St. Benedict’s Episcopal School Choir Photo: Emily Badacour, Holy Innocents’ Episcopal Church
Friday, November 8, 2024
More than 500 delegates to the Diocese of Atlanta’s 118th Annual Council gathered for two days at Holy Innocents’ Episcopal Church and School in Sandy Springs to worship, learn, and dream of what it means to be witnesses. The annual gathering began with Holy Eucharist at Holy Innocents’ Episcopal Church. The Rt. Rev. Robert C. Wright, 10th Bishop of the Atlanta diocese of 120 worshiping communities, preached on the Diocesan theme for 2025: To Be Witnesses.
“…In one of Jesus’ most dramatic vertical moments, he makes a definitive horizontal decree: “You will receive power to be my witnesses.” That’s Jesus’ answer and approach to the restoration of the nation state then and for us now, “…to be his witnesses.” The promise and reception of power precedes its application. In just a few days, Jesus’ promise would become a reality.
The church calls this promise-keeping. Pentecost and this power has been ours ever since. It’s power for the church to be a world house – a transnational, trans-political, fellowship of love in scope and impact. And, it’s power for the church to be a freedom house, like one of those stops on Harriet Tubman’s underground railroad. A brave place, where we believe, belong and become more like Christ. A place where lies fall away and fears about things temporal fade – where we remember that we are more than our wounds and chains. To be a witness is preceded by the gift of power, because Jesus knew just how hard it was to live for God in the real world. He knew that if we would be faithful to our founding purpose, things wouldn’t be easy. Jesus knew that to live for God means that you will regularly be outnumbered, so you shouldn’t be out-powered. If indeed love is the most durable element in the universe, you will not be out-powered.
You are not alone. And faith in Jesus is not a fool’s errand. That’s the good news! That is our witness…
To be a witness is the power to increase the celebrity of Jesus by doing what Jesus did wherever you are. But not only that, it’s power to trust God. It’s power to share your story as a medicine for someone else’s malady. It’s power to listen and understand. It’s power to be selfless. Power to be steadfast. Power to grow, stretch, and include. Power to face loss. Power to tell the truth in love. Power to imagine. Power to be honest with ourselves. Power to overcome fear. Power to choose strength over aggression. Power to be bold and gentle. Power to fend off despair. Power to endure suffering. Power to forgive. Power to accept forgiveness. Power to hope. Power to hold steady. Power to innovate. Power to live a good life. Power to die a good death. Power to apologize. Power to reconcile. Power to love. Power to accept the fact that every human being is a sibling with dignity.”
Following worship, delegates gathered for opening session which included a video greeting from Bishop Victor Atta-Baffoe, diocesan bishop of our companion diocese the Anglican Diocese of Cape Coast. There was also ministry reports, resolutions, and elections. An innovation in reports this year is that all were done by video and produced by The Office of Communications. Find all the videos and reports here.
After lunch, delegates heard Bishop’s Address which featured the 2025 theme video: To Be Witnesses.
Bishop’s Address
Bishop Wright opened his address to Council with a call for unity and reflection on the concept of witness, el testigo, in Spanish, as central to their mission to maintain purpose and impact amid life’s challenges.
“At this Annual Council and for the next year, I am inviting us to focus on the word “witness,” in Spanish,“el testigo!” As you have heard in the sermon this morning, it’s the word Jesus uses at the commissioning of the disciples to describe our purpose and intended impact. And I hope it will be a framing of our work that will help us stay focused in our shared ministry to Middle and North Georgia despite the sometimes disorienting vicissitudes of life.”
Key Points from Bishop's Address
Wright outlined three core areas for growth:
- Increased fidelity to God for enhancing faithfulness and spiritual connection.
- Deepening care for neighbor within and outside the church community.
- Commending an alternative way of life by living and advocating a Christ-centered lifestyle.
