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The Acts of Convention

Resolution Number: 2018-A183
Title: Amend Constitution Article IX [For the Trial of Presbyters and Deacons--First Reading]
Legislative Action Taken: Concurred
Final Text:

Resolved, That the Constitution Article IX be amended to read as follows:

Article IX

The General Convention may, by Canon, establish one or more Courts for the Trial of Bishops.

Presbyters and Deacons canonically resident in a Diocese shall be tried by a Court instituted by the General Convention by Canon.thereof;Presbyters and Deacons canonically resident in a Missionary Diocese shall be tried according to Canons adopted by the Bishop and Convocation thereof, with the approval of the House of Bishops; provided that the General Convention in each case may prescribe by Canon for a change of venue.

The General Convention, in like manner, may establish or may provide for the establishment of Courts of Review of the determination of diocesan or other trial Courts.

The Court for the review of the determination of the trial Court, on the trial of a Bishop, shall be composed of Bishops only.

The General Convention, in like manner, may establish an ultimate Court of Appeal, solely for the review of the determination of any Court of Review on questions of Doctrine, Faith, or Worship.

None but a Bishop shall pronounce sentence of suspension, or removal, or deposition from the Ministry, on any Bishop, Presbyter, or Deacon; and none but a Bishop shall admonish any Bishop, Presbyter, or Deacon.

A sentence of suspension shall specify on what terms or conditions and at what time the suspension shall cease. A sentence of suspension may be remitted in such manner as may be provided by Canon.

Citation: General Convention, Journal of the General Convention of...The Episcopal Church, Austin, 2018 (New York: General Convention, 2018), pp. 1112-1113.

Legislative History

Author: Standing Commission on Structure, Governance, Constitution and Canons
Originating House: House of Deputies
Originating Committee: Safeguarding and Title IV

House of Deputies

The House of Deputies Committee on Safeguarding and Title IV presented its Report #32 on Resolution A183 (Amend Article IX - First Reading) and moved adoption.

Original Text of Resolution:

(A183)

Resolved, the House of Bishops concurring, That the Constitution Article IX be amended to read as follows:

Article IX

The General Convention may, by Canon, establish one or more Courts for the Trial of Bishops.

Presbyters and Deacons canonically resident in a Diocese shall be tried by a Court instituted by the General Convention thereof; by Canon. Presbyters and Deacons canonically resident in a Missionary Diocese shall be tried according to Canons adopted by the Bishop and Convocation thereof, with the approval of the House of Bishops; provided that the General Convention in each case may prescribe by Canon for a change of venue.

The General Convention, in like manner, may establish or may provide for the establishment of Courts of Review of the determination of diocesan or other trial Courts.

The Court for the review of the determination of the trial Court, on the trial of a Bishop, shall be composed of Bishops only.

The General Convention, in like manner, may establish an ultimate Court of Appeal, solely for the review of the determination of any Court of Review on questions of Doctrine, Faith, or Worship.

None but a Bishop shall pronounce sentence of suspension, or removal, or deposition from the Ministry, on any Bishop, Presbyter, or Deacon; and none but a Bishop shall admonish any Bishop, Presbyter, or Deacon.

A sentence of suspension shall specify on what terms or conditions and at what time the suspension shall cease. A sentence of suspension may be remitted in such manner as may be provided by Canon.

Motion carried

Resolution adopted with amendment

(Communicated to the House of Bishops in HD Message #312)

House of Bishops

The House of Bishops Committee on Safeguarding and Title IV presented its Report #24 on HD Message #312 on Resolution A183 (Amend Article IX - First Reading) and moved concurrence.

Motion carried

The House concurred

(Communicated to the House of Deputies in HB Message #425)

Resolution Concurred by Both Houses, July 13.

Abstract:   The 79th General Convention amends Constitution Article IX to establish that General Convention, not diocesan conventions, are the instituting authority for ecclesiastical trial courts.