General Convention is a big sprawling undertaking, incorporating not just the deputies and bishops, but hundreds of volunteers, staff, visitors, and vendors. Here’s some data* to help you imagine it for yourself from the Office of Public Affairs
848 members of the House of Deputies 848
241 Alternate Deputies
154 Bishops registered for the House of Bishops (includes retired bishops)
1040 Visitors registered 1040
948 Volunteers**
32 International Guests (12 of them Primates of other churches)
21 Ecumenical Guests
100 Episcopal Church Center staff
256 booths representing 179 organizations in the Exhibit Hall
(up about 25% from GC78)
The General Convention Office reports 2,100 hotel rooms booked as of 7.3.18
One Lord
*Please note: these numbers are as reported 7.918. Registration is open through 7. 13.18 so number of attendees may change, predominately in the visitor and volunteer categories.
**A Note about Volunteers
There are different types of volunteers:
Many of the Deputies are volunteers, as are the ECW Delegates.
There are a number of volunteers for whom we pay travel expenses to assist in the support of GC but volunteer their time.
We also have daily “logistical” volunteers (most of which are local) each day for morning and afternoon shifts (i.e. in registration, worship, support in the HOD and HOB, etc..).
image of Austin mural by David Paulsen/ENS