Convention Details
The 164th Diocesan Convention met October 20-21 at Grace Cathedral, Topeka. A full summary of convention business is available below or in this PDF.
Convention Business
Elections
Council of Trustees
Two people were elected to the Council of Trustees. Also confirmed were convocation board elections of four clergy and one lay members.
- The Rev. Daryl Stanford, Grace, Chanute, clergy at-large representative, 3-year first term
- Diana Waddell-Gilbert, Good Shepherd, Wichita, lay at-large representative, 3-year second term
- Clergy convocation representatives, 3-year terms:
- The Venerable Jim Cummins, Northeast Convocation, St. Francis of Assisi, Overland Park (second term)
- The Rev. Margaret McGhee, Northwest Convocation, St. Paul’s, Manhattan (first term)
- The Rev. Helen Hoch, Southeast Convocation, Calvary, Yates Center (first term)
- The Very Rev. Laurie Lewis, Southwest Convocation, St. Stephen’s, Wichita (first term)
- Lay convocation representatives, 2-year unexpired term:
- Melanie Hoyle Laster, Northwest Convocation, Church of the Covenant, Junction City (first term)
The convention expressed thanks to members who retired from the Council: the Rev. Greg Doll (three-years Northwest Convocation clergy representative) and the Rev. Andrew O’Connor (seven-years Southwest Convocation clergy representative).
Disciplinary Board
One person was elected to fill a vacant lay seat on the diocesan Disciplinary Board.
- Darren Root, St. Margaret’s, Lawrence
Amendments to the Constitution and Canons
Canons of the Episcopal Diocese of Kansas
One canonical amendment was adopted.
- Canon II.2 was amended to reframe and give clarity to the method by which congregations determine how many convention delegates should be elected.
Constitution of the Episcopal Diocese of Kansas
The first reading of one constitutional amendment was adopted.
- Article VI: The amendment seeks to remove a constitutionally required majority election for deputies to General Convention vesting deputy election methodology under the authority of the Council of Trustees.
Changes to the diocesan constitution require adoption at two consecutive conventions via a vote by orders (clergy and lay delegates voting separately). Having been adopted on its first reading, this amendment will return for the 165th Convention.
Diocesan Constitution and Canons
Other Business
- The Bishop appointed (and, where necessary, the Convention confirmed) various officers and members of committees and commissions.
- The Convention sent greetings to ministry partners, former bishops of Kansas, neighboring dioceses, and friends in the larger Anglican Communion.
- The Convention designated its Eucharist Offertory for the American Friends of the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem. Please make a donation to support their humanitarian ministries.
- The Convention was introduced to the nascent Bethany Community of Saints Mary, Martha, and Lazarus.
Ministry Recognitions and Grants
ECW Distinguished Woman, 2022: Helen Hoch, Calvary, Yates Center
Custodian of Creation: Evan Ash, non-parochial
Alleluia Grants:
- Breakthrough – ESS, Clubhouse Community Retreat, $1,523.38
- Church of the Ascension, Neodesha, Welcome Baskets — NHA, $1,200.00
- St. Aidan’s, Olathe, Center of Grace, $1,213.50
- St. Bartholomew’s, Wichita, Sunday Undies, $2,000.00
- St. David’s, Topeka, Hygiene Bags — Rector’s Pantry, $3,000.00
- St. Matthew’s, Newton, Railway Clubhouse Launch, $3,000.00
- St. Paul’s, Clay Center, Bridges of Hope, $3,000.00
- St. Stephen’s, Wichita, Open Doors to the Neighborhood, $3,000.00
- St. Thomas the Apostle, Overland Park, Sensory Path — Comanche Elementary, $869.91
Deacon’s Cross: Carolyn Garwood, St. Paul’s, Clay Center
Canon’s Cannon: Andrew O’Connor, St. Francis Ministries, Wichita
Bishop’s Chair: Ann Palmer, St. David’s, Topeka
Council of Trustees Strategic Plan Presentation
Members of the Council of Trustees presented an update on their ongoing planning work.
Council working groups presented four strategic objectives:
- Congregational Vitality: “Strengthen congregational vitality in all its forms to respond to the needs of a changing church and world.”
- Invitation & Mission: “Develop a culture of mission, invitation, and welcome in neighborhoods.”
- Youth & Young Adults: “Demonstrate commitment to youth and young adults as part of current leadership of the Church.”
- Leadership Capacity: “Diocesan and parish leaders will have the resources they need to be healthy and sustainable in their ministries and resources to recruit and train clergy and lay leaders equipping them to creatively meet the challenges in their parishes.”
Members of convention were invited to participate in two discussion breakouts to dive more deeply into the topics and provide feedback.
Convention Materials
Day-Of Check-In Folders
- Updated Proposed Agenda
- Newly-elected Convocation Board Representatives to the Council of Trustees
- Elections and Voting Instructions
- Parliamentary Procedure Basics
- Commissioning of Newly Appointed and Elected Leaders
- Diocesan Spiritual Life Flyer