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231st Diocesan Convention, Second Business Session Recap

11/16/2021

The recap from the First Business Session is available at this link.

The Rt. Rev. Ruth Woodliff-Stanley called the 231st Diocesan Convention back to order at 9 am on Saturday, November 13 at Holy Cross Faith Memorial Episcopal Church on Pawleys Island. Dan Ennis of St. Anne's Episcopal Church in Conway, led the service of Morning Prayer before the Convention began the day's business.

Mr. Wayne Helmly, chair of the Lay Credentials Committee, offered a second report of his committee to begin the session, reporting that there were 31 clergy and 63 lay delegates present. New clergy and seminarians were recognized before the Bishop offered remarks for the morning, laying out much of her vision for the future of the diocese, previewing the remainder of the Convention, and outlining some first steps we will look to take together as a diocese. View her message at this link.

There were several significant announcements in her message. She announced the reformulation of the Strategic Transition Team, plans to restructure and expand the scope of the work of the Commission on Ministry, and the formation of a Children and Youth Commission, appointing the Rev. Laura Rezac (St. Stephen's, Charleston) and Mr. George McDaniel (Good Shepherd, Summerville) as co-chairs. At the end of her remarks, Bp. Woodliff-Stanley announced that the Rev. Dr. Philip Linder has accepted the call to serve in the capacity of Canon to the Ordinary, a part-time position on diocesan staff. This position will support the diocese's work in healthy governance, leadership and development, and pastoral connections.

View the slides from her Powerpoint about the four strategic areas of focus below:

After her remarks, Bishop Woodliff-Stanley invited the Rev. Denise Trogdon, to address the Convention about the new formation of the Strategic Transition Task Force, a reformulation of the previous Transition Planning Group, which Rev. Trogdon will chair. Watch Rev. Trogdon's remarks on YouTube at this link. The Rev. Trogdon noted it is incumbent on this group "to formulate and implement plans to move forward for the well being of the diocese, whatever the outcome of the court case." She noted that a pastoral component has been added for plans moving forward, and the membership of the group now involves broader participation, involving representatives all deaneries of the diocese. She announced the membership as follows: Mr. Lenny Blevins, Mr. Thad Daise, Mr. Charles Jordan, the Rev. Michael Shaffer, Ms. Sarah Tipton, the Rev. Denise Trogdon, and Ms. Carrington Wingard, as well as the bishop, the chancellor (Mr. Tom Tisdale), and the president of the Standing Committee, the Rev. Rob Donehue.

After this report, Ms. Deb Harris, chair of the Nominating Committee offered her report and read the filing of nominations, leading into the first vote to fill all open positions. After voting and a short break, The Rev. Dr. James Taylor presented the financial report of the Treasurer and Finance Committee, before Mr. Josh Bullock presented and moved the 2022 Diocesan Budget as a member of Diocesan Council.

After the motion carried, Bishop Woodliff-Stanley noted she would like to make a special recognition, and she surprised the Rev. Dr. Jim Taylor with the presentation of her inaugural "Bishop's Cross" to recognize his years of volunteer service as Treasurer for the diocese. Watch this presentation on our Diocesan YouTube page at this link.

After making this well-deserved recognition, the Convention returned to business with the first report of the Elections Committee. The Very Rev. Wil Keith noted there would need to be a second ballot for two of the positions, and ballots were issued and completed electronically again.

Next, Dan Ennis, Chair of the Resolutions Committee, offered his first report, noting there were no new resolutions filed this year, but the Convention was tasked with a second reading of a resolution first proposed last year, a change to the Constitution (which must be proposed at two consecutive conventions, requiring a 2/3rds vote by both orders at the second). The resolution proposed a change in the Constitution, allowing all confirmed individuals ages 16 and 17 to be eligible to be elected as delegates and alternates to Diocesan Convention.

After receiving the required votes, Bishop Woodliff-Stanley noted the importance of this vote. "This is a resolution that signals the desire for the inclusion of our youth to be a strong priority of this diocese...This resolution will help us prepare a new generation of leaders to guide the church."

This vote was followed by a report from the Constitutions and Canons Committee, and then Mr. Tommy Bultman came to the podium to announce the results of the election. View these results on our News Blog at this link.

Following a a report from the New Parishes and Missions Committee, Mr. Bill Thornsby and Ms. Shawan Gillians, senior wardens at St. Francis, Charleston, and St. Mark's, Charleston, respectively, were asked to share with the Convention plans for a creative partnership between the two churches. Watch this presentation at this link.

After a break, the Very Rev. Dr. Adam Shoemaker and Ms. Gail DeCosta, co-chairs of the Diocesan Commission on Racial Justice and Reconciliation, offered a report from their group, outlining immediate plans for the future. Watch this report at this link.

Next, the Chancellor, Tom Tisdale, offered his report, and then The Rev. Rob Donehue, shared a creative, rhyming report from the Standing Committee. These were followed by a report on the Commission on Ministry from the Rev. Dow Sanderson (previous chair) and the Rev. Courtney Davis-Shoemaker (chair). Watch their report at this link. In addition to offering the report, thanks were offered for those who have served on the COM, as well as thanks for the deacons of the diocese.