The Bishop emphasized the importance of the quality of the church’s witness rather than its size. This includes integrity and authentic Christian living.
“Recently I was at one of our congregations, what some might call a smaller church. 60 or so folks, all in. What bowled me over in my time with them and has stuck with me ever since is their vibrant commitment to Christian witness. And by that, I mean specifically two things. How they care for each other and how they care for their neighbors.
“Like many congregations, they face real challenges. Securing and affording clergy leadership, an aging congregation, appealing to different kinds of neighbors, the ever present tight budget, and the ongoing maintenance of a building. Am I talking to anybody this afternoon? Still, given all of those legitimate concerns, what dominated our conversation that day was stated in many ways by different people, but still the same question. How can we share what we have with our neighbors?”
He encouraged all members of the Diocese to reflect on whether church teachings align with their personal actions. For despite external challenges, Wright said, individuals and congregations control the quality of their witness.
The bishop praised the work of women in the church, citing the 50th anniversary of women’s ordination and increased female leadership in the Episcopal church.
“Our church defiantly celebrated the 50th anniversary of the ordination of women this year. But not only that. Specific to our diocese, the number of congregations, schools and ministries led by women have increased.”
Wright said building on existing ministry to Hispanic communities plans are in place to improve and launch new Hispanic missions.
“In a state that seems to value the labor of Hispanic people more than their dignity, we welcome and affirm the dignity of their humanity and labor and intend this year to reorder our work among Hispanic people to make it more effective and sustainable. And we look forward to opening a new mission to Hispanic people in Dalton next year.”
Balancing nurturing existing faiths and reaching out to potential new members extends to the Diocese’s communications efforts, Wright said.
“When it comes to our communications our witness work is about this sort of both and approach. It’s about informing and nurturing the faith of those who are already our members while simultaneously curating Christian content for those who might never attend one of our churches.”
Continued commitment to truth and reconciliation through training and conversations on social justice is ongoing, Wright said.
“In a nation that seems to prefer denial about past and present, sin and evil, and as the corporate world walks away from the words and work of equity and justice, we will continue and gladly accept the challenge of enlarging our work of moral leadership at the Absalom Jones Center for Racial Healing. Our witness there, through trainings, curriculum and brave congregation conversations, is that we are not afraid of the truth that is our witness, that we have a capacity, because of Jesus Christ, to sit and to listen and to hear truth and to share truth with one another.”
Wright said there is significant opportunities for growth in the Diocese for Adult Engagement, Focusing on confirmation, reception, and adult baptism as areas for growth.
“And so, I’m inviting you to think about applying more intention, specific invitation, welcome focused pastoral care, even curriculum writing to that segment of the neighborhood. Those folks who are either completely unchurched, nominally churched, or church hurt. And the way that we are church, we are perfect to engage them. Our witness can move from just welcoming folks to seeking them out.”
He encouraged more outreach to the marginalized by involvement with elders and those in prisons and jails.
“Likewise, many of our congregations exist in close proximity to either an elder care or correctional facility, or both. If a feature of our witness is to respect the dignity of every human being, certainly that includes these two increasingly forgotten portions of our family.”
Wright said Emmaus House’s 50-year mission to address housing issues will be revitalized through advocacy for affordable housing.
“Emmaus House stands at an important intersection in its missional life. And my great hope is that she will embark on a new, bold chapter of advocacy work. But this time perhaps including a response to the desperate need for affordable housing in our city and in our country, you cannot live in middle and North Georgia and not realize that right at the tip of things is a desperate need for affordable housing for so many of our neighbors.”
Wright said he will appoint a task force for solar power to align with ecological responsibility and environmental stewardship.
“My intention at the beginning of the new year, inspired by the work of Andy Barnett and the folks at All Saints Atlanta is to stand up a task force to study and recommend ways we can utilize solar power technology across the diocese. Caring for the planet while saving dollars that can be repurposed for mission.
