The Constitution and Canons of the Anglican Diocese of the Great Lakes
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Constitution of the Anglican Diocese of the Great Lakes
Church
Anglican Church in North America (ACNA)
Congregation
Any parish or mission in union with the Diocese
Parish
Self-supporting congregation with full-time clergy
Mission
Any other congregation admitted into union with the Diocese that is not a parish
Fellowship
A group organized for the purpose of forming a congregation to apply for admission into union with the Diocese
The Bishop
Ecclesiastical Authority of the Diocese
Suffragan Bishop
Bishop elected to assist the Diocesan Bishop in his work without right of succession
Bishop Coadjutor
Bishop elected to succeed sitting Diocesan Bishop
Vote
One vote
Canonical Residence
Recorded as resident by the Ecclesiastical Authority of the Diocese
Diocese
The Anglican Diocese of the Great Lakes
Synod
The annual gathering of the clergy and lay delegates in order to conduct the business of the Diocese
Preamble
The Anglican Diocese of the Great Lakes (hereinafter, the Diocese) is a member of the Anglican Church in North America and thereby a member of the One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church. The Diocese came into being in 2010 in order to preserve and propagate the historic Christian faith as handed down in the Anglican formularies throughout the centuries in order to spread the Gospel of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ to the Great Lakes region. The Diocese at its founding consists of those congregations and missions listed in Article XIV of this Constitution and those additional parishes, missions and fellowships which may be added from time to time in the manner provided by canon.
Article I: Fundamental Declarations of the Diocese
The Diocese hereby adopts the Fundamental Declarations of the Anglican Church in North America as set forth in Article I of the constitution of this Church. The Diocese acknowledges the authority and powers of the Anglican Church in North America as set forth in the constitution and canons adopted thereby and adopts this constitution to be in conformance therewith. All powers not granted to the Anglican Church in North America are reserved to the Diocese.
Article II: Order, Governance and Discipline
The fundamental agency of mission is the local congregation gathered in union with the Diocese. The order, governance and discipline of the Diocese shall be vested in the Bishop, the Standing Committee, the Synod and the Ecclesiastical Court of the Diocese in conformity with this constitution.
Article III: Authority, Composition and Organization of the Synod
Section 1. Authority
The Synod shall have authority to adopt canons, approve resolutions and budgets and take any other specific action for the conduct of the affairs of the Diocese not in conflict with this constitution or that of the Anglican Church in North America.
- The Synod shall be composed of the Lay Order and the Clerical Order.
- The Clerical Order shall consist of the Bishop or bishops and all of the presbyters and deacons canonically resident in the Diocese. No member of the Clerical Order under ecclesiastical discipline shall be entitled to a seat in the Synod.
- The Lay Order shall consist of the lay delegates from the member congregations and missions, authorized by canon as well as those ex officio members authorized by canon.
- Lay members of the Standing Committee, the chancellor, the treasurer, the secretary of the Diocese and four (4) youth delegates between the ages of 16 and 22, chosen by the Standing Committee, shall be ex officio members of the Synod.
- Each elected lay delegate, each clergy delegate and each ex officio member shall have voice and vote.
Section 3. Meetings
There shall be an annual meeting of the Synod, and special meetings of the Synod, as provided by canon. The lay delegates shall serve for the annual meeting of the Synod for which chosen and, unless other delegates be chosen, for any special meeting held prior to the next annual meeting.
Section 4. Quorum for the transaction of business at Synod
One-half of the members of the Clerical Order and one-half of the members of the Lay Order shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business at an annual or special meeting, but a smaller number constituting a majority of those present may adjourn any such meeting.
Section 5. Presiding Officer of the Synod
The Bishop shall preside at all meetings of the Synod, and he may assign the role of presiding officer. In his absence, the Standing Committee shall appoint a presiding officer.
Section 6. Voting
The Synod shall deliberate and vote as one body and a majority of those voting shall be necessary for a decision. There may be a vote by orders if requested by ten (10) members of the Synod, in which case a majority of those voting in each order shall be necessary for a decision.
