Diocesan Convention 2025: “Show Me Your Ways, O Lord”
Under the theme “Show me your ways, O Lord, and teach me your paths” (Psalm 25:3), clergy, lay delegates, and guests from across the Diocese of Western New York—and two special guests from the Diocese of Rochester—gathered at the Niagara Falls Convention Center on October 10–11 for our annual Diocesan Convention.
The two-day gathering was filled with prayer, discernment, and celebration, rekindling cherished diocesan traditions while launching some new ones—such as the unveiling of our new diocesan logo, complete with a commemorative mug for every attendee.
Fittingly held over Indigenous Peoples’ Day weekend, the convention opened with a Land Acknowledgementexpressing gratitude for the stewardship of the land by Indigenous peoples, recognizing the traumas of colonialism, and renewing our commitment to awareness and reconciliation. The Diocese also gave thanks for the return of the St. Mary’s Church property inSalamanca to the Seneca Nation, and opened convention with a Litany of Creationadapted from the Haudenosaunee Thanksgiving Address.
The first significant action of the convention was the unanimous election of The Rt. Rev. Stephen Lane to serve as Provisional Bishop, offering steady leadership and pastoral care as the diocese enters a new season of discernment. The official search for the next Bishop Diocesan was also launched, beginning with reflections from five sitting bishops on the nature of episcopal ministry and followed by the Search Committee’s first listening session, where delegates shared hopes and prayers for the journey ahead. Bishop Lane’s own address offered his reflections on the episcopacy and the work before us.
A moving moment came when guests from the Diocese of Rochester returned an historic crozier—originally gifted to Rochester when it was formed from the Diocese of Western New York—symbolizing renewed friendship and shared heritage.
Friday evening’s dinner program honored The Rev. Sarah Rieth, The Rev. Earle King, and Mr. Edward Hill for their distinguished service. The restored UTO Eucharist and dinner presentations lifted up stories of ministry from across the diocese, including updates from Diocesan Youth Ministries, the Commission to Dismantle Racism and Discrimination, and a compelling reflection from Pastor Steve Lane on the Humboldt Expressway project and the ongoing call to reconciliation.
On Saturday, delegates approved all submitted resolutions and adopted the 2026 diocesan budget, affirming our collective commitment to ministry, justice, and renewal across Western New York. Elections were also held for diocesan offices, continuing our tradition of shared governance:
Diocesan Council
- The Rev. Elizabeth Grohowski, Sharon Drennen, and Tim Lane (3-year terms)
- Latonya Jacob (1-year term)
Standing Committee
- The Rev. Ann Tillman and Elisabeth Brauza-Hughes (4-year terms)
- Bruce Davidson (2-year term)
Trustees
- The Rev. Rosaleen Nogle and The Rev. Matthew Lincoln (2-year terms)
General Convention Deputation
- Cathy Dempsey-Sims, Luke Fodor, Nick Evancho, Ann Tillman, Wendy Schumacher, Timothy Lane, Faith Laudenslager, and Cheri Maytum-Krull
- Alternates: Elisabeth Brauza-Hughes and Rebecca Barnes
As the Diocese of Western New York journeys forward, this convention marked a time of renewed commitment to discernment, justice, and shared ministry, seeking together to walk the paths that God is revealing among us.
New Logo for the Diocese of Western New York
At Convention we launched a new logo for the Episcopal Diocese of Western New York which does not replace our official historic coat of arms (which remains our official logo)—but it is designed to give us a fresh expression for online communication. The logo features several elements meant to embody the breadth and depth of the Diocese. The miter hovers over the rural and urban portions—representing the bishops role in linking the diocese together.
The grounding line that supports the image are the Waters of Renewal: symbolizing the four great waters that shape and sustain our region — Lake Erie, Lake Ontario, Lake Chautauqua, and Niagara Falls — and evoke baptism, renewal, and the ceaseless movement of the Holy Spirit.
Comprising the center of the image is A Sacred Land. With subtle earth tones and organic motifs evoke the agricultural richness of Western New York’s soil — from the vineyards of Chautauqua to the orchards and farms that have long nourished our communities. Interwoven lines suggest fields, growth, and rootedness, reminding us that God’s grace is cultivated daily in the work of our hands and hearts.
The Buffalo skyline, along with the clean metallic lines and a stylized structure hint at the industrial legacy of our cities —steel, rail, grain, and energy — industries that built the region and continue to remind us that faith, like craftsmanship, shapes communities over time. These industrial elements connect our past ingenuity to our present creativity in mission and ministry.
November Clergy Call to Feature Title IV Training
The monthly clergy call will feature a Title IV training for clergy led by the Debra Trakel. Clergy should plan the call to last 3 hours from 9:30am to 12:30pm. Thanks to all of the clergy for holding this time on your calendar. Any questions may be directed to the Standing Committee President, the Rev. Luke Fodor (luke.fodor@stlukesjamestown.org).