Episcopal Church News
2025 Episcopal Diocese of Massachusetts Convention
Highlights, Decisions, and What They Mean for Ascension
November 14-15, 2025
The 240th Annual Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of Massachusetts took place November 14–15, 2025, at the Boston Marriott Burlington. More than 500 clergy and lay delegates gathered to worship, reflect on the life of the Diocese, consider resolutions, approve the diocesan budget, and plan for the future of our shared ministry.
Under the leadership of the Rt. Rev. Julia E. Whitworth, Bishop Diocesan, the Convention focused on strengthening congregations, supporting clergy and lay leadership, promoting justice, and building a sustainable future for the Episcopal Church in eastern Massachusetts.
A New Strategic Vision: Welcome, Courage, Justice, and Joy
A major focus of the Convention was Bishop Whitworth's new diocesan Strategic Vision, built around four guiding values:
Welcome: Creating inclusive, inviting congregations where newcomers and longtime members can find belonging.
Courage: Embracing change, exploring new approaches to ministry, and addressing challenges with faith and openness.
Justice: Responding to the needs of our neighbors and working toward a more equitable society.
Joy: Celebrating the life of the Church and the many ways God's love is expressed through worship, fellowship, and service.
These values will help guide diocesan priorities, leadership development, congregational support, and the stewardship of church resources.
Supporting Healthy and Sustainable Congregations
Bishop Whitworth outlined several initiatives intended to strengthen parish life throughout the Diocese:
Congregational Growth and Welcome
The Diocese is expanding access to Invite, Welcome, Connect, a program designed to help churches welcome newcomers, build relationships, and encourage active participation in parish life.
Clergy Transitions and Rector Searches
The Diocese is working to clarify and streamline the process through which congregations search for and call new clergy. These efforts are especially relevant to Ascension as we continue our own rector search.
Church Buildings and Property Stewardship
Recognizing the financial challenges associated with maintaining historic church buildings, the Diocese is increasing its support for congregations exploring the maintenance, preservation, and responsible use of their properties.
This initiative is particularly relevant to Ascension as we continue caring for our historic church, stained glass windows, and Boone Hall.
Clergy Wellness and Compensation
The Convention approved updated clergy compensation standards for 2026 and emphasized sustainable clergy positions, appropriate benefits, and clergy well-being.
Resolutions Addressing Justice and Community Responsibility
Convention delegates adopted resolutions addressing several social and community concerns, including:
Protection of immigrants and people with Temporary Protected Status.
Due process protections for immigrants and asylum seekers.
Human rights and conditions in prisons and detention facilities.
Support for the Massachusetts Indigenous Legislative Agenda.
These resolutions reflect the Diocese's commitment to addressing social concerns through education, advocacy, and community partnerships.
The Diocese also reported that contributions to its Immigrant Legal Emergency Fund had grown to more than $100,000 during the Convention.
Children's Spiritual Formation
The Convention recognized the Rev. Dr. Jerome Berryman, founder of the Godly Play approach to children's Christian education.
His work emphasizes helping children explore scripture, worship, and faith through storytelling, reflection, and creative engagement.
This recognition is especially meaningful as Ascension continues to develop its Sunday School and youth ministries.
Celebrating Ministry Across the Diocese
The Convention introduced the first Courage and Joy Awards, recognizing individuals and ministries whose work reflects the Diocese's new guiding values.
Bishop Melissa Skelton also delivered a keynote address focused on congregational development and the opportunities available to churches willing to embrace change and strengthen their communities.
What Does This Mean for Ascension?
Although Diocesan Convention addresses the work of the wider Episcopal Church, many of its priorities connect directly with Ascension's ministries and plans for the future.
Our Rector Search
As Ascension continues the process of calling its next rector, diocesan efforts to improve clergy transitions and provide clear guidance will help support our Vestry and Search Committee.
Preserving Our Historic Buildings
The Diocese's increased attention to property stewardship is particularly timely as Ascension addresses preserving our stained glass windows, maintaining our historic buildings, and meeting the long-term needs of Boone Hall.
Welcoming and Engaging Our Community
Our developing children's ministries, Bible Study, community partnerships, and parish activities reflect the Convention's emphasis on welcoming and strengthening congregational life.
Planning for a Sustainable Future
As the Vestry and Finance Committee develop budgets and plan for future ministries, diocesan guidance on clergy compensation, stewardship, and congregational sustainability will remain important resources.
Learn More About the 2025 Convention
Parishioners who would like to explore the Convention's proceedings and decisions are encouraged to visit the following official diocesan resources:
2025 Diocesan Convention — Official Website
https://www.diomass.org/diocesan-convention-2025
Highlights of the 240th Annual Convention
https://www.diomass.org/news/diocesan-news/highlights-240th-annual-convention
Official Convention Actions and Resolutions
https://www.diomass.org/news/diocesan-news/actions-240th-annual-convention-episcopal-diocese-massachusetts
Ascension Memorial Church is part of the Episcopal Diocese of Massachusetts. Through our participation in diocesan life, we join with congregations throughout eastern Massachusetts in worship, service, and the shared mission of the Episcopal Church.
Welcome. Courage. Justice. Joy.