Wright said he is proud and grateful for the Diocese’s work and accomplishments, stressing that true witness involves love, a power different from worldly systems, and courage. He encouraged viewing problems through the lens of faith and God’s possibility.
Wright reaffirmed his faith in the Diocese and God, highlighting God’s capacity to exceed expectations through their collective faith and work.
“While our challenges are real and not to be underestimated, so is our God. A God who can do infinitely, abundantly, exceedingly more than we can ask or imagine, according to the faith at work in us.”
Following Bishop’s Address, delegates participated in table time group discussion centered on questions related to being a witness.
Friday afternoon, delegates attended committee workshops to conclude the day.
Saturday, November 9, 2024
Council morning session started with worship led by our young people. They introduced a video about Gen Z and church.
The Youth Address, a highlight of the morning, was given by Phoebe Warren, Grace-Calvary Clarkesville, and Lizzie Singleton, St. Catherine’s Marietta, co-chairs of the Diocesan Youth Commission.
After worship, Bishop’s Cross recipients were recognized.
Bishop’s Cross Recipients
Bishop Wright instituted the Bishop’s Cross to acknowledge and celebrate the ministries of exemplary clergy, and lay people throughout the diocese. These are people who embody the diocesan purpose statement: we challenge ourselves and the world to love like Jesus, as we worship joyfully, serve compassionately and grow spiritually. Recipients are nominated by their convocational deans and peers along with some chosen Bishop Wright.
Bishop's Cross Recipients
The following people were nominated by their convocational deans and peers and received the Bishop’s Cross.
Ellen Bishop, nominated by the East Atlanta Convocation, is a longtime leader at Holy Trinity Parish in Decatur. She has an amazing ministry of personal care for others.
One of Holy Trinity’s members is an unhoused man. In 2023, he was diagnosed with skin cancer and chose not to pursue treatments. As his condition worsened, he needed a place where medical caregivers could attend to him. For over six months, Ellen welcomed this guest into her home and provided a safe, welcoming space where home hospice caregivers could come and provide care. Ellen befriended him and showed him the love of Christ in a powerful way. She is a witness of God’s love for the vulnerable.
JoAnn Blackstock, nominated by the Southwest Atlanta Convocation. JoAnn has been an active member of St. Augustine’s, Morrow for the past twenty years. Serving God through service in the community has been her north star. She has served her parish faithfully in many roles.
Under JoAnn’s vision as Senior Warden, St. Augustine’s launched a new ministry to serve the Hispanic community in Morrow, a budding bi-weekly worship of our Hispanic siblings.
JoAnn understands that loving like Jesus requires us to serve our neighbors with compassion and extend our spiritual worship to neighbor and stranger alike. Her motto is: “You can’t say no to the Holy Spirit.”
Mary Fry, nominated by the Georgia Mountains Convocation, is a beloved member of Grace-Calvary and serves the Church and the wider Clarkesville community in countless ways. She volunteers in the Ramp Building ministry, Soup Kitchen, visits shut-ins while providing respite time for caregivers, facilitates an adult Sunday School class, ministers at the nursing home, and serves as a prayer warrior.
She’s not afraid to get her hands dirty, digging holes for cremains at the cemetery, pressure washing the church properties, helping people move, and cooking whenever asked. With the utmost humility, Mary serves because that is what Jesus’ followers are called to do.
Tom Martin, nominated by the Marietta Convocation. Tom and his wife Becky were among the founders of St. Peter & St. Paul in Marietta, and he has served in numerous capacities, most recently as a leader in ministries of service to the community.
Tom volunteers to cook breakfast at The Extension, an addiction recovery center, and lunch at MUST Ministries, and serves dinner for the Church of the Holy Comforter. Tom leads in the local chapter of the Brotherhood of St. Andrew and on their national leadership board.
His priest says He is a faithful, joyful, energetic, and godly man who welcomes others warmly, serves people with a heart like Jesus’, and advocates for God’s grace and the life of the church.