Article IV: Election of a Bishop
The election of the Bishop of the Diocese, or a Suffragan Bishop or Bishop Coadjutor, shall take place at the annual meeting, or any special meeting of the Synod called for the purpose. The vote shall be by ballot and by orders. A majority of the votes cast by each order on the same ballot shall be necessary to a choice. The secretary of the Diocese shall immediately forward the name
of the person so selected to the College of Bishops of the Province for its consent as provided in Title III, Canon 8, Section 4 of the canons of the Province. The Synod may by ballot nominate two or three presbyters to be referred to the College of Bishops of the Province for its selection as provided in the aforesaid canons of the Province. In the event that the Bishop-elect or the nominees are rejected by the College of Bishops, another election meeting of the Synod shall promptly be called by the Bishop or the Standing Committee.
Article V: Vacancy in the Office of the Bishop
Section 1. Upon the death of the Bishop, if there be no Bishop Coadjutor or Bishop Suffragan, the Standing Committee shall be the Ecclesiastical Authority of the Diocese. Upon the request of the Standing Committee, the College of Bishops may appoint an Acting Bishop to be in charge of the Diocese until a Bishop can be elected.
Section 2. If the Standing Committee, upon careful deliberation, determines that the Bishop is under a disability or has absented himself without permission or consultation from the Diocese for more than six months, it may, with the consent of the Archbishop, declare the Office of the Bishop vacant. In such case, the Bishop Coadjutor or Bishop Suffragan shall take charge until the Standing Committee declares the Bishop restored. If there be none, the Standing Committee shall serve as the Ecclesiastical Authority of the Diocese.
Section 3. A Bishop Suffragan may not become the Bishop of the Diocese unless he be so elected at a meeting called for that purpose and his election consented to by the College of Bishops. A Bishop Coadjutor shall become the Bishop upon the death, retirement or removal of the Bishop.
Article VI: The Officers of the Diocese
In addition to the Bishop, the Bishop Suffragan and the Bishop Coadjutor, if there be such, the officers of the Diocese shall be the Secretary, the Treasurer, the Chancellor and the Registrar, whose selection and duties shall be described by canon.
Article VII: Provision for a Standing Committee
There shall be a Standing Committee of the Diocese, which shall perform those duties required by the Constitution and Canons of the ACNA and of the Diocese. The Standing Committee, which shall be the Council of Advice to the Bishop in charge of the Diocese, shall consist of three presbyters canonically and actually resident in the Diocese and of three laypeople, each of whom is a member in good standing in a Congregation in canonical union with the Diocese. Two (2) members, one (1) a presbyter and one (1) a layperson, shall be chosen at each Annual session of the Synod for a term of three (3) years. Officers, consisting of a presiding officer and clerk, shall be elected annually by the Committee at their first meeting after the Diocesan Synod. At all meetings a majority of the members shall constitute a quorum.
Article VIII: Provision for a Synod Council
The Synod, with the consent of the Bishop, may provide by canon for the appointment or election of a Synod Council with duties therein provided. Until a Synod Council be established, the Standing Committee shall perform all the functions of a Synod Council. The Synod may establish such other committees it deems necessary and the Bishop, with the advice of the Standing Committee, may appoint ad hoc committees to study and report on particular matters assigned by the Bishop.
Article IX: Mission, Ministry and Worship
Section 1. The mission of the Diocese shall be that of the Province: to extend the Kingdom of God by so presenting Jesus Christ in the power of the Holy Spirit that people everywhere will come to put their trust in God through Him, know Him as Savior and serve Him as Lord in the fellowship of the Church. The chief agents of this mission to extend the Kingdom of God are the people of God. The fundamental agency of mission is the local congregation.
Section 2. The worship of Almighty God shall be according to Anglican faith and order and shall be conducted in accord with the Standards provided in the Constitution and Canons of the Province.
Section 3. The work of the Diocese is to equip each congregation of the Diocese so that they may reconcile the world to Christ, plant new congregations, and make disciples of all nations; baptizing them in the Name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything commanded by Jesus Christ.
Article X: Ecclesiastical Discipline
Section 1. There shall be an Ecclesiastical Court of the Diocese for the application of Church discipline in keeping with the standards established in the canons of the Anglican Church in North America.
Section 2. The membership of the Ecclesiastical Court, its jurisdiction, procedures and terms of office shall be established by canon.
