“This will be the first opportunity he’s had to speak to the diocese as a whole since he was consecrated,” said Forest Rittgers, who as diocesan deployment officer helps the bishop with recruiting and assigning priests.
The convention made news in 2004 when clergy and lay people voted by a solid majority to join a conservative theological network that opposes the ordination of gay priests. Diocesan communications officer Maggie Hasslacher expected this year’s gathering to be “very calm and just general business.”
Besides the bishop’s address, that business will include approval of the budget, prayer services, workshops and a youth rally.
“Much of what is planned for this year’s convention is intended to help us get back to ‘the basics’ as we move forward in faith,”‘ Love wrote in a letter to the diocese.