Greetings, Friends!
As we work through the resolutions passed at last year’s General Convention, there are a few that merely require sharing the content of the resolution. Because I am heading off to our Clergy Conference in the morning, I’ve decided that, I will highlight a few that amend the wording of some of our important documents. Granted, they may not be real “page-turners” but the wording is important in the day-to-day business of our Church. Our ability to come to a better understanding of the language we use is a good sign of our Household’s potential for sustainability and relevance. Please bear with the wordiness and details to read the intention between the lines. More timely coverage will return next week so stay tuned!
But first…I hope everyone is keeping up with the many interesting posts from our delegation to the Anglican Consultative Council. I’ve been excited to see photos from Lusaka, Zambia shared by those present. Here; check out this link for photos and updates from The Episcopal News Service – http://episcopaldigitalnetwork.com/ens/tag/acc16/ I was especially pleased to read the article: “Episcopal Church Commended for Respecting Differences on Marriage” (http://episcopaldigitalnetwork.com/ens/2016/04/11/episcopal-church-commended-for-respecting-differences-on-marriage/)
- Now for the resolutions:
A090: Amend Canon III.8.6(g) Preparation for Ordination
Resolved, That the 78th General Convention of The Episcopal Church replace existing Canon
III.8.5 (g) with the following canon: CANON III.8.5 (g): Subject areas for studying during this program of preparation shall include:
(1) The Holy Scriptures.
(2) Church History, including the Ecumenical Movement. History of the Christian Church.
(3) Christian Theology, including Missionary Theology and Missiology.
(4) Christian Ethics and Moral Theology.
(5) Studies in contemporary society, including the historical and contemporary experience of racial and minority groups, and cross-cultural ministry skills. Cross-cultural ministry skills may include the ability to communicate in a contemporary language other than one’s first language.
(6) (5) Liturgics and Church Music; Christian Worship and Music according to the contents and use of the Book of Common Prayer, and the Hymnal, and authorized supplemental texts.
(7) (6) Theory and The pPractice of mMinistry, including leadership, and the ministries of evangelism and stewardship in contemporary society., including leadership, evangelism, stewardship, ecumenism, interfaith relations, mission theology, and the historical and contemporary experience of racial and minority groups.
A102: Amend Canon III.12.4(a)
Resolved, That the 78th General Convention amend Canon III.12.4(a) to read as follows:
Each Bishop serving in a Diocese shall maintain a reside residence in that Diocese, except with the consent of the Standing Committee of that Diocese. provided that, if a Bishop serves in more than one Diocese, the Bishop, with the concurrence of the Standing Committees of each Diocese in which the Bishop serves, shall reside in each of the Dioceses in which the Bishop serves.
A115: Amend Title III.12.9: Reconciliation of Disagreements Affecting the Pastoral Relation between a Bishop and Diocese
Resolved, That
Sec. 9. When the pastoral relationship between a Bishop Diocesan, Bishop Coadjutor or Bishop Suffragan and the Diocese is imperiled by disagreement or dissension, and the issues are deemed serious by a Bishop of that Diocese or a two-thirds majority vote of all of the members of the Standing Committee or a two-thirds majority vote of the Diocesan Convention, any party may petition the Presiding Bishop, in writing, to intervene and assist the parties in their efforts to resolve the disagreement or dissension. The written petition shall include sufficient information to inform the Presiding Bishop and the parties involved of the nature, causes, and specifics of the disagreements or dissension imperiling the pastoral relationship. The Presiding Bishop shall initiate such proceedings as are deemed appropriate under the circumstances to attempt to reconcile the parties, which may include the appointment of a consultant or licensed mediator. The parties to the disagreement, following the recommendations of the Presiding Bishop, shall labor in good faith toward that reconciliation. If such proceedings lead to reconciliation, said reconciliation shall contain definitions of responsibility and accountability for the Bishop and the Diocese.
Sec. 10. Reconciliation of Disagreements Affecting the Collegial Relation between Bishops in the Same Diocese
When the collegial relationship between a Bishop Diocesan, Bishop Coadjutor, or Bishop Suffragan is imperiled by disagreement or dissension, and the issues are deemed serious by a Bishop of that Diocese or a two-thirds majority vote of all of the members of the Standing Committee or a two-thirds majority vote of the Diocesan Convention, any party may petition the Presiding Bishop, in writing, to intervene and assist the parties in their efforts to resolve the disagreement or dissension. The written petition shall include sufficient information to inform the Presiding Bishop and the parties involved of the nature, causes, and specifics of the disagreements or dissension imperiling the collegial relationship. The Presiding Bishop shall initiate such proceedings as are deemed appropriate under the circumstances to attempt to reconcile the parties, which may include the appointment of a consultant or licensed mediator. The parties to the disagreement, following the recommendations of the Presiding Bishop, shall labor in good faith toward that reconciliation. If such proceedings lead to reconciliation, said reconciliation shall contain definitions of responsibility and accountability for the Bishops and the Diocese.
