2021 CEEP Network Conference Announcement

The CEEP Network
Posted Jun 17, 2020

For thirty-five years, CEEP Network has brought together leaders – lay and clergy – in the Episcopal Church for conversations about what matters most and what matters now. Our gatherings are hopeful, joyful times to connect with each other and learn with thoughtful colleagues and innovative thinkers from across the country and around the world.

Each time the network gathers – whether with hundreds of attendees at the annual conference or at a smaller local gathering – the spirit of collaboration and connection takes flight and leaders leave strengthened for their work in a changed and changing church.

When COVID-19 was declared a pandemic, our prayer was for those affected and our hope was for a healthy, speedy return to gathering as community. It is now clear that social distancing and other preventative measures will extend into the foreseeable future. Knowing that in-person gatherings are potential threats to public health, and considering our 2021 Dallas conference, the Board of Directors sought input and guidance from lay and clergy leaders at member institutions and health officials on how to plan for gathering.

After assessing community responses and prayerful consideration, we recognize that hosting an in-person conference in March 2021 isn’t feasible. Although saddened the network won’t gather together as we have for three decades, we are excited about the possibilities hosting a digital conference offers.

With CEEP Network’s move into the digital space over the last several months, we are confident that next year’s conference, while different, will be a hopeful, joyful experience with deep learning. The Conference Planning Committee is imagining anew how to bring CEEP’s excellent content and learning to you and your colleagues. We will also find ways to foster meaningful connection with friends and colleagues across the country – a hallmark of network gatherings.

We extend our warmest gratitude to Church of the Transfiguration and Saint Michael and All Angels for serving as our Dallas hosts – the network will gather with our friends at the Fig and SMAA soon!

Details on our digital conference will follow in the coming months. In the meantime, we invite you to join us as we continue gathering the network on-line for webinars on what matters most and what matters now. You can also view our previous webinars and related content on our resource page at www.ceepnetwork.org/ceep-resources.

We hope you stay safe and well. We are grateful for your support of our work in strengthening leaders for a changed and changing church.

Yours faithfully,

Joe Swimmer                           Allan Johnson-Taylor
Executive Director                  President
CEEP Network                         CEEP Network Board of Directors