Convention Booklet 2023

104th Annual Convention

General Convention, Clergy Alternate

The Rev. John Church, The Appalachian Alliance I would be honored to serve The Diocese of Southwestern Virginia in any office to which I have been nominated. I will bring the experience of my two-year Curacy in the Appalachian Alliance. I am also coming up on my first year as Priest-in-Charge of the Alliance. I have extensive experience working with Grace House, Binns-Counts Community Development Center, and Neighbors Aid. I will bring a unique voice from far Southwestern Virginia, highlighting the experiences and needs of parishes located in the area. I have served several times on the Executive Board and look forward to serving the Diocese in the future.

The Rev. Ben Cowgill, St. John’s, Lynchburg If elected, I would bring my experience as a priest and lay-person in the Episcopal Church to my role. I have served as a leader in our church as a layperson, including in provincial settings and at General Convention. Following, I have served on our Diocesan staff supporting youth ministries, and in various roles in DioSWVA, Eastern Tennessee (during seminary), and now as curate at St. John's, Lynchburg. At St. John's, I have led formation ministries and aided the parish in building our communications and community engagement efforts. I've also served Sunday mornings with numerous parishes around our diocese as a diocesan curate – all of which will help me represent you all well in the larger church setting!

The Rev. Jon Greene, Non-Parochial I was ordained as a deacon on October 7, 2018. I serve most Sundays at St. Thomas, Christiansburg with occasional visits to Christ, Pearisburg and Christ, Pulaski. I have supported the Becoming Beloved Community and Way of Love: Joining God in the Neighborhood initiatives in a number of different ways. My primary personal ministry is on the leadership committee of the Justice Advocates of the Roanoke and New River Valley. I am convinced the Spirit is calling us to bring a new church into existence – not exactly clear what that looks like, but I am excited to explore the path with others willing to experiment.

The Rev. Eric Long, St. John’s, Roanoke I have been a priest for 24 years in three different dioceses. I have served in various size churches and filled diocesan leadership positions including: President of the Standing Committee (Central Gulf Coast), Diocesan Council (West Missouri), Regional Dean (West Missouri), Disciplinary Board and Standing Committee (SW Virginia), and other temporary mission teams/committees.

I also serve on the North American Committee helping fund and administrate St. George's College, Jerusalem, the seat of the Anglican Communion in the Middle East.

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