INSTRUCTION GUIDE BUSINESS, VOTING & RESOLUTIONS

Transcription

1 INSTRUCTION GUIDE BUSINESS, VOTING & RESOLUTIONS 54 TH ANNUAL DIOCESAN CONVENTION EPISCOPAL DIOCESE OF SPOKANE CONTENTS Page 2... Scheduled Order of Business 5... Special Rules of Order 6... Voting Procedures Consent Calendar Explained A Quick Guide: Summary of Proposed Changes to the Constitution and Canons An Executive Summary and short version of each Resolution Members of the Committee on Constitution and Canons: J. Scott Miller, Linda Cox, Rev. Jeffrey Neuberger, Rev. Mary Beth Rivetti - 1 -

2 54 th Annual Diocesan Convention Loved & Called, Listen & Respond The Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist October 19-21, 2018 Scheduled Order of Business, Friday, October 21 9:00-11:00 am Exhibit Setup 10:30 am Convention Check-In (Cathedral Welcome Area) 11:30 am Women s Ministry Luncheon (St Stephen s Episcopal Church) 1:00 pm New Delegate Orientation (East Guild Room) 2:00-3:15 pm Plenary Business Session #1 (Great Hall) 3:15-3:30 pm 15-min Break Chaplain Opening Worship Welcome by Bishop Rehberg & the Dean Appointment of Parliamentarian Announcement of Committee Chairs Credentials report Welcome youth, new clergy and newly ordained Adoption of the Scheduled Order of Business Adoption of the Special Rules Election of convention Secretary Bishop s nominations: Officers of Convention o Chancellor, Vice-Chancellor & Registrar List of resolutions; last call for resolutions Consent calendar explained Bishop s nominations for ratification by Convention o Commission on Ministry, Disciplinary Board, Church Attorney Nominations Chair: Introduction of nominees Report from Congregational Development Announcements/Dispatch 3:30-4:45 pm Plenary Business Session #2 (Great Hall) Conversation regarding resolutions Report of the Treasurer - 2 -

3 o Conversation of the Assessments 4:45 5:15 pm 30-min Break (Preparation for Dinner) 5:15-6:00 pm Social (Welcome Center area) 6:00-7:00 pm Dinner (Great Hall) Includes a report from West Central Episcopal Mission, Between the Ridges, and Episcopal Relief & Development 7:30 pm Compline with Necrology (Cathedral Nave) Scheduled Order of Business, Saturday, October 20 8:00-9:00 am Polling session: elections for diocesan offices (Welcome Center area) 9:00-9:10 am Opening Prayers - Chaplain (Great Hall) 9:00-9:30 am Plenary Business Session #3 (Great Hall) Bishop s Address 9:30-12:30 am Program Block: Response Introduction/Bishop Rehberg (Great Hall) Following the introduction, the following response options are available. West Central Episcopal Mission (Participants will travel to West Central) Prayer Walk (gather & depart from the Great Hall) Labyrinth (Community Room/Cathedral) Preparing & Delivering Life Packs (Conference Room) Praying with Color (East Guild Room) Knitting baby hats (West Guild Room) Two Names & a Story (gather & depart from the Great Hall) Healing 11:30am (All Saints Chapel) - 3 -

4 12:30-1:30 pm Lunch will be served in the Great Hall for those who pre-arranged for lunch on the registration form; all others may choose other lunch locations. 1:30-2:30 pm Plenary Business Session #4 (Great Hall) Gathering Prayer Chaplain Responses to experiences during program block Camp Cross & Youth Ministry report 2:30-2:45 pm 15-min Break 2:45-4:30 pm Plenary Business Session #4 Continued (Great Hall) Report of diocesan elections Diocesan Council one-year appointments announced Foundation report Voting on resolutions Courtesy Resolutions 4:30-5:00 pm 30-min Break 5:00-5:30 pm Evensong with Baptisms and Confirmations (Cathedral Nave) 6:00-7:00 pm Social (Welcome Center area) 7:00 pm Dinner (Great Hall) 8:30 pm Ordination rehearsal (Cathedral Nave) Sunday, October 21 9:00 10:00 am Open Forum with Bishop Rehberg (Great Hall) 10:30 am Eucharist and Ordinations (Cathedral Nave) 12:00 pm Adjourn sine die (Ordination Reception to follow in the Great Hall) - 4 -

