196th Diocesan Convention -

196th Diocesan Convention - "Many Members, One Body."



196th Convention of The Episcopal Church in the Diocese of Alabama



We look forward to gathering for the 196th Annual Diocesan Convention, which will take place at the Sheraton Hotel in Birmingham, AL, on Friday January 29 to Saturday January 30, 2027. The theme for our gathering is “Many Members, One Body,” taken from 1 Corinthians 12:12: “For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ.” Paul was writing to his church – or parish – in Corinth. Inspired by the Holy Spirit, he also speaks to our 86 parishes. Paul describes the kind of community we experience today: parishes are where we hear the Gospel, receive Christ’s sacraments, and gather as a community. Each parish is also part of the larger community of the Diocese of Alabama. 

A Change to the Convention Schedule

Reflecting on feedback from previous conventions, the Diocesan Council has enthusiastically approved a one-night convention for 2027, with check-in and programming beginning the morning of Friday, January 29. In previous years, check-in and the Opening Eucharist took place on Thursday. This year, arriving on Thursday will be optional for delegates and attendees traveling from outside Birmingham to settle in before Friday’s activities. The Opening Eucharist will take place on Friday. Check-in times and the full convention schedule will be shared soon.

Dates:Friday January 29 to Saturday January 30, 2027

Theme: “Many Members, One Body.” (1 Corinthians 12:12)

Venue: Sheraton Hotel in Birmingham, AL(2101 Richard Arrington Jr. Boulevard North, Birmingham, AL 35203)

Convention Contact: Email all questions to alabamaepiscopal@dioala.org 

196th Diocesan Convention -

IMPORTANT DATES AND DEADLINES

  • Delegate certification: November 1–30, 2026
  • Convention registration: December 1, 2026–January 25, 2027
  • Pre-filed nominations for diocesan office: November 12, 2026–January 22, 2027
  • Pre-filed resolutions: December 1–31, 2026
  • CERTIFICATION OF DELEGATES

    Delegate certification is the first step in the convention process where each parish indicates its elected lay delegates to the Bishop’s Office. This process places the delegates and alternate delegates into formal communication for convention. Please note that delegate certification and convention registration are separate steps.

    Certification opens on Sunday, November 1 2026 and closes on Monday, November 30, 2026. A direct link to the certification form will be posted on this webpage and across our communications platforms. 

  • CONVENTION REGISTRATION
    Convention registration is the process by which each delegate and member of convention (clergy, retired clergy, spouses, seminarians, and other members of the diocesan community) provide their individual information necessary to prepare for convention, such as preferred name, food allergies, among other important details. Registration will begin on Tuesday December 1, 2026 and close on Monday January 25, 2026.  Please note that there will not be any registration fees this year.
  • LODGING
    A block of rooms has been set aside at the Sheraton Birmingham Hotel, 2101 Richard Arrington Jr. Boulevard North, Birmingham, AL 35203, for attendees of our convention Thursday and Friday evening.  A Standard room with a King bed or Standard room with two Queen beds can be reserved at a rate of $200 per night (plus 17.5% and $3.00 state and occupancy tax).  Room check-in is at 4:00 pm, and checkout is by 11:00 am.  Please reserve a room at your earliest convenience using this link or call  (800) 325-3535 or (205) 324-5000.  The block of rooms will no longer be available after Thursday, January 7, 2027.
  • CONTACT
    Please send convention questions to alabamaepiscopal@dioala.org or call Anne Tippett at 205-358-9233.