Welcome to the 158th Annual Convention
of the Episcopal Diocese of Easton

February 27 – 28, 2026
Princess Royale Oceanfront Hotel & Conference Center
Ocean City, MD

“Coming Together in Love”
“Let us consider how to encourage one another in love and good deeds.”

(Hebrews 10:24)

The 158th Annual Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of Easton gathers clergy, lay delegates, and faithful members from across Maryland’s Eastern Shore to celebrate our life together in Christ. This sacred time of worship, fellowship, and shared discernment reflects who we are as a community rooted in faith and united in mission.

This year’s theme, “Coming Together in Love,” calls us to embrace the transforming power of God’s love as we listen, learn, and labor side by side for the sake of the Gospel. In a world often marked by division, we affirm our call to reconciliation, compassion, and hope — building bridges of understanding and grace within our churches and communities.

We are delighted to gather in person this year at the Princess Royale Oceanfront Resort in Ocean City, Maryland, where our diocesan family will join in worship, conversation, and collaboration. As the primary governing body of the Diocese, the Annual Convention offers an opportunity to reflect on the past year’s ministry, discern new directions, and make decisions that shape our common life.

We welcome all clergy, delegates, alternates, visitors, and friends to this milestone gathering as we joyfully come together in love to celebrate God’s abundant blessings and renew our commitment to serve Christ in all persons.

Timeline of Convention Events

Registration for Convention has closed.  Please call Beth Devenny or Lynn Anstatt at the Diocesan office if you need assistance.

 No refunds will be given after February 18th.

HOTEL ACCOMODATIONS

Our block of rooms are no longer available.  You can still call the hotel and make a reservation at the regular rate.

Please contact the hotel directly should you choose to stay overnight by calling  410-524-7777.  Check in time is 3pm.

VPOLL IN – PERSON VOTING

VPOLL In-Person Voting – This year’s elections will take place in-person using VPOLL’s web-based platform (this is different than in recent years when we have used the zoom platform). Step-by-Step voting instructions will be given during convention and Tech Chaplains will be on-hand to help anyone who has a problem gaining access. For a general overview of the voting process click this link. VPOLL is compatible with all mobile devices that can run a web browser (Safari, Chrome, Microsoft Edge). We ask that each voting clergy or delegate bring their own device, fully charged, to the voting portion of convention – this is required in order to vote.  The unique voter ID code, which will be used to login, will be printed on the back of your nametag that you will receive at convention check-in.

CONVENTION EUCHARIST

The Convention Eucharist will take place at the Princess Royale Hotel on Saturday morning, February 28 at 9am and it is open to the public.  The Rt. Rev. James “Bud” Shand will be the Celebrant and the Rt. Rev. Michael Curry will be the preacher.

Join the Convention Choir:  Singers are encouraged to be part of the volunteer Convention Choir, under the direction of St. Peter’s, Salisbury Music Director Lauma Akmene.  You will need to be present for rehearsal in the worship space an hour before the service, at 8am.

Clergy Vesting:  Since this convention is hosted by the Southern Convocation, clergy from the Southern Convocation are asked to vest with purple stoles and to take part in the procession.

Constitutions and Canons Amendment

Respectfully submitted by the Title VIII Working Group: The Rev. Dr. Darcy Williams, Chrissy Aull, Sandra Bjork, The Very Rev. Susan Leight, Lynn McLain, The Very Rev. David Michaud, The Very Rev. Claire Nevin-Field, Tom Shuster, Julia Connelly Zahn, Regan Smith, Esq., Chancellor.

Resolutions for Debate

REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON RESOLUTIONS FOR DEBATE FOR THE 158TH CONVENTION OF THE DIOCESE OF EASTON

The members of the Committee on Resolutions for Debate are Debra Dragone, Chair, The Reverend Canon Michael Lokey, The Rev. John Schaeffer, Gordon Fronk, Esquire, Linda Hurley, and the Venerable Laura Harbaugh, ex officio. The Committee received five (5) proposed Resolutions (click on each link below to view complete Resolution).  After each submitted Resolution for Debate, the committee has provided its recommendation to the Convention.  Click here for full report.

Nominating Committee – Candidates for 2026 Convention

Current as of Nominating Committee Mtg, 2/1/2026
updated 2/5/2026

A.  Standing Committee: 3-year term:

1 Clergy at large –
Rev. Marianne Ell
Rev. Canon Michael Lokey
Rev. Charlotte Meyer

 1 Lay at large –
Granville Blades
Jefferson Moak
Jeffrey Pike 

B. Diocesan Council: 3-year term At Large:

1 Clergy at large –
Rev. Lynda Habel
Rev. Lynn Wiljanen

1 Lay at large –
Pamela Ann Quarstein
Karen Papke-Shields

Diocesan Council: 3-year term – two exceptions below:

1 Northern, a CLERGY Representative – Rev. Marguerite (Peggy) Samuels
1 Northern, a LAY Representative (1 year term (Habel) – James Martinez
1 Middle, a LAY Representative – Florence Adams
1 Southern, a LAY Representative – Michael Wheatley
1 Southern, a LAY Representative (1 year term (Robinette) – Jim Cockey

C. Provincial Synod Representatives – 3-year term

1 Clergy –
Rev. Mark Delcuze
Rev. Marianne Ell

2 Lay –

John Dragone
Noelle Filion-Powell
Tom Shuster
Eddie Vance

D. Board of Managers – this committee sends in their own candidates

Ray Munsch Renewal of three-year term
Hank Phillips First full three-year term after replacing Tom Mendenhall upon his resignation

E. Deputies to General Convention 2027 – July 1 – July 8, 2027 Phoenix, Arizonia   

4 Clergy & 4 Clergy Alternate Deputies –
Rev. Stephanie Clayville
Rev. Kevin Cross
Rev. Mark Delcuze
Rev. Marianne Ell
Rev. Lynda Habel
Rev. Laura Harbaugh
Rev. Canon Michael Lokey
Rev. Charlotte Meyer
Rev. Marguerite (Peggy) Samuels
Rev. Suz Southern

4 Lay & 4 Lay Alternate Deputies –
Granville Blades
Jim Cockey
Linda Hurley
Susan Moore
Noelle Filion-Powell
Pamela Ann Quarstein
Tom Shuster
Eddie Vance
Kathleen Wise

2026 Nominating Committee:

The following have confirmed their service for the 2026 Nominating Committee:

Northern Convocation: Lisa Sabetti, Sally Rifenburg, The Reverend Nicholas Sichangi
Middle Convocation: Florence Adams, Granville Blades, The Very Reverend Susan Leight
Southern Convocation: James Cockey, Linda Hurley, The Very Reverend David Michaud

Additional Convention Links

(Links will turn blue when live)

• Convocation Meeting Agenda

• DRAFT Convention Agenda
• Call to Convention
• Credentials Form for Delegates & Alternates
• 2026 Final Budget as Approved by Council
• Proposed Rules of Order
• Notice of Proposed Canonical Amendments 

• Register for Convention – CLOSED

• Acts of the 2024 General Convention for Review
• 2026 Treasurer’s Report Handout
• 2026 Treasurer’s Report Slides
• Latest Diocese of Easton Budget Summary Slides 2026
• Resolution of Courtesy and Appreciation

2025 Journal

Read the Journal of the 2025 Convention of the Diocese of Easton