Joseph Napoli, nominated by the Oconee Convocation, is a gifted and inspiring lay leader at St. Gregory the Great in Athens.
After joining the church, he became the volunteer choir director, and saw that role as a pastor to the choir, leading them in prayer and example. When one of the choir members, a college student, was discovered to have no regular access to meals, Joe stepped in to organize a drive among choir members to purchase a school meal plan.
Joe is also the founder of the Athens Master Chorale, and runs Athens Wholesale Nursery, and has generously gifted his church with many plants and services.
An article in the Athens Flagpole sums up his ministry, “whether he’s working in a t-shirt or a tux, Napoli… conjures beauty from the earth and from the air.” Through the garden or the blending of voices in the choir, we are grateful for his witness.
Charles Person, nominated by the Mid-Atlanta Convocation, is a member of the Church of the Incarnation. He is an original Freedom Rider, Civil Rights activist, Marine Veteran, and Vestry member.
He is the author of a memoir about being the youngest Freedom Rider as a student from Morehouse College at the age of 18, along with Congressman John Lewis. There are currently only 2 living original freedom riders, and Charles Person is one of them.
He also served in Vietnam and has been committed to a life of non-violence even after brutal beatings at the hands of the KKK in Alabama. He has been an Episcopalian for over 38 years and is a sought-after speaker. During the COVID pandemic, he was hospitalized and his words to his priest were, “Lord do not let me be afraid” which is the story of his life.
Charlie Phelps, nominated by the Northwest Georgia convocation, is 85 years young. Charlie and wife Linda have been long-time (33+ years) members of St. Timothy’s in Calhoun. He has served on Vestry and in many other ministry and leadership roles.
He was a Mentor for EFM and has led many adult book studies, including one right now. He and his wife also often go together to take Communion to those in the hospital on Sundays, and together they provided significant practical support to a disabled member of the congregation until his passing.
Kiara Rios Burrows, nominated by the Northeast Metro Convocation, has grown up at St. Columba’s, active in many parish ministries since childhood. During high school, she demonstrated incredible evangelism skills, bringing youth into the church by inviting them into the youth ministry program. She served in leadership of both parish and diocesan youth ministry programs.
In college, she has been a leader of the Episcopal campus ministries and has participated in developing the “Keep Watch” resource. She’s currently pursuing a degree in psychology with an emphasis on counseling young adults.
Kiara’s priest says she is a dynamic, faithful, and kind soul with a passion for the church and unashamedly a witness for our Lord.
Nell Hudson Scrantom, is nominated by the Chattahoochee Valley Convocation, in recognition of a lifetime of faithful service at Trinity and in her convocation.
Nell served on Trinity’s Linen Guild for many years and was the driving force behind an intercessory prayer ministry at Trinity that infused the congregation with a lasting spirit of prayer and trust in God. As a beloved Sunday School teacher at Trinity, she uplifted an entire generation of young people and formed them in the Christian faith.
Nell chaired the committee which successfully oversaw Trinity’s most recent building expansion, providing Trinity with the spaces where they meet, pray, mourn, and celebrate together to this day.
Ben Schmidt is the selected youth recipient of the Bishop’s Cross. A 17-year-old member of St. Francis in Macon, Ben serves at the altar, setting the altar, leads parts of the worship service as a lector and intercessor, assists with the distribution of communion, led morning prayer during the pandemic, and is involved in the youth program.
He also volunteers at Weekend Lunch, a group that uses the kitchen at Christ Church in Macon to prepare lunch on Saturday and Sunday for any who show up at the door.
His priest says, “Ben is a great kid, courteous and compassionate, and loves the outdoors.”