5 Special Rules of Order Episcopal Diocese of Spokane Annual Convention 2018 Special Rules of Order are rules which modify or supplement those contained in the parliamentary authority (i.e. Roberts Rules of Order, Newly Revised.) Adopting Special Rules of Order require a two-thirds (2/3) vote. Resolutions A resolution properly moved by a Convention Committee does not require a second. Consent Calendar Matters on the Consent Calendar may be adopted collectively by a majority vote. Before the vote is taken, any Delegate may remove a matter from the Consent Calendar by providing notice to the Chair of the Dispatch of Business Committee, or to the Convention Chair. Conversation Prior to Debate and Voting: For matters of business and resolutions, Roberts Rules of Order may be suspended when desired by members of convention or the chair for the purpose of additional conversation, discussion and non-binding straw polls prior to formal debate and voting

6 2018 Convention Voting Procedures Q1 What happens when a Delegate cannot attend the Convention? A1 The Delegate s Rector, Vicar, or Person-in-Charge, must notify the Credentials Committee and designate an Alternate to be authorized as the Delegate for the remainder of the Convention. a. Note: the original Delegate cannot arrive later and take over for the Alternate once the change is designated. Q2 How will delegates vote at the 2018 Convention? A2 Votes will either be by voice during the convention (aye/nay), or by paper ballots cast at polling stations located outside the main Convention hall. Q3 How will the ballots be distributed? A3 When you first arrive at the Convention registration you will be given your credentials as a Convention Delegate (normally identified on your nametag). a. You do need to show your credentials at the polling station to receive a ballot. Q4 How will I know when to vote? A4 The Bishop will announce when each round of balloting begins, and also will warn the convention delegates before the polls close. Q5 What is voting by Orders? A5 In any election where the voting is distinguished between clergy and lay delegates, you will be allowed to vote in only the Order of which you are a member. Q6 What kinds of elections involve voting by Orders? A6 Diocesan Constitution Article VIII (3) requires voting by Orders in the following circumstances: a. at the election of a Bishop a. the Lay and Clergy houses must both concur. b. on second reading for final adoption of an amendment to the Constitution a. the Lay and Clergy houses must both concur. c. when electing Deputies to General Convention a. special rules apply. d. At any other time on the demand of any four members of the clergy entitled to vote, or of any four lay members representing two or more different congregations. Q7 Are there any other times voting by orders are required? A7 Yes. Diocesan Canon 13 provides when amendments to the Canons are being considered a Vote by Orders can be demanded by any Convention Delegate. a. A 2/3 majority is required in each order. Q8 Can a delegate request roll-call votes? - 6 -

7 A8 Yes. A Delegate may request the Chair (Bishop) to conduct a roll call vote. The Chair has the discretion to grant or overrule the request for roll call voting. Q9 If the Chair makes a ruling that we think is incorrect, what can the Delegates do? A9 A delegate can make a motion to overrule the chair. a. That motion has priority, and a vote is taken immediately. b. Debate is not allowed on a motion to overrule the chair. Q10 Are all members of the Spokane Diocese allowed to vote at Convention? A10 No. Only Convention Delegates authorized by the Credentials Committee will be issued credentials to vote. However, there are several individuals that are allowed to attend and speak to the Convention, but do not have credentials to vote (unless they are otherwise credentialed as a Convention Delegate): a. Members of the Diocesan staff; b. Members of Diocesan committees, commissions and boards; c. The keynote speaker; d. Officers of the Convention; e. Candidates/Nominees for election to Diocesan office; f. UTO coordinator; g. Delegates to the Provincial Synod; h. Deputies to General Convention; i. Executive Director, Diocesan Foundation; j. Trustees of the Diocesan Foundation; k. Other special guests authorized by vote of Convention. Q11 Are there any limitations on debate at Convention? Q11 Yes, there are limits. Each Delegate may speak to a specific motion only twice, and no more than 5 minutes total in the same debate. Q12 Where can I read more about elections, voting, and balloting at Annual Convention? A12 Diocesan Canon 2.6 and Roberts Rules of Order (Newly Revised) Chapter 14 sec. 44. Voting for Candidates for Diocesan Offices Q13 Will nominations for Diocesan office be allowed from the floor during Convention? A13 Yes. (Diocesan Canon 2.6.4) Q14 Will the candidates for Diocesan office be allowed to give a speech? A14 No. However, each candidate will be introduced by the Chair of the Nominations Committee, and each candidate will be given a special badge to wear so Delegates will be able to ask questions during breaks and scheduled social times. (Note: the social hour - 7 -