Article XI: Concerning Congregational Property
All congregational property, real and personal, owned or held by or on behalf of a congregation that is a member of this Diocese is and shall be solely and exclusively owned by the congregation, free of any trust or other claim in favor of the Diocese or the Province. The provisions of Article XII of the Constitution of ACNA are incorporated herein. A congregation may not alienate or encumber its real property except with the consent of a majority of the congregation by vote taken at a meeting called for that purpose.
Article XII: Concerning Diocesan Property
The Diocese shall own its property free of any trust or other claim of the Province. Diocesan property shall not be subject to any claim of trust or other claim by the Province.
Article XIII: Incorporation
The Diocese is incorporated in accordance with the laws of the State of Ohio. The Bishop shall be the President of the corporation and the Standing Committee its Board of Directors. Operation of the corporation shall be as provided by canon and applicable state laws.
Article XIV: Congregations and Missions of the Diocese
At the founding of the Diocese, the following parishes, missions and fellowships are the founding entities of the Diocese. Additional congregations and missions may be added by majority vote at any meeting of the Diocese as provided by canon.
Christ the King Anglican Church, Columbiana, Ohio
Church of the Good Samaritan, Cleveland Heights, Ohio
Church of the Holy Spirit, Akron, Ohio
Holy Trinity Anglican Church, Milan, Ohio
New Life Anglican Church, Petoskey, Michigan
St. Andrew’s Anglican Church, Columbus, Ohio
St. Anne in the Fields, Madison, Ohio
St. Luke’s Anglican Church, Fairlawn, Ohio
St. Paul’s Anglican Church, Greenfield, Indiana
Westside Anglican Fellowship, Cleveland, Ohio
White Fields Ministry, Painesville, Ohio
Article XV: Adoption and Amendment
This Constitution is ratified by the Extraordinary Constitutional Convention convened on May 1,2010. This Constitution may be amended by a two-thirds majority vote at any regular meeting of the Synod. If approved by a two-thirds majority vote of the Synod, the amendment shall lie over to the next annual meeting of the Synod, and if again approved by a two-thirds majority vote, the Constitution shall then stand altered or amended as proposed.
The Canons of the Anglican Diocese of the Great Lakes
Ecclesiastical Authority
The Diocesan Bishop, unless absent. In his absence the Ecclesiastical Authority will be as provided by the Constitution.
Canonical residence
Recorded by the Ecclesiastical Authority as resident in this Diocese.
Cure
Where the clergy is working
Dean
Presbyter who represents the bishop in a region or in a cathedral
Archdeacon or Canon:
A Diocesan assistant to the Bishop
Rector
Priest called by the parish to lead a parish
Vicar
Priest called by the Bishop to lead a mission
Vestry
Governing board of a parish elected by the congregation
Mission Council
Governing board of a mission nominated by a congregation and appointed by the Bishop.
Title I: Organization and Administration of the Diocese
Canon 1. Official List of the Clergy of the Diocese
Section 1. A list of all duly ordained presbyters and deacons who are canonically resident or licensed to work in the Diocese shall be maintained by the Ecclesiastical Authority and kept current by the registrar and on file in the central office of the Diocese. The list shall contain the addresses, cure or positions of the clergy and shall be published at least thirty (30) days in advance of any meeting of the Synod. Any member of the clergy whose name is not on the list and who wishes to vote at the Synod shall bring the omission to the attention of the registrar.
Section 2. The official list shall be available to the Synod on the first day of its meeting and shall be the basis for determining a quorum as provided in Article III, Section 4 of the Constitution.
Section 3. Every member of the clergy canonically resident or licensed in the Diocese shall attend every meeting of the Synod unless excused by the Ecclesiastical Authority.
Canon 2. Lay Representation in Synod
Section 1. A list of all duly elected lay representatives of congregations of the Diocese shall be compiled and maintained and kept current by the registrar. The list shall contain the addresses and other appropriate contact information of the lay representatives and shall be published at least thirty (30) days in advance of any meeting of the Synod. Any lay representative whose name is not on the list and who wishes to vote at the Synod shall bring the omission to the attention of the registrar.
Section 2. Each congregation and mission shall be entitled to one lay representative. In addition, each congregation or mission whose average Sunday attendance (ASA) exceeds two hundred (200) shall be entitled to one additional lay representative for each two hundred (200) or fraction thereof above the first two hundred (200), except that the total number of lay representatives from any congregation or mission shall not exceed nine. ASA shall be based upon the preceding year’s annual report.
