The 131st Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of Washington met on Saturday, January 31, at Washington National Cathedral. This annual legislative meeting, led by Bishop Mariann Budde, brings together clergy and elected lay representatives from the diocese’s 86 congregations. Under the theme of “Upholding One Another in Love," the Convention approved the annual diocesan budget, elected representatives to the diocese’s executive committee and delegates to General Convention in 2027, received updates from the Reparations and Constitution and Canons committees, and debated and passed two important resolutions related to immigrant justice and supporting shared diocesan ministry.
In her address, Bishop Mariann highlighted new ministry initiatives, including emerging faith communities in Prince George’s County and an outdoor nature-based church in Washington, DC. She reflected on the Holy Spirit’s work among us—deepening spiritual life, strengthening service and justice ministries, and inspiring bold proclamation of the Gospel. Delegates offered a standing ovation in gratitude for her courageous leadership throughout 2025.
Convention adopted two resolutions of significance:
- Migration with Dignity
In response to federal actions over the past year, Convention reaffirmed strong support for the Episcopal Church’s immigrant justice policy. The resolution opposes policies that deprive migrants of their rights, including mass detention and deportation, and calls on all Episcopalians to uphold the dignity of refugees, migrants, asylum seekers, and displaced persons. Many St. John’s parishioners co-sponsored the resolution, and our Deacon, Anne Derse, spoke eloquently in its support on the Convention floor. (Read the Rev. Anne Derse's statement.) - Faithful Stewardship of Our Diocese as the Body of Christ
Noting that congregations in our diocese fund the third-lowest percentage of the diocesan budget in the national Episcopal Church, Convention affirmed the expectation that each parish work toward tithing to support shared diocesan ministry. The resolution establishes giving standards based on regular income and asks higher-resourced congregations—including St. John’s—to contribute a proportionally greater share.
For more information, please speak with one of your delegates: Andrea Guy-McFarland, Marny Helfrich, Monique Robinson, Alan Snyder, or Michael Stratmoen. Additional materials—including the Bishop’s address and full text of all resolutions—are available on the EDOW website. If you feel called to serve as a delegate to next year’s Convention, please contact Alan Snyder or Jim Winkler. We will elect several new delegates and alternates at our Annual Parish Meeting in April.
- Submitted by Delegate Alan Snyder