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MINUTES OF PROVINCIAL SYNOD
PROVINCE II
May 6 and 7, 1999
The Omni Hotel, Albany, NY
May 6 1999
Bishop Herzog extended warm greetings from the Diocese of Albany.
President Steve Lane spoke of the role of Provinces. He stated that we must clarify our understanding of what Provinces
are and what they do. We must get beyond haphazard communication. The role of Provinces should be addressed by
the Committee on Structure at General Convention. The Presiding Bishop has made no clear statement concerning the
role of provinces.
Steve thanked everyone for their support. He stressed that relying on all voluntary leadership is difficult and
there is real need for a Provincial Executive. Steve pointed out that Province has much potential and cited PYE
and JPIC as examples, of provincial success.
In response to Bishop Daniels, Steve outlined the four functions of Province:
- 1. Canonical - elect the ecclesiastical court of appeal
- 2. Communications and networking both within the Province and National Church;
- 3. Nurture and Support;
- 4. Those things peculiar to each province - e.g. VI and Haiti.
Steve pointed out that the Bishops of Province II have committed themselves to work harder to participate in
Provincial events over the next three years.
Treasurer - Gwen Carter distributed her reports and proposed budget. Except for New Jersey, most assessments were
paid. The budget line item for youth was increased from $8,000.00 to $10,000.00. The Grapevine expense of $3,100.00
was deemed well worth the investment.
Gwen's reports were received subject to audit.
Provincial Executive - The issue of a Provincial Executive has been under discussion for four (4) years. The committee
consisted of Steve Lane, Joyce Hogg, John Rollins and Dr. Hamlin together with Bishop Michel, Bishop Joslin and
the Rev. David Robinson. All work was done electronically with no funds needed for travel food or lodging.
The Rev. Barry Menuez of Christ Church, Poughkeepsie, presented his view on a Provincial Executive. He stressed
the need to define Province and its work with a sense of connectedness. He stated we would need to have a clear
job description. Discussion followed with concerns about financial issues, full time v. part time and upcoming
structure changes at General Convention.
Steve Lane said the life of a Province is a work in progress. Small discussion groups were then formed to discuss
the issue.
Following dinner, Steve Duggan and Sonia Francis greeted us from 815, Steve advised that the new budget would be
priority-based. Sonia stressed the need to help mission happen. She stressed that the Presiding Bishop was taking
time to review everything.
May 7, 1999
The morning's session opened with Morning Prayer lead by The Rev. James Brooks - McDonald.
Networks & Communications - John Rollins reported on his work with Web pages. He is working an a roster of
all provincial persons with e-mail. John also commended Mary Flad for her excellent job as meeting site locator.
Grapevine - Jan Paxton reported that each congregation within the Province receives a copy of the newsletter.
She requested that everyone with e-mail provide her with their e-mail address. Jan thanked everyone for their cooperation
and pointed out that deadlines must be respected.
Chancellor - The Hon. Michael Rehill thanked the Province for the honor of serving for six years. He expressed
his opinion that the Chancellor should serve at the pleasure of the Provincial President without the need to be
confirmed by the Synod.
Executive Council - Ginny Sheay and Al Price reported an their work. There will be a Youth Convention meeting concurrently
with General Convention. There will also be greater interchange with the ECW. The Presiding Bishop looks forward
to convention, providing time for reflection and community building.
The Executive Council is now organized into four distinct areas:
• Administration & Finance,
• Ministry,
• Communications,
• Planning and Evaluation.
There are liaisons from Executive Council appointed by Pam Chinnis and the Presiding Bishop to each of the interim
bodies. Other areas touched on were participation in anti-racism training, social responsibility in investment
with dioceses investing through the National Church and the Executive Council taking time for Bible sharing.
Ginny and Al firmly endorse viewing "A Rope of Hope" about the Presiding Bishop's Fund for World Relief
and aid following the devastation in Honduras.
Ginny pointed out the unique role of the Diocese of the Virgin Islands and Bishop Daniels. As the number one tourist
site in the world, it is a ministry of hospitality. Communications become critical and Glnny suggested that Province
11 support a down- link to the Virgin Islands and computers in every parish.
Committee on Ministry Development - The Rev. Jorge Gutierrez reported on the changing view of ministry. He stated
that General Convention will not be prepared to make changes to Title III but in Denver they should have a theological
statement in place which can be taken to all the Provinces and refined, Jorge that the SCMD now has broader responsibility
but 1/2 its prior budget
Ecumenical Officers - The Rev. Lynn Bleich Weber of the Diocese of Newark reported on the work with the ECLA and
work with Methodists and the AME Church.
Episcopal Church Wornen - Vicki Fitts reported that the Provincial ECW had met in the Diocese of Newark. There
focus was how to get younger working women involved.
Presiding Bishop's Fund for World Relief - Joyce Hogg reported on the prompt response to Honduras with PBF having
dollars available within twenty - four (24) hours of the disaster, The PBF plans to build 500 houses. Each will
have two bedrooms, inside plumbing and be built of cinder block with metal roofing. Joyce referred all of us to
the PBF web pages.
The motion to move forward with a paid Provincial Executive passed with minimal discussion.*
Treasurer - Gwen Carter presented the budget which was passed as amended.
Anti-Racism - Allister Rawlins proposed that an Anti-Racism network be established separate from JPIC.
Ordinances - The Rev. Joseph Jerome proposed that the ordinances be amended so that representatives from the Synod
House of Deputies to Provincial Council be permitted to serve two consecutive terms consistent with all other offices.
Meeting Site - It was agreed that we would continue to meet in the Albany area. Bishop Herzog said his was happy
to be helpful in any way.
John Wood Goldsack, Secretary
ELECTION RESULTS
President - The Rt. Rev. Jack M. McKelvey (R)
Vice President - Michael f. Rehill, Esq. (N)
Treasurer - Gwen Carter (NY)
Secretary - The Rev. John Rollins (N)
Clergy Representative to Executive Council - The Rev. Stephen T. Lane (R)
Chancellor - John Wood Goldsack (NJ)
Representatives to the Provincial Council:
Bishop: The Rt. Rev. Theodore Daniels (VI)
Clergy: The Rev. Rawle Belle (VI)
Lay: Joan Cupo (NY)
TEXT OF THE RESOLUTION
Be it resolved that the Provincial Council continue the development and refinement
of the job description for the position of part time Provincial Executive for Province II; and
Be it further resolved that the Council prepare specific budget recommendations,
including the identification of potential and existing revenue sources for funding the position; and
Be it further resolved, that the recommendations be brought to the Synod Meeting
of May, 2000.
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