MINUTES OF PROVINCIAL SYNOD PROVINCE II May 14 and 15, 1998 Cherry Hill, New Jersey May 14, 1998 The meeting was called to order at 2 p.m. by President Lane. Vice President Walter Dennis gave the invocation. The Right Reverend Joe Morris Doss, Bishop of New Jersey, welcomed everyone to the Garden State. The President appointed the Reverend E. Tom Barrington and Joan Cupo to the Committee on Dispatch of Business. Michael Rehill and the Reverend Jorge Gutierrez were appointed to the Committee on Ordinances and the Reverend Ralph W. Strohm was appointed Chair of the Committee on Resolutions. The Reverend E. Tom Barrington moved that we accept the order of business and Revised Agenda - Passed. The Reverend John Rollins reported that there was much life in the networks of Province II. Program by the Reverend Canon Gene Robinson Gene, in his 16th year as the Executive for Province I, presented a program discussing the genesis of a Provincial Executive and an explanation of how Province I functions. Gene reported that while General Convention is moving toward having the Province handle Program and other things previously handled by the National Church, most Provinces are not prepared to accept this responsibility. Our culture is nervous about bureaucracy. Gene then moved forward with a discussion about the workings of Province I. He stated that contrary to popular belief Province I is not a totally homogeneous unit with a common geography. It has the large Dioceses of Massachusetts and Connecticut to a diocese such as Vermont which does not have a single parish with an assistant. While the Diocese of Western Massachusetts has a large endowment, some of the dioceses are poor. Notwithstanding the diversity of the Province, they understand that theologically they are One Body with many members. Christ as Head of the many smaller groups - a sense that we need one answer. Province I f ound that what was happening wasn't working. Gene chaired the Committee on Structure as the Province sought someone who was competent and trusted to become the Incarnation of Provincial Purpose. Province I began a three year trial program funded by a three year decreasing grant from the national Church. Ultimately, the larger body voted itself out of existence and created a smaller body consisting of one clergy and one lay deputy from each diocese. Each year there is a Provincial Convocation --now attended by up to 400 people -- which is a ministry event with no business transacted. As Provincial Executive, Canon Robinson is essentially a coordinator who may be compared to an air traffic controller. His job includes finding out what is going on at 815 and communicating that throughout the Province. He states that to be successful the dioceses must want the Province and be willing to invest in it. Province I has a three tiered funding formula. The Dioceses of Connecticut and Massachusetts each contribute 21% of the Provincial budget, Rhode Island and Western Massachusetts 13 1/2% each and New Hampshire and Vermont 10% each (math courtesy of Gene Robinson). The Executive works 20 hours per week for the Province. His job is that of a facilitator. It is the end of the Lone Ranger Diocese with the Incarnational Executive (Power) Assistance. The Province meets every year on the same week-end at the same place. While the average pew sitter may not be concerned with the Province, it is important for diocesan leaders. It is essential that the Bishops support the Province. The Executive becomes a Pastor to the Bishops and the Bishops develop a sense of communion one with another. Vice President's Report Walter first congratulated President Lane on the outstanding Province II dinner at General Convention. He also urged that we look carefully at the General Convention resolutions. He offered congratulations to new bishops - Daniels (VI), Herzog (Albany) and Sisk (NY). He also discussed the wide variance among provinces. Provinces I and VIII have Executives and are highly organized. We, as Province II, have a full agenda while some provinces do nothing. Walter then turned his attention to the upcoming Lambeth Conference. He pointed out that all active bishops - 800 - are invited, not merely the 600 Diocesans. Topics will include international debt, relations with Islam, environment and justice issues. With respect to the Council of Advice for the Presiding Bishop, Bishop Smalley has been elected chair. The Presiding Bishop has not previously been involved in provincial life so he will need to become acquainted with its significance. Walter then announced his retirement and submitted his resignation as Vice President of Province II. A reception and dinner followed the afternoon's adjournment. The Reverend Richard Townley - Report on the Concordat Rick reported on the failure of the Concordat to be passed by the Lutherans by six votes. There are efforts now to have a new document ready for consideration by the ELC soon with clearer language and a more user friendly approach. We have a huge task of education. The difference of ethos and culture must be bridged. Rick stated that the Concordat is all about Mission and the work of Grace. Lynn Collins - Coordinator of Black Ministries Lynn Collins, the new National Coordinator of Black Ministries, greeted us. Her