104th Annual Convention November 7, 2026 Lake Logan Conference Center Convention Agenda 9:00 a.m. 10:00 a.m. 11:15 a.m. 12:30 p.m. 1:30 p.m. Registration opens Refreshments available in Dining Hall Morning prayer with Bishop Duckworth Business Session 1 Lunch Business Session 2 Business will conclude by 4:00 p.m. CONVENTION REGISTRATION 2026 Convention Speaker Shannon Rogers Duckworth was elected the 12th Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Louisiana on May 14, 2022. She was ordained and consecrated on November 19, 2022. Prior to her ordination, Shannon served as the Canon to the Ordinary to the Rt. Rev. Morris K. Thompson, Jr. Before moving to Louisiana in 2013, she served in various positions throughout the Episcopal Diocese of Mississippi, where she was born and raised. She is a 2001 graduate of the General Theological Seminary. She has two sons, Nicholas (20) and Tucker (16). James (Jimmy) Duckworth is a fourth-generation tire and automotive business owner. In 2007, he retired as Commander in the United States Coast Guard. An avid historian, Jimmy was a founding board member of the National WWII Museum in New Orleans; and alongside a team of veterans and former Higgins Industries employees, spearheaded the construction a LCVP landing craft for the museum. Shannon and Jimmy were married in 2021 at Christ Church Cathedral in New Orleans. Jimmy and Shannon’s home is in New Roads, Louisiana, a lovely small town nestled alongside an oxbow lake of the Mississippi River. In addition to spending time with Nicholas and Tucker, they appreciate stepping away from the busyness of life to recharge in a beautiful country setting. You can regularly find them gardening, working on the property, refurbishing old homes, boating, and riding along the levees hunting feral hogs in their 1987 Suzuki Samurai. They have also relished the opportunity to travel across the diocese of Louisiana over the past 9 years and look forward to what’s ahead. Map of Lake Logan Interactive Map of Lake Logan Nominations & Resolutions LEARN MORE Documents for the Business of Convention LEARN MORE Certificate of Election LEARN MORE Coming to Convention with Intentionality LEARN MORE Budget Road Tour LEARN MORE New Delegate Orientation LEARN MORE Accommodations LEARN MORE Summer Memo 2026 LEARN MORE

We are the Episcopal Church in the 28 counties of the westernmost portion of the state, with more than 15,000 members worshiping in 63 year-round congregations, six summer chapels, and two conference centers. It's a vibrant and exciting place to live and work and experience the glory of God's creation. The Episcopal Church in Western North Carolina We are the Episcopal Church in the 28 most western counties of North Carolina, with more than 15,000 members contributing to 60 year-round congregations, four summer chapels, two conference centers, a summer camp, Deerfield Retirement Community, and Christ School. It's a vibrant and exciting place to live and work and experience the glory of God's creation. Learn About Our Diocese Empowering Youth and Young Adults Youth are more than just our future—they are our present. We invite youth and young adults to participate fully in the life of the Church. Learn More Exploring Our Churches From the mountains to the foothills, in cities and towns throughout Western North Carolina, our churches offer something for everyone. Learn More Telling Our Stories Evangelism through storytelling. We believe that we can walk the Way of Love through sharing the stories of our unique and diverse diocese. Learn More Barrier Breakers: The Pilgrimage "Barrier Breakers: The Pilgrimage" is a pilgrimage celebrating and amplifying the stories of historically black parishes in the Episcopal Diocese of Western North Carolina. Learn More Stay Up-To-Date Subscribe to our mailing list to stay up to date with the latest news from our diocese and parishes. Have news you want to share? Email our Missioner for Communication . Download the Diocesan Seal Click image to download.

Episcopal Church Women The Episcopal Church Women are a group of

About the "Highland Episcopalian" The Highland Episcopalian is a biannual publication of the Diocese of Western North Carolina. The magazine is sent to anyone who wishes to receive it within the boundaries of the diocese. Those outside the area may subscribe to the magazine for $5 per issue. Donations to support the cost of mailing the magazine are welcome, and may be made online (below) or sent to our office. Backdated Issues: Summer 2017 Closer to God: Conference & Camp ministries in the diocese Convention 2016 Details of the 2016 Convention. Summer 2016 Electing the next bishop February 2015 Community Gardens Fall 2016 The election of our new bishop Summer 2015 New directions, new growth

