The 54th annual Diocesan Convention of the Diocese of Central Florida both celebrated and embodied its theme, “Entering a Future With Hope.” This was the final Convention as bishop for the Rt. Rev. Gregory O. Brewer, who announced his mandatory retirement at last year’s Diocesan Convention. He is set to retire in July following the Consecration, pending a successful consent process per the canons of The Episcopal Church, of the Rev. Canon Dr. Justin S. Holcomb as bishop on June 10 at Calvary, Orlando.

A festival Holy Eucharist, held Friday evening, Feb. 3, at the Convention site, the Upper School Campus of Holy Trinity Episcopal Academy, Melbourne, featured Brewer as celebrant and Dr. Garwood “Gar” Anderson, dean of Nashotah House, Nashotah, Wisconsin, as preacher. Mr. Andrew Walker, director of music at St. Michael’s, Orlando, led in worship, which featured musicians and choir members from his church; All Saints, Winter Park; and Trinity, Vero Beach.

In his message, Anderson addressed the Convention theme, pointing to the hope in Christ that the church carries as its enduring message. “The church does not consist of called-out ones,” he said. “We are the called-out ones so we can be the sent-into ones.”

The evening also included the first three of multiple thank-you videos honoring Brewer, most of which addressed the five pillars of progress the bishop developed in 2013 to outline his strategic vision for the diocese: strengthen diocesan relationships, raise up new leaders, face the missionary challenge in our neighborhoods, take our place in the councils of The Episcopal Church, and revitalize children’s and youth ministry. All are available at cfdiocese.org/2023diocon/.

The first video featured Mr. Paul Garcia, head of St. Barnabas Episcopal School, DeLand. Garcia thanked Brewer for his leadership, prayers and support on behalf of all of the Episcopal schools in the diocese. “Bishop, we have all learned a great deal from you,” Garcia said. “Your leadership has empowered a spirit of collegiality within the Central Florida Episcopal Schools Association.”

The second video featured the Rev. Canon Luis De La Cruz, diocesan canon for Hispanic ministry, who noted that from his first meeting with Brewer 10 years ago, the bishop “welcomed me in an embrace of priestly fraternity.”

“In Bishop Brewer, I have always seen a bishop concerned and determined in developing a multicultural diocesan church based on unity in diversity,” de la Cruz said.

And a video from the Rt. Rev. Lloyd Allen, bishop of the Diocese of Honduras, allowed him to express his gratitude for Brewer’s active participation in the Communion Partner relationship shared by Honduras and the Diocese of Central Florida as well as for his pastoral care and friendship. “I have seen the expansion of our personal relationship and the relationship of the two dioceses, exchanging ministries, gifts and talents that only come when the door is open,” Allen said.

Following the Eucharist, attendees enjoyed a celebratory buffet dinner at the Convention hotel, the Melbourne Hilton.

Opening and Worship

Before the opening of the Convention on Saturday, Feb. 4 at 9 a.m., three more thank-you videos played. The first, from Brewer’s executive assistant, Mrs. Sarah Caprani, focused on how Brewer has worked to build stronger diocesan relations and foster collegiality among clergy. “Connecting one on one with the clergy and people of the diocese is extremely important to Bishop Greg,” she said, adding, “When your leader values relationships the way that Bishop Brewer does, that is going to be reflected diocesan-wide.”

The video from the Rev. Michelle Roach, chair of the Becoming Beloved Community Task Force and priest-in-charge, Christ Church, Longwood, also emphasized the bishop’s commitment to unity in diversity. “As Bishop Brewer bids farewell to his episcopacy, he leaves a legacy of forward thinking and tenacity with the task of racial reconciliation,” Roach said, pointing to Brewer’s establishment of the BBC task force as a primary example.

In his video, Holcomb thanked Brewer for his emphasis on taking our seat in the councils of The Episcopal Church. “Bishop Brewer is an example of speaking and working with everyone across the spectrum of The Episcopal Church,” he said. “I’ve seen firsthand the fruit of Bishop Brewer’s example, as our deputies are doing the same thing: writing resolutions, serving on committees, working with leaders from across the various dioceses and taking their seats in the councils of the church in an active and fruitful way.”

