Taylor Vines to the Cathedral Chapter; Gail Blum and the Rev. Halim Shukair to the Commission on Ministry; Sandra Curtis and the Rev. Christine Fentress-Gannon to the Disciplinary Board; Dale Scrace and the Rev. Julia Huttar Bailey to the Standing Committee; Paul Abdullah, Michael Haberlein and the Rev. Bob Alltop to the Trustees of the Diocese.
· Had a great time playing trivia with categories including Famous Episcopalians, Episcopal Geography, Bishop Match, Name that Hymn and concluding with the thought provoking, Taylor Swift or Lamentations? We also enjoyed a scavenger hunt through the exhibit hall.
· Networked our way through the exhibit hall to learn about other ministries, as well as purchase handmade pottery, pashminas to support Palestinian women, fair trade items including stoles, hand-carved items made from olive wood, and many other handmade items from Bethlehem and Jerusalem.
· Approved the date and location of the 191st Convention of the Diocese as October 24 & 25, 2025 at the Suburban Collection Showplace in Novi, Michigan.
· Watched a video slideshow highlighting the amazing congregations and communities within this diocese. Click below to watch the video:
ADDITIONAL LINKS:
Constitution and Canons of the Episcopal Diocese of Michigan(as amended, October 2023)
Were you present of any part of Diocesan Convention 2024? If so, please complete the evaluation form here.
The Rev. Dr. W. Richard Hamlin
Secretary of Convention
Questions regarding diocesan convention can be addressed to:
The Rev. Dr. W. Richard Hamlin, Secretary of Convention: secretaryofconvention@edomi.org
or The Rev. Ellen Ekevag, Canon for Congregational Development and Transitions: eekevag@edomi.org