8 Friday evening is intended to provide the Convention Delegates an opportunity to meet the candidates for Diocesan office.) Q15 Will my ballot be counted if I vote for fewer candidates than I am allowed? A15 Yes. For example, if the ballot allows you to vote for 3 candidates but you only vote for 2 candidates your ballot will still be counted. Q16 Will my ballot be counted if I vote for more candidates than I am allowed? A16 No. Q17 What if I don t want to vote for any of the candidates listed, and turn in a blank ballot? A17 Blank ballots will not be counted for any purpose. Q18 Will I be allowed to vote by proxy or by absentee ballot? A18 No. To vote you must present your credentials at the Convention to receive your ballot. Q19 If one ballot includes two elections but I only cast my vote in one of them, will my vote be counted? A19 Yes. The Elections Committee will count the ballot where you did vote and show your ballot as an abstained in the election where you did not vote. Q20 What happens to a ballot that is unintelligible or contains a write-in vote for an ineligible candidate (like Mickey Mouse )? A20 The vote for Mickey Mouse won t count, but the ballot will be counted in calculating the number of ballots needed to determine a majority. Q21 Am I allowed to write-in a name instead of voting for the names printed on the ballot? A21 Of course! Q22 Who determines whether a candidate has received a majority of votes? A22 The Elections Committee. Q23 How will delegates know the number of votes needed for a majority? A23 The Bishop shall announce the number of Delegates present in each Order, and the number of votes needed for a majority. Q24 Must a candidate receive a majority of votes to be elected, or is a plurality sufficient? A24 A plurality is not sufficient. A candidate must receive a majority of the total number of votes cast in that election to be elected. - This means a candidate receiving more votes than the other candidate(s), but not more than 50% of the total votes cast, is not elected and another round of balloting will be conducted

9 Q25 What is a nominating ballot? A25 When there is a race that has more than two candidates above the number of positions to be elected, the vote is considered a nominating ballot. a. The Elections Committee will determine which 2 candidates received the most number of votes in the nominating ballot; and b. There is an election between the 2 remaining candidates selected by the nominating ballot. c. To be elected a candidate must receive a majority of votes cast. (Canon 2.6.5) Voting for Resolutions Q26 What is a Resolution? A26 It is a proposal submitted for vote by the Convention delegates that changes the current Canons, or proposes action to be taken by the Diocese. (Canon 2.5.4) Q27 When are Resolutions submitted? A27 Resolutions (except those designated as being Privilege or Courtesy) shall be submitted prior to the start of convention in a time and manner announced by the diocesan staff. Q28 Is there any way to introduce a Resolution at Convention? A28 Yes. During the first Business Session on Friday a Delegate can submit a resolution. The resolution will then be referred to the Resolutions Committee, or the Constitution and Canons Committee. (If you plan to introduce a late Resolution please contact the Chair of the Dispatch of Business Committee for additional instructions.) Q29 What happens to a Resolution after it is submitted? A29 Resolutions that propose a change to the Canons or the Constitution shall be referred to the Committee on Constitution & Canons. Resolutions that do not propose changes to the Canons shall be referred to the Resolutions Committee. The committee to which a Resolution has been referred will report to the Convention regarding its recommendation as follows: recommend adoption, or recommend adoption with amendment, or recommend referral, or recommend rejection. Q30 Am I allowed to propose an amendment to a Resolution? A30 Absolutely! Motions proposing changes to the Canons can be amended in the same manner as other motions, except amendments pertaining to a Resolution that proposes changes to a Canon shall be referred to the Committee on Constitution & Canons and shall be laid on the table until the Committee reports back to Convention. Q31 What happens when there is more than one Amendment to the same Resolution, or a proposal to revise/amend an Amendment? A31 Amendments are considered in the order in which they are made. For example, if there is a motion to amend an Amendment that is being considered by the Convention, the amendment to the Amendment is considered first, and if it is passed, then a vote is - 9 -

10 taken on the newly revised Amendment. If it is not passed, a vote is taken on the original Amendment. Q32 What if I think a Resolution (or Amendment) needs to be referred to a Committee for further work? A32 Typically a motion to refer to committee is in order. Unless otherwise noted above, the latest edition of Roberts Rules of Order governs the proceedings at Convention

