Following our recent Board election, AED is pleased to announce the following individuals who have been elected to serve 4-year terms, beginning in March, 2021.

• Lay: Dana M. Jean (Diocese of Dallas)
• Deacon: Jan Grinnell (Diocese of Rhode Island)
• Deacon: Juan Sandoval (Diocese of Atlanta)
• Priest: Frank Alton (Diocese of Los Angeles)
• Vice President / President-elect: Carole Maddux (Diocese of Atlanta; 6-year term)

With a strong slate of nominees, those who were not elected are considering serving on one of the Board’s committees as a way to offer their gifts toward strengthening the diaconate.

AED is the “go-to” source for information on deacon formation and supervision. In March, 2020 (just before lock-downs), their annual A3D Conference addressed the complex issues of Latinx diaconal formation. Attended by Archdeacons, Deacons, Formation Directors and others with an interest in deacon formation and supervision, they discussed ideas and insights in planning formation for candidates whose first language is not English. In addition, their Triennial Conferences bring together deacons and deacon supporters from The Episcopal Church and The Anglican Church of Canada to foster learning, fellowship, discussion and action, on a three-year cycle.

Bringing the deacons’ prophetic voice to the councils of the church is part of AED’s work, and in 2018, close to 100 deacons actively participated in General Convention as deputies, advocates, resources, and liturgically. Deacons currently serve on church-wide task forces and other groups, including the General Convention Liturgy Planning Committee.

As a membership association of persons and dioceses within The Episcopal Church, AED works to facilitate relationships and communication among deacons and all ministers. They seek to increase participation and involvement of all baptized persons in Christ’s diaconal ministry, especially by promoting and supporting the diaconate

Learn more about AED at www.episcopaldeacons.org.