The development of a budget for the mission and ministries of the Episcopal Church in Delaware is an ongoing twelve-month process that is reviewed and updated as information concerning revenues and expenses is collected and analyzed. The 2027 proposed budget presented at the convention in November will have been thoroughly reviewed by the Diocesan Council for their input and questions at the council’s October  meeting.

Convention will be asked to support the approval of the 2027 proposed budget reviewed by council. We expect the diocesan council, on behalf of the convention, will further review updates by the finance committee to the 2027 preliminary budget at their December meeting, or in early January 2027.

The development and execution of the budget is led by the treasurer and the chief operating officer in collaboration with the finance committee. This team relies on the energy and expertise of many additional sources, including the insurance committee, the personnel committee, the trustees, and the investment committee of the trustees. The bishop offers direction and advice, as do various diocesan ministries and organizations.

Shortly after the October council meeting, the 2027 proposed budget will be made available to all through the convention website for review. In early November there will be an online presentation of the budget for all delegates and other interested parties. This will include time for input and questions. The presentation of the budget before convention will provide convention attendees sufficient information to make an informed decision concerning the 2027 proposed budget.

Leadership in the Episcopal Church in Delaware is shared by all of us. Across our parishes and diocesan ministries, faithful individuals offer their time and gifts to guide our common life. Our witness is strengthened when our leadership reflects the breadth, diversity, and energy of our community.

To that end, we invite nominations of individuals from across all three Delaware counties to serve in diocesan leadership roles.

A list of open positions is available here. Terms of office begin on the first day of the second month following Convention (for the November Convention, January 1, 2027).

Any active Episcopalian in good standing in the Episcopal Church in Delaware may submit a nomination, including self-nominations. Please consider, prayerfully, who may be called to serve at the diocesan level.

The deadline for nominations is October 21, 2026. Submitting by this date ensures nominees are included in convention materials and diocesan communications.

If you have questions, please contact Cynde Bimbi at cbimbi@delaware.church.
Use the Nomination Form below to submit a nomination.

About the Nominations Committee and Process
This year, we’ve refined the nominations process: a larger committee, a simpler nomination form, and a more active role in encouraging a full and diverse slate. Committee members are talking with people across the diocese — meeting, listening, and inviting those called to serve — so that our leadership reflects the breadth of our community.

Nominations Committee Members:
Jordan Kinsey, Jim Evitts, the Rev. Michael Giansiracusa, Sheridan Kingsberry, Rick Harra, Bruce Vrana, Kathleen Hiltner, Herb Quick, Susan DeGraff, Arnie Morris, Chris Miller-Marcin, Shirley Biddle, Cana Hartman, Stan Diver, Peter Cornell, and Cynde Bimbi.

CLICK HERE TO MAKE A NOMINATION

All resolutions are not the same. The Rules of Order of Diocesan Convention (RODC) note two main types:

• Debatable Resolutions – The most common type, open for discussion at convention.

• Courtesy Resolutions – Not debated; express the unanimous voice of convention.

(Resolutions from General Convention are generated outside our annual convention and are not covered here.)

Who may submit a resolution?
Any voting member of the clergy or a lay delegate—or someone speaking on behalf of a diocesan congregation or the St. Andrew’s School Chapel Organization—may submit a resolution. Self-submissions are welcome. Use the Resolution Form to submit.

Deadlines:

• Debatable resolutions: Due Monday, September 21, 2026 (60 days before convention). Submitting by this deadline ensures that delegates have adequate time to review the proposed resolutions and discuss them within their congregations prior to convention. It will also ensure inclusion in pre-convention publications and allow further study and discussion at the pre-convention presentaton on November 11 (see below). 

  Late “floor resolutions” may only be introduced at convention with a two-thirds supermajority vote.

• Courtesy resolutions: Same deadline, though the president of convention may accept submissions up to ten days before convention.

Convention Preview:
Submitted resolutions will be presented at the Convention Preview on November 11 at 4:30 p.m., via Zoom. All are welcome and encouraged to attend.

During this gathering:

• • • Resolution proposers are expected to present their resolutions.
    • Attendees will have the opportunity to listen, ask questions, and engage in conversation. Members of the resolutions committee will also attend to capture input that might inform their work when they gather formally at convention.

This shared time of presentation and discussion is designed to:

• • • Encourage broader understanding and thoughtful engagement ahead of convention
    • Reduce the amount of time needed for explanation and clarification during the Convention itself

Resolutions Open Hearing at Convention:
The resolutions open hearing will be held following the first business session on November 20. With the input of convention delegates during this open hearing, the resolutions committee is tasked with considering, clarifying, and perfecting resolutions before they are voted upon by the convention in the second business session on November 21.

Tips and Samples for Writing an Effective Resolution

• 242nd Annual Convention: Friday and Saturday, November 20 – 21; Hyatt Place, Dewey Beach; 1301 Coastal Hwy.
• This year’s theme will be Discovering and Rediscovering Christ “Surely God is my salvation; I will trust, and will not be afraid.” Isaiah 12.2 (NRSV)
• The Convention Guidebook – Pre-Convention Edition (digital) will be distributed by late October to all those registered for convention. It will include the list of nominees for election, resolutions submitted by deadline, financial information, final agenda, and more convention information.
• Convention Preview: A resolution and budget preview will be held via Zoom on November 11, 4:30 p.m.
• Convention check-in opens at 12:00 p.m. on Friday, November 20, 2026, and concludes by 2:30 p.m. on Saturday November 21, 2026.
• The bishop will host a thirty minute orientation for new delegates on Friday, November 20, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. It is open to all.
• Agenda items include: Two business sessions, elections, resolutions, bishop’s address, ministry reports, finance report, workshops (to be announced), Meet the Candidates social, Friday night dinner and social, worship, and Saturday breakfast and lunch.
• If weather or other unforeseen circumstances require a postponement of convention, the alternate date is Saturday, December 5, 2026 at St. Anne’s School in Middletown, for a single-day on-line convention. Rely upon http://www.delaware.church as the official source for any postponement announcements.

Click here to view the Call to Convention in a PDF Format — web version.