Welcome!

Welcome to the 139th Episcopal Church in Colorado Annual Convention: our opportunity to gather to accomplish the canonically required work of the church and to find inspiration in our journey with God and each other. We will gather and pray together as we face our current realities and lean into our shared future as we lead our diocese.  We will gather at the Westin Westminster, located in Westminster, Colorado, from October 8 to 10, 2026.

Registration:

Delegate registration information was emailed to congregations on July 10 and August 7. Those emails include the links needed to register; registration is not publicly available from this webpage. When registering, please use an email address the delegate or alternate can access on a smartphone, laptop, or other device during Convention. Voting is limited to registered delegates attending Convention in person. Proxy voting is not permitted. If you have questions about registration or did not receive the notifications on July 10 or August 7, please contact Janet Choyce, Event Coordinator, at janet@episcopalcolorado.org.

Alternate delegates must also be registered, even if they do not plan to attend Convention. Registration is required for an alternate to be officially designated and eligible to replace a voting delegate who is unable to attend. If an alternate needs to replace a registered delegate, send written notification to dioconvention@episcopalcolorado.org, copying the congregational leader.

Churches (ASAs & Allotted Delegates)

Our Speaker

The Rt. Reverend Daniel G.P. Gutiérrez

Bishop, Episcopal Diocese of Pennsylvania

The Rt. Rev. Daniel G. P. Gutiérrez was ordained on July 16, 2016, as the 16th bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Pennsylvania, the second oldest and fourth largest in the Episcopal Church. He says “Jesus is not simply a priority, He is my center, and everything else in life must flow from Him. I do not want to get Him off my mind or out of my heart. I know Jesus is always with me, guiding, correcting, teaching, listening, and loving.”

Gutiérrez does not see the role of the Episcopacy as “leading” but rather “following Jesus.” He uses the imagery of a shepherd as the model of his journey with God’s beloved in Pennsylvania. He often says, “a shepherd should smell like the sheep.”

Read More

Conversations Facilitator

The Rev. Gay Clark Jennings

The Rev. Gay Clark Jennings will lead two facilitated conversations at our 139th Annual Convention, inviting clergy and delegates to reflect together on “The Race That Is Set Before Us” and the future of the Episcopal Church in Colorado. Through a combination of anonymous individual input and table conversation, participants will consider our hopes, opportunities, and challenges for the next five to seven years; where Bishop Lucas’ leadership will be most important; and what we hope to accomplish together as a diocese. These sessions are designed not to reach consensus or predetermined outcomes, but to listen deeply to one another, identify emerging themes, and help shape a shared vision for the years ahead.

2026 Important Dates & Deadlines

  • August 8 – Deadline for submission of legislation and resolutions and deadline for applications for General Convention alternate deputy nominees (canonical requirement of 60 days prior to convention)
  • August 24 – Deadline for delegate designation (canonical requirement of 45 days prior to convention)
  • August 29 – Diocesan-wide Convocation & Regional Convocations
  • September 8 – Final budget posted for delegate review (canonical requirement of 30 days prior to convention)
  • September 8 – Deadline for exhibitor booth registration
  • October 3 – Budget Hearing and Resolutions Hearing and Pre-Convention Workshops
  • October 8-10 – Annual Convention, The Westin Westminster, Colorado

Budget Hearing and Legislation and Resolutions Report: Saturday, October 3, Online

The Budget Hearing and Legislation and Resolutions Report will be recorded and posted by the end of the day on Wednesday, October 7 below:

During convention business, we’ll be voting to accept the 2027 budget. Please take some time to look over the 2027 Narrative Budget and the 2027 Proposed Budget to prepare yourself for attending the budget hearing on Saturday morning, October 3, at 9:00 am.

Register Now for Budget Hearing

The Resolutions and Legislation Committee will host a hearing featuring the sponsors of the resolutions submitted for Convention consideration. This facilitated session is intended to help delegates and other interested participants better understand the purpose and intent of the proposed resolutions. The hearing is informational in nature and is not a forum for debate. All delegates and interested parties are welcome to attend.