Exploring Our Churches: Foothills Area Up Back to Find a Church Sitting on the eastern boundary of the Diocese, the rolling foothills transition the Appalachians to the Piedmont. Marked by rivers, expansive farms and thriving communities, the Foothills Deanery is made up of eight parishes spread though five counties. Cities in the area include Hickory, Morganton, Lenoir and Marion. Major cities: Hickory Lenoir Marion Morganton Newton Wilkesboro Episcopal Church of the Ascension 726 1st Avenue NW Hickory, NC 28601 http://www.ascensionhickory.org/ (828) 328-5393 St. Alban's Episcopal Church 130 39th Ave Place, NW Hickory, NC 28601 www.stalbansparish.org (828) 324-1351 St. Mary's & St. Stephen's Episcopal Church 140 St Marys Church Rd, Morganton, NC 28655 St. Mary's St. Stephen's Website Facebook page Grace Episcopal Church 303 South King Street Morganton, NC 28655-3536 www.gracechurchmorganton.org (828) 437-1133 St. James Episcopal Church 806 College Avenue, SW Lenoir, NC 28645 www.saintjamesepiscopal.org (828) 754-3712 St. Paul's Episcopal Church 1865 N Powerhouse Rd Morganton, NC 28655 www.stpaullakejames.org (828) 584-0955 Episcopal Church of the Epiphany 750 W 13th Street Newton, NC 28658 www.epiphanynewton.com (828) 464-1876 St. John's Episcopal Church 289 South Main Street Marion, NC 28752 www.stjohnsepiscopalwnc.org ( 828) 652-4144 St. Paul's Episcopal Church 206 West Cowles Street Wilkesboro, North Carolina 28697 https://stpaulwilkesboro.org/ (336) 667-4231

Ministry at La Capilla de Santa Maria SPANISH EUCHARIST SERVICE - Sundays at 11AM Get Directions NUESTRAS HISTORIAS: Miguel Álvarez, La Capilla Watch this video to learn more about our Regional Missioner for Latino Ministries, Miguel Álvarez, and the ministries at La Capilla. If you want to learn more about Miguel, click here to read his full bio. La Capilla de Santa Maria (The Chapel of St. Mary) is our diocesan Spanish Mission Chapel and is located in Hendersonville, NC. The mission is to bring formation, faith, companionship, and education to their congregation, and support local Latino families and communities to build bridges between Latino and Anglo-Saxon culture. La Capilla has a deep history rooted in Western North Carolina. The property is also home to the Folwell House, where the members of our Blue Ridge Service Corps reside as part of the mission to connect the Anglo and Latino communities. If you want to learn more about the history of La Capilla, a brief history can be found in the article "The History and Legacy of La Capilla de Santa Maria," or a more extended narrative can be found in the book, "La Capilla de Santa Maria: A Spiritual Tapestry" by Joy Franklin.

Diocesan Response to COVID-19 As we navigate the impacts of COVID-19 (Coronavirus), we have put together a variety of resources for our communities. Please do not hesitate to contact our Diocesan office if you have any concerns or questions. Please note: Here you will see listed only our most recent COVID-19 Updates. If you wish to find past statements and letters from the Bishop, please visit our Coronavirus Archives . LATEST: COVID-19 Update, April 7, 2022 Seasonal Resources Financial Resources Virtual Worship in WNC Public Health Resources Worship Resources Technology Resources Formation Resources Care for Neighbor Resources Fellowship Resources Staying Centered

Origins The Episcopal Diocese of Western North Carolina acknowledges the past and present members of the Indigenous communities that once occupied this land and were harmed and expelled by settlers: The Catawba (Issa, Essa, Iswa) and Cherokee (Tsalagi) nations. We stand in solidarity with all marginalized communities and condemn the acts of racism and ignorance towards any of our brothers and sisters in Christ. We are dedicated to the work of dismantling racism and building Beloved Community. Visit our Unlearning Library. Any history of The Episcopal Church in Western North Carolina must begin with an acknowledgement that prior to the arrival of Christian settlers, the Catawba and Cherokee Nations called the southern Appalachian region home for centuries. The Catawba lived in the Piedmont and Foothills region of North Carolina and the Cherokee were just west throughout the Blue Ridge and Smoky Mountains. With the arrival of European newcomers in the late 16th – 17th centuries, conciliatory trading relationships and military alliances were forged. The expansion of Europeans into what would eventually become our diocese progressed slowly through the 18th century. English settlers, mostly German, Scottish and Irish immigrants moved westward through the Piedmont, overtaking the native populations. The Cherokee and Catawba continued to control their territories through most of the first half of the 18th Century, much of which would become the Diocese of Western North Carolina. Undesirable farming land in the Western Piedmont and the ever-increasing European population resulted in encroachment on Cherokee and Catawba territory. The conflicts increased with the French and Indian War, with England respecting the Cherokee claim to the Great Smoky Mountains. The treaty was largely ignored by the European settlers who built homesteads in Cherokee land. In 1776, North Carolina militia joined with militia armies from South Carolina and Virginia and together they invaded the Cherokee Nation in the campaign known as Rutherford’s Trace. The militias destroyed more than 40 native towns including food storage and sacred places, and some natives were taken as slaves. The Cherokee never recovered their control of their tribal lands, and the European migration increased. In 1830, with the federal Indian Removal Act, most of the remaining Cherokee in Western North Carolina were forcibly moved west to Oklahoma during the Trail of Tears. A small remnant of the Cherokee, who were able to avoid being removed, came to be known as the Eastern Band of the Cherokee and, over time, were able to purchase the land now known as the Qualla Boundary, in and around Cherokee, NC. The Catawba, largely decimated by small-pox and tribal warfare by the beginning of the 19th century, ceded their homeland to the state of South Carolina in 1840. <<< Previous Page Next Page >>> Origins LEARN MORE Origins LEARN MORE LEARN MORE Settlement Period LEARN MORE Settlement Period LEARN MORE Mountain Missionary Spirit LEARN MORE Mountain Missionary Spirit LEARN MORE Becoming a Diocese LEARN MORE Becoming a Diocese LEARN MORE Repairing a Breach LEARN MORE Repairing a Breach LEARN MORE Expanding the Circle LEARN MORE Expanding the Circle