The Rev. Tom Rutherford, former president of the Standing Committee and rector, Church of the Messiah, Winter Garden, served as officiant for the opening worship service, with music led by the Rev. Canon Josh Bales, canon priest, Cathedral Church of St. Luke, Orlando, and featuring vocals by Bales and Ms. Katie Briggs.

Following this brief service, Brewer called the Convention to order, thanking Bales for his leadership and adding, “If worship isn’t at the center, something’s really out of kilter.” He then welcomed participants, thanking them for their support, prayers, faithfulness and for bearing witness to Christ both now and after the end of his episcopacy. Next, Brewer introduced Dr. Katherine Cobb, president of HTEA, who welcomed those assembled for the Convention.

Appointments and Announcements

Brewer then announced Convention appointments, the first two being the Hon. Council “Butch” Wooten Jr., chancellor and parliamentarian; and the Hon. William A. Grimm, vice chancellor. After thanking them, he introduced Mrs. Sarah Caprani, Convention secretary. Caprani and her plumed pen gave a brief explanation of the videos from diocesan leaders and other leaders in The Episcopal Church featured throughout Friday and Saturday’s program.

A video followed featuring the Rt. Rev. Michael Smith, assistant bishop of the Diocese of Dallas, Texas, who said of Brewer, “Greg usually leaves a place better than he finds it. … Bishops don’t really get to retire; we just move on to other forms of ministry.” He extended his greetings to the diocese, adding, “To the Diocese of Central Florida, I wish God’s blessing on you and your new bishop as you enter into this new chapter of your life. Blessings to you.”

Holcomb then took the stage in his role as chair of the Credentials Committee to report that quorums had been reached in both clerical and lay orders; the report was adopted without objections as were the Convention agenda and rules of order, also presented by Holcomb.

Another video was then shown, this one featuring Joshua “J.J.” Joseph, director of Camp Wingmann, who thanked Brewer for his consistent support, both of him personally and of youth ministry throughout the diocese.

“He didn’t have to stay in touch, but he did,” said Joseph. “And that speaks to his heart and his desire to really be involved and connected to our youth leaders – to build us up as we lead the charge in growth and progress in diocesan youth ministry.”

After thanking Joseph and others who serve at and support Camp Wingmann, Brewer called attention to the 2022 treasurer’s report which, because of the resignation of former diocesan administrator and CFO Bayard Lee “Earl” Pickett due to his diagnosis with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease, has not yet been completed. Contrary to standard procedure, the report was not presented at this Convention but will be delivered to the Diocesan Board and made available to members of Convention after that.

Brewer also spoke to concerns regarding the change by The Episcopal Church to an 11% assessment, reminding those present that assessments are decided and mandated at the denominational level, not generated through or voted upon by the diocese. He assured clergy and laity that their concerns are being addressed and that continued discussions can take place at the deanery level. Brewer then called upon Ms. Lena Combs, Convention treasurer, to present the recommended 2023 Operating Budget, which was then approved via voice vote.

Another video thanking Brewer was shown next, this time featuring Mr. Orman Kimbrough, chair of the Commission on Ministry. Kimbrough referenced Brewer’s commitment to recruiting diverse clergy, establishing the position of canon for vocations during his episcopacy and bringing a large number of female and other minority group members into the discernment process.

At present, the diocese has 39 people in that process, and Kimbrough said Brewer will have ordained as many as 200 total by the time his episcopacy ends. “Compared to other dioceses around the Southeastern United States, it’s tremendous,” Kimbrough said. “Those dioceses might have 10 people in the [discernment] process, while we have 39. And of the 39, over a third are women, over 15% are non-white, and they work to serve the people in the communities in which we live.”

The Rev. Canon Scott Holcombe, canon to the ordinary, took the floor next to share the fruit of Brewer’s investment and commitment to raising up new leaders by introducing newly ordained clergy and clergy in new positions. These included 15 new deacons, five new priests and 16 clergy serving in new positions.

In the next video shown to attendees, the Rt. Rev. George Sumner, bishop of the Diocese of Dallas, Texas, shared his thoughts. “He is wise, authentic, honest, faithful, savvy, tough, kind and prayerful,” Sumner said of Brewer. “As a Communion Partner bishop, I knew I could count on these qualities, which is to say that I could count on him and his help. … in the House of Bishops, Greg Brewer threaded the needle. By this I mean that he was helpful and constructive, emotionally connected as a friend to all of his colleagues in every way that he could. But at the same time, he was always forthright in what he believed and where he stood.”

