Diocesan Convention 2025: Your Complete Guide

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Diocesan Convention is right around the corner! Hosted by St. Dunstan’s, you can look forward to engaging workshops, a vibrant fellowship hour, and opportunities to connect with clergy and lay leaders from across the diocese. This annual gathering invites us to celebrate the ministries throughout our diocese, share stories of transformation, and explore new ways to grow, serve, and lead in the years ahead. At Convention, we come together as one body to strengthen our common mission and renew our commitment to courageous love in action.

This year’s convention also marks the official beginning of our next five-year strategic planning process. Building on the successes of the Courageous Love initiative, delegates and guests will participate in a special listening session to help shape the vision and priorities that will guide our shared ministry in the years ahead. Whether you’re attending as a delegate, volunteer, or visitor, you’ll find this gathering to be a time of inspiration, learning, and joyful collaboration as we continue to grow the Church, serve our neighbors, and follow Christ’s call with faith and hope.

Visitor Registration

Pre Convention Schedule

The Proposed 2026 budget will be reviewed in advance of Convention at these two meetings: 

October 29 at 4:00 PM https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89228458761?pwd=TjGEfwsxn148ByO3oQKxvyCLVVEDjl.1

November 1 at 9:00 AM https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89569757016?pwd=P7LGTDGOaMrOsW93asm1MfuLCSLVz2.1

Convention Schedule

Friday, November 7

Registration 12:30 pm – 2:00 PM

Opening Eucharist 2:00 PM

Breakout Workshops 4:30 PM

Diocesan Convention Fellowship Hour 6:00 PM

Blessing of the St. Francis Chapel 7:00 PM

Saturday, November 8

Registration 7:30 AM

Convention Business Resumes 9:00 AM

Lunch 12:30 PM

Convention continues 1:15 – 4:00 PM

Youth at Convention

Join with youth from across the diocese as we serve, learn, and celebrate together. Each year, Convention offers the opportunity for our diocesan community to gather for business, fellowship, and worship—and a vibrant youth presence is an integral part of that day. Highlights of the youth program include games, crafts, a thoughtful service project, and plenty of good food, all led by members of the Youth Leadership Council. It’s a chance for young people to connect with one another and see the wider Church in action. 

Youth Registration

Diocesan Fellowship Hour

This year, instead of a formal dinner, we’ll host a Diocesan Fellowship Hour on Friday evening after the business session and workshops. Always a favorite part of Convention, this time together is designed for conversation, connection, and joy. Look for students from Agape Campus Ministry serving custom mocktails while you connect with old friends and make new ones.

Voting

We’ll be using VPoll again this year for digital voting during Diocesan Convention. Delegates should bring a smartphone or other internet-connected device to participate in the elections and votes throughout the weekend. If technology isn’t your favorite thing—don’t worry! As in past years, Diocesan staff will be on-site and ready to help anyone who needs assistance logging in or navigating the system. VPoll has made the voting process smooth, secure, and efficient, helping us focus on the work of Convention while keeping everything running on schedule.

Banners

Bring your banners (and your banner stands!)! The opening Eucharist at Diocesan Convention wouldn’t be the same without your congregation’s banner! Banner bearers are invited to join the procession and represent their churches as we come together to celebrate as one diocese. To keep things simple (and to make sure every banner finds its way home), please mark your banner stand clearly with your church’s name and keep all parts together when you arrive. Please be ready to process in no later than 1:45 PM. Volunteers will be on hand to help with setup before the service begins.

Vendors

Due to limited space this year, vendor tables are limited to ministries in the Diocese. Attendees will still have plenty of chances to connect with representatives, explore resources, and learn more about the many ways our diocesan ministries are serving communities and deepening discipleship across Southern California and beyond. And, don’t worry, you’ll still be able to buy your stoles and vestments from Crafty Kelda and your olive wood from Jerusalem Handcrafts!

Parking

St. Dunstan’s has a large parking lot available for Diocesan Convention attendees. If the lot fills up, please park along Park Ridge Blvd near the church rather than on Wandermere Dr. There is a high school nearby, and traffic can be busy on Friday afternoon with bus pickups and student drop-offs. Please also be mindful of the posted restrictions around school bus stops to ensure safety and avoid citations.

