The Diocese of Long Island gathered online, Thursday, October 30th, for the 2025 Pre-Convention Meeting, offering clergy and lay delegates an opportunity to prepare for the 159th Diocesan Convention, which will take place November 14–15 at the Melville Marriott.
The meeting opened with prayer and a welcome from The Rt. Rev. Lawrence C. Provenzano, Bishop of Long Island, who reflected on the upcoming convention and shared details about the election of his successor, scheduled for April 18, 2026, at the Cathedral of the Incarnation.
The Rev. Anthony Jones, Secretary of Convention, guided delegates through nominations, parish reports, and other procedural items. He also reviewed key details for registration and participation in this year’s convention.
Mr. Pearson Griffith, Treasurer of the Diocese, presented the proposed 2026 Ministry Plan, outlining diocesan revenues and expenses and reaffirming the Church’s ongoing commitment to supporting ministries and congregations across Long Island.
Following the presentation, Bishop Provenzano offered further insight into the proposed budget, including provisions for the transition in episcopal leadership and the diocese’s decision to maintain full medical insurance coverage for clergy and lay employees in lieu of a cost-of-living salary increase.
Mr. Charles Janoff, Esq., Cathedral Chancellor and Chair of the Committee on Canons, introduced several proposed resolutions and canonical changes for delegates to consider at convention. These included:
- Requiring all parishes to participate in the diocesan payroll system for consistency and compliance.
- The admission of St. Andrew’s by-the-Sea, Saltaire into union with the Diocese.
- Official support for a new Episcopal mission in Sunnyside, Queens.
- Two youth-submitted resolutions honoring Bishop and Mrs. Provenzano.
- A technical canonical change renaming the “Treasurer of Convention” to “Treasurer of the Diocese.”
Bishop Provenzano also clarified delegate and clergy participation requirements for both the November convention and the April electing convention. He closed the evening by calling for prayers and support for the dioceses of Jamaica, Haiti, the Dominican Republic, and the Bahamas following Hurricane Melissa.
The meeting concluded in prayer, as Bishop Provenzano gave thanks for all who serve and lead the church’s ministry “from the Brooklyn Bridge to Montauk Point.”
The full meeting can be viewed below. A draft copy of the 2025 Pre-Convention Journal is available here.