Sec. 1011. Dissolution of the Pastoral Relation between a Bishop and Diocese
A120: Amend Canon III and Renumber 12.8, 12.9 and 12.10
Resolved, That Canon III.7 be amended to add a new Canon III.7.11 to read as follows:
Sec. 11. Return to the Ordained Ministry of this Church after Release and Removal.
(a)When a Deacon who has been released and removed from the ordained Ministry of this Church under Canon III.7.8 desires to return to that Ministry, the person shall apply in writing to the Bishop of the Diocese in which the Deacon was last canonically resident, attaching the following:
(1) Evidence that the person is a confirmed adult communicant in good standing in a Congregation of this Church;
(2) Evidence of previous ordained Ministry in this Church, and other Churches as applicable.
(3) Evidence of moral and godly character;
(4) Evidence that the person is free from any vows or other engagements inconsistent with the exercise of ordained Ministry in this Church;
(5) A certificate from at least two Clergy in this Church stating that, from personal examination or from satisfactory evidence presented to them, they believe that the departure of the person from the ordained Ministry of this Church and from the ordained Ministry of any other Church to which the person has belonged since his or her departure from the ordained Ministry of this Church has not arisen from any circumstance reflecting unfavorably on his or her moral or religious character, or on account of which it may not be expedient to permit the person to return to the ordained Ministry of this Church;
(6) A letter of support in the form provided in Canon III.6.6(b)(2) from the Rector or Member of the Clergy in charge and Vestry of a Parish of this Church; and
(7) A statement of the reasons for seeking to return to the ordained Ministry of this Church.
(1) Evidence of previous ordination in The Episcopal Church;
(2) Evidence of appropriate background checks, certifications and proof of completion of applicable trainings including abuse prevention and anti-racism trainings;
(3) A statement from no less than two members of the clergy known to the applicant in support of the application;
(4) A statement of the reasons for seeking to return to the ordained Ministry of this Church.
(b) The provisions of Canon III.6.5(a) shall be applicable.
(b) If the Bishop so chooses, the Bishop may give permission for the Deacon to continue the process toward reinstatement, which may include the following:
(1) Active participation in a congregation for a period of time at the Bishop’s discretion;
(2) Regular contact with the Bishop or the Bishop’s designee during the course of the process;
(3) Evaluation by a licensed mental health professional of the Bishop’s choosing for the purposes of evaluation and of determining fitness for resumption of ordained ministry in this church;
(4) Two references from those who are able to discuss the Deacon’s former ministry;
(5) Meeting with the Standing Committee, who shall have the benefit of the materials above and who shall provide to the Bishop its recommendation regarding reinstatement;
(c) The Commission on Ministry may, with the consent of the Bishop, and with notice to the applicant, examine the applicant in any subject described in Canons III.6.5(f) and (g).
(d) Before the person may be permitted to return to the ordained Ministry of this Church, the Bishop shall require a promise in writing to submit in all things to the Discipline of this Church without recourse to any other ecclesiastical jurisdiction, and shall further require the person to subscribe and make in the presence of the Bishop and two or more members of the Clergy of this Church the declaration required in Article VIII of the Constitution.
(c) Before the person may be permitted to return to the ordained Ministry of this Church, the Bishop shall require the Deacon seeking to return to the ministry to sign a written declaration as required in Article VIII of the Constitution, without recourse to any other ecclesiastical jurisdiction and execute such declaration in the presence of the Bishop and two or more members of the clergy of this Church.
(e) (d) Thereafter the Bishop, being satisfied of the person’s theological qualifications and soundness in the faith, taking into account the facts and circumstances surrounding the person’s Deacon’s removal and release, may permit, with the advice and consent of the Standing Committee, the return of the person Deacon into the ordained Ministry of this Church.
(f) No one shall be permitted to return to the ordained Ministry of this Church under this Canon less than twelve months from the date of having most recently become a communicant of this Church unless the Bishop Diocesan and a majority of the members of the Standing Committee conclude that special circumstances exist to merit such return which will benefit the needs of this Church.
(e) The provisions of this Canon III.7.11 shall not be applicable to any Deacon who has been removed, released, or deposed from their ministry as the result of any proceeding of Title IV of these Canons.
