Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby and Episcopal Church Presiding Bishop Michael B. Curry will be among the keynote speakers at the 36th annual conference of The CEEP Network, meeting digitally for the first time in 2021, according to Joe Swimmer, executive director.
Other keynote speakers at the March 3-5, 2021 conference will include Dr. Catherine Meeks, executive director, Absalom Jones Center for Racial Healing (Atlanta); Darren Walker, president, Ford Foundation (New York); and the Rev. Sam Wells, vicar, St. Martin-in-the Fields (London).
“The CEEP Network is honored to present the most influential thought leaders in the church today to share their wisdom and insights on the future of the church in the context of the dramatic social and economic changes taking place in our country and around the world today,” said Swimmer.
For A Time Such as This: The Church as Witness is the theme for the conference. “From Covid-19 to economic anxiety to the racial reckoning taking place across our church, in our nation and around the world, our clergy and congregations are witnessing change, challenge and opportunity unlike any other time in our lives,” said Swimmer. “The annual conference will provide insights, information, and networking opportunities to strengthen clergy and lay leaders as they navigate this historic and defining time in the life of the church.”
In addition to the keynote addresses, the annual conference will host a series of workshops in the following five topic areas.
Area #1: The Future Economic Models of the Church: Leveraging Our Assets to Support Current and Future Ministries
Area #2: The Third Place — Our Buildings and Communities
Area #3: Racial Reckoning Within the Church
Area #4: Strategic Conversations
Area #5: Leadership
The CEEP Network will offer pre-conference sessions on March 2 for parish administrators, stewardship professionals, rectors and deans, vestries and wardens, endowment trustees, and associate clergy, among others. Throughout the annual conference, CEEP Network will facilitate formal networking opportunities for affinity groups as well as informal times for gathering with friends and colleagues.
The CEEP Network will gather for the first time in its 36-year history using a digital platform. “The digital annual conference will keep us safe during the Covid-19 pandemic while continuing to provide powerful learning experiences by the best teachers, thought leaders, and consultants from within and beyond The Episcopal Church,” said Swimmer. “The digital platform will empower the networking with friends, colleagues, and peers that attendees have come to expect at The CEEP Network’s annual conference.”
Early Bird Registration is $175 for CEEP Network members and $250 for non-members.
Registration opens on December 1, 2020 and will close on February 1, 2021.
To register or for more information, visit www.ceepnetwork.org
The CEEP Network (formerly the Consortium of Endowed Episcopal Parishes) includes more than 200 members and is dedicated to strengthening clergy and lay leaders for a changed and changing church. It connects and equips its member parishes, seminaries, and other Episcopal institutions for effective leadership, stewardship, and transformation in the world.