The Episcopal General Convention 2027 will bring significant changes to the denomination’s legislative gathering in Phoenix, Arizona. Scheduled for July 3-8, the six-day meeting will emphasize prayer, Bible study and collaborative decision-making.
Presiding Bishop Sean Rowe and House of Deputies President Julia Ayala Harris announced the vision under the theme “Rising in Hope.”
Bishops and deputies will gather at shared tables each morning for worship and reflection. Church leaders hope the approach will encourage deeper relationships and more thoughtful deliberation.
New Committees Address Emerging Church Priorities
The Episcopal General Convention 2027 will establish specialized legislative committees addressing several major issues.
A new Artificial Intelligence and Intellectual Property committee will examine questions involving emerging technologies. Separate committees will focus on Racial Justice and Migration.
Additionally, the convention will create dedicated Holy Land and Middle East Engagement committees. Previously, resolutions concerning the Israeli-Palestinian conflict often dominated broader international policy discussions.
These changes aim to focus deliberations and improve the legislative process.
Digital Improvements and Budget Reforms
The convention will replace its Virtual Binder with the Governance and Legislative System, or GLS. The new software will help participants locate resolutions, track amendments and understand legislative progress.
Meanwhile, church leaders are restructuring the 2028-30 budget process.
Executive Council will review an initial draft Nov. 4 during a closed session. Public hearings will follow Nov. 18 and Dec. 9.
The Joint Budget Committee expects Executive Council to recommend a final proposal in February 2027.
Leaders Seek Greater Discernment and Transparency
The reforms follow feedback from previous conventions, including concerns about inefficient legislative procedures and difficult technology.
Minnesota Bishop Craig Loya, who chaired the General Convention Reinvention Steering Committee, emphasized the importance of deeper spiritual discernment.
Rowe and Harris believe the convention should encourage listening, relationships and constructive disagreement.
However, previous attendees also raised concerns about time management and legislative efficiency. Their concerns helped shape the proposed changes.
Church leaders hope the revised structure will address those problems while preserving the denomination’s democratic governance.
Source: Presiding officers announce vision for 82nd General Convention on theme of ‘Rising in Hope’
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