Our Delegation to the Diocesan Convention – Rev. Bill Coyne, Betsy Daise, Ginny King, Nancy Skardon and Pat Neumann – were hard at work last weekend (18-19 November) shaping the future of the Diocese of South Carolina. Work began at noon on Friday with a video from members of the Diocese telling the story of their parishes. Thad Daise gave a moving presentation that talked about our past, present and future as a congregation in the Diocese. The work culminated that day with the unanimous vote to elevate the Episcopal Church on Edisto from “Mission” status to a “Parish”. This is a recognition by the Diocese to the vitality and stability of ECOE’s congregation. After the vote, 16 members of the ECOE (and our new banner!) paraded to the front of the convention for a special recognition by all members present! Betsy Daise gave wonderful remarks about our work in our community and beyond!
Afterwards, the convention moved from the Marriott in North Charleston to downtown Charleston for an opening church service and reception at Grace Church Cathedral. Saturday they were back at work at the Marriott approving changes to the Constitution and Canons, approving the budget, and electing members to the various Diocesan councils and committees. ECOE Member Taylor Skardon was selected to serve on the Diocesan Council for a three-year term.
The convention’s theme was “One Bread, One Body, One Table”. The Reverend Canon Stephanie Spellers, who serves as Presiding Bishop Michael Curry’s Canon for Evangelism and Reconciliation, led those in attendance in discussion of how we can bring God’s “Beloved Community” to reality through our own actions. We also welcomed special guests who Bishop Ruth met at last summer’s Lambeth Conference. We were joined by the Most Rev’d Dr. Cyril Kobina Ben-Smith is the 12th Primate of the Church of West Africa and the Archbishop of Ghana and the Right Rev. Moisés Quezada Mota, the Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of the Dominican Republic. We look forward to the strengthening of the relationship between these provinces and the Diocese of SC!
This was truly a spirit-filled and joyous convention! We look forward to participating in the very bright future of the Episcopal Diocese in South Carolina!