Resolutions

No resolutions have been submitted for consideration at this year’s Diocesan Convention. Delegates will still have the opportunity to engage in meaningful discussion and decision-making through presentations, elections, and the shared work of shaping our diocesan future together.

Workshops

Faithful Advocacy in Local, State, and National Contexts

Drawing from the church’s federal witness in Washington, DC, this workshop explores how Episcopalians can engage government at every level in ways that are faithful, effective, and appropriate. Participants will examine the theological foundation for advocacy in the Episcopal tradition and learn practical approaches for interacting with local, state, and national officials. Topics include building constructive relationships with policymakers, understanding the importance of community building, education, and vocabulary, and identifying opportunities where advocacy can support the mission of the Church. The session will provide both conceptual grounding and concrete tools, preparing clergy and lay leaders to connect their congregations’ ministries with public life.

Led by: 

Alan Yarborough serves as the Director of Government Relations and Global Partnerships for The Episcopal Church. In this role, he leads the Church’s advocacy efforts in Washington, D.C., and coordinates its global partnerships to advance peace, justice, and human dignity. Alan equips Episcopalians to engage faithfully in civic life and connect their values with public action. With a background in economics and theology, he brings a thoughtful, faith-centered approach to policy and diplomacy, helping the Church live out its mission in both local and global contexts.

The Nicene Creed after 1,700 years: Is Doctrine Still Necessary for Unity?

In 325 CE, bishops from across the Christian world gathered in the city of Nicaea for a landmark council that would shape the faith of the Church for centuries to come. Convened by Emperor Constantine, the Council of Nicaea addressed deep theological debates about the nature of Jesus Christ and his relationship to God the Father. Out of their deliberations came the Nicene Creed — a statement of faith that has united Christians across traditions and generations, proclaiming the core truths of our belief in the Trinity, the incarnation, and the salvation offered through Christ.

Nearly 1,700 years later, the Nicene Creed remains a central part of our worship and identity. During this year’s convention, a special panel will reflect on its enduring significance — exploring its historical roots, theological meaning, and relevance for the Church today.

Discussion panel featuring: 

The Rev. Casey Kloehn Dunsworth (she/her) is ordained in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Born and raised in Encinitas, CA, she graduated from California Lutheran University in 2010 and Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary in 2014. Her passion for ministry with emerging adults led her to serve as a campus pastor and as the program director of the Lutheran Episcopal Volunteer Network, a program of the Episcopal Service Corps. Now, she serves as a parish pastor in North County San Diego. Additionally, Pastor Casey serves on the board of the Transmission Ministry Collective, cultivating the full spectrum of trans flourishing, and on the Policy Council for the Lutheran Office of Public Policy – California, advocating for a more equitable state for all Californians. She is an Enneagram 6, a Myers-Briggs ESFJ, and a faithful San Diego Padres fan.

Rev. Bradley D. Easterbrooks is a priest of the Roman Catholic Diocese of San Diego. He serves as the Secretary for Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs for the Diocese and as Parish Administrator at St. Gabriel Catholic Church in Poway, California. Previously, Rev. Easterbrooks was Associate Pastor at St. Mark’s Catholic Church in San Marcos. Prior to his ordination as a priest, Rev. Easterbrooks worked as an attorney and Judge Advocate in the United States Navy. He holds a Juris Doctorate from Pepperdine Caruso School of Law in Malibu, two Master’s degrees in Sacred Theology from the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome, and a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and History from Boston College in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts. He is currently a Lieutenant and chaplain candidate in the U.S. Navy Reserve.

The Rev. Dr. John Koenig is Emeritus Professor of New Testament at the General Seminary, where he taught for 33 years, 10 of them as academic dean. Previously, he served on the faculties of Princeton Seminary and Union in New York City. While teaching full-time at Princeton, he also became the interim pastor of a charismatic-tending Lutheran congregation close to Trenton. Though John’s posting lasted only a year, many attitudes were changed, including his own. Later in residence at General, he held part-time pastoral associate positions at St. Peter’s Lutheran and St. James Episcopal, both in Manhattan. At St. James, he taught regular Bible classes. John was ordained as an Episcopal priest in 1993. Over the course of his active ministry, he wrote several books on aspects of biblical theology, three of them translated into Korean. Now retired in San Diego, he enjoys leading adult forums for local parishes.

