2022 CONVENTION
2022 Diocesan Convention
The 127th Convention took place on Saturday, January 29, 2022 via Zoom webinar. Diocesan Convention is the yearly legislative meeting presided over by the bishop and consisting of the clergy of and elected representatives of its congregations. It considers the diocesan budget and other matters regarding the mission and ministry of the diocese.
Thank you to all who attended Convention. We are grateful to be building Beloved Community with you.
FRIDAY NIGHT PRE-CONVENTION EVENT: LISTENING TO RISING GENERATIONS
Thanks to everyone who attended the Listening to Rising Generations discussion with Mark Yaconelli, Bishop Mariann, and the Rev. Canon Anne-Marie Jeffery on Friday, January 28. We heard powerful testimonials from four young adults of the diocese and Mark Yaconelli cast a Holy Spirit infused-vision of what’s possible when elders take the time to make genuine connections with the youth and young adults in our communities.
Convention Wrap-Up
Thanks again to all who attended Diocesan Convention. Below, you’ll find the video recording of the proceedings, Bishop Mariann’s Convention Address, the results of the Standing Committee elections, and the final resolutions as passed.
Watch the recording of the 2022 Diocesan Convention here, or Bishop Mariann’s Convention address.
Resolutions to Convention
Clergy and convention delegates may submit resolutions for consideration at Diocesan Convention. Under our Rules of Order, proposed resolutions must have been received no later than 5:00 p.m. on November 30, 2021. Download information about the submission process, including how to format and where to submit a resolution. Resolutions received and being presented at the 127th Annual Convention appear below. Invitations to online hearings will be sent to members of Convention. The hearings can be viewed by other interested individuals by accessing our YouTube channel.
If you would like to submit amendments to any resolution, you may do so by using the form below.
Amendments will be addressed in the order in which they are received. If we have questions about your amendment we will use your email provided as a contact method. If you are not present at convention to speak when your amendment comes up it will be disregarded.
STANDING COMMITTEE
The Standing Committee is a body that has eight members, including four clergy and four laypersons. Under the Episcopal Church Canons, the Standing Committee has three principal responsibilities. It must approve all candidates for ordination, determine whether to approve requests from parishes that wish to sell or encumber real property. In addition, the Standing Committee serves as the counsel of advice to the Bishop of the Diocese.
At the regional gatherings in the fall each region may select up to one clergy person and one lay person to be among the nominees for election to the Standing Committee at the upcoming annual Diocesan Convention in January. The following nominees were selected by the regions:
Election Results, January 29, 2022
The following were elected to serve two-year terms to expire on January 31, 2024. The Report of the Tellers will be available in the Journal and Directory when published.
- The Rev. Meredith Heffener, St. James’, Potomac
- The Rev. Marilyn Jenkins, St. George’s, DC
- Ms. Jewell Little, Grace Church, Silver Spring
- Mr. Anton Vanterpool, II, St. Alban’s
North Montgomery County Region
Clerical Nominee: The Rev. Vikki Clayton, St. Luke’s, Brighton
I am rector of St. Luke’s, Brighton Parish in Brookeville, MD. It is such a joy to minister to this
community since 2016. Prior to entering parish ministry I completed chaplain residency at Frederick Memorial Hospital and am board certified as a clinical chaplain. Through the Monocacy Valley chapter of the College of Pastoral Supervision and Psychotherapy I mentor candidates through the process of chaplain certification. It would be an honor to work with my colleagues in serving the diocese as a member of the Standing Committee.
Lay Nominee: None
South Montgomery County Region
Clerical Nominee: None
Lay Nominee: Jewell Little, Grace Church, Silver Spring
I have been a member of Grace Church, Silver Spring, MD for over 25 years. During that time I have served on the vestry, served as a LEM, a Daughter of the King, a volunteer in Grace Church’s thrift shop, The Pennyworth Shop, and as President of the shop’s Board for 3 years. I also served on the altar guild and as a visiting Eucharistic Minister. I am now serving on the Transition Committee for our new rector. In the community, I have served as facilitator for Multi-Cultural Dialogues on race and religion held in Montgomery County Maryland and as facilitator for book discussions on racial understanding. I am a lawyer and have worked in the area of Civil Rights for over 15 years and now as a mediator for conflict resolution..