11 The Consent Calendar An Explanation The Chancellor, J. Scott Miller WHAT IS THE CONSENT CALENDAR? The consent calendar is a slate of resolutions to be considered as a block, with a single vote on all of them together. WHY DO WE VOTE ONCE ON ALL RESOLUTIONS ON THE CALENDAR? We do this not simply for convenience but because in the judgment of the committee on resolutions these are non-controversial and do not require extended debate. CAN WE DEBATE THE CONSENT CALENDAR? There is no debate on the consent calendar, a single vote is all we do. Two points are important to note: First, this is a proposed consent calendar. If any voting delegate wishes to remove a resolution from the consent calendar it must be requested prior to the vote. Those resolutions removed will be slated for consideration at the Saturday business session. Once we have a perfected consent calendar we will proceed to the vote. Second, please note that your Resolutions Committee may recommend different courses of action for the various resolutions. Some we believe should be passed, some referred to a committee, some we believe should be defeated. Therefore, you will not be voting on the resolutions themselves, but on all the recommendations by the Committee on Resolutions. A Yes vote means you agree with the committee s recommendations, and a No vote means you disagree with those recommendations. A No vote therefore does not mean that we are rejecting those resolutions. Rather, a No vote by a majority of this convention means that collectively you disagree with our recommendations, and therefore they will be slated individually for consideration at a subsequent business session on Saturday. Likewise, a Yes vote means that whatever action the Committee on Resolutions recommends will be what is done with each resolution

12 A Quick Guide to Proposed Changes to the Constitution and Canons WHAT IS CHANGING? The changes proposed to the diocesan constitution and canons fall into three general categories: 1. Simple updates to language, for instance changing the General Church to The Episcopal Church. 2. Changes to reflect actual and longstanding practices, for instance the chair of the Commission on Ministry has for many years been appointed by the Bishop from among the COM members, the proposed change reflects that actual practice. 3. Changing the canons to allow for greater clarity and flexibility and to facilitate the mission and ministry of the diocese. For instance the changes to Council and Canon 9 on congregations. WHY ARE THESE CHANGING NOW? The Constitution and Canons Committee has been saying for several years that it needed to do a thorough read and update of our C&C. The timing however, was impacted by Bishop Waggoner s retirement and the election of Bishop Rehberg. It was considered unwise to do a thorough revision during such a time of transition. It was considered appropriate at this juncture to do this work and present to the convention a completed task. The hope is that we will not need to revise again for many years. For more details on some specific canonical changes please see the specific resolutions

13 An Executive Summary and short version of each Resolution Resolution Number Executive Summary Art. III: Ecclesiastical Authority First Reading Replaces old term "General Canons" with " Canons of the Episcopal Church" Art. V: Special Conventions First Reading Clarifies that persons entitled to vote at Annual Convention are also allowed to attend and participate (i.e. vote) at a Special Convention Art. VI: Members of Convention First Reading Removes retired clergy as voting members of Convention unless actively engaged in work of Sacred Ministry, allows the Bishop to appoint Convention delegates from Bishop's Chapels Art. VII: Officers of Convention First Reading Authorizes Secretary to appoint Assistant Secretary (instead of requiring an appointment) and clarifies that the Chancellor and Vice Chancellor(s) must be a communicant in good standing of any Episcopal congregation (removing requirement that the congregation be in the Spokane Diocese) Art. IX: The Standing Committee First Reading Any person appointed to complete an unexpired term is allowed to stand for two full terms Art. XI: Deputies to General Convention First Reading

14 Requires every deputy to be physically present in the Diocese for his/her entire term, and to resign if s/he plans to leave within 6 months Art. XIV: Election of a Bishop First Reading Requires a member of the clergy to have been physically and canonically present in the Diocese for 6 months preceding the election of a Bishop Canon 2.2: Lay Delegates: Changes references from Lay Delegate(s) to Delegate(s) to remove redundancy, because only lay persons are delegates. Also removes references to subsection 2 of Constitution Article 6, changing reference to only Article Canon 2.6: Elections: Clarifies that although persons can be elected to Diocesan Council at age 16, no person may vote on contracts or legal action until age 18. Also, clarifies the nominating ballot procedure to provide that any candidate that receives a majority of votes cast is elected Canon 3.2: Members (of Regions): Allows a clergy person to hold office in any Region, but is allowed to vote only in the region where s/he resides Canon 3.4: Canon for Regional Mission: Changes reference from section 2.1 to Canon Canon 4: Diocesan Council: Clarifies purpose and mission of Council. Beginning in 2021 the size of Council is reduced from 20 members to 11 members, and provides that 6 members are elected by Convention (2 each year) for 3-year terms, provided there are 4 clergy members and 5 lay members. Also provides that the Bishop appoints 3 members annually for 1 year terms. Requires that there always be 1 member from each of the 4 regions Canon 4.4: Finances: Adds reference to Diocesan Constitution, changes the term asking to assessment, and explains that the amount of assessment is considered each congregation s fair share of Diocesan budget Canon 5.2: Commission on Ministry: Provides that the Bishop appoints the COM Chair instead of the Chair being elected by the members Canon 5.3: Church Growth & Development Committee: Removes language that described original transition for elections that is now outdated, and reorders subsections. Allows Committee to approve grants for any