Section 3. The vestry or other governing authority of each congregation and mission shall select its delegates according to their respective rules, with no more than one alternate for each representative so chosen, and shall report its selection no later than thirty (30) days before the ensuing meeting of the Synod on a form prepared by the registrar of the Diocese. An alternate shall qualify with the Credentials Committee in order to be able to vote in the place of an absent delegate.
Canon 3. The Credentials Committee
A Credentials Committee, appointed by the presiding officer of the Synod, shall consist of two (2) clergy and two (2) lay delegates who shall determine the presence of a quorum and hear and resolve any disputes over proper representation in the Synod.
Canon 4. Meetings of the Synod
Section 1. The Synod of the Diocese shall meet regularly once a year and may also have special meetings called for a specific purpose.
Section 2. The Bishop, with the advice of the Standing Committee, shall determine the date, time and place of all meetings of the Synod. The secretary of the Diocese shall give notice of regular meetings at least sixty (60) days in advance and no less than fifteen (15) days prior to any Special Meeting. No other business shall be transacted than that stated in the notice calling the special meeting, unless twothirds of those present and voting at the meeting authorize the transaction of such other business.
Section 3. Committees of the Synod. There may be a Committee on Resolutions, a Committee on Mission and Ministry and such other committees as the Bishop or the Synod may deem necessary. All committee members shall be appointed by the Bishop from among the current members of the Synod.
Section 4. Rules of Order. The Bishop, with the advice of the chancellor, shall propose Rules of Order for adoption by the Synod at the outset of each meeting.
Section 5. Parliamentarian. The Bishop shall appoint a parliamentarian to advise the Bishop and the Synod on parliamentary issues. The ruling of the Bishop or the presiding officer on any matter may be overridden by a vote of two-thirds of those present and voting at the Synod.
Canon 5. Delegates of the Diocese to the Provincial Council and Assembly of the Anglican Church in North America
The Synod of the Diocese shall elect the delegates to the Provincial Council and Assembly from a list of nominees provided by the Standing Committee and the Bishop. Nominations from the floor shall be allowed.
Canon 6. Subdivision of the Diocese into Regions or Districts
When it shall appear to the Ecclesiastical Authority that, with the advice and consent of the Standing Committee, it would advance the administration of the Diocese they may recommend to the Synod a canonical amendment organizing within the Diocese two or more regions or districts to be administered as provided by such canon.
Canon 7. The Standing Committee of the Diocese
The Diocese shall have a Standing Committee chosen in accordance with the Constitution of the Diocese and the Constitution and Canons of the Anglican Church in North America with such authority as therein provided and such other authority and responsibility as the Synod of the Diocese may determine by canon or resolution. At the outset, the Standing Committee shall determine the program of the Diocese for adoption by the Synod.
Canon 8. The Chancellor
The chancellor of the Diocese, appointed by the Bishop, shall be a communicant in good standing and a member of a congregation of this Diocese. He or she shall be learned in the law and licensed to practice in this state (or a state of this Diocese). The chancellor shall have responsibility for the legal affairs of the Diocese and shall serve as counsel to the Bishop and the Standing Committee. The Bishop may appoint assistant chancellors as necessary.
Canon 9. The Secretary
The secretary of the Diocese, appointed by the Bishop, shall keep the minutes of the meetings of the Synod and shall submit such reports as the Bishop may request. The Bishop may appoint assistant secretaries as necessary.
Canon 10. The Treasurer
The treasurer of the Diocese, appointed by the Bishop, shall be the custodian for all of the funds of the Diocese. The treasurer shall be bonded in such amount as the Standing Committee from time to time shall deem appropriate and shall file an annual report to the Synod on the financial status of the Diocese as well as periodic reports of account for all funds under his custody or control.
Canon 11. The Registrar
The registrar shall be the custodian of official records of the Diocese and shall issue such certification as may be directed by the Bishop or the Standing Committee.
Canon 12. Terms of Office
The chancellor, the secretary, the registrar and the treasurer shall serve at the pleasure of the Bishop.