Nominations

General Convention Deputation

Elect 4 clergy and 4 lay to serve as deputies at General Convention in 2027

The Rev. Kate Flexer

The Rev. Brian Petersen

The Rev. Lilia Mendoza

The Rev. Roberto Maldonado

The Rev. Cn. Richard Hogue

The Rev. Hannah Wilder

Ms. Mae Chao

Ms. Cynde Durnford-Branecki

Mr. Robert Vivar

Mr. Joseph Rhodenhiser

Ms. Jennifer Jow

Mr. Ward Fleri

The 82nd General Convention of The Episcopal Church will be held in July 2027 in Phoenix, Arizona. The General Convention is the governing body of The Episcopal Church. Every three years, it meets as a bicameral legislature that includes the House of Deputies and the House of Bishops, composed of deputies and bishops from each diocese. The legislative process of General Convention is an expression of The Episcopal Church’s belief that, under God, the Church is ordered and governed by its people: laity, deacons, priests, and bishops.

Secretary of Convention

Elect 1 clergy or lay to serve until 2027

The Rev. Brian Johnson

The Secretary shall take minutes of the proceedings of the Convention, certify Deputies to General Convention, cause to be prepared and posted Journals of Convention, and other duties as listed in the Canons of the Episcopal Diocese of San Diego. The Records, books, and Journals of the Secretary shall be open at all times to the inspection of the Ecclesiastical Authority, of the Standing Committee, of the Convention, and any Committee or Commission thereof. The Secretary is elected for a one-year term and may be re-elected.

In addition, the Secretary of Convention records the minutes and resolutions of the monthly Diocesan Executive Council meetings.

Disciplinary Board

Elect 2 clergy and 1 lay to serve until 2028

The Rev. Kirby Smith

The Rev. Laurel Mathewson

Mr. Andrew Waters

The Disciplinary Board hears cases regarding the discipline of clergy as specified in accordance with Title IV of the Constitution and Canons of The Episcopal Church. Members of the Court are elected for staggered three year terms and may be re-elected for multiple terms. The Disciplinary Board will meet as needed.

Executive Council

Elect 1 clergy to serve until 2029

Elect 2 lay to serve until 2029

Elect 1 lay to serve until 2028

The Rev. Brian Peterson

The Rev. Nina Bacas

Mr. Joe Lopez

Mr. Stefan Henning

The Diocesan Executive Council serves as the Board of Directors of the Corporation of the Episcopal Diocese of San Diego. It is the legally constituted governing body of the diocese.

In accordance with California State Law and Diocesan Canons, DEC has fiduciary responsibility for the assets of the diocese. Responsible for implementing, maintaining, and revising the Strategic Plan as necessary or appropriate.  Develops and recommends to convention the annual budget.

Diocesan Executive Council normally meets virtually the first Saturday of the month from 9:00 – 11:00 a.m. Meeting dates are subject to change because of calendar conflicts.

Standing Committee

Elect 1 clergy to serve until 2029

Elect 1 lay to serve until 2029

The Rev. Douglas Worthington

Mr. Andrew Waters

The Standing Committee of the Diocese shall consist of four clergy who are voting members of Convention and four Lay members who are communicants of the Church and who are at least 18 years of age. Members are elected by Diocesan Convention for staggered terms of four years. The Standing Committee acts as the ecclesiastical authority when the bishop is absent or incapacitated. The powers, functions, and duties of the Standing Committee shall be those prescribed by the Constitution and· Canons of The Episcopal Church, and by the Constitution and Canons of this Diocese. Upon expiration of the member’s term, no person shall be eligible to serve as a member of the Standing Committee for a period of one year.

Standing Committee currently meets virtually on the third Tuesday of each month, at 12:00pm.