Four proposed resolutions were submitted to the Committee on Resolutions for consideration at the 151st Annual Convention.
Whereas, in response to General Convention Resolution 2015-A021 Conventions of the Diocese of Southern Ohio passed resolutions R2015-01 and R2019-02 and R2022-06, directing the diocese to continue support of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) at a minimum of 0.7% of the diocesan budget to fund SDG mission grants for the calendar years 2017-2022 and 2024-2026; and
Whereas during those years the diocese has supported SDG grants to congregations that have built direct partnerships with faith-based initiatives and other not-for-profits advancing sustainable development throughout the world; and
Whereas the SDGs are having a significant impact on eradicating disease and poverty worldwide; and
Whereas Episcopalians’ steadfast commitment to advancing the SDGs is more crucial than ever in embodying Jesus’ call to action, now that the United States Government has cut its support of humanitarian foreign aid, therefore, be it
Resolved, that in consideration of Resolution B026 of the 79th General Convention of the Episcopal Church, the 151st Convention of the Diocese of Southern Ohio direct the diocese to continue to support the SDGs at a minimum of 0.7% (a percentage of .007) of the diocesan budget through the end of the U.N. Sustainable Development Goals program in 2030, calendar years 2027, 2028, 2029 and 2030; and be it further
Resolved, that SDG mission grants be used to fund world mission programs which address the SDGs and build long-term relationships among partners, with emphasis on leadership development and sustainability.
EXPLANATION
The following organizations have received SDG grants from the Diocese of Southern Ohio since
2017:
- Head & Neck Outreach (medical education, Uganda)
- Transformations CDC (sustainable agriculture, Guatemala)
- Caring Response Madagascar Foundation (literacy, women’s self-help groups)
- Infinite Chance (Guatemala – reading program)
- Street Business School (Entrepreneurial program)
- El Hogar Ministries (basic and vocational education, Honduras)
- Companions in Mission (Guatemala)
- Bread for Life
- Partners-in-Ministry-in-Liberia (PIMIL – primary, secondary & trade education)
- Global Needs Fund
- Episcopal Relief and Development
- Global Episcopal Mission Network
For additional information on SDG grants visit diosohio.org/grants-financial-assistance.
For more on the SDGs and the global impact they are having: UN.org/sustainabledevelopment
IMPACT
This resolution continues the allocation of 0.7% (a percentage of .007) of the diocesan budget to the support of world mission through application of the U.N. Sustainable Development Goals (formerly the Millennium Development Goals 2000-2015) to “build long-term relationships among partners, with emphasis on leadership development and sustainability.”
Each parish can be involved with world mission through connections to global ministries and in cooperation with other parishes. The Sustainable Development Goals encourage these connections in many ways, including prayer.
PRESENTED BY
The Rev. David Kendall-Sperry, St. Peter’s, Delaware
The Rev. Abeoseh Flemister, Retired
Clifton Flemister, St. Matthew’s, Westerville
The Rev. Joseph Kovitch, St. Matthew’s, Westerville
The Rev. Bruce Smith, Retired
Ariel Miller, Ascension & Holy Trinity, Wyoming
The Rev. Christopher C. Richardson, St. Philip, Columbus
Deborah Stokes-Wayne, St. Philip, Columbus
The Rev. George Glazier, Trinity, London
Lissa Barker, St. Patrick’s, Dublin
Anita Dohn, Cincinnati
James Allsop, St. Simon of Cyrene, Lincoln Heights
The Rev. Allison English, Calvary, Cincinnati
Wendell Mulford, St. Paul’s, Chillicothe
The Rev. Gia Hayes-Martin, St. John’s, Worthington
Whereas, the Gospel of Jesus Christ calls the church to justice, reconciliation, and healing, following the commandment to love God and neighbor; and
Whereas, the Diocese of Southern Ohio, through the Reparations Task Force, has recognized that racial and economic inequities—rooted in the historic sin of slavery and perpetuated by systemic racism—continue to harm Black communities and other marginalized groups; and
Whereas, reparations are a faithful act of repentance, healing, and transformation that embody Christ’s reconciling love; and
Whereas, reparative justice strengthens congregations by deepening discipleship, widening witness, and equipping leaders for equity and healing; and
Whereas, the scope of this work requires a permanent body with authority and accountability to sustain long-term initiatives; therefore, be it
Resolved, that the 151st Convention establish the Commission on Reparative Justice as a permanent body, succeeding the Reparations Task Force, to lead, sustain, and expand this work; and be it further
Resolved, that the Commission include 9–15 clergy and lay members, appointed by the bishop with consent of Diocesan Council, serving staggered three-year terms with reappointment possible; and be it further
Resolved, that within its first year, the commission develop a three-to-five-year strategic plan with measurable goals, strategies for congregational engagement, and accountability; and be it further
Resolved, that the commission report annually to convention and provide interim updates, including progress on reparative education, financial initiatives, advocacy, reconciliation, and leadership development, all aligned with The Episcopal Church’s Becoming Beloved Community framework; and be it further
Resolved, that the commission be funded through the diocesan budget and may seek grants and designated gifts; and be it further
Resolved, that the diocese affirm reparative justice as central to its mission, fulfilling the Great Commission through acts of repair, equity, and reconciliation.