Central Montgomery County Region
Clerical Nominee: The Rev. Meredith Heffner, St. James’, Potomac
Meredith has served as rector of St. James’, Potomac, since 2017. She participated in the diocesan strategic planning process, focused primarily on the creation of the School for Christian Faith and Leadership. Meredith also serves as a mentor for those discerning ordination in the diocese. She has served as a field education supervisor and colloquy mentor through Virginia Seminary, is a member of the Board of the Episcopal Corporation of Widows and Children in Maryland, as well as a member of The Gathering of Leaders. Meredith’s passions include visioning, preaching and teaching. She is especially enthusiastic about the way we share God’s love from generation to generation.
Lay Nominee: None
North DC Region
Clerical Nominee: The Rev. Canon John T.W. Harmon, Trinity, DC
John Harmon is the Rector and Pastor of Trinity Church, DC. He is currently a member of the Standing Committee and served previously on the Commission on Ministry. He is a co-founder of the Episcopal Service Corps. He served as Provincial and Diocesan Chaplain of the Order of Daughters of the King and was a Deputy and Alternate to General Convention. He is a clergy coach and mentor. He believes that every gathering of the people of God is an opportunity to witness the presence of God among us.
Lay Nominee: Anton Vanterpool, St. Alban’s
Blessed to serve on Standing Committee for four years. Appointed Secretary in 2020. Worshipping at St Alban’s over 20 years, serving in choir and church school teacher. Continued in both ministries in person and virtual during COVID-19. Diocesan delegate, 2011-2013, diocese volunteer since 2011. Helping people improve their Communications and Leadership skills over 30 years in Toastmasters International. Military veteran who served in choir, organ search committee, church school, rector search committee and vestry as part of six Episcopal parishes. Ecumenical service as online lay reader and greeter for the Kingstowne Communion, a new Methodist Church in Alexandria, VA. Continue to bring critical listening and evaluation skills to the issues our bishop faces.
Central DC Region
Clergy Nominee: The Rev. The Rev. Marilyn Jenkins, St. George’s, DC
Marilyn has served as Priest-in-Charge at St. George’s, DC, since March 2020. During her brief tenure, she led her congregation through a parish-wide discernment regarding their call and mission. She also led the parish’s participation in the Episcopal Church Foundation’s Congregational Leadership Initiative (CLI). This year-long involvement resulted in the creation and development of an extensive oral history project partially funded by the DC Humanities Council. Additionally, Marilyn participated on the Diocesan Strategic Planning Committee and in a University of Notre Dame three-year study on Flourishing in Ministry. Her current service includes membership on the Berkeley Divinity School Leadership Board and her passions include leadership, visioning, and mentoring seminarians.
Lay Nominee: Laurel Pyke Malson, St. Paul’s, K Street
Laurel Pyke Malson is a member of St. Pauls-K St, and a partner at Crowell & Moring LLP. Over the past 30 years or more at St. Paul’s, she has served as Senior and Junior Warden, member of several Rector search committees, the Grate Patrol, and Chorister Parent committees. She also has served several terms on the PECF Board, and currently serves on the Board’s Continuing Committee for Student Safety.
South DC Region
Clerical Nominee: None
Lay Nominee: None
North Prince George's DC County Region
Clerical Nominee: None
Lay Nominee: None
Southern Maryland Region
Clerical Nominee: The Rev. Christian Lehrer, St. Paul’s, Baden
My name is Christian Lehrer and I ask to represent you on the Standing Committee. I serve as part-time rector of St. Paul’s Parish in Baden, Md and St. Mary’s Chapel in Aquasco, Md. For over 35 years I have served the Episcopal Church as a layperson, a deacon and now as a priest. I am so deeply grateful for the warm welcome and opportunity to work in the Episcopal Diocese of Washington. I was not allowed to even apply for a job, near my family, in my hometown of Albany, NY because I am Gay. Thank you for your kind consideration. Christian.
Lay Nominee: Sewell Truitte, St. Paul’s, Piney
I have served my parish in many different ways. I have served on Vestry 3 different times in the areas of Worship, Stewardship & Finance and Youth. I have served as Junior Warden for 1 year and Senior Warden for 4 years. I have served on the Finance, Stewardship, Who We Are, Labor Day Fundraiser, Window Restoration, Publicity, Rector Advisory and Endowment committees. Have served many years as a LEM, Eucharistic Visitor and Acolyte. I am co-leading our next Sacred Ground Group this fall.
Diocesan Convention Archives
Here you’ll find the archives of materials from recent Diocesan Conventions. Official records for each year’s convention can be found in the Journal.