(g) (f) Notice of the person’s Deacon’s return to the ordained Ministry of this Church shall be provided in writing to the same persons and entities receiving notice under Canon III.7.10.; and be it further
(a) When a Priest who has been released and removed from the ordained Ministry of this Church under Canon III.9.8 desires to return to that Ministry, the person shall apply in writing to the Bishop of the Diocese in which the Priest was last canonically resident, attaching the following:
(1) Evidence that the person is a confirmed adult communicant in good standing in a Congregation of this Church;
(2) Evidence of previous ordained Ministry in this Church and other Churches as applicable;
(3) Evidence of moral and godly character;
(4) Evidence that the person is free from any vows or other engagements inconsistent with the exercise of ordained Ministry in this Church;
(5) A certificate from at least two Priests in this Church stating that, from personal examination or from satisfactory evidence presented to them, they believe that the departure of the person from the ordained Ministry of this Church and from the ordained Ministry of any other Church to which the person has belonged since his or her departure from the ordained Ministry of this Church has not arisen from any circumstance reflecting unfavorably on his or her moral or religious character, or on account of which it may not be expedient to permit the person to return to the ordained Ministry of this Church;
(6) A letter of support in the form provided in Canon III.8.7(b)(2) from the Rector or Member of the Clergy in charge and Vestry of a Parish of this Church; and
(7) A statement of the reasons for seeking to return to the ordained Ministry of this Church.
(1) Evidence of previous ordination in The Episcopal Church;
(2) Evidence of appropriate background checks, certifications and proof of completion of applicable trainings including abuse prevention and anti-racism trainings;
(3) A statement from no less than two members of the clergy known to the applicant in support of the application;
(4) A statement of the reasons for seeking to return to the ordained Ministry of this Church.
(b) The provisions of Canon III.8.5(a) shall be applicable.
(b) If the Bishop so chooses, Bishop may give permission for the Priest to continue the process toward reinstatement, which may include the following:
(1) Active participation in a congregation for a period of time at the Bishop’s discretion;
(2) Regular contact with the Bishop or the Bishop’s designee during the course of the process;
(3) Evaluation by a licensed mental health professional of the Bishop’s choosing for the purposes of evaluation and of determining fitness for resumption of ordained ministry in this church;
(4) Two references from those who are able to discuss the Priest’s former ministry;
(5) Meeting with the Standing Committee, who shall have the benefit of the materials above and who shall provide to the Bishop its recommendation regarding reinstatement;
(c) The Commission on Ministry may, with the consent of the Bishop, and with notice to the applicant, examine the applicant in any other subject required described in by Canons III.8.5(g) and (h).
(d) Before the person may be permitted to return to the ordained Ministry of this Church, the Bishop shall require a promise in writing to submit in all things to the Discipline of this Church without recourse to any other ecclesiastical jurisdiction or foreign civil jurisdiction, and shall further require the person to subscribe and make in the presence of the Bishop and two or more Presbyters the declaration required in Article VIII of the Constitution.
(c) Before the person Priest may be permitted to return to the ordained Ministry of this Church, the Bishop shall require the Priest seeking to return to the ministry to sign a written declaration as required in Article VIII of the Constitution, without recourse to any other ecclesiastical jurisdiction and execute such declaration in the presence of the Bishop and two or more members of the clergy of this Church.
(e) (d) Thereafter the Bishop, being satisfied of the person’s theological qualifications and soundness in the faith, taking into account the facts and circumstances surrounding the person’s Priest’s removal and release, may permit, with the advice and consent of the Standing Committee, the return of the person into the ordained Ministry of this Church.
(f) No one shall be permitted to return to the ordained Ministry of this Church under this Canon less than 12 months from the date of having most recently become a communicant of this Church unless the Bishop Diocesan and a majority of the members of the Standing Committee conclude that special circumstances exist to merit such return which will benefit the needs of this Church.
(e) The provisions of this Canon III.9.11 shall not be applicable to any Priest who has been removed, released, or deposed from their ministry as the result of any proceeding of Title IV of these Canons.
(g) (f) Notice of the person’s Priest’s return to the ordained Ministry of this Church shall be provided in writing to the same persons and entities receiving notice under Canon III.9.11.; and be it further
Resolved, That Canon III.9 be amended to add a new Canon III.9.12 to read as follows, and renumbering the two subsequent sections to be Canon III.9.13 and III.9.14.
Sec. 12. Return to the Ordained Ministry of this Church after Release and Removal.
Resolved, That Canon III.12 be amended to add a new Canon III.12.8, to read as follows, and renumbering the three subsequent sections to be Canon III.12.9, III.12.10, and III.12.11.
