The 43rd Diocesan Convention convened clergy, lay delegates, and visitors at the Church of the Holy Apostles in Collierville under the theme “Go Forth and Be Bold” (Acts 28:31). This rallying cry inspired participants to reflect on their mission to boldly share the Good News and enact God’s love in the world.
Ministry Highlights
A significant focus of the Convention was the Do Good and Share Ministry Grants program, which funds outreach initiatives across the Diocese. Attendees watched four videos highlighting the transformative work of these ministries:
These ministries exemplify bold faith in action, providing hope and support to communities across West Tennessee.
The application for the second round of Do Good and Share Ministry Grants will open in January 2025.
Resolution on Streamlining Diocesan Governance (Full Text)
This resolution directs the Committee on Constitution and Canons to explore combining the Standing Committee and Bishop & Council into a single body. Findings will be reported at the 44th Diocesan Convention.
Resolution on the Creation of the Becoming Beloved Community (BBC) Commission (Full Text)
This new commission, comprised of 12 members appointed by the Bishop, will expand on the work of the West Tennessee Becoming Beloved Community Task Force. The WTNBBC Commission is charged with examining the Diocese’s historical involvement in racism and slavery and offering opportunities for prayer, study, and dialogue on racial healing.
Get Involved.
The newly-formed West Tennessee Becoming Beloved Community Commission invites all interested individuals to join its work. For more information, contact Emily Austin: eaustin@episwtn.org
3. Resolution on LGBTQ+ Dignity
In light of violence against transgender and LGBTQ+ individuals, this resolution declares the Diocese’s opposition to such violence and its commitment to affirm the dignity and rights of all people, in alignment with our baptismal vows.
Seminarians Introduced
The Convention welcomed the following seminarians, who are each on the priesthood track. We give thanks for their call to ordained ministry and pray for their continued growth and discernment.
Lavonnie Perry Claybon
St. Paul's (Mason)
University of the South ACTS Program
Pam Evans
Grace Episcopal Church (Paris)
University of the South ACTS Program
Zachary Ferguson
Calvary Episcopal Church (Memphis)
Virginia Theological Seminary
Michael Johnson
St. James (Bolivar)
University of the South ACTS Program
Financial Stewardship and Governance
Delegates approved the 2025 Diocesan Budget and affirmed the 2025 Minimum Clergy Compensation guidelines. Both documents are available for review by clicking here.
Elections & Honors
Congratulations to the following individuals elected to serve in diocesan leadership roles:
Standing Committee
- Clergy (3-year term): The Rev. Donna Gerold (St. John’s, Memphis)
- Lay (3-year term): Christian Man (St. John’s, Memphis)
Bishop & Council
- Clergy (4-year term): The Rev. Noah Campbell (St. Mary’s Cathedral, Memphis)
- Clergy (1-year term): The Rev. Amanda McGriff (St. George’s, Germantown)
- Clergy (2-year term): The Rev. Christian Senyoni (St. Andrew’s, Collierville)
- Lay (4-year term): Martha Webb (Immanuel, Ripley)
Disciplinary Board
- Clergy (3-year term): The Rev. Laura Gettys (Grace-St. Luke’s, Memphis)
- Lay (3-year term): Brooks Terry (Calvary, Memphis)
University of the South Trustee
Lay (3-year term): George Clarke (St. Mary’s Cathedral, Memphis)
Other Leadership Roles
- Secretary of the Diocese: Steve Anderson (St. Andrew’s, Collierville)
- Treasurer of the Diocese: Margaret McLean (Calvary, Memphis)
- West Tennessee Endowment Corporation: Anna McQuiston and Gina Miles
We are grateful for their willingness to serve and lead the Episcopal Diocese of West Tennessee in these important roles.
Bishop's Cross Award
The 2024 recipient of the Bishop’s Cross Award was announced during the Closing Eucharist: John Owen, outgoing chair of the West Tennessee Endowment Corporation. John was unable to attend, so the Rev. Scott Walters (Calvary) accepted the award on his behalf. Click here for a video of the presentation and Bishop’s Phoebe’s remarks at Convention.
John, a parishioner of Calvary Episcopal Church, was presented with the Bishop’s Cross Award a couple weeks later during Bishop Phoebe’s annual parochial visit to Calvary.
Congratulations, John, and thank you for your service to the Diocese of West Tennessee!
Image Credit: Robyn Banks
Gratitude and Looking Ahead
The Convention expressed appreciation for:
Church of the Holy Apostles,
our host congregation, for their exceptional hospitality;
Kate Bond,
our keynote speaker, whose inspiring address challenged us to live out bold faith; and
our pages and volunteers,
Mark your calendar now for Diocesan Convention 2025!
