Each year, Diocesan Council is the vehicle through which the Episcopal Diocese of West Texas conducts its business according to its Canons and Constitution. At the 117th Council we will elect diocesan leadership to the Executive Board, the Standing Committee, The Episcopal Church Corporation, the trustees of TMI Episcopal, and trustees of Sewanee: the University of the South. Every three years, Council will also elect deputies and alternates to attend General Convention and any Synod meeting of the Province of the Southwest (Province VII). As Christian people we are accountable for the right use of the gifts and skills with which our Father has blessed us. We are called to elect leaders who will help the bishops in guiding the diocesan body, to budget the resources we have been given wisely, and to report back to the people.

Council will also receive and adopt diocesan budgets for the upcoming year, hear reports from ministries, vote on resolutions, and receive the written reports of all diocesan committees, commissions, and departments. The 117th Council of the Episcopal Diocese of West Texas will convene as a virtual gathering February 26 - 27, 2021 to ensure the health and safety of all involved, during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Clergy, as well as lay delegates will participate in closed, secure sessions hosted on Zoom, while individuals wishing to view the business of Council in its entirety and engage online will be able to access a live broadcast streamed on the diocesan Facebook, Vimeo, and website, at dwtx.org/council.

Live Spanish translation is available for Council 2021. Contact council2021@dwtx.org for instructions and phone number to access this free service.

Council Booklet

• Click here to open the 2021 Council Booklet (PDF), with Council event information, 2021-2022 Proposed Diocesan Budgets, Nominations Committee 2021 Report, Resolutions, and more.
• ‍Click here to automatically download the printable 2021 Council Booklet.

Council Agenda

Friday, February 26, 2021

8:00 AM – Online Check-In opens for certified clergy and lay delegates; delegates and alternates may switch for the Friday sessions.

10:00 AM – The 117th Council of the Diocese of West Texas is called to order, by the Rt. Rev. David Reed; Morning Session 1 begins. Morning Session 1 includes Opening Prayers; the Resolutions Committee report regarding Resolution 2021-1; the presentation of new clergy and senior seminarians; Bishop Reed’s theme introduction; the Budgets Report and vote to approve; the World Missions Department report; the Camps & Conferences Department report; the Episcopal Schools Commission report; as well as other videos, presentations, and ballots.

12:45 PM – Noonday Prayer, led by Bishop David Reed, followed by the Necrology.

1:15 PM – Council in recess for lunch.

1:55 PM – Council reconvenes for Afternoon Session 1. Afternoon Session 1 includes the TMI Episcopal video; the Vital University Missions report; the IONA School for Ministry report; the Good Samaritan Community Services ministry video; the Immigration Ministries report; the Episcopal Church Foundation in West Texas report; the Church Plant report; the report from the Archdeacon; as well as other videos, presentations, and any necessary run-off ballots.  

3:30 p.m. – Council in recess; delegates and alternates may switch, for the Saturday session.

4:00 p.m. – Helpdesk and delegate/alternate exchange closes.

Saturday, February 27, 2021

7:30 AM – Online Check-In opens for certified clergy and lay delegates; delegates and alternates may switch for the final session.

8:30 AM – Bishop David Reed reconvenes Council. Archdeacon Mike Besson leads Morning Prayer; Morning Session 2 begins. Morning Session 2 includes the Bishop’s Address; the diocesan Development Committee report; the Resolutions Committee report regarding Resolution 2021-2; an introduction to and greeting from the Rt. Rev. Rayford High, Assistant Bishop of West Texas; an invitation to Council 2022 from the Church Host Committee; the 2020 Bishop’s Golf Classic results; the Committee on the Bishop’s Address Prayers of the People; the last election and any necessary run-off ballots; the Completion of Election results; and other announcements from Bishop Reed.

12:15 PM – Council is adjourned.

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More information about the Business of Council and the published ministry Reports are available on the main Council page, at dwtx.org/council.

Questions may be directed to council2021@dwtx.org.

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Council Recording

• Friday Morning Session will be available next week.
• Friday Afternoon Session will be available next week.

Watch the full Saturday Morning Session Zoom recording, including the Rt. Rev. David Reed's Bishop's Address plus an introduction and reflection from the Rt. Rev. Rayford High, Assistant Bishop of West Texas.

On Saturday, February 27, Bishop David Reed reconvenes Council. Archdeacon Mike Besson leads Morning Prayer; Morning Session 2 begins.

Morning Session 2 includes the Bishop’s Address; the diocesan Development Committee report; the Resolutions Committee report regarding Resolution 2021-2; an introduction to and greeting from the Rt. Rev. Rayford High, Assistant Bishop of West Texas; an invitation to Council 2022 from the Church Host Committee; the 2020 Bishop’s Golf Classic results; the Committee on the Bishop’s Address Prayers of the People; the last election and any necessary run-off ballots; the Completion of Election results; and other announcements from Bishop Reed.

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