The 209th Annual Convention of the Diocese of Ohio

We gathered for the 209th Annual Convention at the Greystone Event Center in Wooster, Ohio, on November 14–15, 2025. The theme, Sources of Transformation, invited us to reflect on the rhythms that have shaped Episcopal community—prayer and worship, study and learning, and life in fellowship.

Convention officially began with Holy Eucharist, accompanied by Theodicy Jazz Collective. Theodicy leads worship services at churches and conferences around the world by incorporating traditions of jazz, gospel music, and rhythms from Latin America and Africa. Their prelude set a prayerful tone that carried through the service and into the evening. This year’s Eucharist included a Chrism Mass and a Renewal of Vows, offering all in attendance the opportunity to reaffirm their commitment to their ministries. The Rev. Yejide Peters Pietersen, Associate Dean & Director, Formation at Berkeley Divinity School at Yale, preached during Eucharist. Her words reaffirmed our mission and connected our work to the words of the Gospel. “Do not lose heart. Faint not, because the one who has called you will provide for you, because She that is our God, sees and knows exactly what needs to be there for those people who are hurting.”

Delegates and guests then gathered for the Convention Banquet, where good food and meaningful conversation shaped the evening. During the banquet, the diocese honored several milestones in Bishop Arthur B. Williams, Jr.’s life and ministry, including his 90th birthday, the 40th wedding anniversary of Bishop Williams and Lynette Williams, and the upcoming 40th anniversary of Bishop Williams’ consecration as a bishop in the Church. The Diocese celebrated Bishop Arthur B. Williams with a joyful hymn sing. Attendees sang hymns from Lift Every Voice and Sing II, for which Bishop Williams wrote the Preface. The celebration invited full participation and reflected the deep appreciation held for his leadership and witness. The evening concluded with carrot cake (Bishop Williams' favorite!) served as a celebratory dessert.

Convention opened on Saturday with Morning Prayer, grounding the day in worship before moving into business. Throughout the day, delegates and guests enjoyed three trivia breaks, which added moments of lightheartedness and friendly competition to the Convention’s proceedings.

Faith communities from across the diocese shared reports and updates from their communities, offering a broader picture of diocesan life and mission. We celebrated the many new calls that began in the Diocese, and shared moments of transformation from our communities. All of the proposed Resolutions: R-1: A Resolution on Clergy Compensation; R-2: A Resolution Addressing Anti-Racism Training; R-3: Resolution on Dignity, Not Hate, Not Mass Deportation, Not Silence; R-4: A Resolution to Declare St. Luke’s, Niles Parish to be Extinct; and R-5: A Resolution to Declare Holy Trinity, Lisbon Parish to be Extinct, were discussed and approved by the attendees. All the Constitutions and Canons amendments were passed as proposed, and the Diocesan Budget was approved.

Bishop Anne Jolly introduced her Episcopal Address, anchored in the Episcopal Diocese of Ohio’s Vision Statement: Connected in Beloved Community, we seek to be faithful, healthy, effective, and sustainable sharers of the transformative love of Jesus. She spoke about the Diocesan Core Values; Faithful Tradition and Common Worship, Belonging and Common Life, Courageous Witness and Justice, and Discernment and Transformation, as well as the importance of gathering as spiritual practice, and how the Diocesan Rhythms of Gathering will be shifting for the future. After Noonday Prayer, the Convention took a break for lunch.

After lunch, Bishop Jolly continued her Episcopal Address. We learned about different discernment processes throughout the Diocese, including Ministry Discernment Day, and new ways that faith communities are “doing church”. Bishop Jolly also highlighted stories of transformation that took place in the Diocese in 2025; there were many new beginnings in the Diocese of Ohio in 2025, and can be seen on the Diocesan Vimeo. Next, Bishop Jolly invited The Rev. Alex Martin to teach the Sources of Transformation model to the attendees.

On Saturday afternoon, delegates explored Sources of Transformation in their own communities through table conversations which included sharing ideas, challenges, and insights. These discussions fostered connection, collaboration, and mutual encouragement. The Bishop’s Address and the Table report-outs and shared responses allowed participants to reflect together and identify opportunities for partnership and collaboration among congregations.

We were renewed by the Holy Spirit through worship, conversation, laughter, and shared purpose. We were inspired by one another’s stories, ideas, and faithful witnesses. And we were sent back to our parishes ready to continue the good work of being joyful, creative, and transformative sharers of God’s love in our communities. As the Diocese of Ohio moves into another year of ministry together, we do so strengthened by community, encouraged by collaboration, and grounded in faithful service.

All are invited to the 210th Annual Convention of the Diocese of Ohio. Convention 2026 will take place November 21-22 at the Sawmill Creek Lodge in Huron, Ohio.

Recordings of Convention Eucharist, Bishop Williams' Celebration, and Bishop Jolly's Episcopal Address are available on our Vimeo. A photo album from convention is now available to view. For convention resources, see our previous conventions.