job is to match ministries with the needs of the community. President's Report Steve expressed his disappointment that the Structure Committee of General Convention failed to offer any comments about Provinces or their work. Overall, General Convention was not supportive, providing neither financial support nor guidance. At the December meeting of the Presidents and Vice Presidents of the Province there were discussions - sharp, frank and angry - with the National Church Staff. The end result was a better understanding but still no funds to help with provincial youth coordinators. Steve further spoke of the concern to keep costs of provincial Synod as reasonable as possible. He suggested meeting regularly at a central site. He also reported the need to consider elections next year and stated his excitement about the possibilities of Province. Province is important for "people contact". May 15, 1998 The meeting came to order for Morning Prayer followed by a rousing chorus of Happy Birthday for Chancellor Rehill. The Nominating Committee placed the following names in nomination for the province II Court of Review: The Right Reverend Theodore Daniels John Wood Goldsack William Lorenz The Reverend George Brandt The Reverend James Brooks-McDonald The Reverend Joann White An unanimous ballot was cast by the Secretary. Report by Gwendolyn Carter - Treasurer Gwen presented the report on 1997 which report was accepted pending audit. The Dioceses of New Jersey and New York have not paid their assessments. Albany has not paid in full. The 1998 budget was approved as presented. The Reverend,John Rollins - Network Coordinator John reported that there are 17 Networks identified but 12 active within the Province. All 12 gathered yesterday to report. Communications remain a problem with dioceses failing to pass along information to the networks. Province II is one of the strongest in electronic communications and the only province with our own web site (www.ecusa.anglican.org/province-two). Jan Paxton - Report on the Grapevine Jan reported that the Grapevine is trying to be a model of communications for the Province. The main difficulty is getting the necessary cooperation. Jane indicated that she is trying to get the Grapevine on line. She needs to know f rom he Networks what they want on the web. Michael Rehill - Chancellor's Report Michael (a/k/a Lord of Mynooth) reported that he has served as a resource person to at least 5 dioceses. There is no report on any changes in the Provincial Ordinances. Executive Council - Ginny Sheay and Al Price Ginny reported the ongoing transition but also that the real work has begun. The Council has re-organized into 6 departments. 1. Administration and Finance 2. Communications 3. International and National Concerns 4. Planning and.Evaluation 5. Congregations in Ministry 6. Design Team and Agenda Ginny reported that the pace will pick up as we move toward General Convention 2000. Al Price agreed to be "Blessedly Brief". He reported that both Ginny and Al serve as liaison to human resources requiring monthly meetings at 815. Al further reported that the former Council for the Development of Ministry and the Board for Theological Education are now joined as the Standing Committee for Ministry Development. This new body is working to deal with some 234 General Convention resolutions requiring action. There will be overall revisions of Title III (Holy Orders) . Al suggested this work may not be ready for presentation at Denver. A new "theology of orders" is developing requiring ontological change as well as a redefinition of the priesthood. The Reverend Earl Koopercamp - Report on JPIC Earl reported on the active work of JPIC. He expressed concerns to serve others. He cited environmental and deindustrialization issues together with global peace and justice, anti-racism, economic justice and Jubilee Ministries. Joyce Hogg - Presiding Bishop's Fund Joyce reported on the active role and importance of the Presiding Bishop's fund. She urged any who had questions or wishes to help to contact her either at 815 or her home. Joyce also reported on the Haiti Initiative. Resolution to Study Issue of Provincial Executive Michael Rehlll moved for and the resolution passed for the creation of a Study Committee to consider issues relating to a Provincial Executive. The Committee will consist of two bishops, two priests, two deacons and two lay representatives. The Reverend Ralph Strohm - Courtesy Resolutions Ralph presented and the Synod passed resolutions of courtesy (a) greeting Bishop Van Duzer, Eighth Bishop of New Jersey (b) thanking the hotel and staff (c) congratulating Bishop Dennis on his upcoming retirement and thanking him for his generous participation in the life of Province II (d) thanking Gene Robinson for his presentation (e) thanking Bishop Doss and the Church in New Jersey f or their hospitality (f) separate resolutions congratulating Bishops Daniels, Herzog and Sisk on their elections. The Synod adopted Albany as the site of our 1999 Synod with the date to be determined. The Eucharist was celebrated at St. Augustine's Church in the City of Camden, as organized by the rectors of the Camden churches. John Wood Goldsack, Esq, Secretary --Return to top of document --Return to Province II Home Page