Ministry Partners

Following Sumner’s video, Brewer introduced the Rt. Rev. Lloyd Allen, bishop of the Diocese of Honduras, who spoke about his diocese’s Communion Partner relationship with the Diocese of Central Florida and with Brewer, whom he said has been a continuing friend and supporter. “There’s a lot going on in the Diocese of Honduras despite the fact of what goes on in the country,” Allen said, pointing to an attendance of 2,500 at a recent revival event.

“Above all, we are committed to not compromise the gospel but to do as Jesus told us to do: to go out and feed and clothe the needy,” Allen added. When asked recently about what issues his diocese has, Allen answered, “We don’t have issues; we don’t have time for issues!”

Brewer thanked Allen, affirming his longtime ministry and introducing the BBC Task Force along with representatives Dr. John Robertson and the Rev. Michelle Roach. The two introduced a segment of a progress report video from the task force that explained its 2022 establishment and purpose, which is to meet and report to Brewer on the status of race relations in the diocese, including needed plans, projects and solutions to improving them.

“Becoming” [Beloved Community] because we are not there yet,” Roach said as a part of the video. “We want to become the Beloved Community of God.”

The Rev. Stephen Dass of São Paulo Mercy Ministry in São Paulo, Brazil, gave his report on the ministry he and his wife, Mary, head up as missionaries sponsored by the Diocese of Central Florida. Dass, whose ministry turns 10 years old this year, told the story of two brothers, once living on the streets, whose lives had been transformed by God’s work through SPMM.

“There is no situation, nothing desperate or destructive, that can prevent the love of God from touching the souls of these children,” Dass said.

A video featuring The Rev. Dr. José Rodríguez, rector of Christ the King and vicar of Jesús de Nazaret, both in Orlando, was shown next. Rodríguez highlighted the work of Brewer and the diocese to fulfill the pillar of embracing our neighborhoods, “being missionaries in our own communities and turning stranger into friend.” He added that Brewer has “pushed against the idea that [those of us who come from diverse backgrounds] have to conform ourselves to the culture in order to be accepted as brothers and sisters in our local churches, and he’s challenged [us] to embrace our own backgrounds and serve others in a culturally appropriate manner.”

“I am hopeful that you have left behind a legacy: a legacy of embrace, a legacy of acceptance, a legacy of ministering to the whole body of Christ,” Rodríguez said. “And I am grateful that our next bishop is inheriting this legacy, and I look forward to seeing it prosper over the next few decades.”

After a brief break, a video featuring The Hon. Council “Butch” Wooten Jr., chancellor of the diocese, was shown. Wooten spoke to Brewer’s leadership qualities, saying, “In all cases, you demonstrated compassion, wisdom, kindness and patience in resolving issues, minimizing and if at all possible avoiding conflict.” Wooten also mentioned Brewer’s service to The Episcopal Church, lauding his efforts to be a unifier and thanking him for answering God’s call to lead the diocese.

Bishop’s Address

“It has been the privilege of my life to serve as your bishop,” Brewer said near the start of his final Convention address as bishop of the Diocese of Central Florida, adding that he has always known that he was “with you, living out a real divine appointment. … I still love these responsibilities. I love the people of this diocese and the calling God has given me to serve together with you. You have grown close to my heart, and I thank you from the bottom of my heart for us being able to serve together these past 11 ½ years.”

Brewer spoke to diversity as a diocesan hallmark, noting that “Episcopalians are not culture deniers, but we are called to be cultural cleansers. … We don’t take culture as a given. Instead, we ask Jesus for wisdom to show us how we should interact with culture, what we should celebrate and what we need to reject because it is incompatible with the gospel.” He added that “local Episcopal churches need more than ever to be congregations who are an expression of genuine pan-Anglicanism that welcomes all people, regardless of their geographic cultures, not just into a one-flavor melting pot … but instead, a multicultural celebration of the kingdom of God, where every tribe, tongue, language, people and nation are welcomed and celebrated.”

