Bishop Lambert has invited the collegium of clergy to meet April 20-22 at Camp Allen in Navasota, for the 2015 Clergy Conference: Moving Forward Together. This is a timely call because the diocese faces several changes this year, including the election of a new bishop, the national election of a new presiding bishop and possible canonical changes during the triennial General Convention that meets in June.

The Clergy Conference aims to provide collegial interaction from those who work together as members of the same diocese, but may live and work many miles apart.

The Rev. Dr. Jo Bailey Wells, has been chosen as the plenary speaker, who will talk about the importance of collegiality and expound on the theme, Moving Forward Together. As Chaplain to the Archbishop of Canterbury, Wells has served the Church in Anglican contexts across the Communion, from South Sudan to The Episcopal Church.

There are many who sing the chaplain’s praises including Christopher Wells, editor of The Living Church, who said that Jo Bailey Wells has become one of the most important and interesting people in the Anglican Communion. Her training as an Old Testament scholar, and leadership at the Anglican Episcopal House of Studies at Duke Divinity School has made her a master mentor to many, he said.

“She has a particular gift for drawing out thestrengths of various and diverse Anglicans, who often disagree withone another, and she has a practical heart for unity of an inspiringsort, Christopher Wells said. “She loves people, is a natural encourager, and is a joyful Christian. Put that together with broad experience across the Communion… and Jo is an especially well-resourcedleader. The clergy of Dallas will love her.”  

In addition to an exemplary keynote speaker, the conference will provide clergy a unique opportunity to hear from the four candidates for bishop. A panel discussion, breakout sessions with each candidate and a banquet will create opportunity to get to know the finalists and allow for a more prayerful discernment in electing the next leader of the diocese.

Lastly, the schedule of the conference has been intentionally structured around the value of relationships, which means there will be plenty of down time for clergy to enjoy the beautiful trails, lakes, and other amenities of Camp Allen. Prayer of the Offices and access to a Spiritual Director will also be available for the sake of spiritual rejuvenation.

The cost of the conference, accommodations and food is free to clergy. For anyone interested in carpooling or riding the charter bus to Camp Allen please contact The Rev. Clint Wilson at . Registration for is due March 18, and may be sent to .