Recap of the 195th Diocesan Convention: “Good News for a New Day."

Nearly 400 clergy, delegates, and attendees from across the Diocese of Alabama gathered at Camp McDowell for the 195th Diocesan Convention, held February 5–7, 2026.

Centered on the theme “Good News for a New Day,” the annual convention invited participants to embrace God’s ever-renewing mercy and to share the Good News of Christ’s love in fresh ways each day. The gathering was inspired by the scripture from Lamentations 3:22-23:”The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”

“The Diocese of Alabama is a blessing to the world today in ways that I could not have imagined at my first convention. I have been amazed, delighted, surprised, and overwhelmed by your determination, energy, faithfulness, generosity, and deep love—for each other, for the world around you, and most of all, reflected in your love for Christ,” said Bishop Curry in her opening address.

DAY 1: THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 5

The convention opened with a drive-through registration at 3:00 p.m. at the Camp Store, facilitated by both diocesan staff and Camp staff members.

The first gathering was an opening Eucharist at 7:00 p.m. at St. Francis Chapel, presided over by Bishop Glenda Curry, and the sermon delivered by the Very Rev. Richard T. Lawson, Bishop-elect of the Diocese of Alabama.

Details of the Very Rev. Richard Lawson’s Sermon available HERE

DAY 2: FRIDAY FEBRUARY 6, 2026

The second day of the convention began with Morning Prayer, led by the Rev. Corrie Cabes, rector of St. Mary’s, Jasper.

Bishop’s Opening Address

Following Morning Prayer, Bishop Curry officially opened the session and called the convention to order.

In her opening address, Bishop Curry reflected with gratitude on the life and ministry of the Diocese of Alabama, highlighting the faithfulness, resilience, and creativity of its congregations in recent years. She emphasized that the Church exists not only for those within its walls but for the sake of the wider community, calling Episcopalians to lives of service, hospitality, and witness.

Bishop Curry celebrated the signs of renewal across the diocese: growing participation in worship, strengthened outreach ministries, leadership development, and collaborative initiatives that equip congregations for ministry in a changing world. Her message centered on hope, thanksgiving, and trust in God’s continuing work, encouraging the diocese to move forward with courage and joy as it enters a new season of leadership and mission.

For the full transcript of Bishop’s opening address, please click HERE

Keynote Speaker: Bishop Jenny Andison

We were blessed to welcome Bishop Jenny Andison, former Area Bishop for the Diocese of Toronto. Bishop Jenny currently serves as Rector (Senior Pastor) of St. Paul’s Bloor Street and St. George’s Grange Park, leading a growing family of churches in sharing the Good News of Jesus across Toronto.

Over the course of Friday and Saturday, she spoke on the topic “Tilling the Soil for Gospel Growth.”

The Business Sessions on Day 2 also addressed procedural matters, including motions to adopt the agenda, an overview of the resolution authorizing electronic voting, and the opening of nominations for positions on the standing and disciplinary committees.

New Clergy Introductions

• Richard Ahlquist – Assoc. Rector, St. Mary’s on-the-Highlands
• Ed Bacon – Interim Rector at All Saints, Birmingham
• John Bagby – Interim Rector at Holy Comforter, Gadsden
• Drew Brislin – Rector of St. Joseph’s on-the-Mountain, Mentone
• Greg Evans – Asst. Vicar at Riverside, McCalla
• Dillon Green – Rector of St. Catherine’s, Chelsea
• David  Hodnett – Rector of St. Michael & All Angels, Anniston
• Kelley Hudlow – Associate Rector at All Saints, Homewood
• Taylor Johnson – Transitional Deacon at St. Matthew’s, Madison
• John Kennedy – Deacon at St. Mary’s on-the-Highlands, Birmingham
• Jane Major – Rector, St. Paul’s, Greensboro
• David Peeples – Assoc. Rector, Holy Trinity, Auburn
• Jeanne Randall – Transitional Deacon at St. Timothy’s, Athens
• Randy Sellers – Priest-in-Charge at Holy Cross, Trussville
• Susan Sloan – Interim Rector, St. Matthew’s, Madison
• Worth Stuart – Rector of Holy Spirit, Alabaster
• Mary Balfour Van Zandt– Rector at Epiphany, Guntersville

People in Formation

Celebration Dinner

The day concluded with a celebration dinner welcoming Bishop-Elect Lawson, followed by a Q&A session with him, moderated by Bishop Curry.

Ministry Fair In Photos

DAY 3 – SATURDAY FEBRUARY 7, 2026: BUSINESS SESSION III

The final day of the convention began with Morning Prayer, led by the Youth Department, followed by Business Session III. Keynote speaker Jenny Andison continued her presentation on “Tilling the Soil for Gospel Growth.”

Bishop Curry then introduced the leaders of various diocesan ministries, who presented their reports in the following order. All presentation slides are attached:

• Kana Goldsmith, Executive Director, and Carrie Dennis, Assistant Director – Sawyerville
• Jen Manning – Missioner for Formation
• Breanna Carter – Missioner for Racial Healing and Pilgrimage
• Phyllis Hall – Diocesan Treasurer
• Derrick Hill – Executive Director & CEO of Camp McDowell

Resolutions

• Resolution 1 & 2: Diocese’s Operating Budget and Camp McDowell Operating Budget – Adopted
• Resolution 3: Formal Adoption of Jonathan Myrick Daniels as Patron of the Episcopal Diocese of Alabama – Adopted with amendments.
• Resolution 4: Amendment of Canon 3, Section 11. Elections – Adopted

For information on the Diocesan Office and General Convention Election results, please click HERE

What are participants saying about their time?

What are participants saying about their time here? We spoke with a few young delegates about their experiences and how they’re carrying what they’ve learned back to their parishes. Watch the video to hear from them.

Looking Ahead to the 196th Convention

The Rev. Rich Webster, Dean of the Birmingham Convocation, warmly extended an invitation to host the 196th Diocesan Convention in Birmingham, AL, Magic City, scheduled for February 4–6, 2027. The invitation was formally moved, seconded, and unanimously accepted. Following this, Bishop Curry called the 195th Diocesan Convention to a close.

---

The writer is the Director of Communications. She can be reached at nana@dioala.org