Digital Archives

The Acts of Convention

Resolution Number: 2012-D001
Title: Amend Canon III.11.10 [Bishops Suffragan]
Legislative Action Taken: Concurred as Amended
Final Text:

Resolved, That the 77th General Convention amend Canon III.11.10(b) to read as follows:

(b) Bishops Suffragan

(1) If a Diocese discerns a need for another Bishop due to the extent of diocesan work, the Diocese may elect a Bishop Suffragan in accordance with this Canon.

(2) Before the election of a Bishop Suffragan in a Diocese, the consent of a majority of the Bishops exercising jurisdiction and of the several Standing Committees must be obtained.

(3)

(i) A Bishop Suffragan shall act as an assistant to and under the direction of the Bishop Diocesan.

(ii) Before the election of a Bishop Suffragan in a Diocese, the Bishop Diocesan shall submit a consent with a description of the role and the duties of the Bishop Suffragan to the Convention of the Diocese.

(4) The tenure of office of a Bishop Suffragan shall not be determined by the tenure of office of the Bishop Diocesan.

(5) No Bishop Suffragan, while acting as such, shall be Rector, but may serve as or Member of the Clergy in charge of a Parish or Congregation.

Citation: General Convention, Journal of the General Convention of...The Episcopal Church, Indianapolis, 2012 (New York: General Convention, 2012), pp. 722-723.

Legislative History

Author: Mr. Paul Ambos
Originating House: House of Bishops
Originating Committee: Ministry

House of Bishops

The House of Bishops Committee on Ministry presented its Report #35 on Resolution D001 (Amend Canon III.11.10(b)) and moved adoption with amendment.

Original Text of Resolution

(D001)

Resolved, the House of Deputies concurring, That the 77th General Convention amend Canon III.11.10(b) to read as follows:

(b) Bishops Suffragan

(1) If a Diocese discerns a need for another Bishop due to the extent of diocesan work, the Diocese may elect a Bishop Suffragan in accordance with this Canon.

(2) Before the election of a Bishop Suffragan in a Diocese, the consent of a majority of the Bishops exercising jurisdiction and of the several Standing Committees must be obtained.

(3)

(i) A Bishop Suffragan shall act as an assistant to and under the direction of the Bishop Diocesan.

(ii) Before the election of a Bishop Suffragan in a Diocese, the Bishop Diocesan shall submit a consent with a description of the role and the duties of the Bishop Suffragan to the Convention of the Diocese.

(4) The tenure of office of a Bishop Suffragan shall not be determined by the tenure of office of the Bishop Diocesan.

(5) No Bishop Suffragan, while acting as such, shall be Rector or Member of the Clergy in charge of a Parish or Congregation.

Committee Amendment

Resolved, the House of Deputies concurring, That the 77th General Convention amend Canon III.11.10(b) to read as follows:

(b) Bishops Suffragan

(1) If a Diocese discerns a need for another Bishop due to the extent of diocesan work, the Diocese may elect a Bishop Suffragan in accordance with this Canon.

(2) Before the election of a Bishop Suffragan in a Diocese, the consent of a majority of the Bishops exercising jurisdiction and of the several Standing Committees must be obtained.

(3)

(i) A Bishop Suffragan shall act as an assistant to and under the direction of the Bishop Diocesan.

(ii) Before the election of a Bishop Suffragan in a Diocese, the Bishop Diocesan shall submit a consent with a description of the role and the duties of the Bishop Suffragan to the Convention of the Diocese.

(4) The tenure of office of a Bishop Suffragan shall not be determined by the tenure of office of the Bishop Diocesan.

(5) No Bishop Suffragan, while acting as such, shall be Rector,but may serve as or Member of the Clergy in charge of a Parish or Congregation.

Motion carried

Resolution adopted with amendment

(Communicated to the House of Deputies in HB Message # 183)

House of Deputies

The House of Deputies Committee on Ministry presented its Report #36 on HB Message #183 on Resolution D001 (Amend Canon III.11.10(b)) and moved concurrence.

Motion carried

The House concurred

(Communicated to the House of Bishops in HD Message #372)

Resolution Concurred by Both Houses, July 12.

Abstract:   The 77th General Convention amends Canon III.11.10(b) by allowing a Bishop Suffragan to serve as clergy in charge of a congregation.