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.
We are blessed to welcome The Most Rev. Michael B. Curry, former Presiding Bishop of The Episcopal Church, as our special guest for Convention 2026. Renowned for proclaiming the transforming and reconciling power of God’s love, Bishop Curry will join us as the Keynote Speaker at our Friday evening Banquet Dinner and as the Preacher for our Saturday morning Eucharist. The Rt. Rev. Michael Bruce Curry served as the 27th presiding bishop and primate of The Episcopal Church. Bishop Curry retired in 2024 following more than 40 years of ordained ministry. Read full bio here.
Watch Highlights of our 158th Convention
Constitutions and Canons Amendment
Resolution #1
ADOPTED
Resolution to Amend Sections of Title VIII, Canon 801 of the Canons of the Diocese of Easton
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.
Resolution #2
ADOPTED
A Resolution on the Format and Location of Diocesan Convention
Resolution #3
ADOPTED
A Resolution of Appreciation for the Ministry of John Dragone
Resolution #4
ADOPTED
A Call for Lasting Peace in Gaza
Resolution #5
ADOPTED
Restoring the Rev. Samuel Shoemaker to the next edition of Lesser Feasts
and Fasts
Resolution #6
ADOPTED
Personnel and Compensation Committee
Resolution #7
From the Convention Floor
For purposes of initiating a Search Committee for a new Bishop.
Motion to waive timeline to consider this late resolution was defeated.
Nominating Committee – Election Results & Candidates for 2026 Convention
Nominations as of 2/1/2026 – updated 2/5/2026
Election Results as of 2/28/2026
Newly Elected Officers of Convention:
President Pro tem – Rev. Dr. Darcy Williams
Secretary of Convention – Chrissy Aull
Treasurer of Convention – Myron Richardson
Registrar of Convention – Jefferson Moak
A. Standing Committee: 3-year term:
1 Clergy at large –
Rev. Marianne Ell
Rev. Canon Michael Lokey
Rev. Charlotte Meyer – ELECTED
1 Lay at large –
Granville Blades – ELECTED
Jefferson Moak
Jeffrey Pike
B. Diocesan Council: 3-year term At Large:
1 Clergy at large –
Rev. Lynda Habel – ELECTED
Rev. Lynn Wiljanen
1 Lay at large –
Pamela Ann Quarstein – ELECTED
Karen Papke-Shields
Diocesan Council: 3-year term – two exceptions below:
1 Northern, a CLERGY Representative – Rev. Marguerite (Peggy) Samuels – ELECTED
1 Northern, a LAY Representative (1 year term (Habel) – James Martinez – ELECTED
1 Middle, a LAY Representative – Florence Adams – ELECTED
1 Southern, a LAY Representative – Michael Wheatley – ELECTED
1 Southern, a LAY Representative (1 year term (Robinette) – Jim Cockey – ELECTED
C. Provincial Synod Representatives – 3-year term
1 Clergy –
Rev. Mark Delcuze
Rev. Marianne Ell – ELECTED
2 Lay –
John Dragone – ELECTED
Noelle Filion-Powell – ELECTED
Tom Shuster
Eddie Vance
D. Board of Managers – this committee sends in their own candidates
Ray Munsch Renewal of three-year term – ELECTED
Hank Phillips First full three-year term after replacing Tom Mendenhall upon his resignation – ELECTED
E. Deputies to General Convention 2027 – July 1 – July 8, 2027 Phoenix, Arizonia
4 Clergy & 4 Clergy Alternate Deputies –
Rev. Stephanie Clayville – ALTERNATE C4
Rev. Kevin Cross – ELECTED C2
Rev. Mark Delcuze – ALTERNATE C2
Rev. Marianne Ell – ALTERNATE C1
Rev. Lynda Habel
Rev. Laura Harbaugh – ELECTED C1
Rev. Canon Michael Lokey – ALTERNATE C3
Rev. Charlotte Meyer – ELECTED C3
Rev. Marguerite (Peggy) Samuels
Rev. Suz Southern – ELECTED C4
4 Lay & 4 Lay Alternate Deputies –
Granville Blades – ELECTED L1
Jim Cockey – ALTERNATE L1
Linda Hurley – ELECTED L2
Susan Moore
Noelle Filion-Powell – ELECTED L3
Pamela Ann Quarstein – ALTERNATE L3
Tom Shuster – ELECTED L4
Eddie Vance – ALTERNATE L2
Kathleen Wise – ALTERNATE L4
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
- 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
- Report of Committee on Resolutions for Debate
-
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