Section 1. There shall be a Finance Committee of the Diocese appointed by the Bishop, with at least one representative of the Standing Committee. The Finance Committee shall assist the treasurer in preparing the annual budget of the Diocese and shall issue guidelines for audits and investment management. The records and accounts of the treasurer shall be subject to audit by independent auditors on an annual basis. The Finance Committee shall issue such periodic reports to the Bishop and the Standing Committee on the financial condition of the Diocese as either deems necessary.
Section 2. With whatever assistance it may require, the Finance Committee shall oversee the insurance and benefits programs for the clergy of the Diocese and its personnel.
Canon 14. Committee on Constitution and Canons of the Diocese
There shall be a Committee on Constitution and Canons, appointed by the Bishop, with the chancellor as a member. The committee shall be responsible for ensuring the conformity of the Diocesan Constitution and Canons with those of the Church. All proposed amendments to the Constitution and Canons shall be submitted to the committee not fewer than one hundred and twenty (120) days prior to the next Synod meeting. No amendment to either the constitution or canons of the Diocese shall be considered by the Synod until the committee shall have reviewed and reported its recommendation to the Synod no fewer than sixty (60) days prior to the next Synod meeting.
Canon 15. Vocations Committee
The Bishop shall appoint and report to the Synod the names of a Vocations Committee to assist him in the recruitment, discernment, training, and examination of suitable candidates for ordained ministry.
Canon 16. Missions Committee
The Bishop shall appoint and report to the Synod the names of a Missions Committee to assist him in the discernment, placement and oversight of new missions within the Diocese.
Canon 17. Concerning Annual Reports to the Synod
All officers and standing committees of the Diocese are required to file a report to be distributed to the annual Synod for review of all activities of said officer or committee.
Title II: Organization and Administration of the Congregation
Canon 18. Churches and Missions
Section 1. A congregation must have a minimum average Sunday attendance of twelve (12) and financially contribute to the support of the mission of the Diocese, as well as send delegate(s) to the annual Synod in order to retain canonical status within the Diocese.
Section 2. In order to maintain parish status, a congregation must be self-supporting with a full-time presbyter. A mission may apply to the Bishop for admission to parish status upon attaining said requirements and shall, upon his authorization, be admitted as such at the next annual Synod of the Diocese. If a parish finds itself no longer able to sustain said requirements for a period of one (1) year or more, it may be designated a mission, either by their request or by decision of the Bishop and Standing Committee of the Diocese, and be recorded as such at the next annual Synod of the Diocese.
Section 3. Each congregation shall meet at least annually to elect Vestry or Mission Council members, conduct parish business and receive reports on the condition of the congregation. Only baptized members of the congregation who are in good standing and who are at least sixteen (16) years of age shall be eligible to vote on issues before the congregation. Any person believing himself or herself entitled to be included on the parish voter list may appeal to the vestry for its determination.
Section 4. A vestry shall consist of between six (6) and fifteen (15) members as indicated by parish bylaws. Only confirmed members (or those desirous thereof) shall be eligible to serve on a vestry. A congregation may establish staggered terms for its vestry members. No person may serve more than two (2) full successive terms on a Vestry.
Section 5. The rector or vicar shall preside at the annual parish meeting. In the absence of the rector, one of the wardens shall preside. The president of the meeting shall appoint a clerk to take the minutes of the meeting. Such minutes shall become a part of the official Record of Minutes and Actions of the congregation, along with the minutes of the vestry or mission council.
Section 6. A group of the faithful seeking to affiliate as a church or mission shall submit its application to the Standing Committee with appropriate evidence on forms provided by the Standing Committee. The Standing Committee, with the approval of the Ecclesiastical Authority, may issue provisional membership in the Diocese as a fellowship subject to confirmation by majority vote of the next Synod. The Bishop shall then take orders to receive the members into the Anglican Church in North America.
Section 7. A congregation attached to another diocese or cluster of the Anglican Church in North America desiring to become a member of this Diocese shall make application to the Bishop and, with the consent of the Bishop under whose jurisdiction that congregation is currently attached, may be received into this Diocese upon its proper accession to the Constitution and Canons of this Diocese.
Section 8. A congregation of another denomination desiring to become attached to this Diocese shall first apply to the Executive Committee of the Anglican Church in North America for admission as a member of the Province. Upon being so admitted, after complying with all requirements, the Bishop shall take order to receive the members and clergy thereof into the Anglican Church in North America and into this Diocese.