Please see the full text of the resolutions below: 

Proposed Resolution #1 – Repudiating the Doctrine of Discovery

Proposed Resolution #2 – Reimbursing General Convention Deputies for Expenses

Proposed Resolution #3 – Affirming the Dignity of Immigrants and Calling the Episcopal Church in Colorado to Faithful Action

Register Now for Legislation and Resolutions Hearing

Pre-Convention Workshops: October 3, 2026, Online

Our pre-convention schedule begins on Saturday, October 3, on Zoom with five workshops.
All workshops will be recorded and posted by the end of the day on Wednesday, October 7, below:

The Front Door Has Moved

Presented by the Rev. Joseph Wolyniak and Ashley Graham-Wilcox
Church attendance has changed. Spiritual curiosity hasn’t. New research from the Caffeinated Church Storytelling Initiative, including quantitative and qualitative research conducted with Egg Strategy, reveals a surprising picture of Gen Z and Millennials that challenges many of our assumptions. We’ll explore what younger generations are actually seeking: belonging before belief, authentic relationships before institutional trust, meaningful community, purpose, and experiences of awe and transcendence. We’ll also examine why many young adults aren’t rejecting spirituality as much as they’re questioning whether the Church is a place where they can truly belong. Together we’ll consider what these findings might mean for our congregations, our outreach, our storytelling, and even our physical spaces. If the Gospel hasn’t changed but the “front door” to the Church has, how might we faithfully meet people where they are? Participants will leave with practical ideas and hopeful insights for engaging the next generation without abandoning the richness of our Anglican tradition.

Registration link: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/Bu6HDNZxQRe7iBmpMKbqTw

Intro to Spiritual Neighboring: Loving Our Marginalized Neighbors Well

Presented by Seven O’Riordan and the Rev. David O’Rourke, Deacon
Jesus said when we care for those in need, we are caring for Jesus himself, but do our interactions with our neighbors demonstrate that we believe him? Marginalized people who successfully navigate the complex and demoralizing systems in place in order to access the needed resources for their well-being often report that what made them able to do it was that someone made them feel like a human being.

We can and should care for our neighbors’ material needs, but any social service agency can do that. As the Church, we are charged with something no one else can do — affirming the Imago Dei in each person we care for, and beyond even that, treating them as we would treat Jesus. This is easy to say and harder to practice, so let’s practice! We will discuss aspects that make our church and ministry cultures (un)safe for neighbors, learn simple ways to shift our mindsets to non-transactional ministry, assess existing ministries for opportunities for deeper connection, talk about appropriate boundaries and limits, and try on skills, and commit to small, actionable steps toward loving our neighbors well. There will be opportunities for personal reflection, large and small group discussion, and probably a game.

Registration link: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/zIHi6KsHRlOsKhmv5JyjHg

Acknowledging History: Seeking Justice

Presented by Martha Dever, Sarah Hartzell and Marrtin Dormish
The purpose is to inspire, and support congregations that may or may not be engaged in social justice ministry to benefit our Indigenous Relatives whose land and culture were stolen from them by colonizers. Beginning with a brief time for attendees to share any current work they are doing related to Indigenous matters, we will then share a brief overview of history highlighting the Doctrine of Discovery and broken treaties with Indigenous communities in the 19th century. Next, we will explain our resolution—Repudiating the Doctrine of Discovery–which we have submitted to the Diocese for consideration at the 2026 Convention. We will also share a Land Justice project as an action intended to align with the resolution as we work to repair harms done in the past. The workshop will conclude with whole group discussion of how we can work together to sustain our efforts in reconciliation and community engagement on behalf of our Indigenous Relatives. This workshop is presented by the Colorado Coalition of Indigenous Allies with membership from several Episcopal Churches and other faith communities.

Registration link: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/Xrf6MnUPSVy57xP6xx60_A

Episcopalians for Justice and Mercy: Lessons in Community Organizing

Presented by Lena Potyondy
This workshop will tell the story of the first 6 months of the new network Episcopalians for Justice and Mercy. We are a group started in February in the Denver metro area of about 160 people from 24 different parishes with a mission of working toward a world that reflects God’s radical love by engaging the laity and the clergy of the Episcopal Church in Colorado in social justice ministry. We have a current focus on immigration justice. This workshop will discuss our founding process with the goal that others can learn from our work and apply it to other types of justice work across the state. We will focus on issues like group discernment and spiritual grounding, relationship building and recruitment, structure, and the roles of clergy and laypeople.
After an initial story-telling piece, we plan to ask the group to help us draw out lessons from the work so far. We will also provide a series of questions that help attendees assess their own community so they can think about how to start a similar process where they live and work. And we’ll have time for questions and answers.

