The Acts of Convention
| Resolution Number: | 2024-B007 |
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| Title: | Study Ecclesiastical Authority and Standing Committees |
| Legislative Action Taken: | Concurred |
| Final Text: | |
Resolved, That the 81st General Convention require the Standing Commission on Structure, Governance, Constitution and Canons (SCSGCC) to study the matter of ecclesiastical authority as this Church conceives of it, as exercised (1) by the diocesan, coadjutor, or suffragan bishop, subject to certain canonical restrictions devolving to the standing committee; and (2) as exercised by the standing committee in the absence of a bishop, there being currently no accountability for the committee’s exercise of such authority; and be it further
Resolved, That SCSGCC present its findings, including a clear overall definition of ecclesiastical authority and recommendations of action to the 82nd General Convention; and be it further
Resolved, That the SCSGCC begin its work no later than January 1, 2025, with the Standing Commission concluding its study at the conclusion of the 82nd General Convention, unless this mandate is extended by the 82nd Convention; and be it further
Resolved, That the SCSGCC report annually to the Executive Council detailing its work and present recommendations to the 82nd General Convention; and be it further
Resolved, That the SCSGCC appoint up to four representatives with expertise in the ecclesiology, history and polity of The Episcopal Church to advise it.
| Citation: | General Convention, Journal of the General Convention of...The Episcopal Church, Louisville, 2024 (New York: General Convention, 2024), pp. 446-447. |
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Legislative History
| Author: | The Rt. Rev. Pierre Whalon |
|---|---|
| Originating House: | House of Bishops |
| Originating Committee: | Constitution and Canons |
House of Bishops
The House of Bishops Committee on Constitution and Canons presented its Report #29 on Resolution B007 (Standing Committees and Ecclesiastical Authority) and moved adoption.
Original Text of Resolution:
(B007)
Resolved, the House of Deputies concurring,
That the 81st General Convention require the Standing Commission on Structure, Governance, Constitution and Canons (SCSGCC) to study the matter of ecclesiastical authority as this Church conceives of it, as exercised (1) by the diocesan, coadjutor, or suffragan bishop, subject to certain canonical restrictions devolving to the standing committee; and (2) as exercised by the standing committee in the absence of a bishop, there being currently no accountability for the committee’s exercise of such authority; and be it further
Resolved, That SCSGCC present its findings, including a clear overall definition of ecclesiastical authority and recommendations of action to the 82nd General Convention; and be it further
Resolved, That the SCSGCC begin its work no later than January 1, 2025, with the Standing Commission concluding its study at the conclusion of the 82nd General Convention, unless this mandate is extended by the 82nd Convention; and be it further
Resolved, That the SCSGCC report annually to the Executive Council detailing its work and present recommendations to the 82nd General Convention; and be it further
Resolved, That the SCSGCC appoint up to four representatives with expertise in the ecclesiology, history and polity of The Episcopal Church to advise it.
Debate ensued.
Motion carried
Resolution adopted
(Communicated to the House of Deputies in HB Message #116)
House of Deputies
The House of Deputies Committee on Constitution and Canons presented its Report #43 on HB Message #116 on Resolution B007 (Standing Committees and Ecclesiastical Authority) and moved concurrence.
Motion carried
The House concurred
(Communicated to the House of Bishops in HD Message #232)
Resolution Concurred by Both Houses, June 27.
| Abstract: | The 81st General Convention requires that the Standing Commission on Structure, Governance, Constitution and Canons study for presentation to the 82nd General Convention the matter of ecclesiastical authority as exercised in the absence of a bishop by each diocese of The Episcopal Church. |
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