Notes on the 78th annual convention of the Episcopal Diocese of Rochester.

From IndyMediaRochester via TitusOneNine:

LOCAL Review :: Religion

* 15 Nov 2009 07:55:16 PM

78th annual convention of the Episcopal Diocese of Rochester, Hyatt Regency Hotel, November 6-7, 2009. [This is not an official release of the Diocese.]

The convention was presided over by the Rt. Rev. Prince Singh, Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Rochester.

About 400 people participated in the main business sessions, including delegates (elected by each parish), rectors and other clergy (including retired clergy and other clergy not directly affiliated with a parish), diocesan staff members, etc.

Friday, November 6

At noon, before the business sessions, workshops and seminars were presented. These were advertised within the diocese, although anyone may register. This year's events were: "Praying in Color", "Ministry to the Unemployed", "Christian Education", "Small Church Music", "Voices of Witness Africa", "Building Bridges: Enhancing Accessibility to Worship and the Church", "Introduction to the Qur'an for Christians", "The Many Faces of Poverty in our Diocese", "Greening our Faith: Launching and Sustaining Environmental Ministries in Churches", "Traces of the [Slave] Trade", "Webpage Management and Digital Faith".

Also available throughout the 2-day convention were displays from various spiritual and community organizations.

At 3:00 PM, the first business session was held for parish delegates, clergy, diocesan staff members and a few others. At the first session, candidates for elected positions were introduced and resolutions were introduced. The elected positions are typically for seats in diocesan committees. This year, nominees were considered for: Commission on Ministry, Diocesan Council, Standing Committee, Trustees.

One resolution was introduced related to asking the national Episcopal Church to contact various parties to ask for the end the blockade by Israel of the Gaza Strip. This follows previous resolutions on other topics related to promoting peace in the Middle East. Normally, resolutions are written well in advance for consideration at the convention. This was the only one that was so prepared, but there are exceptions to the rules that allow resolutions to be introduced during the convention, and that occurred on Saturday as described below.

After a short break, at 5:00 pm the convention was officially convened by Bishop Singh. In general, the bishop chairs the sessions with help from various assistants. Several motions were presented and voted on with respect to the business of the convention, such as approval of the appointments of the assistants, including the chief teller (vote counter), parliamentarian, etc. These appointments are perfunctory and are approved by the delegates and clergy with little or no discussion. The first ballots for the elected positions were then collected. In cases where there are more candidates than available positions, various rules determine the number of votes required for election and other issues. In some cases, a single ballot for a particular position is not sufficient, and rules for runoffs or subsequent ballots come into effect. The first ballot's results were announced on Saturday as described below.

A banquet was held Friday evening for the parish delegates, clergy, diocesan staff members and invited guests. Service awards were presented, dinner was served and social activities were held. The social activities included live music from the Geneseo String Band and simple square dancing.

After the banquet, a small number of meetings occured such as to prepare ad hoc resolutions and to count ballots.

Saturday, November 7

Breakfast for registered participants was provided. At 9:00 AM, a Holy Eucharist service was held. The bishop officiated, and the sermon was provided on video screens by Rev. Marc Andrus of California.

At 11:00 AM, the next business session was held. All of the elections were completed except for one position on the Standing Committee, and a second ballot was required for that position.

The bishop gave his address. He made a distinction between leaders and managers. We need managers, but we also need the visionaries who can provide direction to the managers and others. Times are tough, these days, with a bad economy, violence in our streets and around the world, insufficient health care and political wrangling, etc. However, we as Christians and particularly as Rochester Diocese Episcopalians must work harder to address problems to the best of our ability.

Three resolutions were presented that were related to the bishop's address. These would establish task forces to review the "apportionment" process that calculates parish giving to the diocese, the models of ministry for rural communities and the opportunity to "plant" new congregations in this diocese. These were discussed and passed.

Time was allotted for the groups at each table of 10 to discuss how we came to be Episcopalians and how we might reach out to others. A few groups summarized their discussions.

The Youth Advisory Report proposed a new structure for youth ministry, splitting the diocese into five parts. There was some discussion about the proposal to combine urban and suburban parishes, and the resolution passed.

The 2010 diocesan audit and budget were discussed. Parish apportionments will be discounted 10% from the formula calculation (compared to 15% for the 2009 budget). At last year's convention, the shock of the economic downturn was fresh and unprecedented since WWII. The bishop's address at this year's convention called for renewed energy even in the face of continued trying times. 2010 spending is slightly higher than in 2009, and the delegates passed the budget.

A report was given on "Episcopal Relief and Development" and "Millennium Development Goals". These national and international outreach projects are supported at the national church level, and a local rector is a leading voice. Bishop Singh presented a surprise donation from the diocese.

The election for the position on the Standing Committee was completed.

A resolution to condemn anti-gay legislation in Uganda (that is supported by the Anglican church in Uganda) passed.

The resolution related to peace in the Middle East passed.

The resolutions of courtesy (thanking various parties for their support of the diocese, helping with the convention, etc.) passed.

The next convention is scheduled for November 5-6, 2010.