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Representatives to Convention include the clergy of the Diocese and elected lay representatives from each of the 92 congregations in the Diocese, as well as ex-officio members of Convention (who are entitled to seat and voice, but not vote) and many visitors (who may observe only). Approximately 500 people attend the Convention.

Highlights of the Convention include exhibitors from organizations all over the Diocese of Washington, the annual address by Bishop John Bryson Chane, the Friday Eucharist in the Cathedral, and many audio-visual presentations from inidividuals and groups from around the Diocese.

Visitors and guests are welcome to the Convention.  The Diocesan Convention is the annual meeting of a diocese. In the Diocese of Washington, the annual meeting of the Diocesan Convention is presently held the last full weekend in January at the Cathedral. The Convention conducts elections; votes on the budget, resolutions, changes to the diocesan Constitution and Canons, any other actions presented; hears reports, etc.

Special Instructions for the 115th Annual Meeting of the Convention of the Diocese of Washington

Tips, Tricks, Niceties, and Self-Care

Where to Park – Please see the section on parking information. 

Attire – Again, if the weather is quite cold and windy, the Cathedral can get chilly, so please dress in layers.

Audio Assistance Devices – These are available from the sound booth. Please check at registration for instructions on obtaining them.

Interpreters – There will be interpreters provided in the front right section throughout the Convention.

PLEASE NOTE: There are new voting proceedures!

Voting in an Expeditious Manner – Please see the section on voting procedures for the elections to diocesan offices. Please read it over so you can be prepared to help move the process along.  NOTE:  We will be using electronic voting for elections at the 2010 Convention.  Be prepared to read and follow all the new instructions.

Noise Level – The Cathedral has wonderful acoustics, but this means that quiet conversation, multiplied by just a handful of others, will create an amazingly loud roar that interferes with the business session. Feel free to go into the hospitality area to talk – that’s partly why it’s there.

Everyone has a Right to an Opinion – In debate, please remember to speak and listen respectfully to one another.

Take Care of Yourself – We realize that this is a long time to sit. It’s important that you be there for the whole time, so you need to pace yourself. Try to get some rest ahead of time, wear comfortable clothes, take a stretch periodically, and remember to drink plenty of fluids – the hospitality area will have several choices, including bottled water. Treat yourself to some snacks.

Note: Please do not take food and drink into the front nave – spills are apt to happen there, and the marble floor is quite porous.

Places to Retreat to for a While – Holy Spirit Chapel and War Memorial Chapel will be open for private prayer throughout the Convention. The crypt level will be open during normal business hours.

Questions and Lost and Found – If you have any questions during the Convention or have lost something, go to the registration area. Anything left behind at the close of Convention will be turned over to Security, which is located on level P1 of the garage.

Public Transportation

The nearest Metro stops are Tenleytown (exit on West side of Wisconsin) or Van Ness (Red Line). Rail and bus schedules are on Metro’s website www.wmata.com; simply enter your starting address, then insert “Washington Cathedral” as the destination. WMATA’s phone number is (202) 637-7000, TDD (202) 638-3780.

Taxi Service

 To go from Maryland into DC (but not the other way around), there is also Barwood (301)984-1900.