Colleges of Presbyters, Deacons, and Laity Schedule

Wednesday Evening and Thursday, November 4–5

Colleges Gather:

• Clergy Colleges Gathering's—an opportunity for focused fellowship, learning, and collaboration among clergy.
• Laity Gathering - individuals asked to attend lay college will discuss how the laity can excel in leadership to our Diocese.
• We will gather together on Wednesday evening for dinner with all college participants. Thursday evening will be dinner on your own, or in smaller groups as you choose (Bishops dinner, female clergy, etc.)

Friday, November 6

Convocation
Convocation opens with Morning Prayer, followed by enriching plenaries of Biblical teaching and breakout sessions. That evening, we will come together as one body for a joyful diocesan-wide Eucharist, celebrating the unity we share in Christ. Then, we will enjoy fellowshipping with our deaneries as we attend our deanery dinners.

Saturday, November 7

Synod:
Our Synod is the annual business meeting of the Diocese. Clergy and lay delegates from every congregation and mission will hear updates from diocesan leadership, receive reports from the Diocesan Council and staff, and vote on key matters including committee appointments and proposed amendments to our diocesan canons.

About Bishop Dr. Yassir Eric

Bishop Dr. Yassir Eric was born and raised in Sudan and was radicalized as a Muslim at a young age, even memorizing much of the Quran and holding a deep hatred for Christians and anything that did not align with his Sunni Muslim beliefs. However, a life-changing encounter at the age of 19 with a Coptic missionary would lead him to a dramatic spiritual shift. When Yassir witnessed the miraculous healing of a sick child through the missionary’s prayer, his perspective changed, and he soon embraced Christianity.

This decision cost Yassir dearly. His family, which spanned across multiple generations and vast numbers of relatives, disowned him, even holding a symbolic funeral for him. Arrested for his conversion, Yassir endured seven weeks in prison. Upon his release, he was rejected by Christian communities due to his past. It was through the mentorship of a Swedish missionary that he was discipled in the Christian faith, finding strength in his new relationship with God.

Over the years, Yassir's faith journey took him to Kenya and later to Germany, where he studied and eventually pastored a Lutheran church. Today, he serves as the Presiding Bishop of the Muslim Background Believers (MBB) Ecclesia within the Global Anglican Church. Yassir was also a leader within Communio Messianica, a global network for Christians who have converted from Islam. This movement, growing rapidly in Muslim-majority countries despite opposition and persecution, reflects the changing dynamics of faith in the 21st century.

Yassir’s work is part of a greater shift fueled by globalization, media, and the challenges posed by radical groups. His story highlights a new wave of faith among Muslims around the world, spurred by the actions of individuals and communities who dare to challenge long-held beliefs. His commitment to nurturing Muslim Background Believers (MBBs) is instrumental in supporting those who are new to Christianity, offering resources and fellowship in over 80 countries.

Yassir’s life embodies the resilience and boldness of modern-day apostles, and his efforts continue to inspire Christians worldwide to support and celebrate the growing movement of MBBs.