15 purpose, removing restriction on grant requests for projects that would normally be in the general operating budget of a congregation Canon 6.1: Funding the Diocese: Changes terms asking and pledge to assessment, changes term section 4.4 to Canon Canon 6.2: Business Methods in Church Affairs: Changes the term parish and mission to congregation. Revises (Congregations Not in Good Standing) to include failure to timely pay assessments for 3 months as basis for suspending status, in addition to failure to timely submit parochial reports Canon 6.4: Bishop s Building Fund: Adds repair and maintenance as an allowed use of the fund, and clarifies that loans made to individual clergy are repaid by the clergy person, not the congregation, unless it is the congregation the borrows the money Canon 9: Congregations & Other Faith Communities: Add definitions of Parish Congregation, Self-Supporting, Bishop s Chapels and Specialized Missions. Clarifies the procedures for a congregation to become a Parish, and clarifies the circumstances under which a Parish can be suspended and/or become a Mission. Renumbers the canon Canon 10: Ecclesiastical Discipline: Clarifies the Diocesan Canon so discipline of clergy conforms to requirements of Title IV of the Canons of The Episcopal Church Environmental Stewardship: Calls to adopt a diocesan resolution to act upon the Resolution adopted at the 79 th General Convention of the Episcopal Church (A010)

16 RESOLUTION Article III: Ecclesiastical Authority First Reading RESOLVED, that Article III of the Diocesan Constitution is amended as follows: 1. Every instance where the term General Canons is used, is replaced with the term, Canons of The Episcopal Church. 2. New subsection 4 is added with the following language, Section 4. If the Bishop resigns, or dies, the Ecclesiastical Authority shall be exercised by the Bishop Coadjutor, if any, or the Bishop Suffragan, if any, or the Standing Committee in that order, in accordance with the Canons of The Episcopal Church. (Note: this is the first reading of this proposed amendment. Amendments to the Diocesan Constitution must be approved by two consecutive Diocesan Conventions. Constitution Art. XX). RESOLUTION Article V: Special Conventions First Reading RESOLVED, that Article V of the Diocesan Constitution is amended as follows: 1. Section 1 is amended to clarify when a Special Convention may be called. 2. Section 2 is amended to clarify that all representatives entitled to attend an Annual Diocesan Convention are entitled to attend and participate at a properly convened Special Convention. (Note: this is the first reading of this proposed amendment. Amendments to the Diocesan Constitution must be approved by two consecutive Diocesan Conventions. Constitution Art. X). RESOLUTION Article VI: Members of Convention First Reading RESOLVED, that Article VI of the Diocesan Constitution is amended as follows: 1. Delete 1(a)(2) entirely; and 2. Add the words, Bishop s Chapel to 3 3. Delete the word or chapel from 4; and 4. 5 is deleted in its entirety; and

17 5. In 7 the language under ecclesiastical censure or is deleted and replaced by, under the Title IV disciplinary process of the canons of The Episcopal Church 6. Renumber the remaining language accordingly. 7. (Note: this is the first reading of this proposed amendment. Amendments to the Diocesan Constitution must be approved by two consecutive Diocesan Conventions. Constitution Art. XX). RESOLUTION Article VII: Officers of Convention First Reading RESOLVED, that Diocesan Constitution Article VII is amended as follows: 1. 2(a) is amended by deleting the language,. The Secretary and replaced by the word,,and ; and 2. 2(b) is amended by deleting the word, shall and replacing it with the word, may ; and 3. 5 is amended by deleting the language, a congregation of this Diocese. and replacing it with the language, any Episcopal congregation 4. (Note: this is the first reading of this proposed amendment. Amendments to the Diocesan Constitution must be approved by two consecutive Diocesan Conventions. Constitution Art. XX). RESOLUTION Article IX: The Standing Committee First Reading RESOLVED, that Article IX of the Diocesan Constitution is amended as follows: 1. Section 1(c) is amended to read as follows, (c) A member of the Standing Committee may not be elected to two full consecutive terms. However, a person who has filled an unexpired term may be re-elected for a full term. 2. (Note: this is the first reading of this proposed amendment. Amendments to the Diocesan Constitution must be approved by two consecutive Diocesan Conventions. Constitution Art. XX)

