Diocesan Convention 2025
The 154th Diocesan Convention was held Friday, October 17 and Saturday, October 18, 2025
At this Diocesan Convention, the Dioceses of Bethlehem and Central Pennsylvania met on Friday evening to hear about the work of the Transition Leadership Committee and Working Groups in 2025. Saturday morning included the work of the Diocesan Convention by voting on Diocesan Council members and General Convention deputies, the Diocesan Budget, and clergy compensation guidelines, concluding with a Eucharist service to guide us through the last steps of our reunification.
(For the two-day schedule click here)
The convention was held at the Hilton Scranton & Conference Center, 100 Adams Ave., Scranton, PA 18503
Transitional Canons, Constitution, and Canons
The Convention voted to adopt the Transitional Canons, Constitution, and Canons of The Episcopal Diocese of the Susquehanna, drafted by the Transition Working Group on Constitution and Canons and updated to reflect feedback gained during listening sessions that took place over the summer.
- Transitional Canons
- Constitution of The Episcopal Diocese of the Susquehanna
- Canons of The Episcopal Diocese of the Susquehanna (including the following Amendments: click here)
Resolutions
The Convention voted to adopt the following Resolutions:
- Resolution to Adopt the Transitional Canons, Constitution, and Canons of the Diocese of the Susquehanna (including the following Amendments: click here)
- Resolution to Adopt the Agreement and Plan of Merger
- Resolution to Adopt the Budget of The Episcopal Diocese of the Susquehanna
- Resolution to Adopt the Church Employee Compensation for the legacy Diocese of Bethlehem Congregations in The Episcopal Diocese of the Susquehanna for 2026
The following four resolutions were presented to the Convention from The Episcopal Church’s 81st General Convention:
- Resolution to Amend Constitution Article X With Clarifying Amendments
- Resolution to Increase by One the Possible Number of Bishops Suffragans in a Diocese
- Resolution to Amend Constitution Article VIII Regarding Clergy in Local Ecumenical Partnerships
- Resolution to Revise Marriage Rites for Inclusion in the Book of Common Prayer
Diocesan Council
The following people were elected members of Diocesan Council:
Clergy
- The Rev. Michele Causton
- The Rev. Michelle Moyer
- The Rev. Bryce Wandrey
Laity
- Steve Doster
- Joan Duckloe
- Wayne Evans
General Convention Deputies
The following people were elected Deputies to General Convention:
Clergy
- The Rev. Canon Melinda M. Artman
- The Rev. Canon Maryann Philbrook Sturges
- (First Alternate) The Rev. Michelle Moyer
- (Second Alternate) The Rev. Timothy Alleman
Laity
- Nolman Bonilla
- Cynthia Nortey
- (First Alternate) Michael A. Grady
- (Second Alternate) John Feather, Esq.
Logo & Shield Reveal – The Episcopal Diocese of the Susquehanna
Video from Diocesan Convention 2025 for the logo and shield reveal for The Episcopal Diocese of the Susquehanna.
Children, Youth, Young Adults, and Families
The Convention featured a video presentation highlighting children, youth, young adults and families across the Dioceses of Bethlehem and Central Pennsylvania.
Bishops’ Address
Address from Bishop Kevin Nichols and Bishop Audrey Scanlan to the 2025 Diocesan Convention.
Legal Process
Slide Presentation: click here
Campus Ministry
Slide Presentation: click here
Social Justice Ministries
Slide Presentation: click here
2026 Diocesan Budget
Slide Presentation: click here
Mission Granting
Slide Presentation: click here
Beloved Community Commission
Slide Presentation: click here
2024 Financial Results
Slide Presentation: click here
Pre-Convention Meetings
Pre-Convention meetings to review Diocesan Convention Resolutions for 2026 Clergy Compensation and the 2026 Diocesan Budget were held online on September 16 and 18, 2025, at 6:30 p.m.
Fall Convocation Meetings with Bishop Kevin
Bishop Kevin hosted fall convocation meetings to prepare for Convention and reunification with the Diocese of Central Pennsylvania. Diocesan Convention Representatives were especially encouraged to attend this important gathering.
Ministry Fair: Explore, Connect, Share
More than 25 ministries and organizations spanning the Dioceses of Bethlehem and Central Pennsylvania showcased their work and engaged with Convention attendees at the Ministry Fair. Each ministry and organization hosted tables to present their efforts, answer questions about their work and give out information and promotional materials.
Convention Journals
2022 Convention Journal (PDF)
2021 Convention Journal (PDF)
2020 Convention Journal (PDF)
2019 Convention Journal (PDF)
2018 Convention Journal (PDF)
2017 Convention Journal (PDF)
2016 Convention Journal (PDF) and 2016 Journal Addendum Canonical and Constitutional Resolutions (PDF)
2015 Convention Journal (PDF)
2014 Convention Journal (PDF)