Explanation

The Episcopal Diocese of Eastern Michigan and the Episcopal Diocese of Western Michigan, having met at a duly called Joint Special Convention on March 16, 2024, approved the Agreement of Union, agreed to juncture and to form a new diocese, The Episcopal Diocese of the Great Lakes.

The Joint Special Convention followed several years of discernment and ongoing collaboration between these two dioceses. The Convention votes were taken in accordance with the Constitution and Canons of the General Convention and the Constitution and Canons of each diocese. The Convention of Eastern Michigan approved the resolution on juncture with a majority vote of 85% delegates in favor. The Convention of Western Michigan, having an allowance in their Constitution for a vote by orders on such a resolution, approved the resolution on juncture with votes of 83% of lay delegates and 79% of clergy delegates in favor. The Standing Committees of the Dioceses of Eastern and Western Michigan, on their own behalf and as the Ecclesiastical Authority in each diocese (in the absence of a bishop), voted to approve the juncture of the two Dioceses to form the Episcopal Diocese of the Great Lakes.

All the provisions of Canon I.10.1 regarding the necessary actions of the two dioceses have been met, and the necessary documentation (available as supplementary materials to this resolution) has been received by the Secretary of the General Convention more than 90 days before the first legislative day of this convention.

 

Support Document: 

Agreement of Union and Resolutions