Canon 19. Concerning the Vestry or Mission Council of a Church
Section 1. The rector and vestry shall be the governing body of the parish.
Section 2. The Bishop shall be the governing authority of a mission, except as he may delegate such authority. A mission may have a mission council to assist in the administration of its affairs as approved by the Bishop. The vicar of a mission, appointed as such by the Bishop, shall be in charge of the mission, subject to the authority of the Bishop, and shall preside over all meetings of the mission council.
Section 3. The vestry or mission council shall ensure that the parish is incorporated under the laws of the jurisdiction where located.
Section 4. The vestry shall constitute the board of directors of the corporation. The corporation’s officers shall be elected by the vestry. The vestry shall select from its members the wardens of the church, who may also serve as officers of the corporation. The vestry shall also elect a treasurer for the congregation and a clerk of the vestry to record the minutes, who may be members of the vestry. Where allowed by the bylaws of the parish, the rector may choose the senior warden from among the members of the vestry.
Section 5. The rector or vicar shall preside at all meetings of the vestry or mission council. In the absence of the rector or vicar, one of the wardens shall preside.
Section 6. Every person chosen a vestry or mission council member shall sign, in a book kept for that purpose, the following declaration and promise: “I do believe the Holy Scriptures of the Old and New Testament to be the Word of God and to contain all things necessary for salvation and I do yield my hearty consent to the doctrines, discipline and worship of the Anglican Church in North America. I promise that I will faithfully execute the office of vestry (or mission council) member of this Church to the best of my ability.” It is appropriate that the newly elected vestry or mission council members take and sign said oath before the congregation on a Sunday forthwith.
Section 7. In the event of a vacancy on the vestry, the remaining members may fill that vacancy with a qualified member of the congregation, who shall serve until the next annual meeting of the congregation, or until the completion of the resigned member’s term of office. The same procedure holds true for a mission council with the consent of the Bishop.
Section 8. The vestry or mission council shall have the following duties:
- Provide for the adequate support of the rector and his or her family, as well as other staff, including pension, insurance and business expenses.
- Provide an adequate place for regular worship and the necessary hymnals, prayer books and Bibles for use by the congregation.
- Under the control of the rector, provide for the musical program of the church.
- Provide for oversight of all funds collected and all property owned by the congregation.
- Establish proper insurance and bonds to protect all property, real and personal, of the church.
- Ensure that an annual report of all ministries, services, membership, and attendance is provided to the congregation prior to the annual meeting.
- Be familiar with the Constitution and Canons of the Anglican Church in North America and of this Diocese and provide for compliance therewith.
- Establish a Biblically based program of financial giving by members of the congregation.
- Conform (as nearly as possible) with the financial askings of the Diocese.
- Support the rector in all aspects of his or her ministry.
Canon 20. Concerning the Clergy and The Pastoral Relationship
Section 1. The Rector is called by the vestry. The rector, with the approval of the vestry, shall call assisting clergy and other staff, who shall serve at the pleasure of the rector. A prayerful process shall be undertaken in the calling of a rector to a parish and the vestry shall consult with the Bishop before extending an offer to a candidate. The relationship between the rector and the congregation is one of mutual trust and dependence in carrying out the ministry of the church. As the spiritual leader of the congregation, the rector requires the full cooperation and support of the vestry. Whenever matters of disagreement develop, it is incumbent on all parties to approach one another with all Christian charity to avoid having the relationship imperiled or hindered.
Section 2. The rector or vicar is charged with all authority and responsibility to ensure the spiritual health of the congregation. This authority and responsibility is to include the use of congregational facilities in consultation with the vestry or mission council.
Section 3. The rector or vicar is responsible for the regular conduct of worship on the Lord’s Day and other Holy Days, for the provision of pastoral care and nurture of the congregation, for the provision for instruction and spiritual nurture for faith in our Lord, Jesus Christ to young and old alike, and for the provision of the day-to-day administration of the congregation.
Section 4. All clergy are charged with working toward the building up of the Body of Christ within the congregation, community, and Diocese. This includes service to the Diocesan family as needed, in consultation with the Bishop and as able.
