Convention is for everyone! In addition to the meaningful and essential work of the delegates regarding diocesan business and elections, we are creating a joyful space for engaging in collective worship, fostering congregational development, and creating and strengthening relationships and camaraderie in our diocese. 

This year, we will GATHER together at the Hilton Garden Inn in Perrysburg, Ohio on November 8-9. We will be TRANSFORMed by the Holy Spirit through worship, relationships, conversations, and, of course, fun! After the chance to experience many moments of joy and inspiration in our critical work together, we will SEND you back to your parishes to continue the good work of being faithful, healthy, effective, and sustainable sharers of the transformative love of Jesus in your communities. 

This gathering promises to be a source of inspiration that deepens our connections with one another, embodying the core values of faith and service that the Episcopal Diocese of Ohio exemplifies and holds dear. Come ready to engage, connect, and enjoy the collaborative and uplifting experience that awaits us all!

Friday Evening:  

• Convention Eucharist at Hilton Garden Inn, Perrysburg; (Cost: free)
• Banquet at Hilton Garden Inn, Perrysburg (after the Eucharist); (Cost: $30)

Saturday:

The Episcopal Address and all convention business at Hilton Garden Inn, Perrysburg; (Cost: $40) 

If you are in need of financial assistance to attend Convention, please contact Canon Jessie Gutgsell Dodson.

a. AMENDMENTS TO THE CONSTITUTION & CANONS – must be received by Aug. 11

• If you are considering submitting a proposed amendment or have questions, please contact the Rev. Rachel Harrison, staff liaison, before the deadline. The committee is happy to collaborate with you in this effort.

b. RESOLUTIONS – must be received by Sept. 10 for inclusion in the handbook (canonical deadline is Sept. 25).

• Resolutions must follow diocesan guidelines which can be found at www.dohio.org/convention. Please send proposed resolutions electronically or mail to:

Secretary of Convention
c/o Ms. Rhea Crayton
Diocese of Ohio
2230 Euclid Avenue
Cleveland, OH 44115

c. NOMINATIONS – must be received by Sept. 10 for inclusion in the handbook

• Positions to be elected by this year’s Convention include:
• Diocesan Trustee – one lay or clergy (5-yr term)
• Standing Committee – one lay and one clergy (4-yr terms)
• Diocesan Council – two lay and two clergy (3-yr terms), one clergy (2-yr unexpired term)
• ECS Development Council – three lay and one clergy (3-yr terms), one lay (2-yr unexpired term), one lay (1-yr unexpired term)
• Nomination information is available and submissions for nominees are now being accepted. Please contact the Rev. Alex Martin, chair of the Nominations Committee, with any questions.

d. FINANCIAL COMPLIANCE

• DIOCESAN ASSESSMENTS must be paid by Oct. 10
• Parishes that are current by Oct.10 on paying all previous year and current year assessments through June 30, 2024, will be seated with voice and vote. Parishes in arrears as of Oct. 10 will be granted seat and voice but will forfeit their lay delegates’ ability to vote.
• PAROCHIAL REPORTS – must be filed/completed by Oct. 10
• AUDIT REPORTS – must be filed/completed by Oct. 10
• CLERGY AND LAY RETIREMENT ASSESSMENTS – must be current by Oct. 10
• Please contact Christina Butterfield if you anticipate needing additional support to meet these deadlines.

e. REGISTRATION – Closes on Oct. 10

• The registration process will open in September and parishes will be notified. Everyone attending any portion of Friday or Saturday must register in advance. This includes clergy delegates, lay delegates, lay alternates, visitors, guests, and children. Registration fees will be published at a later date.

f. HOTEL RESERVATIONS

• A block of rooms has been arranged for Friday, Nov. 8 at the Hilton Garden Inn Hotel (reservation block expires Oct. 10):
• The room block rate is $144 per night plus tax for a combination of Single King or two Queen beds. The room block rate for King Suites is $189.
• Reservations must be guaranteed by a major credit card and presented at check-in.
• Reservations can be made by calling 419-873-0700 and identify yourself as a member of the Episcopal Diocese of Ohio
• For a virtual tour visit the following: Virtual Tour Hilton Garden Inn Perrysburg

g. NECROLOGY – due by Oct. 31

• Instructions will be emailed to parishes in September.

h. DELEGATE CERTIFICATION – must be received by Oct. 10

i. YOUTH REPRESENTATIVE CERTIFICATION – must be received by Oct. 10

j. CHILDCARE – register by Oct. 10

Childcare will be available during the Saturday business session for ages 12 and younger. Registration required.

k.  ELECTING MISSION AREA REPRESENTATIVES TO DIOCESAN COUNCIL

• Central and Northeast Mission Area Councils are to elect new representatives prior to Diocesan Convention. 

We’re looking forward to seeing everyone again in November. Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions.

Best,
Episcopal Diocese of Ohio staff

What is the Annual Convention?

The Annual Convention of the Diocese of Ohio is the legislative body that approves the diocesan program and budget, elects persons to various groups, which serve the diocese, adopts resolutions on various issues, and approves changes in the Constitution and Canons of the diocese.

Each congregation in union with the convention, that is, those that are current with payment of diocesan assessments and Church pension requirements, is entitled to be represented by not more than three lay adult delegates in good standing in their respective congregations. Delegates are chosen in accordance with the prescribed Canon, or by special parochial charter or bylaws of the parish. When not a virtual convention, attendance at Annual Convention is not limited to lay delegates and clergy. Youth and adult members of all congregations are welcome and encouraged to attend.

The Diocese of Ohio Annual Convention is held once per year, usually the second weekend in November.