Diocesan Convention 2025 will be a unique and exciting time for the people of the Diocese of Central Pennsylvania and the Diocese of Bethlehem to come together and prepare for our ministry as the reunified Diocese of the Susquehanna.
In a typical year, several changes would be voted upon at Diocesan Convention to go into effect at its conclusion, including new members elected to our leadership bodies, updates to the Constitution and Canons, and resolutions pertaining to both business and ministry. 2025 is unique as we prepare to reunify, therefore the Diocese of Central Pennsylvania and the Diocese of Bethlehem will conduct the business of their individual conventions in the same room. While there will be significant overlap due to the focus on reunification, many pieces will be conducted separately because reunification will not happen until January 1, 2026.
The Constitution and Canons Working Group has been hard at work creating transitional canons that will enable us to move through the transition period between Diocesan Conventions on October 17-18, 2025, and reunification on January 1, 2026. Two highlights from the transitional canons include provisions for electing the correct number of people for leadership positions and the engagement in resolutions only pertaining to reunification efforts.
At a typical Diocesan Convention, fruitful conversation surrounding social justice issues also happen, with resolutions being proposed to signify our support and encourage congregations to take action. Because this year’s Convention will be focused on reunification and only reunification-focused resolutions will be considered, we are excited to announce that the Diocese of the Susquehanna will host a Social Justice Summit in Spring 2026, where these vital conversations will take place.
The Social Justice Summit will be an opportunity for those engaged in advocacy and justice-centered ministry from across our newly reunified diocese to come together as one. While this event is still in the early planning stages, it promises to be a time of reflection, networking, and organizing so that we may participate in God’s gospel justice work together. This day of workshops and networking is designed to empower us to do the work God has called us to do in bringing about Beloved Community. Stay tuned for more information.