Section 5. All clergy not regularly settled in any congregation or church shall report the occasional services performed. If no services were performed, the clergy shall report the causes or reasons that prevented the same. These reports, or such parts of them as the Bishop shall think fit, may be entered on the Journal of the Synod.
Canon 21. Dissolution of a Pastoral Relationship
Section 1. Except for reasons required by age, a rector may not resign as rector without the consent of the vestry. A rector canonically elected and in charge of a parish may not be removed against his will except as hereinafter provided.
Section 2. Whenever a rector or a majority of the vestry believe the pastoral relationship between the rector and the congregation to be imperiled or hindered by reason of dissention, either or both may present the matter to the Bishop.
Section 3. Upon notification of such imperilment or hindrance, the Bishop shall promptly seek reconciliation by whatever means he believes appropriate. Both the rector and the vestry shall participate cooperatively in the process. The Bishop may issue such interim directives appropriate to the cause before issuing a final judgment. Prior to issuing a final judgment, the Bishop shall consult with the Standing Committee and the chancellor of the Diocese. The Standing Committee may schedule a conference with the vestry and the rector before rendering its advice to the Bishop. At such conference, the parties may be heard and be represented by a person or persons of their choice.
Section 4. The judgment of the Bishop may include a leave of absence with pay for the rector, a refusal to dissolve the pastoral relationship or a judgment of dissolution.
Section 5. If the relationship is to be dissolved, the judgment may include terms and conditions for compliance by both parties and must include an equitable financial settlement that is just and compassionate. The Bishop shall in all cases render pastoral support to the rector. Upon issuing such judgment, the Bishop shall direct the secretary of the Diocese to record the dissolution.
Section 6. If at the time of a need for episcopal intervention in the relationship of a vestry and its presbyter, there be no bishop, bishop coadjutor or bishop suffragan, the Standing Committee shall appeal to the Archbishop for the appointment of a bishop of another diocese with jurisdiction to serve under the provisions of this canon.
Section 7. If for any reason either the vestry or the rector shall refuse to comply with the judgment of the Bishop, the Bishop may suspend the rector from the exercise of the ministry of a priest until he complies with the judgment or, in the case of the vestry, the Bishop shall request the Synod of the Diocese to convert the congregation to a mission status under the supervision of the Bishop until the vestry shall have complied with the judgment.
Canon 22. Business Affairs in Congregations
Section 1. The vestry of each congregation shall provide for a finance committee, which shall prepare a budget for adoption by the vestry. No congregation may operate on a deficit budget without adequate reserves to cover such deficit.
Section 2. Each congregation shall have a treasurer, elected by vestry, who shall be bonded in such sum and with such surety as the vestry from time to time shall determine. The treasurer shall be the custodian of the funds of the congregation and shall perform such other duties as required by the vestry.
Section 3. All investments of congregational funds shall be under the oversight of the vestry and shall be made with due regard to applicable state law for fiduciaries. The vestry may consult with the Diocese for guidance with regard to investments. Fund deposits shall be made in banks or other financial institutions where such deposits are adequately insured.
Section 4. The vestry shall annually cause to be audited the accounts of its treasurer and all other custodians of funds or securities. Audits are to be conducted with generally accepted accounting principles and with such instructions as may be promulgated by the Diocese. A certified copy of each annual audit shall be filed with the
Diocese.
Canon 23. Creation of Church Debt
Section 1. The creation of congregational debt shall be undertaken with caution and due regard for the fiduciary responsibilities of the vestry.
Section 2. Congregational debt in excess of ten percent (10%) of its average annual income over the last three (3) years may only be incurred with the written consent of the Bishop and Standing Committee. An application for approval of indebtedness
shall include a plan of payment.
Section 3. Total indebtedness of a congregation may not exceed three hundred percent (300%) of its average annual income over the previous three (3) years. The bylaws of a congregation may provide for limits of borrowing without the affirmative vote of a majority of the congregation at a meeting called for that purpose. The Standing Committee may waive the limit with good cause.
Section 4. The encumbrance of church property as security for indebtedness shall be undertaken only as provided in this Canon.
Canon 24. Church Property
Section 1. All real and personal property owned by or held for the benefit of a congregation shall belong exclusively to that congregation, free of any trust or other claim by the Diocese or the Anglican Church in North America.