Registration link: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/TXhGMjKZTz–9N67UulBXw

The Legacy Giving Marathon

Presented by Scott Asper and Pandora Smolinski
Legacy Giving isn’t about short-term quick wins—it’s a marathon based on building lasting relationships and long-term vision. It creates future funding streams that provide reliable income for churches and non-profits far into the future. And the greatest impact is to build steadily, intentionally and with the future in mind. A legacy ministry initially helps raise awareness of leaving a gift to the church through a donor’s long-term planning process. Over time, as this ministry continues to grow, reserves will also grow to carry on current and new vital outreach programs. More parishioners will continue to observe how the Legacy Giving ministry not only strengthens donor relationships but it draws the interest of others. The donor feels a sense of pride and involvement and further giving through their estate will expand the capacity for giving more so than they could ever give during their lifetime. Churches establishing a Legacy Giving program demonstrate they are ready to start running the marathon set before them as they plan for their future. We plan on demonstrating this with conversation, and possibly a power point. PDF’s will be made available to attendees.

Registration link: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/VOe-olOlRKm1xb-uWKZfPA

Convention Business, October 9-10

The activities and business of the Convention will take place at the Westin Hotel Westminster, located at 10600 Westminster Boulevard, Westminster, CO 80020. Breakfast will be served on Friday morning, October 9, and the Convention will conclude by 11:30 am on Saturday, October 10.

Convention Opening Worship and all General Session recordings from October 8-10 will be made available online on this page one week after the convention ends.

*NOTE: Agenda is subject to change.

Convention Detailed Agenda

Convention Resources & Materials

The Rt. Reverend Daniel G.P. Gutiérrez

Bishop, Episcopal Diocese of Pennsylvania

The Rt. Rev. Daniel G. P. Gutiérrez was ordained on July 16, 2016, as the 16th bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Pennsylvania, the second oldest and fourth largest in the Episcopal Church. He says “Jesus is not simply a priority, He is my center, and everything else in life must flow from Him. I do not want to get Him off my mind or out of my heart. I know Jesus is always with me, guiding, correcting, teaching, listening, and loving.”

Gutiérrez does not see the role of the Episcopacy as “leading” but rather “following Jesus.” He uses the imagery of a shepherd as the model of his journey with God’s beloved in Pennsylvania. He often says, “a shepherd should smell like the sheep.”

He has called his diocese to be different. A place where no one should have to “fit in” at church. Where the church is led by the Spirit to the heart of Jesus. Where everyone finds a place not of only welcome, but a home where they belong. Where faith is the encounter with God and the sacred connection with one another. A different community.

He has called his diocese to be the Church of the poor, compassionate and the loving. To be that gritty and messy Church. Not afraid to take risks. Not afraid to fail. Not afraid to open their hearts. Not afraid to outlove everyone else. A different, counter-cultural and revolutionary church, where all can flourish rather than fade.

Aside from Jesus, Gutiérrez counts as his most important role and greatest responsibility a position he assumed on June 26, 1998, when he became the extremely proud father of his son Jude, a graduate from the University of New Mexico with a degree in criminology. It is a joy he shares with his wife, best friend, and partner of 35 years, Suzanne Fletcher Gutiérrez. The family shares this joy with a household of dogs, turtles, pheasants, foxes, rabbits, owls, and the other miscellaneous “pets” that wander through their lives.

Dent Davidson

Guest Musician

Over the course of fifty years in professional lay ministry, Dent Davidson has been called to continual examination and re-imagination of church music and liturgy: embracing the best of the received tradition and expanding it. He has served in leadership roles in parishes, cathedrals, a seminary, diocesan staff, and 19 years as a Chaplain and Musician to the Episcopal House of Bishops: each position focused on vitality in worship, especially as that is expressed in the song of the gathered.  Having earned a degree in Composition and Vocal Jazz, he travels widely as a workshop leader.  Even though recently retired, he continues to live into his role as Animateur: one who imagines, teaches and leads new ways of expressing ourselves in liturgy and song.  (i.e. a Church that swings!)

