NYC church to hold spring retreat for bishops in preparation for General Convention

Scarf, bag, and book on a wooden dock. (Photo courtesy of Jessica Delp from Unsplash)

The Episcopal Church has announced that its House of Bishops will conduct a retreat this spring. The group consists of retired and active bishops of The Episcopal Church.

As reported, the said retreat will kick off on Tuesday, Mar. 15. It will then reportedly conclude on Monday, Mar. 21.

House of Bishops to Host Spring Retreat

As per the press release, the Episcopal bishops will meet at Camp Allen in Navasota, Texas.

The report said that the spring retreat will center on humility and hopefulness amid the pandemic. It will also reportedly discuss hunger exacerbates during these trying times.

Aside from that, the retreat also seeks to highlight honesty and hospitality in the current situation.

Throughout the weeklong event, Episcopal bishops will participate in a series of activities. They will engage with others through fellowship.

Moreover, retreatants will also dedicate their time and efforts to studying and praying. The bishops will reportedly spend time on the sabbath.

On Saturday, Mar. 19, the House of Bishops will also convene a business meeting. The press release noted that the House of Bishops had invited two speakers for the spring retreat.

The event will feature speaker Cynthia Bourgeault. She is an Episcopal priest, writer, and internationally-renowned retreat leader.

Furthermore, the House of Bishops will also tap the services of speaker Pádraig Ó Tuama. He is a poet and theologian who seeks to incorporate art and theology into public and civic life.

Meanwhile, The Episcopal Church said that the media team may attend the in-person retreat.

The report said that media members are advised to contact Lisa Webb by Mar. 9. This would reportedly secure their credentials.

The church also shared that the Office of Public Affairs will give updates to them as the event nears.

Bishops Prepare for General Convention

Based on the report, the retreat will serve as a preparation for the 80th General Convention. The gathering of the Episcopalians will happen from July 7 to 14 in Baltimore, Maryland.

The Most Rev. Michael Curry will lead nearly 300 members of the House of Bishops. He is the church's presiding bishop who also serves as the president of the House of Bishops.

This year's retreat is the first in-person assembly of the Episcopal bishops since September 2019.

Due to the threats of the pandemic, the bishops suspended all the in-person meetings. They have met online since March 2020.

It can be noted that the General Convention is the church's governing body. The report said it comprises the House of Bishops and the House of Deputies.

About The Episcopal Church

According to its website, The Episcopal Church is a faith community in New York City. The worship house caters to the needs of Christian believers.

Church parishioners hail from more than 100 Episcopal Dioceses and regional locations. These religious communities are located in nearly 20 nations.

The Episcopal Church also has an affiliation with the worldwide Anglican Communion. It is among the member provinces of the Communion.

In addition, the church focuses on three things in promoting the "Jesus Movement." It strives to evangelize the Word, uphold racial reconciliation, and care for the creations.