Convention Goes on Field Trips

Diocesan News, Front Page • October 31st, 2016

The 179th Convention of the Diocese of Western New York highlighted the theme of connection, collaboration and celebration.

Bishop Franklin, Bishop Sean Rowe of Northwestern Pennsylvania and banquet speaker Brittany Love, executive director of A Movable Feast all struck themes of building collaborations, taking risks, trying new things and following Jesus Christ out into the neighborhood.

After the Convention Eucharist on Saturday morning, the members of Convention took that advice to heart and headed out into the neighborhoods of Niagara Falls. Convention delegates visited the Magdalene Project, the Niagara Falls Community Mission and Heart, Love and Soul. All three sites are reaching out to people in need in Niagara Falls.

The first reading of an amendment to the Diocesan Constitution allowing for Convention to meet outside of the geographic bounds of the Diocese if the Bishop and Diocesan Council see reason for that passed overwhelmingly. A second reading is required to amend the Constitution.

The Very Rev. Thomas Broad & Mr. Edward Hill were elected to the Standing Committee. The Rev. Canon Jerre Feagin & The Rev. Matthew Lincoln were elected Trustees of the Diocese. The Rev. Canon Dr. Isaac Ihiasota & Ms. Wendy Palmer were elected to Diocesan Council. The Rev. Canon Cathy Dempesy-Sims, the Rev. Deacon Lillian Davis-Wilson, the Rev. Ann Tillman and the Very Rev. Canon Colleen O’Connor were elected as clergy deputies to General Convention. The Rev. Kim Rossi & the Rev. Luke Fodor were elected as clergy alternates. The Hon. Rose Sconiers, Mr. Alfred Price, Ms. Catherine Way and Ms. Josephine Robbins were elected as lay deputies to General Convention. Ms. Elisabeth Brauza-Hughes was elected as lay alternate.

Bishop Franklin awarded the Web of Grace award to Mr. Wayne A. Blassingame, The Rev. Canon Jerre Feagin, Mr. James Fanning, Esq., Ms. Christine Hicks and Ms. Anne Katner.