Pointing to the joy of ministry throughout the past year, Brewer said he made 47 congregational visits, confirmed 206, baptized three and received 80 into The Episcopal Church. Thirty-eight people made reaffirmations of their baptismal vows, and there were 10 celebrations of new ministry. Church of the Incarnation, Oviedo, regained its parish status in 2022, but two other congregations, Church of the Good Shepherd, Maitland, and St. John’s, Kissimmee, are now in aided parish status, while Church of the Redeemer, Avon Park, was closed and its property sold. The bishop urged any struggling congregations to contact the diocesan office for assistance “sooner than later.”

Brewer also noted that he ordained 18 candidates – 12 deacons and six priests – in 2022 and will have ordained an additional 10 priests by early June, meaning he will close out his episcopacy having performed more than 200 ordinations. “The sheer number of ordinations and the high-quality candidates God has sent us means that there are superb clergy making their mark on the life of The Episcopal Church – other parts of the Anglican Communion, not just the Diocese of Central Florida,” he said, adding that the diocese also has a total of 41 people who are discerning calls to ordination. In addition, the number of women clergy and clergy of color has increased significantly during his episcopacy, while the median clergy age has dropped dramatically.

The bishop took time to point out the global vision of the diocese, saying he has spoken favorably in the House of Bishops of the need to build “international bridges of companionship” and pointing to diocesan support for international ministries including its Communion partner, the Episcopal Diocese of Honduras; missionaries such as the Dasses (Brazil) and the Rev. Loren and Linda Fox (Southeast Asia); and the Rt. Rev. Patrick Augustine, bishop of the Diocese of Bor, South Sudan. He also mentioned diocesan support in the aftermath of two hurricanes, which helped local food pantries as well as an international feeding effort in the Diocese of Belize headed up by the Rev. Johnny Clark.

Leadership development is being addressed through Ministry Leadership and Mission, annual clergy conferences and the diocesan Residency Program, Brewer said, giving credit for underwriting to a Lilly Foundation grant and for ordinations and placement to “Canons Holcomb and Holcombe.” He took the opportunity to thank the entire diocesan staff as well as his wife, Laura Lee, whom he said God uses as “prayer partner, counsel of advice, hostess, cook, phone counselor, my driver and a woman of great discernment.” He also emphasized what an honor it was to serve, at the invitation of then-national President Krisita Jackson, as national chaplain to the Order of the Daughters of the King, including at the organization’s Triennial Convention in Baltimore, Maryland, June 22-26.

Brewer then took time to summarize the 80th General Convention of The Episcopal Church, which also took place in Baltimore on July 8-11. The Convention’s shortened schedule, in which essential business was limited to four days, meant that “there was no time to thoughtfully consider much of anything,” he said. “While many good decisions were made, regret was voiced openly, at least in the House of Bishops, that we also made some serious mistakes. … Our haste did us no favors, and it will be up to the next Convention to go back and correct those mistakes.”

Brewer also gave a brief report on the 2023 Lambeth Conference, which he said was both a “life changer” and a “vision corrector.” He pointed to the importance of the 168 countries and more than 2,000 language groups represented, adding that those from the Global South attended, although they chose to abstain from Communion in protest of the actions of churches in the U.S. and England regarding same-sex marriage.

“They are in fact, the numerical majority, and many of them are paying a very high price for their commitment to Jesus Christ in their home countries,” Brewer said. He also described the Lambeth Conference as “historic” in that the Most Rev. Justin Welby, archbishop of Canterbury, “essentially reframed the Communion to fit modern realities.”

Brewer added that “heaven gained two of our champions” in 2022, the Rt. Rev. William H. Folwell and the Rev. Canon Nelson W. Pinder, both featured on the cover of previous issues of the Central Florida Episcopalian. Brewer presided at the funeral for Folwell, the second bishop of the Diocese of Central Florida, at St. James Episcopal Church in Hendersonville, North Carolina, and at a later memorial service at All Saints, Winter Park, Folwell’s former parish.

Brewer described the significant impact Pinder made on the parish of St. John the Baptist in Washington Shores, his neighborhood, the city of Orlando and The Episcopal Church, adding that the city of Orlando erected a statue at the corner of Church Street and Terry Avenue in his honor, as well as renaming the street on which Pinder and his wife, Marion, made their home to “Nelson Pinder Circle.”

