A Convention Like No Other

This past weekend, the Episcopal Diocese of Alabama hosted its 190th diocesan convention at “Wonderful, Wonderful, Camp McDowell”. For those of you who aren’t familiar with the structure and governance of the Episcopal Church, a diocese is basically a district of churches under the guidance and oversight of a bishop (which is where the term “Episcopal” comes from). Most of the time, dioceses are grouped into geographical areas, such as the Diocese of Alabama, which is made up of parishes and worshiping communities from about the top two-thirds of our state (the bottom third falls under the Diocese of the Central Gulf Coast, a different diocese with a different bishop).

According to the canons of the Episcopal Church (a canon is a fancy word for “law”), every diocese is required to meet annually in order to conduct the business of the Church, which is exactly what we, as delegates from each parish and worshiping community, gathered to do this past weekend.

Only this was a convention like no other. Because of limitations in our ability to gather safely due to COVID-19, it was decided that our annual convention in 2021 would be conducted virtually. Unfortunately, this is a decision that many dioceses have had to make this year in order to keep each other safe and to prevent the spread of the virus.

So, on Saturday morning, rather than gathering as a convention in “the Doug” (our nickname for Carpenter Hall at Camp McDowell), about 350 of us logged onto Zoom and took part in the convention from the comfort of our own homes.

I have to admit that, as far as the business side of convention is concerned, I certainly didn’t mind the convenience of being able to log in on my computer and participate virtually. It made the experience simpler and faster (especially when it came time to vote for those nominated to serve on various committees).

But, what I missed this year was the sense of connection. Sure, we could see each other’s faces on the computer screen, but it’s not the same as sitting next to fellow delegates in the convention hall or enjoying a meal with a friend you haven’t seen in a long time or sitting by a fire with a glass of bourbon in hand (we are Episcopalians after all). There are just some things that can’t be replaced with a computer or smart phone. To that end, our diocesan convention this year was fine for what it was, and I greatly appreciate everyone on the Bishop’s staff who worked so hard to put it together. But, I’m looking forward to next year when we can all (hopefully) be back together again in person because diocesan convention is more than just a list of business items that need to be checked off each year. Convention serves as a reminder that we are always connected as the Body of Christ and that we never go about the work of spreading the Gospel alone.

Let’s be honest. Sometimes, the work of the church can feel lonely, especially if you belong to a smaller parish where it’s easy to feel isolated, but when you have the opportunity to gather with so many others who share your convictions and love for Jesus, it’s hard not to be inspired to continue on and return home with a renewed sense of purpose. That’s the real reason I love going to convention. The business part is fine. I know that it’s an important and necessary part of our life as a Church. But, the real reason why I show up each year and love going to convention is the people—the conversations that are shared with friends, old and new, and the relationships that are formed and strengthened as a result. In my opinion, nothing is more valuable than that.