The Rev. Gay Clark Jennings

Conversations Facilitator

The Rev. Gay Clark Jennings will lead two facilitated conversations at our 139th Annual Convention, inviting clergy and delegates to reflect together on “The Race That Is Set Before Us” and the future of the Episcopal Church in Colorado. Through a combination of anonymous individual input and table conversation, participants will consider our hopes, opportunities, and challenges for the next five to seven years; where Bishop Lucas’ leadership will be most important; and what we hope to accomplish together as a diocese. These sessions are designed not to reach consensus or predetermined outcomes, but to listen deeply to one another, identify emerging themes, and help shape a shared vision for the years ahead.

To make our gatherings more accessible and inclusive, we’re using Captional live captions and translation for in-person events.

Captional fosters connection and community by allowing an audience to fully engage and participate during in-person events by reading what they’re missing.

Captional empowers individuals facing hearing loss or other auditory processing challenges by offering real-time captions and translations for live events, breaking down barriers to participation and fostering inclusivity. With Captional, users can seamlessly engage in church services, lectures, and other in-person events, ensuring they don’t miss out on a meaningful experience.

Link to All General Sessions

Alternate Deputies for General Convention

At the 139th Diocesan Convention, Alternate Deputies will be elected to represent the Episcopal Church in Colorado at the 82nd General Convention of the Episcopal Church in Phoenix, Arizona in July, 2027. Each diocese elects four Deputies in each order, clergy and lay, and up to four Alternate Deputies, who serve if an elected deputy is unable to. Deputies to The General Convention participate in the full General Convention and meet as the deputation from the Episcopal Church in Colorado before and after General Convention 2027. Deputies are available to share with congregations the work of the General Convention in the months following General Convention. Deputies (and one alternate) are present at Convention, and expenses are covered by the Diocese (per diem for meals). Serving as a General Convention Deputy offers your voice and vote to the wider Episcopal Church, and also includes following an area of legislation and working for the good of the Episcopal Church with the whole deputation.

The Clergy Deputies shall be clergy canonically and actually resident in this Diocese at the time of their election and throughout their period of service and not under discipline, and the lay Deputies shall be communicants in good standing of a Parish or Mission of this Diocese at the time of their election and throughout their period of service. In 2027, General Convention runs from Saturday, July 3, to Thursday, July 8, 2027. Bishops and deputies will be asked to arrive in Phoenix, Arizona, the site of the convention, by June 30 for preparatory meetings on July 1 and 2.

Clergy and Lay Nominees

No nomination forms for General Convention Alternate Deputy were received by the August 18, 2026 deadline.

Diocesan Institutions, Commissions, and Committees provide reports of their ministries and activities over the past year. Remember these ministries and groups in your prayers during the days of Convention and throughout the year ahead.

The 81st General Convention

Anglican Studies

BOEC

Brigit’s Village

Cathedral Ridge

Colorado Episcopal Foundation

Commission On Ministry

Holy Companion, a special congregation

St Clare’s Ministries

St. Benedict Health & Healing Ministry

St. Francis Center

St. Mary Magdalene Equal to the Apostles, a special congregation

St. Stephen the Martyr, Monte Vista, a special congregation

Standing Committee Report to Convention

Courtesy Resolutions

Convention Land Acknowledgement

“Welcome to The Episcopal Church in Colorado’s 139th Annual Convention. As we prepare for what the Spirit has for us this weekend, we take a moment to acknowledge that the land on which we live and gather is the traditional territory of the Arapaho, Cheyenne, and Ute Nations. We recognize the Indigenous people who once lived on this land and support the resilience and strength of their descendants living among us today.

We also acknowledge our complicity in the egregious acts of colonization, boarding schools, and genocide that have caused lasting intergenerational trauma. We commit to learn the truth of the past and present, to reckon with our role in the harms caused, and to stand in solidarity with our Indigenous kin as we seek an equitable future together.”