EXPLANATION
The Diocese of Southern Ohio has taken important steps in acknowledging the legacy of slavery, racial injustice, and systemic inequities that have shaped our communities and church. The creation of the Reparations Task Force was a vital beginning, but as the task force discerned, reparative justice requires sustained commitment over generations, not temporary or ad hoc measures.
This resolution establishes the Commission on Reparative Justice as a standing body of the diocese to ensure continuity and accountability. The commission will advance reparations, support congregations, and build partnerships that heal and repair broken relationships.
Reparations are not only a matter of justice but also a gospel imperative. The Great Commission (Matthew 28:18–20) sends us to make disciples, teaching all Christ has commanded. This calls us to embody reconciling love by addressing the deep wounds of racial injustice. Through reparative action, we proclaim the Good News with integrity, showing that the church not only names sin but also works to repair its harm.
This work strengthens congregations by deepening discipleship, equipping leaders for ministries of justice and reconciliation, and rooting parish life in practices of equity, healing, and belonging. We also recognize that other communities have been harmed by economic injustice within the diocese. The work of reparations offers a model for seeking justice and repair that speaks to their unique circumstances.
The commission’s work will align with The Episcopal Church’s Becoming Beloved Community framework, a proven model for racial healing, justice, truth-telling, and repair. By creating this commission, the Diocese of Southern Ohio commits to living more fully into its baptismal covenant: to strive for justice and peace among all people and respect the dignity of every human being.
IMPACT
Reparations are not only a matter of justice; they are a gospel imperative. The Great Commission (Matthew 28:18–20) sends us into the world to make disciples, teaching all that Christ has commanded us. This requires us to embody Christ’s reconciling love by addressing the deep wounds of racial injustice. Through reparative action, we proclaim the Good News with integrity, showing the world that the church not only names sin but also works to repair its harm.
This work will strengthen congregations by deepening discipleship, equipping leaders for ministries of justice and reconciliation, and rooting parish life in practices that embody the values of equity, healing, and belonging. We are aware that other communities have been harmed by economic injustice within the diocese. The work of reparations provides a model by which these communities can seek justice and repair that speaks to their own particular circumstances. It is our hope that the new commission will inspire and support other communities championing their own journey toward wholeness and healing.
The establishment of a diocesan Commission on Reparative Justice will require ongoing financial support from the diocesan budget. Initial costs are expected to include meeting expenses and program resources to sustain the Commission’s work. Additional costs may arise as the commission develops and administers reparative initiatives, including possible financial commitments to affected communities. While specific dollar amounts cannot be projected until the commission develops its strategic plan, the financial impact is anticipated to be moderate but ongoing. The commission will also be authorized to seek external funding sources, including grants and designated gifts, to supplement diocesan allocations.