The Rev. Bill Watson (The Episcopal Church on Okatie) offered the Necrology Report for the Convention, remembering those who died in the past year, but whose service to the diocese will always be remembered. It can be viewed at this link.

Courtesy Resolutions were then offered by Mr. Dan Ennis and the Rev. Laura Rezac of the Resolutions Committee. These resolutions recognized the following: the Rev. Dr. James Taylor, the Rev. Caleb J. Lee, the Rev. Cn. Callie Walpole, the Pee-Dee Deanery for hosting the 231st Diocesan Convention, Diocesan Staff, the Diocesan Bishop Search Committee and its chair, the Rev. Dr. Philip Linder, the Rev. Dr. Philip C. Linder as chair of the Bishop Search Committee, Ms. Pat Neumann and Mr. Rick Stall for their roles as co-chairs of the Bishop Search Transition Committee, Kathleen Monoc for her service as vice-chancellor, and the Rev. Dow Sanderson for his service to the diocese and the Commission on Ministry. These presentations can be watched beginning at this link to Diocesan Convention.

As the final event of the 231st Diocesan Convention, a Sending Eucharist was offered for attendees both in person and online. It can be viewed at this link. The text of the bishop's sermon can be viewed at this link.

231st Diocesan Convention, First Business Session Recap

11/16/2021

The 231st Diocesan Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of South Carolina was called to order on Friday, November 12 at 6:30 pm by the Rt. Rev. Ruth Woodliff-Stanley who was consecrated in October 2021 as the XV Bishop of the historic diocese.

The Rev. Tom Wilson, chair of the Clergy Credentials Committee, offered the first report of his committee to begin the session, reporting that there were 28 clergy and 49 lay delegates present. After the appointment of the Parliamentarian and Convention Committees, attendees voted to adopt the agenda. The Credentials Committee then presented their report and quorum was established. The Reverend Rob Donehue, as President of the Standing Committee, nominated Diane Wilson (St. George's, Summerville) to serve as Secretary of Convention, a one-year term, and she was duly elected by convention delegates.

Bishop Woodliff-Stanley then announced that the following individuals have been nominated to serve on the Commission on Ministry (COM) of the Diocese of South Carolina: The Rev. Courtney Davis-Shoemaker (chair), the Rev. Deacon Marionette Bennett, Mr. Chris Hayes, the Very Rev. Wil Keith, Ms. Jane Hart Lewis, the Rev. Rick Lindsey, Ms. Mary Joe Roberts, the Rev. Dow Sanderson, Ms. Jeanette Spencer, and the Rev. Cn. Callie Walpole.

After appointing the current deans to another year of service, the bishop declared the convention was duly organized for business.

The bishop then took a few moments for a special recognition of the Rev. Cn. Callie Walpole for her many years of service to the diocese. You may read her full remarks at this link. As many know of Cn. Walpole's love of gardening and Voorhees College, the bishop announced that she has consulted with Dr. Ronnie Hopkins, president of Voorhees College, and has made plans for the diocese to fund a portion of the Elizabeth Evelyn Wright Memorial garden at Voorhees and designate it in honor of Cn. Walpole. A plaque will be placed in the garden, recognizing the service of Cn. Walpole who has "tended this Diocese well," alongside the plants donated in her honor. Cn. Walpole has also served on the Board of Trustees at Voorhees College.

The bishop presented Cn. Walpole with a sasanqua camellia similar to those that will be planted in her honor, and also with a engraved glass award bearing the words that will be on the plaque in the garden at Voorhees. The convention recognized Cn. Walpole with a standing ovation.

Following this recognition, the bishop led the Convention into a time of formation with small groups, to consider the theme of convention, "abide." To this end, she shared a few words about abiding, and how she sees this relating to the past and future of the diocese of South Carolina. Read her full remarks at this link. The convention then watched this video, before leading into a time of group sessions to discuss together the question: "How has your faith community been an abiding place for you in your life?"

After a period of group discussion, everyone reconvened and shared the findings from each particular group, focusing on key words and phrases that recurred in the conversations. The word map below shows the words that were shared by the group, with the largest words being those that were shared the most often:

After this formation session, the Convention was led in a service of Compline by three youth and young adult leaders from the diocese: George Dowis, Nick Kohlman, and Joe Lenhard. At the end of Compline, in person attendees were invited outdoors for dessert before leaving for the evening.

View the recap for the Second Business Session at this link.

231st Diocesan Convention Election Results

11/13/2021

The 231st Diocesan Convention of the Diocese of South Carolina was held November 12-13, 2021, at Holy Cross Faith Memorial Episcopal Church on Pawleys Island (hosted by the Pee Dee-Waccamaw Deanery). The convention was offered as a hybrid event, and more than a third of the delegates participated in the Convention online to vote to fill various diocesan leadership positions.