18 RESOLUTION Article XI: Deputies to General Convention First Reading RESOLVED, that Article XI of the Diocesan Constitution is amended as follows: 1. 1 is amended by inserting subparagraphs; and 2. 1 is amended by inserting new language that reads, Every deputy must be physically resident in the Diocese of Spokane at the time of election, and during his/her entire term of office is amended by adding the language, Any lay deputy that leaves the Diocese, or is aware that s/he will leave the Diocese within six (6) months, must resign the office. (Note: this is the first reading of this proposed amendment. Amendments to the Diocesan Constitution must be approved by two consecutive Diocesan Conventions. (Constitution Art. XX)). RESOLUTION Article XIV: Election of a Bishop First Reading RESOLVED, that Article XIV of the Diocesan Constitution is amended as follows: 1. 2 is amended by (a) inserting subparagraphs and (b) editing for syntax. (Note: this is the first reading of this proposed amendment. Amendments to the Diocesan Constitution must be approved by two consecutive Diocesan Conventions. (Constitution Art. XX). RESOLUTION Canon 2.2: Delegates (to diocesan convention) Resolved, that Diocesan Canon 2.2 is amended as follows: 1. All instances of the term, Lay Delegate are amended to the term, Delegate. 2. References to Article VI, Section 2 are amended to, Article VI

19 RESOLUTION Canon 2.6: Elections Resolved, that Diocesan Canon 2.6 is amended as follows: 1. The language of Canon is amended to read as follows, Candidates shall be at least sixteen (16) years old and members of the Diocese in good standing at the time of their election and may be nominated by the Nominating Committee, by the Vestry of any parish, by the Bishop's Committee of any mission or from the floor of the Convention. However, no person may vote on matters involving agreements to contract, or on legal action taken by Diocesan Council, unless that person is at least 18-years-old is amended by (a) inserting subparagraphs (b) removing the word shall as redundant and (c) editing the syntax and (d) adding the language, If a candidate receives a majority of the ballots cast, that candidate is elected. RESOLUTION Canon 3.2: Diocesan Regions (regarding clergy members) Resolved, that Diocesan Canon 3.2 is amended as follows: is amended by deleting the language, and/or hold office RESOLUTION Canon 3.4: Canon for Regional Mission Resolved, that Diocesan Canon 3.4 is amended as follows: 1. The language Section 2.1 is replaced by the language, Canon 2.1 to correct a typographical error

20 RESOLUTION Canon 4: Diocesan Council Resolved, that Canon 4.1, 4.2, and 4.6 are amended as follows: The language is amended by: (a) defining the work of Council to be consistent as previously defined in the Constitution; (b) reducing the membership size and changing the election process for members, and; (c) clarifying some language to be standard with the rest of the Canons. Explanation for proposed change to Canon 4, Diocesan Council Drafted by the Diocesan Council History The current configuration of diocesan council is a result of three major canonical changes: the restructuring of the diocese from six deaneries into four regions, the elimination of the finance committee, and the merger of the Directors of the Corporation with diocesan council. At that time the desire was to have regional representation on council, which was ensured by requiring three members on Council be from each region and elected by each region. There were also a number of committees within Council and there was perceived to be a need to fully staff for those committees, leading to a Council with a membership of twenty elected and appointed members. The four committees of diocesan council at the time when the current configuration was put into place were: Administration and Finance, Social Justice and Outreach, Formation, and Mission Strategy. Over the past six years, those committees have functioned at different levels of effectiveness. Mission Strategy was eventually assigned to the Regional Development Team. Social Justice and Outreach functioned as a group to give small grants, and when the diocesan budget no longer had grants to fund, that committee struggled with its identity and purpose. Formation continually struggled to find its way to function. Administration and Finance worked to put together the diocesan budget. With the transition from Bishop Waggoner to Bishop Rehberg, Diocesan Council was asked to take a serious look at its identity and purpose, and to ask if Council was structured appropriately to meet its purpose. The committees were disbanded and members instead were assigned to be liaisons to congregations and Council sought to better understand the state of the Diocese. The current configuration of Diocesan Council consists of twenty elected and appointed members, which is one of the larger diocesan councils in the Episcopal Church. Meanwhile, regions have at times struggled to find people to run for Diocesan Council, it has become common to approach a

