The countdown clock to Friday, October 11 has started as Diocesan House is busy preparing for the 56th Annual Convention. The Canley Cup returns this year as our deaneries will compete in a diocesan-wide food drive. Our Friday workshops and activities are sure to excite as all are invited to gather for faithful fellowship. Join us as we Walk Together as One. Registration opens soon, visit https://www.conventionswfl.org for more info.

Bishop Scharf's Convention Address for the 55th Annual Diocesan Convention

55th Diocesan Convention Opening Worship with Bishop Doug Scharf as Celebrant and Preacher.

What? Who? and How? – are, of course, vitally important questions, but there is a deeper, more pressing question, that we need to be asking, and that is the question Why? Why do we do what we do? Why do we make the sacrifices that we make? Why do we offer ourselves, our souls and bodies, in service to the kingdom of God? Why?

We believe that discipleship is about forming a new way of living with Jesus. Rooted in our Baptismal Covenant, we equip and empower our congregations to love and serve all God’s people as we walk together in the Way of Love.

As a diocese, we walk with our youth, celebrating their spiritual gifts, and creating space where they strengthen their personal relationships with God. Our Episcopal Youth Community is a valued part of our congregational family and we nurture their relationship with Jesus through programming that spans from Sunday school to summer camp to weekend retreats, and much more.

Southwest Florida is home to 13 Episcopal schools ranging from preschool to Grade 12. Our schools celebrate the whole child, providing care for their academic, emotional, social, and spiritual needs, and advocate both educational and human formation for people of all faiths and backgrounds.

“One of the things that brings me the greatest joy is that our staff can have fun together. We have an amazing staff with a variety of different gifts and talents. We do the work, we have the serious conversations, but we also love to laugh together and simply be in each other’s company.” – Bishop Douglas Scharf

In the vibrant tapestry of Southwestern Florida’s population growth, the Latino and Hispanic communities shine as the fastest-growing segment. In the Diocese of Southwest Florida, we are dedicated to ensuring that this diversity is not only acknowledged but celebrated.