Whereas, there is a continuing need to financially support both existing and new Episcopal communities, and
Whereas, Canon XVI section 22 authorizes the closed congregation fund to be used for Congregational Life projects, be it
Resolved, that funding from the Closed Congregation fund for Congregational Life projects include the financial support of existing congregations and new Episcopal communities.
Explanation
The use of closed congregation funds as required by Canon XVI Sec. 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.”
The Commission on Congregation Life (COCL) wishes to use these funds for the support of existing and new Episcopal Communities.
This resolution would clarify that this is an appropriate resource to be used for these purposes by the Bishop and COCL.
Budget impact
There would be a favorable impact on the budget as funds that would be spent from the mission share funds would be freed up when closed congregation funds are used where appropriate.
Submitted by
The Commission on Congregational Life, the Rev. Michael Tigner, chair
Whereas, the Election of a Bishop in the Diocese of Southern Ohio is a rare but important event; and
Whereas, the current process allows for a petition process for candidates to be placed on the ballot; and
Whereas, the current process does not allow for proper vetting of the petition candidates by the Nominating Committee; and
Whereas, the Nominating Committee is able to properly vet candidates; and
Whereas, it is very costly to bring candidates to the diocese for the “Meet and Greet ” sessions, therefore, be it
Resolved that the current process of allowing petition candidates be eliminated and that all potential candidates must submit an application to the Nominating Committee by the submission due date.
Resources
Description of the petition process: https://southernohiobishop.org/2023/06/the-diocese-of-southern-ohio-petition-process/
ECUSA canons for election of a bishop, stating that the process is outlined either by Canon or by the rules of Convention within a diocese:
https://extranet.generalconvention.org/staff/files/download/23830#11_of_the_ordination_of_bishops
Explanation
Since the Standing Committee does minimal vetting of petition candidates, most recently in the election of the 10th Bishop of the Diocese of Southern Ohio, and that vetting was not as extensive as the vetting that was done by the Nominating Committee, the petition process needs to be eliminated. The Standing Committee of eight people conducts background checks. The Nominating Committee of 15 people spends significant time following up on candidates’ references and in a two-day retreat to get to know them deeply.
It is not fair to the diocese to bring “minimally” qualified candidates into the process. The Nominating Committee spent months evaluating potential candidates; whereas, the Standing Committee only spent a few weeks and only did minimal research on the candidate who was added to the ballot.
Not only is the petition process unfair to the people of the Diocese of Southern Ohio, but it is also unfair to the other candidates who have spent months in the process prior to being placed on the ballot as well as petition candidates who do not receive the same energy and time.
Impact
Passage of this resolution will streamline the Bishop election process and will ensure that all candidates are properly vetted. It will also eliminate needless travel expenses by ensuring that all candidates are qualified prior to being presented as candidates to the diocese.
Submitted by
Michael Newman, member of the Church of the Advent and member of the Bishop’s Nominating Committee for the 10th Bishop of the Diocese of Southern Ohio
