This June, clergy, postulants, and lay representatives from across the Reformed Episcopal Church will gather for the 58th General Council in Richmond, Virginia (June 10–12, 2026).
As your Rector, I am planning to attend—and I would love for members of Saint Paul’s to consider joining us.
According to the official invitation, General Council will convene on Wednesday, June 10, with a Communion service at a local Richmond church, and conclude by Friday afternoon, June 12. The majority of the meetings, meals, and sessions will be held at the Omni Hotel in downtown Richmond.
What Is General Council?
General Council is the highest legislative and deliberative gathering of the REC. It is where:
- Bishops and clergy gather for worship and fellowship
- Lay deputies represent their parishes
- Reports are received
- Churchwide business is conducted
- Major transitions—such as episcopal installations—take place
This year is especially significant. The Diocese of the Central States will host Council for the first time, and the opening Communion service will include the installation of a new Bishop Ordinary.
Why Should Lay Members Consider Attending?
While every parish must elect lay deputies and complete a Parish Certification Form, attendance is not limited to clergy or official representatives. Faithful members of our parish are welcome to attend.
Here’s why I think it would be valuable for some from Saint Paul’s to join:
1. To See the Broader Church
It is strengthening to witness that we are part of something larger than our local parish in Los Altos. The REC spans dioceses across the United States and Canada.
2. To Deepen Anglican Identity
For those interested in Anglican theology, liturgy, and church governance, General Council provides firsthand exposure to how our Church operates.
3. To Invest in the Future
Lay voices matter. Representation at Council ensures that parishes like ours are present in the ongoing life and direction of the Church.
4. To Combine Fellowship and Learning
The schedule includes:
- Daily Morning Prayer
- Business sessions
- Fellowship meals
- A formal banquet
- Opportunities for informal conversations with clergy and laity from across the Church
Practical Details
- Dates: June 10–12, 2026
- Location: Omni Hotel, Downtown Richmond
- Hotel Rate: $172/night (group rate, subject to availability)
- Registration Deadline: April 30, 2026
Full Council registration (including meals and banquet) is $525, though partial attendance options are available.
More information and registration links are available at:
www.rechurch.org (see General Council page)
A Pastoral Invitation
At Saint Paul’s, we are committed to building what lasts—locally and generationally. Attending General Council is one way to strengthen our ties to the wider Church and to bring back insight, encouragement, and perspective to our parish.
If you are interested in attending—either as a voting lay deputy or simply as an observer—please speak with me soon. We will need to elect lay representation in accordance with Church canons, and registration deadlines are approaching.
Let us represent Saint Paul’s faithfully in Richmond.
General Council 2026
Tentative Schedule
(Subject to change)
Wednesday – June 10
- 6:30–7:30 am – Breakfast (at hotel)
- 7:30 am – Charter buses to church start
- 8:00 am – Clergy Vesting begins at church
- 9:00 am – Communion Service at Derbyshire Church (Hunter Classical Christian School)
- 11:30 am – Buses return to hotel
- Noon – Lunch & Women’s Day Meeting (at hotel)
- 1:45 pm – Business Sessions (at hotel)
- 4:45 pm – Break
- 6:30 pm – Reception (at hotel)
- 7:00 pm – Formal Banquet Dinner (at hotel)
Thursday – June 11
- 7:00–8:00 am – Breakfast (at hotel)
- 9:00 am – Morning Prayer & Sessions (at hotel)
- Noon – Lunch (at hotel)
- 1:30 pm – Business Sessions (at hotel)
- 5:00 pm – Break & Dinner on your own
Friday – June 12
- 7:00–8:00 am – Breakfast (at hotel)
- 9:00 am – Morning Prayer & Sessions (at hotel)
- Noon – Lunch (at hotel)
- 1:00 pm – Final Session (if needed)
- 3:00 pm – Adjourn (whenever business is finished, which may be earlier)