The following nominees were elected to serve the Diocese:

Diocesan Council
Lay: Carolyn (Sparkie) Sparks and Joseph (Woody) Rutter (3-year terms); Jo Etta Chewning (1-year term)
Clergy: The Rev. Laura Rezac and the Rev. Pamela Fahrner (3-year terms); The Rev. Charles Jenkins (1-year term)

Standing Committee
Lay: Gail DeCosta, Thomas Miller
Clergy: The Very Rev. Dr. Adam Shoemaker, the Rev. William Watson

The Standing Committee met immediately after convention and re-elected the Rev. Rob Donehue as its president, and elected Mary Dianish as secretary.

Trustee, University of the South
The Rev. Ryan Currie

Both Business Sessions are available for viewing on the Diocesan YouTube page (the first session is shared in two parts), under the 231st Diocesan Convention "playlist," at this link.

Ten Things to Know About our 231st Diocesan

11/11/2021

Whether you are planning to attend our 231st Diocesan Convention on November 12-13 in person or online, as a delegate, clergy, or a visitor, we have a list of helpful tips that will be helpful to all. Check out "10 Things To Know About Our 231st Diocesan Convention" by clicking on the photo or clicking here.

To view the document as a .pdf, simply click on the photo or just click here. To find out more about Convention, visit the Convention webpage at this link.

231st Diocesan Convention Begins Friday, Nov. 12

11/11/2021

We look forward to the opportunity to "abide" together at our 231st Diocesan Convention this Friday and Saturday at Holy Cross Faith Memorial Church, hosted by the Pee Dee-Waccamaw Deanery. This year's convention is a hybrid event and more than a third of the attendees will participate virtually online. Find more information on the Convention Webpage at this link.

Non-registered visitors are welcome to watch the Convention on the Diocesan YouTube page at: www.youtube.com/c/DioceseofSC. The link for each day (Friday and Saturday) will also be shared on the Diocesan Facebook page. Friday's session will begin at 6:30 pm, and on Saturday, convention will begin at 9 am. Delegates should be checked in online or in person by 30 minutes before the session begins.

For those planning to attend in person, remember that in an effort to conserve paper for our planet, all are encouraged to view convention documents on tablets, computers, and other electronic devices -- and bring those devices with you to convention. Documents can be found at the convention website. No printed documents will be provided.

Have any questions? Email [email protected].

Bishop is Seated at the Cathedral

11/8/2021

In a beautiful service of Choral Evensong on the Feast of All Saints, the Rt. Rev. Ruth Woodlliff-Stanley was formally seated at Grace Church Cathedral on Sunday, November 7. At the start of the service, the cathedral doors were closed and, following tradition in the Episcopal Church, she used the diocesan crozier to knock several times at the door, requesting entry from the Dean of the Cathedral and the people of the diocese.

The service for Welcoming and Seating a Bishop, found in the Book of Occasional Services, is a special service that takes place at the Cathedral. In the early years of the Church a bishop would sit to give instruction and teaching. That chair for teaching came to be called the bishop’s “cathedra” and the worship structure that housed it is called a “cathedral.” During the service, the new bishop takes her place in the cathedra, or bishop’s chair, a symbol of the bishop’s office.

The service was livestreamed at can be watched on the Grace Church Cathedral YouTube page at this link.

Vice Chancellor Stepping Back from Diocesan Role

11/3/2021

Kathleen (Katie) Monoc was first nominated and elected vice chancellor of the Diocese of South Carolina at our 229th Diocesan Convention in November 2019. Since that time, her counsel and involvement with this diocese has been greatly appreciated. She was an integral part of the bishop election in May 2021, overseeing the process as Head Teller, providing for the integrity of a sound and fair election.

Throughout her service to the diocese, she has maintained and grown her successful law practice while also tending to the needs of her family, including two young sons. As has been the case with many in today’s society, living through a pandemic required a constant prioritization of all of the demands on her time and attention. During this time, she realized it would be best for her family and her career to step back from her role as vice chancellor.

“I am so appreciative of the opportunity I was given to serve the Diocese of South Carolina as vice chancellor. It was a great joy to be involved with the process that elected the first woman bishop of our diocese, and the first full-time diocesan bishop since 2012,” said Monoc. “I am excited about the future of this diocese, and while in this season of my life, the demands on my time are such that I need to step away from this role, I look forward to the opportunity to continue serving this diocese in other ways in the days and years ahead.”

Bishop Ruth Woodliff-Stanley expressed her thanks to Mrs. Monoc and looks forward to working with her again in the future. “Katie has brought a keen legal mind and a love for the church to our diocese in a critically important season,” said Bishop Woodliff-Stanley. “I am so grateful for her leadership and look forward to continuing to work with her in new ways.”

An active member of Grace Church Cathedral, Mrs. Monoc remains devoted to the Diocese of South Carolina and the Episcopal Church, and will continue to be available to diocesan leadership for counsel on specific occasions moving forward.