Diocesan Convention 2026: All You Need to Know

The 53rd Diocesan Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of San Diego is almost here! On November 6–7, clergy and lay leaders from across the diocese will gather at St. Bartholomew’s Episcopal Church in Poway for two days of worship, fellowship, and the shared work of the Church.

Together, we will celebrate the ministries of our diocese, consider the decisions that will shape our future, and prepare for the launch of our 2027 Year of Service. Convention offers an opportunity to reconnect with friends, learn about the work happening throughout the diocese, and participate in our shared mission to follow Jesus Christ. 

Reminder: Delegates are expected to attend Diocesan Convention both days.

Where is Convention?

Convention will be held at St. Bartholomew’s Episcopal Church, 16275 Pomerado Road, Poway, CA 92064. Registration volunteers will welcome attendees and assist with check-in.

Parking

St. Bartholomew’s Episcopal Church has a large parking lot with ample space for Convention attendees. For those who may have difficulty walking from the parking lot to the church, St. Bartholomew’s offers a special hospitality service called the Bartmobile. This shuttle service helps guests with mobility challenges get to the church comfortably. Attendees who need assistance are encouraged to take advantage of this welcoming service. Overflow parking is available at the Verdic Cultural and Spiritual Center next door to St. Barts. 

Convention Schedule

Friday, November 6

12:30–1:45 PM — Registration

2:00 PM — Opening Eucharist

3:30 PM — Convention Business

4:40 PM — Workshops

6:00 PM — Fellowship Hour

Saturday, November 7

7:30–8:45 AM — Registration

9:00 AM — Convention Business

11:45 AM — Lunch and Service Project

1:15 PM — Convention Business

4:00 PM — Close of Convention

Visitors Are Welcome!

Diocesan Convention is not just for clergy and elected delegates! All members of the Episcopal Diocese of San Diego are welcome to attend, participate in worship, learn about diocesan ministries, and experience the fellowship of our wider Church. Visitors are welcome to observe Convention business and take part in the many opportunities to connect with Episcopalians from across the diocese. All visitors must register in advance to help us plan for seating, meals, and hospitality. We encourage anyone interested in the life and ministry of our diocese to join us!

Visitor Registration

Youth at Convention: And Also with You

Young people from across the diocese will have a vibrant presence at Convention this year! On Saturday, November 7, youth in grades 6–12 are invited to gather at St. Bartholomew’s from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM for a day of fellowship, games, service, and fun. Led by members of the diocesan Youth Leadership Council, the program will explore this year’s youth ministry theme, And Also with You, through the Parable of the Mustard Seed. Together, participants will consider how even the smallest seeds of faith can grow into meaningful action as we work with God toward a world where there is enough for everyone. Registration is required.

Register for Youth Program

Workshops

Panel Discussion: Christian Nationalism

Convention attendees have the opportunity to join Bishop Susan Brown Snook, Brother Keith Warner, the dean and president of the Franciscan School of Theology, and Dr. Jennifer Guerra Aldana, Assistant Professor of Christian Ministry and Practice at Point Loma Nazarene University, for a panel discussion on Christian Nationalism. Together, they will explore the relationship between Christian faith and political identity, examine the challenges Christian Nationalism presents to our country, and consider how Episcopalians are called to respond. 

Panel Discussion: Episcopal Community Services (ECS) and 100 years

As Episcopal Community Services (ECS) prepares to celebrate 100 years of service in San Diego in 2027, Convention attendees will have the opportunity to join ECS leaders and community partners for a panel discussion about the pressing needs facing our region. Drawing on a century of experience serving vulnerable neighbors, the panel will explore the challenges of homelessness, mental health, poverty, and access to essential services. Together, they will consider how these needs are changing, what ECS is learning through its work, and how congregations can respond with compassion and meaningful action. As our diocese prepares for the 2027 Year of Service, this conversation will invite participants to reflect on how the Church can deepen its partnerships and more faithfully serve the communities around us.

Fellowship Hour

Following Friday’s workshop offerings, attendees are invited to gather for Fellowship Hour, a time to reconnect with friends, meet new people, and enjoy appetizers and conversation. Attendees can also look forward to the return of the popular Agape Mocktail Bar, hosted by Agape Campus Ministry, serving creative and refreshing alcohol-free beverages. Whether catching up with old friends or making new connections, Fellowship Hour is a chance to celebrate the community we share as a diocese.

Bring Your Church Banner

Please bring your church banners, stands, and a volunteer to carry the banner for the procession during the Opening Eucharist on Friday, November 6. The procession is a beautiful expression of our diocesan community, bringing together congregations from across our region in worship. Please clearly label your banner stands with your congregation’s name to ensure they are easily identified after Convention. Please have the stand in place and your volunteer ready to line up at 1:45 pm. We look forward to seeing our congregations represented in this special celebration.

The 2027 Diocesan Budget

One of the Diocesan Convention’s important responsibilities is to review and approve the annual diocesan budget. The proposed 2027 budget reflects the resources needed to support our congregations, run diocesan ministries, and continue our shared mission. Delegates and visitors are encouraged to review the proposed budget before Convention and participate in the remaining online budget hearing on November 4 at 4:00 PM.

Review the Budget and Hearing Information

Nominations for Diocesan Leadership

Each year, Convention elects clergy and lay leaders to serve in positions of responsibility throughout our diocese. These individuals help guide our common life, provide oversight, and support the mission of the Church. This year, delegates will elect members to the Diocesan Executive Council, Standing Committee, Disciplinary Board, Cathedral Chapter, and the Secretary of Convention. We encourage delegates to review the nominees and learn more about those offering their gifts for service.

Meet the Nominees

Resolutions Facing Convention

Resolutions give clergy and lay delegates the opportunity to consider important questions affecting the governance, ministry, and witness of our Church. This year’s proposed resolutions include changes to diocesan canons and a proposal to develop diocesan guidance on the use of generative artificial intelligence. Delegates are encouraged to review the full text of the resolutions before Convention and attend the remaining online resolution hearing on November 4 at 5:00 PM.

Review the Proposed Resolutions

Voting at Convention

EDSD will continue using VPoll for electronic voting. Delegates should bring a smartphone or another internet-connected device to participate in elections and voting during Convention.

If you are unfamiliar with the technology or need assistance, diocesan staff will be available to help.

Ministry Tables

Convention is also an opportunity to discover the ministries happening throughout the Episcopal Diocese of San Diego. Visit the ministry tables and learn about the work taking place across our diocese. 

Please be Prepared for Convention

Before arriving, delegates should review the proposed budget, resolutions, nominations, and other Convention materials. Bring an internet-connected device for voting and plan to arrive early enough to complete registration before the scheduled sessions begin. Delegates are expected to attend both days of Convention.

All Convention information is available at www.conventionedsd.org

We look forward to gathering as one diocesan family to worship, make decisions, celebrate our shared ministry, and prepare for another year of serving God and our neighbors.