Section 2. Real and personal property of a mission may belong to the founding entity and may be transferred to the mission before or after it becomes a self-supporting congregation.
Section 3. No church real property or part thereof may be alienated, sold, exchanged, encumbered or otherwise transferred without the consent of the congregation in a meeting called for that purpose, and any such conveyance shall comply with the laws of this state or the state where located. Prior to the sale of consecrated property, the vestry shall first offer the property to the Standing Committee of the Diocese, which, unless waived, shall have sixty (60) days to pursue its acquisition for purposes of the Diocese.
Section 4. The Diocese may own its own property to be held in whatever form determined by the Standing Committee.
Canon 25. Parish Officers, Records and Reports
Section 1. In addition to the rector and the wardens, a parish may have a secretary, business manager, a chancellor and such other officers allowed by its bylaws.
Section 2. The rector and wardens shall maintain a current list of the members of the congregation, including minors, as well as those entitled to vote at congregational meetings. The vestry shall determine the minimum age of voters in compliance with Canon 18, Section 3.
Section 3. The rector and wardens shall maintain a register of official acts such as church services, baptisms, confirmations, weddings, funerals and visitations of bishops and other clergy. Minutes of all meetings of the vestry shall be kept in a book that
shall be bound for permanent record.
Section 4. On or before the first day of March, the rector and wardens shall submit to the secretary of the Diocese an annual report on a form to be provided by the Standing Committee of the Diocese. The data thus reported shall be drawn from the register required to be maintained by Section 3 of this canon. The Bishop, with the advice and consent of the Standing Committee, may take appropriate action should any congregation fail to comply with the requirement of this canon.
Title III: Ecclesiastical Discipline
Canon 26. Church Discipline
Every member of the clergy canonically resident in this Diocese or licensed by the Bishop to exercise ministry in this Diocese shall be subject to the disciplinary provisions of Title IV of the canons of the Anglican Church in North America and to the provisions of these canons.
Canon 27. The Trial Court of the Diocese
Section 1. There shall be a Trial Court of the Diocese consisting of nine (9) members elected by the Synod of the Diocese upon the nomination of the Standing Committee for a term of three (3) years. Four members shall be chosen from the laity and five (5) from the clergy. No member may serve more than two (2) consecutive terms. Staggered terms may be provided.
Section 2. The Bishop may appoint an attorney-at-law to advise the Trial Court as to its procedures.
Section 3. The Trial Court shall elect its president and secretary from its members and shall appoint a recorder of proceedings, which recorder may be a court-reporting agency not affiliated with the Diocese.
Section 4. A quorum of seven (7) members shall be necessary for the conduct of a trial or for a judgment.
Canon 28. The Trial Attorney
The Bishop shall appoint a trial attorney, who shall have the responsibility of preparing all presentments and presenting the evidence to the Trial Court.
Canon 29. Rules and Procedures
Consistent with these Canons and those of ACNA, the Trial Court shall establish its own rules and procedures.
Canon 30. Clergy Canonically Resident Elsewhere
A member of the clergy licensed in this Diocese, but who is canonically resident in another province of the Anglican Communion and subject to the disciplinary canons of that province, may be subject to the disciplinary canons of the Anglican Church in North America and of this Diocese if jurisdiction is waived by the foreign jurisdiction in favor of the jurisdiction of the Province of the Anglican Church in North America and of this Diocese. All such members of the clergy, by accepting a license to serve in this Diocese, agree to be bound by its Constitution and Canons and their consequences. Whenever it is believed that a canonical offense has occurred by such a member of the clergy licensed in this Diocese, the same shall be reported by the Bishop to the bishop or archbishop with jurisdiction. If jurisdiction is thereby waived in favor of this Diocese, or if no action or response is made to such report within ninety (90) days thereof, the Bishop may proceed to assume jurisdiction and to follow canonical steps leading to a possible presentment and trial in this Diocese.
Title IV: Enactment, Amendment, and Repeal of Canons
Canon 31 Amendments
Section 1. The canons of the Diocese may be amended by the Synod at any regular meeting or any special meeting called for that purpose. Notice in advance of the meeting, or at least one (1) day’s notice, shall be given in open Synod before an amendment can be adopted. No amendment may be adopted until it has been reviewed by the Constitution and Canons Committee and its recommendations given to the Synod.