The Rev. Jeremiah Williamson

Why do you feel called to serve the Church as a Deputy to General Convention?

As the Rector of a parish, I feel it is vitally important that those who make these significant Church-wide decisions are grounded in the life of the local parish. I believe it is the duty of deputies to not just represent their personal convictions but to honor those with whom they share the pews, the altar rail, the conference room, and the parish hall. In my experience at two General Conventions, I have not always found that to be the case; too many deputies arrive with personal agendas. It is all too common, that following a GC, I, as a parish priest, encounter faithful members who are hurt or discouraged by the decisions of our Convention. Of course, folks will disagree – that is a hallmark of the Episcopal tradition – but I intend to navigate the process with humility and understanding so that our Church will be truly a prayerful and inclusive space.

I feel called to serve as a deputy because I love the Episcopal Church and believe strongly in its potential to share the good news of God’s love with the people of this nation and the world.

What life experiences and/or training can you offer as a resource to the Church?

I am a two-time deputy to General Convention; in 2012 and 2015 I represented the Diocese of Ohio. During the GC of 2015 I served on the legislative committee for Prayer Book, Liturgy, and Church Music.

I earned my M.Div. from Drew Theological School, a very diverse seminary, that shaped me to listen deeply to a range of voices and perspectives. I also recently completed an Executive certificate program in Diversity and Inclusion through Cornell University.

I am a father of two; my wife is a United Methodist pastor. I worked in parishes for almost twenty years, sixteen of those in ordained priestly ministry.

Describe your ministries, participation and experience in the Episcopal Church.

In addition to my General Convention participation, I am the former Chair of the Commission on Ministry and a current member of the Standing Committee of our Diocese. In Ohio, I was the regional Dean of the West Mission Area. I currently serve, at the invitation of Presiding Bishop Curry, as an advisor to the Episcopal Church’s Office of Development. I have been published by Church Publishing and Forward Movement, two Episcopal Church publishing houses. I have served the Church as an ordained minister since 2006. I have been the Rector of Grace and St. Stephen’s since 2016.

What aspects of our corporate life or issues facing the Church today hold particular interest or importance to you?

I am especially interested in those areas that impact the life and rhythms of the local congregation: liturgy, music, evangelism, formation, and congregational development. I also believe the budget process is vital; I think it is important to be intentional about the ways we invest our money and energy as a Church. I am deeply invested in the future of our tradition and believe that with thoughtful and inspired leadership we will witness the dreams God has for us come true.

How will your participation as part of the deputation enhance the life, mission and ministry of our diocese?

I offer experience – both in the Church and at General Convention. I am attentive and honor the gifts of those with whom I work. I will vote thoughtfully and prayerfully. I will be mindful of the the ways in which General Convention decisions impact the lives of parishes, lay members, and our clergy. I will give this work my best efforts because I love the Episcopal Church and believe it ever worthy of my best.