PRESENTED BY
The Reparations Task Force:
The Rev. Karl Stevens, co-chair, St. Stephen’s, Columbus
Larry James, co-chair, St. Barnabas, Montgomery
Dianne Ebbs, Christ Church Cathedral
The Rev. Olivia Hamilton, Diocesan Staff
Emily Joyce, Christ Church, Dayton
Miriam McKenney, Diocesan Staff, Liaison
Ariel Miller, Ascension & Holy Trinity, Wyoming
The Rev. Karen Montagno, Grace, College Hill
The Rev. Jason Oden, Indian Hill Church, Indian Hill
The Rev. Aaron Rogers, Diocesan Staff, Liaison
The Rev. Christopher Slane, St. Andrew’s, Evanston
Deborah Stokes, St. Philip, Columbus
The Hon. Tyrone Yates, St. Andrew’s, Evanston
Resolved, that upon a vote of two-thirds of each order of the 151st Convention, the union between Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, Kenwood, Ohio and the Convention of the Diocese of Southern Ohio be dissolved; and be it further
Resolved, that at the same time, the “contract of closure” delivered to the Standing Committee by the Rt. Rev. Kristin Uffelman White, Bishop of Southern Ohio on October 9, 2025, become effective.
EXPLANATION
The leadership and members of the congregation met on multiple occasions to prayerfully decide the future of the congregation. The congregation decided it should officially close. The independent preschool remained open until August 31, 2025.
PRESENTED BY
The Standing Committee
The Rev. Jed Dearing, President Trinity, Capitol Square
Be it Resolved, that the Mission Share Funding Plan for the years 2026 – 2028 be set using a graduated share formula applied to all congregations of the diocese. This share formula shall consist of the Total Non-Restricted Revenue (currently defined on page 3 of the Parochial Report as Line 3 & Line 5, is subject to change with subsequent versions of the Parochial Report by General Convention) multiplied by a simple rate determined by the following graduated scale:
Total non-restricted revenue
Less than $200,000
Between $200,001 and $350,000
Between $350,001 and $1,000,000
Over $1,000,000
Mission Share
5% of total non-restricted revenue
8% of total non-restricted revenue
12% of total non-restricted revenue
13% of total non-restricted revenue
and be it further
Resolved, that if a parish exceeds a rate threshold of their tier in a given year, the Mission Share Rate increase by one-half of the difference between the tier rates for the first year allowing the parish two years to realize the new rate; and be it further
Resolved, that Diocesan Council oversee a Mission Share Review process, that is initiated upon petition by a congregation to reduce its mission share percentage because of extenuating circumstances. In addition, the Diocesan Finance Committee also may petition Diocesan
Council to revise a congregation’s Mission Share Rate; and be it further
Resolved, that Diocesan Council set a Funding Plan Review in the year 2028 to review and adjust the Mission Share Funding Plan for subsequent years or earlier in the case of changes by the General Convention to the Parochial Report.
EXPLANATION
At the 2021 Convention of the Diocese of Southern Ohio Resolution R2021-02 Mission Share Funding Plan in part directed the Diocesan Council to set a Funding Plan Review in the year 2023 and adjust the Mission Sharing Funding Plan or establish a new funding plan for 2025 and beyond.
The Mission Share Formula Review Committee met with Diocesan Council on June 8, 2024. More time was needed to meet the criteria which follows:
The Mission Share should be:
a) Easy to use
b) Clear
c) Transparent
d) Sustainable enough to last for several years
e) An expression of our diocesan values
f) Maintain revenue at the current level of $2.44 million
Diocesan Council passed a motion to eliminate the Mission Share True-Up practice following 2025 and because of surpluses, the Mission Share Formula was modified, discounting the 2024 Mission Share Assessments by 15%.
In March 2025, council heard the complete analysis of the Review Committee’s Mission Share Funding Plan. Following extensive research into how other dioceses managed their Mission Share and in keeping with the above mandates, they proposed the four-tier structure in the resolution above.
In April 2025, the diocese used Zoom Meeting Forums to share this formula along with a simple 10.25% flat rate. The consensus indicated that the flat rate model was too burdensome on the smaller parishes and there were concerns about the steep transition cost between rates in the four-tier model.
In May 2025 the Review Committee shared multiple iterations of a Marginal Rate tier plan which would ease the transition but failed in the areas of easy to use and maintaining revenue at the current level of $2.44 million. Council accepted their recommendation of the four-tier structure.
Growth is good but should not be financially burdensome. Therefore, a recommendation was presented to Council on October 4, to provide a glide path between tiers and to continue the opportunity of the Mission Share Review process for parishes who need assistance with these
transitions.
PRESENTED BY
The Mission Share Formula Review Committee
The Rev. Gia Hayes-Martin, Chair St. John’s, Worthington
