2012 Diocesan Convention


2012 Diocesan Preconvention Journal is available for download.


The 147th Annual Convention of the Diocese will be held:

Friday and Saturday, November 9 and 10, 2012
at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral
328 Sixth Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15222

In advance of the convention, it is expected that every clergy and lay deputy attend a Preconvention Information Session. For your convenience, three sessions will be offered. In advance, we thank our host congregations for their hospitality.

Tuesday, October 30, 7:30 p.m.
Calvary Episcopal Church (East Liberty)
315 Shady Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15206

Thursday, November 1, 7:30 p.m.
St. David’s Episcopal Church (Peters Township)
905 E. McMurray Road, Venetia, PA 15367

Sunday, November 4, 2:00 p.m.
St. Michael’s of the Valley Episcopal Church (Ligonier)
2535 Route 381, Rector, PA 15677

The purpose of the information sessions is to prepare for Diocesan Convention, both as to substance of matters to come before convention and for preliminary discussion and understanding. All deputies should bring the preconvention materials to the meeting. These materials will be available to download prior to the meetings from the website at www.episcopalpgh.org. Deputies who requested materials by mail will receive them prior to the meetings. Please note that convention business begins Friday at 5:00 p.m.

Be reminded that in order for lay deputies to be seated at convention, each parish needs to have filed a parochial report for 2011, completed a parish audit for 2011, and be current in their assessment payments to the diocese.

Click here for a printable version of this announcement

Click here for a printable agenda

Click here for a 2012 Diocesan Convention Registration Form

Click here for a Display Reservation Form

Click here for the 2011 Pool 1 Endowment Activity Statement

Click here for 2011 and 2010 Diocesan Financial Audits


Diocesan Convention Workshops

Saturday, November 10, 2012 – 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. at Trinity Cathedral

All workshops are open to the public and all members of the diocese are encouraged to attend.

1. Visioning and Stewardship
Michael Davis, partner in the consulting firm Evan Davis Company and an active leader in the Diocese of Southern Ohio, will talk about visioning as a long-range planning process that creates a road map for the church in order to enhance and grow ministries, improve worship and aid in fulfilling the church’s mission. Implementation of process also aids in enhancing stewardship.

2. Getting to Know Trinity Cathedral
Bill Kaiser, life-long member of Trinity Cathedral and its docent, will discuss Trinity Cathedral and its ministries. The rich history of Trinity and its adjoining burial ground roots the Episcopal Church in the life of downtown Pittsburgh. He will highlight the riches of the architecture, arts, and furnishings, introduce the ministries of the Cathedral, and lead a tour of the building from third floor to undercroft and the burial ground.

3. The Church and Healing Ministries
The Rev. David Else, priest and psychologist, will lead participants in a discussion of healing. In a quick-fix instant-cure society dominated by mega-medicine businesses, the deep need calls for a restoration of healing in our community. The Church, which was the seedbed of medicine centuries ago, needs to resume its leadership in the restoration of healing ministries.

4. Islam in Pittsburgh: Communities of Faith
An overview of the vibrancy of Pittsburgh’s local Islamic communities, including their commitment to building interfaith understanding, will be offered by several Muslim presenters. The panel and discussion will be moderated by the Rev. Cynthia Bronson Sweigert.

5. Let’s Sing!
David Schapp, Trinity Cathedral organist and choirmaster, will lead participants in an hour of song, both familiar and new. No audition is required, just joyful anticipation of stretching our faith by singing with others.

6. A Look from General Convention 2012
Andy Muhl, a member of our diocesan communication team and a lay deputy to General Convention, will take you on a photo trip to Indianapolis. Other clergy and lay deputies will share their perspectives. You will gain an understanding of Episcopal governance, legislative process, and the decision making of the House of Deputies and House of Bishops. Other facets of the General Convention will also be discussed.

7. Update on Legal Issues and Property Issues
Andy Roman, Chancellor of the diocese, and Joan Gundersen, Administrator of Property, will provide a status report on legal and property issues and on what lies ahead for the diocese.


2012 Diocesan Convention Agenda

Friday, November 9

9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Exhibit Set-up
4:00 p.m. Registration, Light refreshments available
5:00 p.m. Opening Prayer, Call to Order
5:05 p.m. Welcome from the Provost
5:10 p.m. Election of Secretary, Appointment of Parliamentarian, Appointment of Judge of Elections
5:15 p.m. Waivers of Requirements
5:20 p.m. Welcome of Resumed Parishes,Declaration of Quorum, Roll Call,Approval of Minutes
5:30 p.m. Adoption of General Rules of Order, Adoption of Agenda
6:00 p.m. Report of Nominating Committee, First Ballot
6:15 p.m. Recognition of Special Guests
6:30 p.m. Seating of New Bishop/Eucharist
7:45 p.m. Reception

Saturday, November 10

8:00 a.m. Registration
9:00 a.m. Morning Prayer
9:30 a.m. Call to Order, Declaration of Quorum, Recognition of Special Guests
9:35 a.m. Election Report & Second Ballot
9:45 a.m. Bishop’s Address
10:15 a.m. Break
10:30 a.m. Workshops
11:40 a.m. Report & Adoption of Revisions to Constitution & Canons
12:10 pm Budget Presentation and Adoption
12:40 p.m. Lunch
1:25 p.m. District Elections
2:10 p.m. Chancellor’s Report
2:30 p.m. Report & Adoption of Compensation Guide
2:40 p.m. Adoption of Resolutions
2:55 p.m. Adoption of Courtesy Resolutions
3:10 p.m. Adjournment


Important Documents Relating to 2012 Diocesan Convention
Lay Deputy Certification Form
The deadline for certification of lay deputies is July 31, 2012.

Recommendations to the Nominating Committee Form
The reverse side of this form provides information about positions to be elected at convention.
The deadline to submit recommendations is October 1, 2012.

Pittsburgh Constitution & Canons Pertaining to Lay Deputies

Cover Letter Sent to Senior Wardens and Parochial Clergy
June 27, 2012

2012 Parish Audit Forms and Instructions
July 13, 2012