234th Annual Diocesan Convention

Notice is hereby given that the Annual Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of South Carolina will be hosted by the Southern Deanery at the Sonesta Resort, Hilton Head Island, November 21-23, 2024. Amidst the tempests of our lives, and recalling the Jesus who calmed the storm and called his disciples to “put out into deep waters,” (Luke 5:4), we hope that this Convention will be an opportunity for each of us to deepen in our relationship to God and to one another. Thus, we take our theme from Psalm 107: “Wonders in the Deep.” 

We are delighted to have two very special guest speakers to accompany us in this endeavor: our new Presiding Bishop-Elect, the Right Reverend Sean Rowe, and the Reverend Canon Mpho Tutu van Furth.

The Right Reverend Sean Rowe was elected and confirmed the 28th presiding bishop and primate of The Episcopal Church on June 26 for a nine-year term beginning Nov. 1. Rowe, 49, was ordained bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Northwestern Pennsylvania in 2007 and became bishop provisional of Western New York in 2019. From 2014 to 2018, he served as bishop provisional of the Episcopal Diocese of Bethlehem. Born in Sharon, Pennsylvania, Rowe was the youngest Episcopal priest in the U.S. when he was ordained in 2000 at age 24, and he was the youngest member of the House of Bishops when he was ordained and consecrated at age 32. Rowe is married to Carly Rowe, a Christian educator; they have a daughter named Lauren.

The Reverend Canon Mpho Tutu van Furth is an Episcopal priest, an artist, an author, an accomplished public speaker and retreat facilitator. She has had many roles in nonprofit leadership. She was the founding executive director of the Desmond & Leah Tutu Legacy Foundation. She continues to work for environmental justice, human rights and equal access to opportunity for all people without regard to race, class or gender. With her wife, Marceline she has established and is Executive Director of the Tutu Teach Foundation to enhance access to opportunity for women and girls. Ms. Tutu van Furth and her wife live in the Netherlands. They have four children and two grandchildren.

Diocesan Convention this year presents opportunities to do the necessary yearly work for our diocese and to gather the Episcopal community of the Lowcountry at our annual “family reunion.” This year’s format continues in an expanded model, including worship, workshops, business, and fellowship.

Host or Publisher Episcopal Diocese of South Carolina