The 231st Diocesan Convention took place on November 4th and 5th at the Holiday Inn in Mansfield, MA. The highlight of the Convention was the Mission Strategy proposed by Bishop Alan Gates and approved by the Convention.
The heart of the Mission Strategy to be implemented in 2017 builds hope for the future in response to changes in our churches heard by Bishop Gates around our diocese. “The pews in our church used to be packed”. It calls for initial actions by 1) reimagining our congregations, 2) building relationships throughout our Diocese, and 3) engaging our world. Also approved was the 2017 Diocesan budget of $9.2M; St. Mary’s diocesan assessment is $50,800.
Four resolutions were passed calling for civility in political conversation, reconciliation following the divisive rhetoric of the recent presidential election, continuation of the diocese’s B-Peace initiative and strengthening affordable housing through Community Preservation Act (CPA) funding. For more information on Mission Strategy we recommend reading Bishop Gates’ address to the convention found at the website below.
Anne and John Turtle Delegates