The Rev. Becki Neumann presented a report from the Constitution and Canons Committee, after which the Synod approved several amendments to the Canons and gave final approval to an amendment to the Constitution.

An increasing number of people in Western culture, especially teens, identify as transgender. Their “inward” experience of masculinity or femininity feels askew to their “outward” biological sex, male or female. With this topic now mainstream, Christians need to think carefully and compassionately about an array of questions, including: What anthropological assumptions underlie popular views and treatments? What does a loving Christian response look like?

The Rev. Dr. Winfield Bevins speaks at the Synod 2018 Opening Eucharist.

What does this new phrase being used in the healthcare industry mean for the elderly, terminally ill, and disabled? This workshop will explain all the terms like “Comfort Care,” “Medical/Physician Orders for Life Sustaining Treatment,” “Hospice,” “Palliative Care,” “DNR’s” and “Advance Directives” and the positive and negative impact each can have on patients. We’ll discuss when they should or should not be employed, whether for you or your loved ones. We will also examine patients’ rights and how families need to be involved to ensure they get the best care.

Never have believers in America had a better opportunity to share the good news of Jesus Christ with their Muslim neighbors! Our area is home to one of the largest concentrations of Muslims in the U.S. with over 400,000 Muslims, 75 mosques and the two largest mosque complexes in the nation. Yet many of us feel timid around Muslims and are hesitant to meet and talk with them. Come and be encouraged as we consider what God is doing among American Muslims today and how each of us can effectively communicate Christ's love with them.

DOMA’s Child Protection Child Protection Chair Lindsey Feldman and Chancellor Scott Ward will update church leaders on the newest version of the child protection policy, answer legal and practical questions, and make recommendations to aid in the implementation and maintenance of best practices in your church to keep our children safe.

The New Wineskins Global Missions Conference is the primary mission-mobilizing event for the Anglican Church in North America. Held every three years, it brings together those engaged in local mission and international mission; it draws missionaries and senders, clergy and laity, intercessors and evangelists, teachers and disciples. Come hear New Wineskins Missionary Network’s Executive Director, Jenny Noyes, share about the impact that next September’s conference can have on your church’s missional zeal. A number of congregations in our Diocese have discovered the power of bringing a team to experience New Wineskins—a conference that changes lives and changes churches.