Electing Convention to be Held on Saturday, May 1

Pursuant to the Constitution of The Episcopal Church in South Carolina (The Diocese of South Carolina), the Standing Committee has called a Special Meeting of Convention to be held on Saturday, May 1, 2021, at 9 am for the purposes of the Election of the XV Bishop of the Diocese of South Carolina. As set forth in Article VI, Section 7 of the Constitution of The Episcopal Church in South Carolina, Convention voting will be by Orders with the clergy voting individually and the lay delegates voting by churches (“a majority from each parish having one vote and each mission having one-half vote”). To elect a Bishop, one candidate must have the required majority in both Orders on the same ballot. 

A section has been added to the Bishop Search website that explains the Electing Convention in great detail through a series of FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions). Please visit it at this link.

At the Electing Convention, each parish is to provide four lay delegates and up to four alternates. Each mission is to provide two lay delegates and up to two alternates. All canonically-resident clergy who are currently serving a church or institution of the Diocese or, are canonically resident having served a parish or institution of the diocese for five years directly before retirement, have voice, seat, and vote at this convention. All clergy and lay delegates are asked to register here BY TOMORROW, Friday, April 16, 2021.

Visitors are welcome to register, but all proceedings will be shared live on the Diocesan YouTube page on May 1 beginning at 9 am. Only registered delegates will participate on the online convention through Zoom. By registering, you will receive all emails about the upcoming election, including information about pre-convention meetings and training sessions.

Preconvention Meetings Offered to Delegates
There will be virtual Preconvention Meetings to discuss the format of convention, voting, and technology. These will be held on Zoom on the following days and times:

• Thursday, April 22 at 1 pm
• Saturday, April 24 at 10 am
• Monday, April 26 at 7 pm 

​It is strongly encouraged that all delegates attend at least one of these sessions. Zoom links for these sessions will be sent to all registered delegates very soon. You may also email your questions to [email protected].

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