The time is upon us! The Bishop and the Convention Committees have begun planning the 152nd Annual Diocesan Convention. The Call to Convention Postcards were mailed on August 5, which signifies the 100-day mark until Convention. The Episcopal Diocese of Newark will gather on Friday and Saturday, November 13–14, 2026, at the Hilton Parsippany in Parsippany, New Jersey. Returning to its familiar two-day format, this year’s Convention promises to be a meaningful time of worship, learning, fellowship, and the important work of governing the diocese.
Centered on the theme “Known by God’s Love, Mercy, & Justice,” the 2026 Convention invites clergy and lay leaders from across Northern New Jersey to reflect on the values that define our common life and ministry. The Convention’s logo, inspired by the DNA double helix, symbolizes the belief that love, mercy, and justice are woven into our very DNA as Christians—fundamental to who we are and how we are called to serve God’s world.
The Convention will begin on Friday – check in scheduled to begin at 8:30 AM – with opportunities for learning, fellowship, and conversation. A variety of workshops will offer participants practical insights and thoughtful discussion connected to this year’s theme and the ministries of the diocese. Throughout the event, attendees will also have the opportunity to visit the Convention Marketplace, where exhibitors, ministry partners, and vendors will showcase resources, products, and services that support congregational life and mission.
The Friday evening dinner will feature a special keynote address from a distinguished guest speaker whose message will help frame the Convention’s theme of love, mercy, and justice. Additional details about the keynote speaker will be announced in the coming weeks.
The diocese will gather again on Saturday morning for a diocesan worship service, offering the opportunity to begin the day’s work grounded in prayer, scripture, music, and the celebration of our shared faith. The service is open to the entire diocese, not just deputies. It will also be livestreamed to the diocesan YouTube channel.
As the diocese’s primary governing body, Convention will also conduct its annual business. Deputies and clergy will consider the proposed 2027 Operating Budget, elect members to various diocesan committees, and address other matters that help shape the mission and ministry of the diocese in the year ahead. These decisions reflect the Episcopal Church’s tradition of shared leadership, bringing together clergy and lay representatives in faithful discernment and responsible stewardship.
Whether attending as a deputy, clergy member, exhibitor, volunteer, or guest, participants can look forward to a weekend that celebrates the strength of our diocesan community while equipping us for the work God continues to place before us.
Registration information, schedules, workshop details, keynote speaker announcements, and additional Convention resources will be released throughout the coming weeks. Visit the Diocese of Newark’s Convention webpage regularly for the latest updates and information as we prepare to gather for this important annual event.
This is a time of transition in the diocesan offices, and with Randy Johnson’s retirement, we are asking that congregations adhere to all deadlines for registrations and payments so that we can properly register all attendees. Your cooperation with these details is greatly appreciated.
We can’t wait to see you there!
