Photos from the 2019 Diocesan Convention held Saturday, Nov. 2 at the Back Bay Events Center and Emmanuel Church, Boston.
Cathedral Church of St. Paul dean Amy McCreath greets people arriving at the Back Bay Events Center. Photo: Bridget K. Wood
Many volunteers staffed the registration tables with a smile, despite the day's early start. Photo: Bridget K. Wood
Members of convention made a stop at voting stations to cast their ballots. This year the convention elected deputies to the next Episcopal Church General Convention and other leadership positions. Photo: Bridget K. Wood
Diocesan Youth Council members visit ministry display tables. Photo: Bridget K. Wood
Godly Play was among the programs on display in the exhibit area. Photo: Bridget K. Wood
The Rev. Dr. Debora Jackson from Bethany House of Prayer in Arlington offers the opening prayer. Chaplains from Bethany House of Prayer provided moments for spiritual reflection throughout the day. Photo: Bridget K. Wood
A constitutional quorum is declared by Sister Kristina Frances, SSM, Secretary of Convention. Photo: Bridget K. Wood
At the head table: Bishop Gayle E. Harris, Bishop Alan M. Gates and the parliamentarian, Byron Rushing. Photo: Bridget K. Wood
Parliamentarian Byron Rushing has his copy of Robert's Rules of Order ready for action. Photo: Bridget K. Wood
Bishop Alan M. Gates delivers his annual address. Photo: Bridget K. Wood
Retired bishop suffragan Bud Cederholm participates in conversation with young members of the diocese during a mission strategy conversation activity. Photo: Bridget K. Wood
Everyone reflected on the "Way of Love" theme and mission strategy during a conversation activity. Photo: Bridget K. Wood
The Rev. Christine Whittaker (right) shares conversation with a neighbor. Photo: Bridget K. Wood
The Rev. Isaac Martinez helps present the report of the 20s and 30s Task Force. Photo: Tracy J. Sukraw
Sarah Neumann, co-chair of the 20s and 30s Task Force, reports on the task force's findings on successful models for engaging young adults fully in the life of the church. Photo: Tracy J. Sukraw
In addition to adopting the $9.1-million dollar budget for 2020, the convention approved resolutions on engaging young adults fully in the church; prison sentencing reform; taking next steps for creation care; and becoming a "Safe Haven" diocese. Photo: Bridget K. Wood
Charlie Ives from St. Paul's Church in Newburyport asks the convention to "please, please, please" send young people on next year's diocesan-sponsored Las Fronteras pilgrimage to the U.S.-Mexico border. Photo: Bridget K. Wood
The Rev. Laura Everett brings greetings from the Massachusetts Council of Churches. Photo: Bridget K. Wood
Bishop Alan M. Gates recognizes the Rev. Richard Loring on the occasion of his recent 90th birthday and thanks him for his decades of faithful service to congregations of the diocese. Photo: Bridget K. Wood
Convention-goers from the congregations that the Rev. Richard Loring has served--including 18 of them as an interim priest during retirement--were asked to stand. Photo: Bridget K. Wood
Bishop Gayle E. Harris recognized the Rev. Victoria Hunt and the Rev. Marshall Hunt for their service to the diocese as chaplains to retired clergy, spouses and survivors. Photo: Bridget K. Wood
Bishop Gayle E. Harris celebrates Holy Eucharist at Emmanuel Church. Photo: Bridget K. Wood
Mission Strategy co-chair Claudette Hunt gives a progress report. Photo: Bridget K. Wood
The Rev. Phil LaBelle, Mission Strategy co-chair, reports on upcoming initiatives. Photo: Bridget K. Wood
Nadia Robinson, a Diocesan Youth Council member from St. Mark's Church in Foxboro, speaks during the discussion on the prison sentencing reform resolution. Photo: Bridget K. Wood
The Rev. Joseph Mumita of Grace Church in Everett speaks during debate on the "Safe Haven" resolution. Photo: Bridget K. Wood
Dawn Tesorero moves the resolution, "Take the Next Step for Creation." Tesorero and other members of the Creation Care Justice Network wore blankets to raise awareness about climate change. Photo: Bridget K. Wood
Members of the Life Together young adult fellowship program led the convention in chanting, "To the hills I will lift mine eyes, and I am not afraid." The program is celebrating its 20th year of young adult ministry. Photo: Bridget K. Wood
Jocelin Thomas, a Life Together alum, helps lead the chant. Photo: Bridget K. Wood
Convention completed its long day of business by singing "When the Saints Go Marching In." Pictured from left: Chelsea Smith, Assistant Secretary of Convention; Sister Kristina Frances, SSM, Secretary of Convention; and Bishop Gayle E. Harris. Photo: Bridget K. Wood
