Description 

In the Episcopal Church, the Diocesan Convention is the governing body of the diocese.  In the Diocese of Milwaukee, the Convention is made up of up to four lay deputies elected from each parish and all the clergy canonically resident in the diocese.  All clergy belong to a diocese, and not to parishes, thus they have no vote in parish meetings, but are entitled to vote at the Diocesan Convention.
 
The Convention of the Diocese of Milwaukee gathers annually, normally in late fall, at locations around the diocese, beginning on Friday afternoon with workshops pertinent to the business of the diocese, or the theme of a given year's convention, followed by the Convention Eucharist, and festive dinner.  Any interested member of the diocese is welcome to participate actively in all of the activities on the opening day.  
 
The Convention is formally organized for business on Saturday morning and is charged to, among other things, hear and/or receive reports about ministries within the Diocese; approve parish financial assessments, and the operating budget of the Diocese; set minimum standards for clergy compensation for the coming year; adopt resolutions on a variety of issues that may come before it; consider and approve any changes to the Constitution or Canons of the Diocese.  The Convention also hears the pastoral address of the Bishop, who is the presiding officer of the Convention.  In its work, the Convention is guided by Robert's Rules of Order, as interpreted by the Parliamentarian, who is appointed by the Bishop with the consent of the Convention. 
 
It is also the sole prerogative and responsibility of a Diocesan Convention to elect a bishop when such an election is required.  This often happens in the context of a special convention called specifically for the purpose of making an episcopal election.  Special conventions may be called at other times, according to the Canons of the diocese.

Convention Materials

Please check back here for links to materials from past and upcoming conventions.