Resources for Resilience Workshop In June 2021, members of the diocese gathered for a Resources for Resilience Workshop at Lake Logan Conference Center. The workshop focused on how we can keep ourselves centered during times of high stress and tools for managing our fight or flight responses.

Volunteer Resource page providing a Virtual Guide for those who wish to come to Western North Carolina and support Helene Recovery efforts. Volunteer Resources Up 1/1 Virtual Volunteer Resource Guide After thoughtful and prayerful consideration, our diocese has decided to not facilitate volunteer groups. Learn more about that decision in this video from Bishop José. Instead, our team has created a Virtual Volunteer Guide, which you can access through the button below. In it you will find trusted recommendations for where you can volunteer, worship, eat, shop, and stay in your time in Western North Carolina. This PDF is complete with links to all of these resources. Please use it and share it with all who want to contribute to our recovery efforts. Virtual Volunteer Resource Guide 1/1

Our Leadership & Governance The Diocese of Western North Carolina is governed by the Constit ution and Canons of The Episcopal Church and the Constitution and Canons of the Diocese . Authority of the Church in this diocese is vested in the bishop, the annual Convention of elected delegates and clergy, an elected executive council, an elected standing committee, and other canonically required committees. The business of the Diocese is conducted at an annual convention held in November. All canonically resident clergy are required to attend and each parish elects two delegates who attend. Both lay and ordained participate in deliberations and vote on a variety of resolutions, including the budget . Finally, the Diocese is divided into six geographical regions designated as deaneries. One clergy leader is elected as Dean of each deanery and meets monthly with the Bishop to discuss and address diocesan affairs and local concerns. Our Canons Our Constitution TEC Constitution and Canons LEARN MORE Annual Convention LEARN MORE Annual Convention LEARN MORE Committee on Constitutions and Canons LEARN MORE Executive Council LEARN MORE Executive Council Finance Committee LEARN MORE LEARN MORE Standing Committee LEARN MORE Standing Committee LEARN MORE Deaneries LEARN MORE Deaneries The Episcopal Foundation of WNC LEARN MORE LEARN MORE The Disciplinary Board

Seasonal Resources Find a variety of resources to help guide you through the different liturgical seasons below. Easter Resources LEARN MORE Easter Resources LEARN MORE Ash Wednesday & Lenten Resources LEARN MORE Ash Wednesday & Lenten Resources LEARN MORE Advent Resources LEARN MORE Advent Resources LEARN MORE

Prison Ministries The Diocese of Western North Carolina has a longstanding commitment to serving and ministering among our brothers and sisters incarcerated in local prisons. St. James Episcopal Church, Black Mountain and St. John’s Episcopal Church, Asheville are active in ministry at Swannanoa Correctional Center for Women. Local Episcopal clergy and lay leaders from Asheville, Brevard and Hendersonville are active at Chapel of Christ the King, a ministry to men at Craggy Correctional Center. Likewise, local clergy and lay leaders from Trinity Episcopal Church in Spruce Pine are active in ministry at Avery Mitchell Correctional Center. Below are resources that provide information on the state of prisons and the challenges faced by those within them. Local and National Ministries Kairos Prison Ministry of NC Ministry of Hope at SCCW Books and Movies Prison Nation: The Warehousing of America's Poor , edited by Tara Herivel and Paul Wright The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness , by Michelle Alexander Prison Culture: Understanding Prison Inside and Out , by Lennie Spitale Dead Man Walking The Green Mile 13th

