November 3, 2017
Highlights of the 224th Annual Convention
of the Diocese of Virginia
More than 330 lay and clerical delegates from across the Diocese gathered at the Richmond Marriott November 1-3 for the 224th Annual Convention of the Diocese of Virginia.
It was the final Convention to be led by the Rt. Rev. Shannon Johnston, Bishop of Virginia, who announced his retirement August 3. At the conclusion of Friday's proceedings, he passed presiding duties to the Rt. Rev. Susan Goff, Bishop Suffragan.
In her address on the final day of Convention, Bishop Goff said, "As I begin this period as ecclesiastical authority of the Diocese of Virginia, I commit myself again to life in community with you...We are a community for one another and for the love for the world."
"As we go now into the world, we will grow in community.... As we go now into the world, we will build on all that has come before."
Bishop Goff announced that she will host a series of Listening Sessions around the Diocese before Christmas to "hear your concerns, your frustrations, your joys and your hopes about our life as a diocese."
Helen Spence, Chair of the Standing Committee, addressed next steps in the transition process, along with J.P. Causey, Chancellor of the Diocese. Ms. Spence and Mr. Causey also took questions from the floor. The Standing Committee will continue the search for a Bishop Provisional.
The Convention passed a resolution that would authorize the Bishop Suffragan, in consultation with the Standing Committee, to hire an Assistant Bishop when and if needed.
In his final pastoral address, Bishop Johnston thanked the people of the diocese for "keeping the main thing, the main thing," during the years when the Diocese was in litigation with breakaway congregations.
He spoke about his commitment to the inclusion of LGBTQ Christians into "the fullness of our community." He applauded our growing willingness to "engage issues in the public square as people of faith.... Our call has never intended to be partisan: our only bias is Jesus."
He celebrated the deepening partnership with the Dioceses of Liverpool, UK, and Kumasi, Ghana - the Triangle of Hope. Bishop Paul Bayes of Liverpool and Archbishop Daniel Sarfo of West Africa were among his special guests at the Convention.
Several people were elected to the Standing Committee of the Diocese, including:
The Rev. Andrew T. P. Merrow, St. Mary's, Arlington The Rev. Barbara "Bambi" Willis, Trinity, Fredericksburg Ms. Ashley Cameron, St. Mary's, Goochland Ms. Christie Thomas, St. Paul's Memorial, Charlottesville Other actions of convention include:
More convention coverage will be added to the diocesan website, www.thediocese.net, in the next several days.
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