“Almost everything in this diocese which concerns matters of racial reconciliation has its roots in the life and witness of Father Pinder,” he continued. “Both of these men, Bishop Folwell and Canon Pinder, helped set the DNA of this diocese that we still feel in their passion to raise up new people, make a difference in their communities, do their best to not only preach the gospel but also prayerfully embody it.”

Brewer then expressed his regret over the resignation of Pickett as diocesan administrator and CFO. At Pickett’s request, collected monies are being set aside to offset the cost of medical insurance coverage for his family. Brewer said a transition plan is in place, and a temporary financial officer has been hired for the interim period; interviews for a new CFO will begin soon.

The bishop then offered an update on Canterbury Retreat Center, praising its current full schedule and “remarkable” facilities renovation while pointing out the “ongoing challenge” of raising donor capital, noting that Canterbury is too small a facility to function on revenue from bookings and food service alone. Solutions are being proposed, and Brewer said the board is “taking the necessary steps to move into a stronger future.”

Brewer concluded his message by pointing to what he sees as a diocese that is moving into a future with hope because of the power of the gospel of Christ, urging attendees to “Be courageous, full of grace, face difficulties with the wise determination God has given us. Walk with compassion, love and great faith. Let us continue to tell God’s story to the nations. Enjoy your salvation! … Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his mercies endure forever! Thank you again for the high privilege of serving as your bishop. I have done my very best to serve faithfully, confidently and prayerfully. I am profoundly grateful for the opportunity to serve with you for the sake of the kingdom. All the good that has been done is, in fact, for God’s glory and not ours, and believe me, the best is yet to be.”

View Brewer’s entire message at this link.

More Gratitude

Mrs. Laura Lee Brewer was then escorted to the stage to receive thanks and applause alongside her husband. After this, a video with clips from many of the other gratitude videos was played, including new content from the Rev. Canon Ernest Bennett, who said Brewer has known “when to seek advice, and that’s a great characteristic to have.” He also said he is grateful for the pivotal role Brewer has played in The Episcopal Church.

Ms. Krisita Jackson, national president of the Order of the Daughters of the King from 2018-2022, also spoke in the video, saying her relationship with Brewer began as a presenter at his Consecration and grew through serving alongside him as a deputy at General Convention. She affirmed his service as national chaplain for the Daughters, saying, “Daughters everywhere loved him. He offered the same joy in the Lord, wisdom and inspiration to thousands of daughters worldwide.”

Dr. Garwood Anderson, dean of Nashotah House Seminary, told Brewer in the video that when he preached at the Electing Convention at which Brewer was elected bishop, his text was Acts 20, Paul’s famous farewell speech to the Ephesian elders. “I like to say they wept for him because Paul had wept for them,” Anderson said. “I couldn’t have known it then, but with the gift of hindsight, it’s clear to me that this is very much Bishop Greg’s legacy here as well. … He’s been a faithful laborer, a most able leader, but above all, a pastor.”

After Noonday Prayer and responsive reading led by the Very Rev. Porter Taylor, dean of the Southeast Deanery and rector of St. David’s by-the-Sea, Cocoa Beach, and music by Bales, the Convention then dismissed for lunch with instructions to return by 1:30 p.m.

Additional Appointments

The afternoon session began with Brewer’s acknowledgment and expression of gratitude to those on the Diocesan Board, Standing Committee, Commission on Ministry and Disciplinary Board whose terms have ended. He also announced the following appointments to these same entities:

Committee on Constitution and Cannons, one-year term: The Rev. James Dorn, the Rev. Tracy Dugger, the Rev. Gary Jackson, the Hon. William Grimm, the Hon. Council Wooten.

Disciplinary Board, three-year term: The Rev. Robert Moses, Mr. Len Oden.

Membership on the Commission on Ministry

Clerical Order, four-year term: The Rev. Tracy Dugger, the Rev. Jonathan French.

Lay Order, four-year term: Mrs. Beverly Jennings, Mr. Chip Vanture.

Lay Order, three-year term:  Mrs. Esther Gonzalez.

Clerical Order, two-year term: The Rev. Ángel López, the Rev. Todd Schmidtetter.

Clerical Order, one-year term: The Rev. Canon Angela Ifill, the Rev. John Motis.

Lay Order, one-year term: Mrs. Laverne Collins, Mrs. Lydia Pierce.