Zoom Links for Convention Convention Homepage We look forward to seeing you at Convention! Please find the Zoom link below. Please plan to arrive 15 minutes ahead of time so we may begin promptly at 9AM on November 13th. Dio WNC is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting. Topic: 99th Annual Convention Time: Nov 13, 2021 08:30 AM Eastern Time (US and Canada) Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81896509591?pwd=ZkRCTVdrdmpSZHVTbWYyY3o0R2JSUT09 Meeting ID: 818 9650 9591 Passcode: 752143

Civil Discourse In an increasingly polarized and divided society, the capacity to productively talk about things that matter with family, friends and neighbors is not only a Gospel value but it is also essential for vital communities. The Diocese of Western North Carolina and many churches actively promote practices that promote civil discourse and teach the tools necessary for healthy conversations, proactive listening and compassion. Below are several resources to assist you and your congregation to integrate habits and attitudes that promote mutual understanding. The Civil Discourse Curriculum - created by the Presiding Bishop’s Office and the Office of Government Relations, this curriculum is designed “to help folks understand and practice civil discourse…and why it is so important to living out our Gospel call and solving the problems facing our communities, country and the world.” Talking About Things That Matter - created by the parish of St. Luke's Episcopal Church, Boone, NC, this model comes out of "an awareness that our society is deeply divided, and it seems harder than ever to talk across those divides. We have seen this wider societal dynamic impact our congregational life, and our awareness of this division has awakened in us a deep desire to grow our capacity to have conversations about things that matter." Talking About Things that Matter -- An Introduction Baptismal Vows & Practices for Talking About Things That Matter Group Leader Instructions Conversation Prompts Practices for Talking About Things That Matter

Community Engagement "For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me." (Matthew 25:35-36) In The Episcopal Church, our vocation as followers of Jesus is guided by the Baptismal Covenant. The Diocese of Western North Carolina is committed to embodying and practicing the way of Jesus in every facet of our common life, so that we may cultivate loving, life-giving and liberating relationships with God, with each other and with our own self. Below you will find areas of social engagement the diocese and many of our parishes actively support. If you are new, we invite you to explore the eight topics described and to join us in these vital endeavors. Civil Discourse LEARN MORE Civil Discourse LEARN MORE Dismantle Racism LEARN MORE Dismantle Racism LEARN MORE Immigration LEARN MORE Immigration LEARN MORE LGBTQ+ LEARN MORE LGBTQ+ LEARN MORE Poverty and Food Insecurity LEARN MORE Poverty and Food Insecurity LEARN MORE Environment LEARN MORE Environment LEARN MORE Prison Ministries LEARN MORE Prison Ministries LEARN MORE Recovery Ministries LEARN MORE Recovery Ministries LEARN MORE

A Reflection on Haiti By Alister Brady, member of the Episcopal Church of the Incarnation, Highlands Since 2001, the Church of the Incarnation has partnered with Haitians on projects in one of the poorest parts of the country, the Central Plateau. Through our visits, connections have formed between the hundreds of Americans who have traveled with us and Haitian friends, resulting in learning how people there live and motivating us to help. We have built an Episcopal school and a church, provided teachers' salaries for several schools, have sent a number of students to college and graduate programs, have provided goats to families, have supported projects to raise fish to eat and for sale and garden projects that have fed people while teaching new farming techniques.

Up Back to Our Leadership & Governance The Disciplinary Board The Disciplinary Board consists of five clergy and four laypersons (pursuant to Title IV of the Constitution and Canons of The Episcopal Church) nominated by the Ecclesiastical Authority and elected by the Convention of the Diocese. The Disciplinary Board serves as the court which guides the Ecclesiastical process of accountability and discipline for members of the clergy. For more information on the Disciplinary process & reporting, please find more information here . Members The Rev. Jonathan Stepp, President Mr. Allan Fullwood The Rev. David Henson The Rev. Judith Whelchel The Rev. Patty Mouer Ms. Jillian Fisher Ms. Jacque Dunbar The Rev. John Simpson Ms. Candace Mance, Church Attorney

2019 Spring Youth Conference at Lake Logan

Indigenous Ministries Conference On March 26, 2022, we gathered as a diocese with 5 respected speakers to discuss the past, present, and future of the Diocese of WNC with our indigenous siblings. Our 5 speakers were the Rev. Dr. Brad Hauff (Indigenous Missioner for The Episcopal Church), the Rev. Dr. Bude VanDyke (Rector at the Church of The Good Shepherd in Decatur, Alabama), Dr. Trey Adkock (Director of American Indian and Indigenous studies at the University of North Carolina at Asheville), Mr. James Bradley (Secretary of Education for the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians), and Principal Chief of the Eastern Band of the Cherokee Indians, Mr. Richard Sneed. Photos by Pamela Mumby of Land of the Sky Photography.