Convention Important Information

Voting at Convention

All registered delegates and registered clergy entitled to vote will receive voting credentials (a number unique to you) at check-in and registration. This number matched with your last name will allow you to use the voting platform, VPOLL, for voting during convention. The VPOLL (app.vpoll.mobi) platform will be used for any electronic votes that are not accomplished with a voice vote during the Convention. You will need to enter the meeting access code EDC139 and then use your credential and your last name, in order to vote, during a short window of time. IMPORTANT: Capitalization and dashes are required. Please plan to keep these near you during Convention sessions.

VPOLL Voting Instructions (coming soon)

Alternate Designation

We are now using a formal process for an Alternate to take the places of a registered Delegate. If you are an Alternate wishing to take the place of a Delegate, you must appear at the registration desk no later than 15 minutes prior to the start of the legislative session (i.e. 9:15 AM for 9:30 AM start) to execute this change. Any change must be authorized in writing or in person by the Clergy-in-Charge, Senior Warden, or Bishop’s Warden (or ELCA partner equivalent) of the Alternate’s parish, mission, congregation, institution, or ministry. Any such change stays in effect until another change, following the same process, is made.

Diocesan Convention is an in-person gathering for the Episcopal Church in Colorado, and no provision is made, nor is one authorized in our Constitution or Canons, for proxy voting, or voting by persons who are not physically present at Diocesan Convention.

Convention Hotel

Room blocks have been established at the Westin Hotel Westminster with a nightly room rate of $179 per night. Click the link below to be taken to the hotel reservation page.

Book your group rate for 2026 Annual Convention The Bishop and Diocese of Colorado

Please note: the cut off for room reservations is Thursday, September 10. After this date, we cannot guarantee lodging at these hotels and at the discounted rate.

Coming Soon

Here is a link to a list of restaurants & nearby attractions provide by The Westin Westimnster.  We invite you to explore all that the surrounding area has to offer.

Attractions Map

How You Can Prepare for a Safer Convention

Each of us attending Convention also has a personal responsibility to promote the safest conditions for ourselves and for all others who will attend. Despite all the planning and precautions, we will take, it is not possible to eliminate all risks. If you are going to attend the Convention, here are some suggestions toward a safer convention for us all:

  • Delegates and their church leaders should confer about safety before leaving for Pueblo and make general contingency plans: if someone in your group tests positive or becomes ill, how will you support that person and organize accordingly? The best personal plans are those of a small community who know one another, supported by the larger Convention resources. We suggest a “buddy system” for your delegates so that each person has someone else to check with should they need assistance during the Convention.
  • Take a COVID-19 test before you leave your home to travel to Convention. If you test positive, stay home, make necessary notifications (including contacting the Convention Office at dioconvention@episcopalcolorado.org), and follow the CDC guidelines for those who test positive.
  • Before you leave home, check with your doctor or local health authorities to see whether, if needed, you can schedule a remote consultation. Ask them any medical questions you may have.

If you experience any of the symptoms of COVID-19 while in Westminster, please do not enter the Convention Hall until you have received a negative test. If you are a lay delegate or alternate, please notify your church leader(s) so they can make arrangements for your place in the delegation. They can do so by emailing healthandsafety@episcopalcolorado.org. You do not need to present yourself at the credentials desk and should not. If you are at Convention in another capacity, please notify the coordinator of your group, appropriate colleagues, or members from your church/parish. If you or members of your delegation need additional assistance, please text 720.677.9020.

Positive Test: If you receive a positive test and need to isolate yourself in your room, check with your hotel about extending your stay beyond Convention as necessary and at the convention rate. Information on other resources, food deliveries, and other care will be found on the information hub on the Convention website. As mentioned earlier, the best practice is to support one another within your delegation or small group. Another option, if you can, is to drive home and isolate at home. If you carpooled, consider how you are going to get home — roll all the windows down; all remain masked, and all test again when you get home.

Thank you for your assistance in making this a safer Convention for us all.

Prayer for Convention

Almighty and everliving God, source of all wisdom and understanding, be present with those who take counsel in the Episcopal Church in Colorado for the renewal and mission of your Church. Teach us in all things to seek first your honor and glory. Guide us to perceive what is right, and grant us both the courage to pursue it and the grace to accomplish it; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.