Following prayerful consideration at its March 2022 meeting, the ELCIC’s National Church Council (NCC) made the decision to hold the 2022 ELCIC National Convention as a virtual online gathering to conduct essential business of the church and to hold a special in-person convention in 2023 to allow time for a fuller gathering experience.
While many places across the country are starting to open up, NCC members expressed concern for planning requirements and overall comfort-level of delegates who may be anxious about travel and large-group gatherings.
“The final decision was made in the best interest of the health and safety for all who would be part of our upcoming convention – delegates, staff, volunteers and visitors,” said ELCIC National Bishop Susan Johnson.
The ELCIC is required to have a convention every three years, with the time and place determined by NCC.
“Holding convention online this year and a special convention next year allows us to ensure that we meet this year to conduct the business of the church,” explained Bishop Johnson. “This decision also allows for what we hope will be an opportunity to meet together next year and fully enjoy all the various components of convention that really make us feel like we are coming together as church, such as in-person worship, singing, and fellowship. This feels like the right decision for this moment.”
Further details will be available in the coming weeks as planning progresses. Delegates are asked to hold July 15-16, 2022 in their calendars for the online gathering. As per Part VII, Section 20 of the ELCIC Administrative Bylaws, delegates to the regular convention will also be delegates to the special convention in 2023.
Earlier this year a decision was made to postpone Assembly 2022, which was intended to be a gathering of both the ELCIC and the Anglican Church of Canada’s governing bodies. Discussions are continuing to look for an opportunity to come together and lift up the 20th anniversary of the Waterloo Declaration and celebrate our full communion relationship.
A Delegate FAQ for National Convention is available here: https://elcic.ca/national-convention/