Sec. 8. Return to the Ordained Ministry of this Church after Release and Removal
(a) When a Bishop who has been released and removed from the ordained Ministry of this Church under Canon III.12.7 desires to return to that Ministry, the person shall apply in writing to the Presiding Bishop, attaching the following:
(1) Evidence that the person is a confirmed adult communicant in good standing in a Congregation of this Church;
(2) Evidence of previous ordained Ministry in this Church, and other Churches as applicable;
(3) Evidence of a moral and godly character;
(4) Evidence that the person is free from any vows or other engagements inconsistent with the exercise of ordained Ministry in this Church;
(5) A certificate from at least two Bishops in this Church stating that, from personal examination or from satisfactory evidence presented to them, they believe that the departure of the person from the ordained Ministry of this Church and from ordained Ministry of any other Church to which the person has belonged since his or her departure from the ordained Ministry of this Church has not arisen from any circumstance reflecting unfavorably on his or her moral or religious character, or on account of which it may not be expedient to permit the person to return to the ordained Ministry of this Church;
(6) A letter of support from the Bishop of the Diocese in which the person was last canonically resident; and
(7) A statement of the reasons for seeking to return to the ordained Ministry of this Church.
(1) Evidence of previous ordination in The Episcopal Church;
(2) Evidence of appropriate background checks, certifications and proof of completion of applicable trainings including abuse prevention and anti-racism trainings;
(3) A statement from no less than two Bishops known to the applicant in support of the application;
(4) A statement of the reasons for seeking to return to the ordained Ministry of this Church.
(b) The Presiding Bishop shall examine the person regarding his or her reasons for departure from the ordained Ministry of this Church, reasons for seeking to return to that Ministry, and any other subject reflecting on that person’s fitness to return to the ordained Ministry of this Church.The Presiding Bishop may, at his or her discretion, invite others to participate in the examination.
(b) If the Presiding Bishop so chooses, the Presiding Bishop may give permission for the Bishop to continue the process toward reinstatement, which may include the following:
(1) Active participation in a congregation for a period of time at the Presiding Bishop’s discretion;
(2) Regular contact with the Presiding Bishop or the Presiding Bishop’s designee during the course of the process;
(3) Evaluation by a licensed mental health professional of the Presiding Bishop’s choosing for the purposes of evaluation and of determining fitness for resumption of ordained ministry in this church;
(4) Two references from those who are able to discuss the Bishop’s former ministry;
(5) Approval of the Presiding Bishop’s Council of Advice
(c) Before the person may be permitted to return to the ordained Ministry of this Church, the Bishop shall require a promise in writing to all things to the Discipline of this Church without recourse to any other ecclesiastical jurisdiction or foreign civil jurisdiction, and shall further require the person to subscribe and make in the present of the Presiding Bishop and two or more Bishops the declaration required in Article VIII of the Constitution.
(c) Before the person Bishop may be permitted to return to the ordained Ministry of this Church, the Presiding Bishop shall require the Bishop seeking to return to the ministry to sign a written declaration as required in Article VIII of the Constitution, without recourse to any other ecclesiastical jurisdiction and execute such declaration in the presence of the Presiding Bishop and two or more Bishops of this Church.
(e) (d) Thereafter the Presiding Bishop, being satisfied of the Bishop’s theological qualifications and soundness in the faith, taking into account the facts and circumstances surrounding the person’s Bishop’s removal and release, may permit, with the advice and consent of the Advisory Council of Advice to the Presiding Bishop, the return of the person Bishop into the ordained Ministry of this Church.
(e) No one shall be permitted to return to the ordained Ministry of this Church under this Canon less than 12 months from the date of having most recently become a communicant of this Church unless the Presiding Bishop and a majority of the members of the Advisory Council to the Presiding Bishop conclude that special circumstances exist to merit such return which will benefit the needs of this Church.
(f) (e) Notice of the person’s Bishop’s return to the ordained Ministry of this Church shall be provided in writing to the same persons and entities receiving notice under Canon III.12.7(c).
(f) The provisions of this Canon III.12.8 shall not be applicable to any Bishop who has been removed, released, or deposed from their ministry as the result of any proceeding of Title IV of these Canons.
D007: Amend Canon III.2.1 and Canon III.12.4(a)
Resolved, That the 78th General Convention wishes to provide flexibility so that Dioceses may explore opportunities for shared ministry and collaboration; and be it further Resolved That Canon III.2.1 is amended as follows: Canon III.2.1
In each Diocese there shall be a Commission on Ministry (“Commission”) consisting of Priests, Deacons, if any, and Lay Persons. The Canons of each Diocese shall provide for the number of members, terms of office, and manner of selection to the Commission. Any Diocese may agree in writing with one or more other Dioceses to share a Commission on Ministry.
Sorry about that, friends. We had to share them sometime. If you made it to the end, let’s close by praying for the unity of our Church which seems most appropriate as the Anglican Consultative Council (ACC) meets.
Let us pray –
Almighty Father, whose blessed Son before his passion prayed for his disciples that they might be one, as you and he are one:
Grant that your Church, being bound together in love and
obedience to you, may be united in one body by the one Spirit, that the world may believe in him whom you have sent, your Son Jesus Christ our Lord; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
~ The Rev. Deacon Judith Schellhammer, chair, Resolution Review Committee
