The following proposed resolutions were submitted to the Committee on Resolutions for consideration at the 150th Annual Convention.
Whereas, Canon XVI section 17 states:
For Missions presently in union with the Convention, a change of designation from Mission to Parish shall be made by the Bishop upon recommendation of the Commission on Congregational Life, and
Whereas, the criteria for such a change, according to Canon XVI section 17 are as follows:
1. Celebration of public worship at least weekly.
2. Maintenance of an adequate level of ordained leadership as approved by the
Commission on Congregational Life. Such leadership shall be compensated in
accordance with the minimum Diocesan standards.
3. Payment of the Congregation’s full annual Diocesan assessment
4. Servicing all legal debts of the Parish.
5. Twenty (20) or more persons aged 18 years or older from at least twenty separate households as members in good standing; and
Whereas, Church of Our Saviour, Mechanicsburg, has met all of the above requirements, therefore, be it
Resolved, that Church of Our Saviour, Mechanicsburg be granted a change in status from Mission to Parish.
Impact
Mission status exists to aid in the capacity-building of the gathered body in place. But the diocese is strengthened by more participation in the structure and governance process. By becoming a parish, by canonical status, the whole body is recognizing and affirming the work the Holy Spirit has been at work among the community and leaders.
Presented by:
Commission on Congregational Life
The Rev. Michael Tigner, chair
Whereas, Canon XVI section 17 states:
For Missions presently in union with the Convention, a change of designation from Mission to Parish shall be made by the Bishop upon recommendation of the Commission on Congregational Life; and
Whereas, the criteria for such a change, according to Canon XVI section 17 are as follows:
1. Celebration of public worship at least weekly.
2. Maintenance of an adequate level of ordained leadership as approved by the
Commission on Congregational Life. Such leadership shall be compensated in
accordance with the minimum Diocesan standards.
3. Payment of the Congregation’s full annual Diocesan assessment
4. Servicing all legal debts of the Parish.
5. Twenty (20) or more persons aged 18 years or older from at least twenty separate households as members in good standing; and
Whereas, Church of the Epiphany, Urbana, has met all of the above requirements, therefore, be it
Resolved, that Church of the Epiphany, Urbana, be granted a change in status from Mission to Parish.
Impact
Mission status exists to aid in the capacity-building of the gathered body in place. But the diocese is strengthened by more participation in the structure and governance process. By becoming a parish, by canonical status, the whole body is recognizing and affirming the work the Holy Spirit has been at work among the community and leaders.
Presented by:
Commission on Congregational Life
The Rev. Michael Tigner, chair
Whereas there is a continuing need to financially support our existing Episcopal communities, and,
Whereas Canon XVI, section 22 authorizes the closed congregation fund to be used for Congregational Life projects; therefore be it
Resolved, that funds from the Closed Congregation Fund of the Diocese be used by the Church Foundation to fund matching new money grants for building repairs on our existing congregations; and be it further
Resolved, that R2023-01:Congregational Life Projects, be repealed.
Explanation
The use of closed congregation funds as required by Canon XVI, Section 22 states that all liquidated assets of a closed congregation shall be under the control of the Trustees of the diocese. This fund is known as the “closed congregation fund” and its expenditures are subject to the interpretation of what constitutes a “Congregational Life project.” Resolution 2023-01 allowed COCL to use the money in the Closed Congregation Fund for New Episcopal Communities. Since the diocese no longer has a missioner for new Episcopal communities on staff, there is little need for this.
The Church Foundation of the Diocese is an appropriate place to use these funds since they are charged with the properties of the diocese. The requests for grants in 2024 exceed $1 million and far outweigh the amount of money allocated to the Church Foundation in the budget process. The use of these funds would support our existing Episcopal communities so they could maintain their current structures creating more attractive facilities for potential new members.
The distribution of these funds can only be done as a matching grant for new monies received. For example, if the Church Foundation was to award a $50,000 grant from these funds, the congregation would need to raise in new matching donations of $50,000. If the congregation raised less than the grant amount the awarded amount would equal the monies raised. This type of matching award causes the congregation to get personally involved in the restoration of their property. It can breathe new life into a congregation.
Impact
This matching grant will have an impact on congregations creating a new sense of pride in the parish property. A parish that meets the fundraising goal will see new life be breathed back into it so that the proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ can continue.
There is no financial impact to the diocesan budget. This resolution utilizes a designated fund of the diocese, which has been sitting around for years not being disbursed. It would have an impact to the monies sitting in the designated fund in that they would be used in our existing congregations for repair work.