Elections

The Very Rev. Jason Murbarger, chair of the Committee on Nominations and Elections; dean of the Northwest Deanery; and rector of St. Mary’s, Daytona Beach, came to the podium to facilitate the elections, which were conducted via the online platform VPOLL. After instructions and technical assistance as needed, all delegates participated in a test election, which also ensured that the Convention continued to have a quorum (1/3 of those entitled to vote in Convention, per the diocesan canons) along with the required number of clerical and lay delegates present to vote.

Murbarger then presented the slate of candidates for the various committees and boards and conducted the elections per the diocesan canons. Announced near the close of the Convention, those elected are:

Standing Committee: The Rev. Tom Phillips (clerical order, four-year term); Mr. Erick Perez (lay order, three-year term).

Diocesan Board: The Rev. Kevin Bartle (clerical order, three-year term); Mrs. Irais Murphy, Ms. Heidi White (lay order, three-year term).

Trustee, University of the South: The Rev. Robin Reed (clerical order, three-year term)

Deputies, 2024 General Convention

Clerical Order: The Rev. Canon Scott Holcombe, the Rev. Dr. José Rodríguez, the Rev. Phyllis Bartle, the Rev. Sara M. Oxley.

Lay Order: Ms. Krisita Jackson, Mrs. LaNora Holcombe, Mrs. Heather Rodríguez, Ms. Heidi White.

Alternates, Clerical Order: The Rev. Kay Mueller, The Rev. Laura Cook, the Rev. Woodford D. Miller, the Rev. Tracy Dugger.

Alternates, Lay Order: Mrs. Emily Fletcher, Mrs. Mary Kay Predmore, Ms. Cheryl Arnold.

Deanery Elections (pre-Convention): The Very Rev. Deke Miller, dean, Southwest Deanery; Mrs. Heather Barlow, president, Southeast Deanery; Mr. Frederick “Drick” Heitman, president, Northwest Deanery; the Very Rev. Jason Murbarger, Dean, Northwest Deanery.

Resolutions

After the successful completion of the elections, Brewer thanked Murbarger and all those who helped in the process, then moved to the presentation and debate of resolutions, calling upon Holcomb to review the rules of debate for resolutions. After this review, the bishop called the Rev. Michelle Roach and Dr. John Robertson forward to present and move the adoption of Resolution R-1, Canon Nelson Wardell Pinder Commemoration Day.

This resolution affirms the life-changing work of The Rev. Canon Nelson W. Pinder by setting aside an annual diocesan commemoration day to be celebrated annually on the anniversary of his death, July 10. The resolution also included a provision for celebrating Pinder and his legacy of community activism at diocesan schools and at Camp Wingmann. It was adopted by acclamation.

Next, the Rev. Dr. José Rodríguez presented and moved the adoption of Resolution R-2: Expressing Gratitude to the Diocese of Puerto Rico. This resolution includes a provision for the bishop to respond appropriately to the gesture of friendship and desire for an expanded relationship expressed by the Diocese of Puerto Rico. After brief discussion of an amendment offered by the Rev. George Conger, rector, Shepherd of the Hills, Lecanto, to include the development of a task force and financial support for this potential relationship, Conger withdrew his amendment, and the motion was adopted via voice vote.

After the announcement of elections by Murbarger, Brewer encouraged participants to save the date for the 55th annual Diocesan Convention, set for Jan. 26-27, 2024, with details to be announced this fall.

Following housekeeping announcements, the Rev. Andrew Lazo, chair of the Memorials Committee and apprentice rector, Church of the Messiah, Winter Garden, led in a time of remembrance for clergy who died during 2022, accompanied by a video showing photos of each of the following: the Rt. Rev. William H. Folwell, bishop; the Rev. Canon Nelson W. Pinder, priest; the Rev. Robert W. Phillips, priest; the Rev. Ronald F. Manning, priest; the Rev. John W. Jasper Sr., deacon; the Rev. Paul D. Coil, priest; the Rev. Donald R. Seay, priest; the Rev. Jacqueline Guernsey, deacon; the Rev. Margaret E. Green-Witt, deacon; the Rev. William H. Hazelett, priest.

Convention attendees stood for a minute of silence followed by a prayer from the bishop, concluding with the Litany of Thanksgiving. Bales then led in a closing hymn, and all joined for a unison prayer before the bishop’s benediction and adjournment of the Convention.