21 member of the region at the gathering day and ask them to run. Certain knowledge and expertise that is desired, such as issues of property and finance, is not always present among the members of Council. At the June 2018 Diocesan Council meeting the members spent time to engage the question of Council identity and purpose and from that work has proposed the changes suggested. Changes in Council, Cliff Notes version Change in membership numbers from twenty to eleven Change in ex officio membership to only Chancellor and regional canons. Elect two each year, for three year terms, at convention Three members appointed every year for one year terms Balance of membership requires at least one member per region, four clergy and five laity split. Rationale It acknowledges that regions have different configurations and membership levels Currently each region is required to elect three members, one at all times must be clergy. Some regions have considerably fewer clergy than others, this has proved to be a difficulty for those regions to fulfill. Also, the number of congregations are very different between regions resulting in a challenge in our smaller regions to elect three at all times. The size is more sustainable in terms of organizational fit Diocesan Council members believe that a smaller number of members will result in more effective meetings. The organizational wisdom is that the optimal size for boards is between eight and ten, and over that number results in decreased effectiveness. Diocesan Council has the authority to create committees and task forces composed of members who are not Council members, and wishes to use that authority for specific work that it believes needs additional time and attention. Members of Council believe that having a more focused priority of visioning will allow for better recruitment of members. Since money follows mission the financial side of the Council work will continue and Council will ask for the expertise to assist if needed. This will also decrease the number of committee slots overall for our Diocese, allowing us to have less need for folks to serve on the wider level and allowing for more service time on the local level. It provides for a greater percentage chosen on the basis of the skills needed for that year With one-third of Council appointed (three of nine, not including the treasurer and bishop) the belief is that it will be easier to ensure that Council has members with the needed skills and expertise for the work. Since the appointments are only for one year, it allows us to address what

22 is needed in the coming year and appointed members are not asked to make a longer term commitment. It brings elections back to diocesan convention such that the whole body is represented Eliminating the need to elect in regions and yet ensuring regional representation is viewed as creating the opportunity for members who have the interest and skills for this work to be elected regardless of region. By electing at diocesan convention our Diocesan Council once again is seen as working on behalf of the entire Diocese and not simply containing regional representatives. It allows for flexibility in inviting needed voices while not asking large numbers to be present with voice and no vote There have been times when ex officio members have outnumbered voting members at council meetings. By cutting down on ex officio members these people are also relieved of any expectation for attending the meetings. At the same time, Council can always invite individuals whom they deem important to attend a particular meeting. For example the chair of the Commission on Ministry might be asked to attend a meeting when Council is discussing matters pertaining to clergy and lay formation. It is what those serving on council deem to be the appropriate structure for the identity and purpose of Diocesan Council. RESOLUTION Canon 4:4: Finances Resolved, that Diocesan Canon 4.4 is amended as follows: 1. The language of Canon is amended by (a) adding the language, pursuant to Diocesan Constitution Article XVI, and (b) replacing the term the asking with the term the assessment. RESOLUTION Canon 5.2: Commission on Ministry Proponent: Commission on Ministry Resolved, that Diocesan Canon 5.2 is amended as follows:

23 1. The Bishop shall appoint the COM Chair instead of the Chair being elected by the members of COM. Note: These changes simply reflect how the COM has actual been operating for many years and the COM would like the canons to reflect actual practice. Resolution Canon 5.3: Church Growth and Development Committee Resolved, that Diocesan Canon 5.3 is amended as follows: 1. Strikes language from from the end of the first sentence through the end of the subsection section regarding initial three years of appointments. 2. In the subsections (b) and (c) are deleted and the following subsections (d) and (e) are re-ordered as (b) and (c) Explanation: The first deletion allows the committee to organize internally, with terms already staggered, but without the challenge of locating members for a committee that does not work year-round in every year. The second deletion eliminates language that is too directive, leaving the general statement in to apply overall. RESOLUTION Canon 6.1: Funding the Diocese Resolved, that Diocesan Canon 6.1 is amended as follows: 1. Canon 6.1 is amended by replacing the term askings with the term assessment throughout; and 2. In Canon the term Canon 4, Section 4.4 is amended to Canon 4.4 ; and 3. The term pledge in Canon is replaced with the term assessment. RESOLUTION Canon 6.2: Business Methods in Church Affairs Resolved, that Diocesan Canon 6.2 is amended as follows:

24 1. Canon 6.1 is amended by replacing the term parish and mission with the term congregation 2. Canon 6.2.2(c) is amended for grammatical correction 3. Canon is amended by adding a new subsection, (a) Every congregation is required to timely submit a parochial report as required by the Constitution and Canons of The Episcopal Church. And subsequent paragraphs are renumbered 4. Original Canon 6.2.4(b) is removed as redundant. 5. Renumbered Canon (b) is amended by replacing the term parish or mission with the term congregation and replacing the term shall with the term may ; and by replacing the specific reference to a more general reference to The Episcopal Church canons; and by deleting the language, ; provided, that the ecclesiastical authority may, for good cause shown, grant an extension for filing the parochial report and the certificate to a date not later than April 1 of the year the report is due. 6. Canon is amended by revising the language of the first sentence to replace the term General Church with the language, The Episcopal Church. 7. The Nota Bene is removed as irrelevant. RESOLUTION Canon 6.4: Bishop s Building Fund Resolved, that Diocesan Canon 6.4 is amended as follows: 1. Canon 6.4.3(a) is amended to add or repair and maintenance to the authorized purposes of a loan from the fund. 2. Canon 6.4.3(c) is amended to read, Loans to assist in financing the purchase of a residence for clergy in lieu of a church-owned or supplied home. If the loan is made to the individual clergy person, that individual shall be liable for repayment of such a loan to the Episcopal Diocese of Spokane Foundation. If the loan is made to a congregation, the congregation, but not the individual members of the congregation, shall be directly responsible for the repayment of the loan to the Episcopal Diocese of Spokane Foundation. RESOLUTION Canon 9: Congregations and Other Faith Communities Resolved, that Canon 9 is amended as follows: 1. Add a new section defining terms used in the Canon