Presented by:
The Rev. David Getreu, Rector
St. Philip’s, Circleville, St. Paul’s, Logan, St. John’s, Lancaster, and St. Paul’s, Logan
Whereas The Episcopal Church and The Church of England have set goals to reach net carbon neutrality by 2030; therefore be it
Resolved, that the Diocese of Southern Ohio commit to a goal of net carbon neutrality in its diocesan operations and the work of diocesan staff, standing commissions, interim bodies, and Diocesan Convention by 2030, through a combination of reducing emissions from travel, reducing energy use, increasing energy efficiency in buildings, installing and/or utilizing clean energy sources, and at last resort, purchasing offsets from duly investigated, responsible, and ethical partners. The goal as well as updates on progress toward that goal will be located prominently on the diocese’s website as a key diocesan priority; and be it further
Resolved, that the 150th Convention create a policy for diocesan staff to take concrete actions to reduce fossil fuel emissions from travel by said groups, such as carpooling, online meetings, regional gatherings, etc. by June 1, 2025; and be it further
Resolved, that the 150th Convention direct diocesan staff to work with the Commission on Creation Care and Environmental Justice to draft a policy to offset one hundred percent of fossil fuel emissions from unavoidable travel by diocesan groups, either through an internal offset program or through purchase from duly investigated, responsible, and ethical partners, with appropriate accountability and oversight, and report on progress toward the goal by September 1,2025; and be it further
Resolved, that the 150th Convention direct diocesan staff to develop a policy to prohibit the diocese from purchasing new fossil-fuel-powered appliances (HVAC, water-heaters, stoves), vehicles (utility vehicles, cars, vans, etc.), or equipment (lawn tools, etc.) for diocesan use (with diocesan properties) to replace fossil-fuel components once they reach the end of their lifespan but rather purchase electrified, zero-direct-emissions alternatives (when feasible or when appropriate options are available) by September 1, 2025; and be it further
Resolved, that the 150th Convention encourage diocesan parishes, schools, and other diocesan institutions to pursue their own goal of net carbon neutrality by 2030 through a combination of reducing emissions from travel, reducing energy use, increasing energy efficiency in buildings, and purchasing offsets from duly investigated, responsible, and ethical partners; and be it further
Resolved, that the 150th Convention direct diocesan staff to develop and share resources for parishes to commit to and work toward this goal, such as the online carbon tracker already created by the Diocese of California, as well as other online and print resources by November 1, 2025.
Explanation
The Diocese of Southern Ohio is deeply committed to living out its faith through action that promotes justice, compassion, and care for creation. Recognizing the urgent threat of climate change, we acknowledge the moral and spiritual imperative to address this global crisis. This resolution draws inspiration from the Paris Agreement’s goal of limiting warming to 1.5-2°C and the leadership of the Episcopal Church and the Church of England in setting targets for carbon neutrality 2030.
In response, this resolution calls on the diocese to set an ambitious goal of achieving net carbon neutrality in its operations by 2030. This resolution outlines a multifaceted strategy to reach this goal. It emphasizes reducing emissions from travel by promoting practices like carpooling, online meetings, and regional gatherings. It encourages increasing energy efficiency in buildings and transitioning to clean energy sources. The resolution underscores the importance of offsetting remaining emissions through partnerships with responsible and ethical organizations. It promotes the development of policies and resources to support these efforts, including a ban on purchasing new fossil fuel-powered equipment and encouraging the adoption of electrified alternatives.
Additionally, the resolution urges diocesan parishes, schools, and institutions to work towards their own carbon neutrality goals, providing a framework for congregation-based plans.
Progress towards this goal will be prominently reported on the diocese’s website, underscoring its importance as a key diocesan priority and commitment to transparency and accountability.
This resolution is a significant step towards fulfilling the diocese’s mission to care for God’s creation and work for environmental justice. It reflects the diocese’s recognition of the moral and spiritual imperative to address climate change and its commitment to being a leader in the Episcopal Church’s efforts towards carbon neutrality. By prioritizing the health of the planet and future generations, the Diocese of Southern Ohio is modeling a path for other dioceses and faith communities to follow in responding to the climate crisis. The resolution demonstrates the power of faith-based action in driving meaningful change and highlights the critical role that religious institutions can play in addressing this global challenge.
It is important to acknowledge that each parish must consider the unique challenges and constraints of historic buildings when pursuing carbon neutrality. It’s essential that we approach this goal in a way that is feasible, cost-effective, and mindful of the diverse needs within our diocese. Our technical experts agree it would be difficult to convert some parishes to 100% electric. However, keep in mind, that high-efficiency heat pumps are now available and provide heat down to zero degrees There are also numerous other electric types of radiant heaters that are coming out and being used in Europe (they are a bit ahead of us).
The first thing to note is that this resolution prohibits “the purchase of new fossil-fuel-powered appliances (HVAC, water-heaters, stoves), vehicles (utility vehicles, cars, vans, etc.), or equipment (lawn tools, etc.) for diocesan use to replace fossil-fuel components once they reach the end of their lifespan but rather purchase electrified, zero-direct-emissions alternatives (when feasible or when appropriate options are available)”. The key here would be that the policy would be for those properties and appliances that are controlled by the diocese, namely Procter Conference Center and Procter Farm in London, Diocesan House at 412 Sycamore Street in Cincinnati, and the Latino Ministry Center at 11381 Hanover Road in Forest Park.
