Bishop Brian Cole introduces and explores the theme, dates, and location for the upcoming 39th annual convention of the Episcopal Diocese of East Tennessee. The convention will take place at St. John's Episcopal Church, Johnson City, TN on Friday and Saturday, February 3rd and 4th, 2023.

We have simplified the digital certification of election for parish leadership to file their delegates, alternates, and clergy for the convention. This year we are asking the Rector, Priest-in-Charge, Deacon-in-Charge, Vicar, or, in the event of no clerical leadership, the Senior Warden or equivalent position on the chapel board to certify the form. 

You can go to our diocesan convention website to learn how many delegates your community may send, to complete the certification form online, and to register and pay for your entire delegation at any time. You may also email Jon Humber at jhumber@dioet.org for a paper version of the certification form or to complete other steps by other methods.

Please note: Delegates and clergy will be registered through your parish as a block. However, separate workshop and meal registrations will become available in November or December. Please be on the lookout for a "workshop" tab at the top of the convention website and for workshop-specific communication in our convention newsletters.

Worshipping Communities should be looking for a direct email from Jon Humber in your inbox.  

Each year, we release a delegate profile. In it, the role and responsibilities of the delegates and participants are outlined with time, resources, and interest commitments. The profile will help you and your community consider whom to send to the convention.

This year we are excited to announce the latest openings in elected diocesan leadership including General Convention deputies. Head to our convention website to see each of the open positions, descriptions of each group, and to nominate yourself or someone for these positions. 

"Any Delegate, Vestry, the Bishop and Council, the Chancellor, the Chair of the Committee on Constitution and Canons, and the Registrar of the Diocese may submit resolutions for consideration by the Convention by delivering them to the Secretary of the Convention at least thirty days prior to the date set for the Convention. They may also introduce resolutions at the Convention in accordance with the Rules of Order."

-From Title I, Canon 3, Sec. 10 of the Constitution and Canons of the Diocese of East Tennessee

Proposed resolutions must be received at Diocesan House no later than January 6, 2023 to be posted on our convention website and included in convention packet. Resolutions proposed after January 6, will be made from the floor of convention with a requirement of a 2/3rds vote from the convention in order to be considered immediately. In accords with convention rule 3.03, resolutions received after the resolution deadline may be referred to Bishop and Council for interim action or to successive meetings of the convention. 

You can go to the diocesan convention website to download a resolution guide that is helpful in formatting your resolution. We would like to note that this upcoming convention is the convention to submit resolutions for the next General Covention. 

This year, we've acquired room blocks at three area hotels. The deadline for reserving your stay at one of these hotels with our group discount is Saturday, December 31, 2022. 

This year, we have redesigned our diocesan convention website. There you will find certification, nomination, resolution, hotel, registration, and support information as well as the delegate profile and videos. As we approach the convention, we will release more information on workshops, non-delegate registration, event schedules, and more. Stay up-to-date on the 39th annual convention by going to our convention website.