The Diocesan Council, which functions as the convention between conventions, met on June 8. There are three decisions we want to share with the diocese:
Council heard financial recommendations from the Mission Share Formula Review Committee and decided to make changes for the 2025 fiscal year. We voted to eliminate the mission share true-up beginning in 2025 and make a 15 percent reduction in the mission share formula for each congregation. Council will revisit the mission share formula with the Review Committee in 2025 with the goal of developing a longer-term plan that will make the mission share simpler to configure and ensure that it supports the shared mission of the diocese and the flourishing of congregations.
Council recognizes the need for clarity about the role that alcohol plays in the life of our diocese, and we voted to begin following a policy for the use of alcohol. This policy will be a living document and Council will revisit it annually for review, accountability, and support. Each congregation has an assigned Diocesan Council representative who can answer questions or speak more on this topic.
Council is working toward a cultural shift that will bring about greater transparency, and beginning with this meeting, we will publish minutes of our meetings and supporting reports. Find the documents from our June 8 meeting in this Google Drive folder. We invite all those interested to attend our next meeting on September 7.
We heard updates from Procter Board of Advisors, Budget Committee, Becoming Beloved Community, Creation Care and Environmental Justice Commission, and the Reparations Task Force. Please watch the Zoom recording at this link here to learn more and hold our work in prayer. Actions we request of you:
- Attend a Procter event, sign up for camp, and/or schedule your vestry retreat there.
- If you have questions regarding the diocesan budget, please contact Brad Sturm.
- Sign up for Dismantling Racism through picture books.
- Prayerfully consider the role of alcohol in your parish.
–Anne Brack, Secretary, Diocesan Council