As stated earlier, there may be circumstances where it is not feasible to fully convert to electricity, and each parish is encouraged to “pursue their own goal of net carbon neutrality by 2030”. Of course, it would be our hope that every parish takes on that goal as their own but there is nothing binding parishes to that goal in this resolution.
The resolution’s intent is not to place an undue burden or prohibit upgrades that are genuinely incompatible with a parish’s specific circumstances. Rather, it encourages a shift towards the most environmentally friendly options whenever possible, while acknowledging that a complete prohibition may not always be practical.
References
The Diocese of Northern California, 2022 Diocesan Convention Resolution, Resolution to Further 2022 General Convention Resolution A087 Through the Development of Congregation-Based Plans to Achieve Carbon-Neutral Facilities and Operations By 2030. https://www.norcalepiscopal.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/R1-2022_Climate_Neutral_2030.pdf
The Episcopal Church, 2022 General Convention, 2022-A087-Resolution to “Commit to Net Carbon Neutrality by 2030”. https://episcopalarchives.org/cgi-bin/acts/acts_generate_pdf.pl?resolution=2022-A087
The Episcopal Church, 2024 General Convention, 2024-D050- Resolution to Complete the Journey to Net Carbon Neutrality by 2030. https://www.vbinder.net/resolutions/711?house=HD&lang=en
The Church of England (December 2, 2020). General Synod Sets 2030 Net Zero Carbon Target. https://www.churchofengland.org/news-and-media/news-and-statements/general-synod-sets-2030-net-zero-carbon-target
Impact
The overall impact of this resolution is for diocesan-controlled buildings to lead by example and eliminate, as much as possible, the emission of greenhouse gases into the environment. This will reduce the impact of climate change that most grievously impacts those least able to weather the storms, live through prolonged droughts, and survive extensive wildfires and sea level rise.
There will be a budget impact when this resolution is passed. The resolution specifically has the diocese study the means to achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions, with the help of the Creation Care and Environmental Justice Commission, so that budgets can be adjusted, and the work can begin. The overall net cost impact and timing is difficult to estimate until the study is complete. Some actions listed will save money such as how we hold meetings, how we travel, possibly what equipment we purchase, etc. Some actions will increase cost such as buying carbon offsets until full carbon neutrality is achieved and possibly what equipment we purchase. We plan to propose the commitment for neutrality by convention 2025 either through Council or another resolution.
Presented by:
The Creation Care and Environmental Justice Commission
The Rev. Craig Foster, St. Stephen’s – Columbus, Co-Chair
The Rev. Catherine Duffy, St. Patrick’s – Dublin, Co-Chair
Kyle Vath, Church of the Advent – Walnut Hills, Primary Resolution Author, Diocesan Council
Ariel Miller, Ascension and Holy Trinity – Wyoming
Ken Wright, St. Simon of Cyrene – Lincoln Heights
Dana Carlson, Good Shepherd – Athens
Bill Ubbes, Holy Trinity – Oxford
David Thompson, Christ Church Cathedral
Megan Suttman, Church of the Advent – Walnut Hills,
Jacob Taylor, church of the Advent – Walnut Hills
The Rev. Warren Huestis, All Saints – Washington Courthouse and St. Mary’s – Hillsboro, Diocesan Council
Jerusalem Greer, Staff Liaison
Supporters
Mr. John Grate, Christ Church Cathedral, Delegate
The Rev. Brad Gough, Diocesan Resident, St. Timothy’s Episcopal Church
The Rev. Brian Blayer, Canon for Mission & Outreach, Christ Church Cathedral
The Rev. Brooklin Taylor, Diocesan Resident, Holy Trinity-Cincinnati
The Rev. Daniel Carlson, Priest-In-Charge, Church of the Advent in Walnut Hills
The Rev. Gary Lubin, Deacon, The Episcopal Church of The Redeemer
David Burton, Good Shepherd – Athens, Sr Warden
Deb Hilliard, Good Shepherd – Athens, Jr Warden
Geoff Buckley, Good Shepherd – Athens, Delegate
Anne Walker, Good Shepherd – Athens, Delegate
The Rev. Brice Patterson, St. Stephen’s – Columbus
The Rev. Karl Stevens, St. Stephen’s – Columbus
Janet McNaughton, St. Stephen’s – Columbus, Delegate
Nancy Sullivan, Church of Our Savior – Cincinnati, Diocesan Council
Emily Pfaff, Christ Church – Glendale
The Rev. Cameron O’Reilly, Christ Church – Glendale
Sister Diana Doncaster, C.T. and the Sisters of the Transfiguration