Mary Jo Sibbald, nominated by the North Atlanta Convocation, age 90, is a lifelong Episcopalian. She is a gifted artist, musician, and leader and, for the last four years has served as the Executive Director of the Suthers Center for Christian Outreach at St. Martin in the Fields Episcopal Church, with its many programs including the Food Pantry, Emergency Assistance, and HATS – the Hall Assistance and Transition Service, which assists families and individuals affected by homelessness.
Mary Jo is the matriarch of the Suthers Center, faithfully supporting the ministry every Saturday morning at St. Martin’s welcoming our neighbors in need.
Barbara Windom, nominated by the Middle Georgia Convocation, faithfully served as Deacon at All Saints Episcopal Church since 2020, gently guiding our community to live more fully into the gifts of welcome and hospitality.
Barbara helped broaden the Food Pantry ministry through deep listening, leading to expanded services for the homeless, better knowledge of our neighbors, and improved coordination with other Warner Robins community resources.
Barbara’s ability to discern the gifts of others led to the creation of an outdoor Stations of the Cross display that can be accessed by the wider community. Barbara has also led retreats, preached, and encouraged. Her faithful, dedicated, and persistent efforts, combined with her gift of presence, have better prepared the saints of All Saints to “Go in Peace to Love and Serve the Lord.”
Bishop Wright also had additional Bishop’s Cross awards to give out to those he noticed exemplifying the Diocesan purpose statement. These special recognitions are:
Mary Margaret Oliver, a member of All Saints and a Georgia State representative. For over twenty-five years, Mary Margaret Oliver has served multiple terms in the Georgia House and Senate, focusing on legislation protecting children and consumers.
The Bishop awarded the Bishop’s Cross to her in recognition of her persistent work on behalf of all Georgians. This work is an extension of her faith.
Lang Lowery, who has brought his extensive expertise to bear for the good of the mission of the Church, not only using his gifts to serve the Diocese and the wider Church, but also in helping parishes to become more fiscally sound, pay off debt, help with property matters, and strengthen them for the work of ministry.
The Bishop is awarding this Bishop’s Cross to Canon Lowery especially for his transformational work with parishes in coming to a stronger position.
David Culp, from St. Luke’s in Atlanta, has served on the Budget Committee for over a decade. David brings his understanding of big budgets from his experience as an architect for the US Forest service.
Bishop Wright appointed David as the chair in his first year as Bishop, and David has served faithfully ever since, through all kinds of ups and downs, lean times, and has helped move the Diocese into a stronger position.
As his ministry as the chair of the Diocesan Budget committee comes to a close, we are so grateful for all he has done to help the Diocese of Atlanta thrive.
John Bolton has served as Canon Chaplain to Clergy on behalf of Bishop Wright during his episcopacy. Canon Bolton received this award, in particular, for his dedication to clergy of The Diocese of Atlanta.
Over the last thirteen years, Canon Bolton has driven across the entire diocese to meet with and care for our clergy.
Resolutions, Elections, & Budget
2024 Council Resolutions
A full story on Resolutions is coming soon. Find all amended resolutions here.
Elections to Standing Committee, Camp Mikell Board and Suwanee Trustee
Diocese of Atlanta Standing Committee
- Bonnie Underwood, All Saints Warner Robins (clergy member)
- Kelley Dial, Church of the Ascension, Cartersville (lay member)
Board of Governors, Mikell Camp and Conference Center
- Devon Smyth, St. Margaret’s, Carrollton
- Edgar Otero, Christ Church Norcross
Trustee, Sewanee
- Keith Hollingsworth, All Saints’ Atlanta
First Night Service Project
At the conclusion of Council, Bishop Wright invited delegates to participate in the annual service project led by our young people. Volunteers fill backpacks with essential items for children entering foster care in Georgia. The First Night initiative is a tangible reminder of the collective power of people united as witnesses to God’s love. Over 500+ backpack were assembled!
Special thanksgivings to Holy Innocents’ Episcopal Church and School, Bishop’s Staff, and all others that made the 118th Annual Council a Spirit-filled gathering!