25 2. Clarify language regarding governance of Missions 3. Require that a congregation meet the definition of Parish for at least 2 years before it can be recognized as a Parish. 4. Provide for suspension of Parish status if a congregation fails to meet the definition of Parish for three consecutive years, and remove suspension after the congregation meets the definition of Parish for two consecutive years 5. Change the congregation status from Parish to Mission if it fails to meet the definition of Parish for a total of five consecutive years 6. Simplify the process for a congregation to transition from Parish to Mission status Explanation for canonical changes for Canon 9 Canon 9 deals with our congregations. There has been for some time confusion about the difference between the various categories of our faith communities. This canon outlines a clearer definition of the four differing categories. We also currently have a definition of parish which has only congregations with full time clergy eligible to be parishes; the proposed changes lower that requirement to ¾ time. Formation, suspension, and changes of the various faith communities has been simplified. The desire was to have a simpler process to assist the congregations make changes between categories as desired. RESOLUTION Canon 10: Ecclesiastical Discipline Resolved, that Diocesan Canon 10 is amended as follows: 1. The language of subparagraph 10.1 is amended to read as follows, The ecclesiastical discipline of a priest or deacon shall be governed by Title IV of the Canons of The Episcopal Church, which shall control in the event any provision in this Canon is found to conflict. 2. The language of subparagraph is amended to read as follows, Pursuant to Title IV of the Canons of the Episcopal Church, there is hereby established a court to be called a Disciplinary Board consisting of nine (9) members, five (5) of whom shall be clergy canonically and geographically resident in the Diocese and four (4) of whom shall be

26 adult communicants in good standing and geographically resident and domiciled in the Diocese. (a) The members of the Disciplinary Board shall be nominated by the Bishop and the nominations ratified at the diocesan Convention. (b) The Bishop shall appoint one member as President of the Board. (c) Each member shall serve for a three (3) year term, except, if a member is appointed to fill a vacancy, the term of that member shall be the unexpired term of the member being replaced. No member shall be eligible for renomination for at least one year after the end of a third consecutive full term. 3. The language of subparagraph is amended to read as follows, The Bishop shall annually appoint an Investigator in consultation with the President of the Disciplinary Board. The Investigator may, but need not be, a member of the Church. 4. The language of subparagraph is amended to read as follows, Pursuant to Title IV of the Canons of The Episcopal Church the Bishop shall appoint an Advisor for the complaining party and an Advisor for the Respondent. (a) Persons serving as Advisors shall hold no other appointed or elected position provided for under Title IV and shall not include the Bishop, the Church Attorney, any member of the Disciplinary Board, the Intake Officer, any investigator, Chancellors or Vice Chancellors of this Diocese nor any person likely to be called as a witness in the proceeding. (b) Parties should be advised in all cases that the appointed Advisor is not intended to act as lawyer for any party and should not be so considered. (c) A party is free to reject an Advisor who has been offered and select their own who may also be an attorney and act in that capacity. (d) The reasonable costs and expenses of providing Advisors made available by the Bishop Diocesan shall be the obligation of the Diocese in which the matter of Discipline is proceeding unless otherwise provided in an Accord or Order. The reasonable costs and expenses of providing Advisors chosen by the Respondent or Complainant and not made available by the Bishop Diocesan shall be the obligation of such Respondent or Complainant, unless otherwise provided in an Accord or Order

27 RESOLUTION Environmental Stewardship Proponent: Chapter, St John s Cathedral RESOLVED: that each region of the Diocese seek out areas in their vicinity that are not church properties and are amenable to the planting of trees, and work with local authorities and other environmental groups to fund and to plant Paris Groves of trees; and in some manner identify each Paris Grove as an element of Episcopal environmental stewardship of and care for creation

28 NOTE: Complete resolutions with proposed changes can be found on the diocesan website on the convention link. Resolutions will be displayed during the plenary business sessions of convention

29 DELEGATE NOTE TAKER