.webp)
.webp)
As the 2026 Fall School commences and summer activities wind down, churches and ministries are in full swing preparing for Fall programs, events, Advent, and holiday activities.
Diocesan staff are also busy focusing on upcoming events, including Council 2027, the annual Diocese of West Texas gathering that brings together clergy, delegates and guests from congregations across the diocese to conduct business, hear guest speakers and reports from diocesan ministries and departments, worship, and socialize. Although February may seem in the distant future, now is the time for congregations to get one step ahead in coordinating their presence at Council.
KEY COUNCIL INFORMATION
Dates: Thursday, February 18 - Saturday, February 20, 2027
Location: McAllen Convention Center
Host Church: St. John’s Episcopal Church, McAllen
Rector: The Rev. Rod Clark
Co-Chairs: Deborah Case Kryzak, Kathia Dominici
COUNCIL DELEGATES
Diocesan Council consists of clergy and lay delegates from churches across the diocese, along with canonically resident clergy of West Texas. The number of delegates per church is determined by the annual Average Sunday Attendance (ASA). Representation by church category is: Mission congregations are allowed two delegates and up to two alternates; and each Parish congregation is allowed three delegates and up to three alternates and then determined by allotting one delegate for every 50 persons, or portion thereof according to the ratio established by Canon 1.1(b).
Churches should begin planning who will represent their congregation. Certification of Council Delegates begins in October and ends on January 18, 2027. The selection of Council Delegates can be approved by the Vestry and presented to the church at the annual church meeting. If a church wants the Delegates to Council elected at the annual church meeting, then canonically that “meeting must be held prior to January 16”.
WHO CAN ATTEND COUNCIL?
Guests are welcome to attend Council. There is a fee guests pay to help cover the costs of their participation at the event. Special seating is set up for guests to attend all business sessions and guests are welcome to attend workshops, worship, the Bishop’s luncheon, and social events. Guest registration opens in January.
NOMINATIONS FOR DIOCESE OF WEST TEXAS ELECTIONS
Each year, candidates are selected to be included on the Council 2027 ballot for the following offices:
· Standing Committee
· Executive Board
· Episcopal Church Corporation of West Texas Trustees
· TMI Episcopal Board of Governors
· Sewanee: University of the South Trustees
The nominations are open to Diocese of West Texas clergy and lay members. The diocese encourages congregations to review the responsibilities of the various elected positions and to submit a nomination application if they are interested in a position or to identify members who may be good candidates for the position and follow the process form submitting the nomination.
To be considered for nomination, individuals must complete the nomination form during the nomination process held from October 1 to October 31, 2026. All person recommended for any nominations must be eighteen years of age or older and communicants within the convocation from which they are being nominated.
Look for an announcement soon with comprehensive details on how to submit your nomination. Click here to download descriptions of duties of the elected offices.
STAY TUNED FOR MORE COUNCIL INFORMATION!
Mark your calendars and look for more information in the coming months. Information about hotel accommodations will be communicated in November. Stay updated by subscribing to the diocesan weekly newsletter
