Bishop Casts Vision, Diocese Approves Budget, and Holds Elections
By Joy Hunter, Communications Director, The Anglican Diocese of South Carolina
Bishop Chip Edgar cast a new vision for the diocese during the 2025 Convention of the Anglican Diocese of South Carolina: “Rooted in Scripture and formed by the Anglican tradition, we are seeking to build a vital community of faith through planting, revitalizing, and developing local churches.” The upbeat gathering, which was held March 14-15 at St. Philip’s Church in Charleston, drew more than 350 clergy, delegates and guests.
Bishop Bryan Preaches on Friday
The Convention began Friday evening with a service of Holy Eucharist and clergy renewal of vows at which Bishop David Bryan, the diocesan Assisting Bishop, reminded listeners during his sermon that knowing God’s will can only be found in knowing Him. “What does God want, what is his will for us?” he asked. “That we would know the love of Christ and the fullness of what he has accomplished for us….”
St. Philip’s, the host church, treated those gathered to a memorable worship service with a full choir (adults and children), brass, timpani, and contemporary music as well. Afterward, they served a festive buffet in the courtyard, with a Dixieland jazz band playing on their balcony.
Business Meeting
In his address during Saturday’s business meeting, Bishop Edgar enumerated the three great passions which led to the development of the new vision statement, “education, deeper and richer Prayer Book formation, and a commitment to church planting and congregational development with a special commitment to our smallest congregations.”
Bishop Edgar recognized the new clergy of the diocese: the Rev. Daniel Miles, the Rev. Collin Reed and the Rev. Aaron Schnupp. He also recognized those transferring into the diocese: the Rev. Roger Griffin, the Rev. Palmer Kennedy, the Rev. Angel Davila Lizardo, the Rev. Dr. Martha Toney, the Rev. Joe Vella and the Rev. Phillip Wilson. In addition, the Bishop remembered the clergy who had died in the past year: the Rev. James E. Hampson, Jr.
Jay Crouse, who stepped down earlier this year from his time on diocesan staff, was recognized for his 10 years of service as founder and leader of an expanded and innovative diocesan ministry to men.
The Bishop invited the three residential seminarians, Alonzo Crawford, Coby Tucker and Kurt Walters, to speak briefly about their experiences at seminary.
The Rev. Canon Dr. Sandi Kerner, Canon for Prayer and Healing, shared about her work in the diocese and led the clergy and delegates in a time of prayer for one another.
One of the highlights of the convention came when the Rev. Canon Ken Weldon, Executive Director of Camp Jubilee, announced that a recent $1 million gift to the camp not only paid the outstanding amount to purchase the future camp property, but also moved us on toward the next phase of the project.
Elections
The Convention elected the following individuals to serve the diocese: Standing Committee: the Rev. Corey Prescott, the Rev. Jamie Sosnowski, Lindsay Dew and Ben Dixon; Diocesan Council: the Rev. David Cumbie, the Rev. David Rowe, Frank Gibson and Terence Jenkins; Ecclesiastical Court: the Rev. Scott Poelker, the Rev. Dr. Michael Ridgill, the Rev. Hamilton Smith, David Devane, and Nina Mack.
Resolutions
Four resolutions were adopted at this year’s Convention. The first was a final reading of a Constitutional change previously passed at the 2024 Convention. The change now requires that the election of a Bishop must be conducted at a convention where at least two thirds of the clergy and churches eligible to vote are present. The other three resolutions all addressed (for our Constitution, Canons and Standing Resolutions respectively) the necessary grammatical changes to accurately reflect the actual leadership practices of the Diocese. All the proposed resolutions passed readily.
Additional Business
This year the convention received several updates via inspiring videos. One came from the clergy leading congregations which lost property in the lawsuit with TEC, another revved everyone up for Camp Jubilee; and a Generational Ministries video reminded those present that every age has a role to play in sharing the faith. We also received video updates from Anglican Relief and Development and New Wineskins. All videos are linked below.
Following a report from Johnnie Wallace, the treasurer, the convention passed the $2.9 million 2025 budget. “The budget gets a little more complicated every year,” he said. “The Diocese is growing.”
One of the highlights of the convention was welcoming The Parish Church at Habersham as an official parish of the diocese. Following a standing ovation, Bishop Edgar invited the rector, the Rev. Jamie Sosnowski, as well as the delegates and representatives of congregation to come to the front where he prayed for them.
Conclusion
Before adjourning the meeting, Bishop Edgar thanked the Youth Commission for leading Morning Prayer and for their assistance throughout the convention and the staff and volunteers of St. Philip’s Church for all they had done hosting the convention.
He announced that our next convention will be held at Trinity Church, Myrtle Beach, March 13-14, 2026.
Convention Resources
Read the Bishop’s address.
Listen to the Bishop’s address.
Watch the Bishop’s address.
View a video of the entire Saturday business meeting.
View all convention videos.
View a convention photo album.
Download a copy of the approved 2025 budget.
Download reports filed by title.