Report on the 26th Annual Meeting of the Diocese of El Camino Real (Session 1)
On January 28, 2006, 147 lay delegates and 67 clergy representing 46 congregations gathered in Sherwood Hall in Salinas to conduct the business of this diocese.
The day began with the Holy Eucharist. The Rev. Brian Nordwick delivered a passionate sermon about making strides toward spiritual health, calling members of the diocese to return to the basics of Christianity: (1) action – living in response to God’s call; (2) commitment - to God; (3) discipline - in study; (4) obedience - in prayer; (5) sharing - our Christian walk with others; (6) accountability – to God and to each other. The sermon concluded with the statement, “TOGETHER with God we CAN, we ARE, we WILL. If we don’t work together, we will die separately.” The sermon is attached to this update or you can click on the following ECR web link: http://www.ecrweb.org/DC2006A.html.
The meeting was then called to order by Bishop Sylvestre Romero.
Report from the Joint Leaders’ Group: A resolution at Convention in January 2005 called for the major bodies of the diocese to study funding methods, and report back to Convention in January 2006, with a recommendation. The Diocesan Funding Review Committee (DFRC) was appointed by the Joint Leaders (members of the Standing Committee, Diocesan Council, and Corporation Board) to study funding alternatives. After months of diligent research, the DFRC reported the results of its study, recommending the adoption of a “Ten-Plus” funding plan for the diocese. The Joint Leaders then met several times to review the DFRC Report and arrived at their own recommendation. Ms. Ann Wright, president of the Standing Committee, introduced the Joint Leaders’ Report to Convention. She explained that the Joint Leaders are in agreement that the Fair Share formula must be revised – but also believe that while the diocese is still in the process of examining its vision and structure, there can be no definitive agreement on what should or should not be funded, or how. The Rev. David Breuer, member of the Corporation Board, continued the presentation by offering some historical perspective on the current funding model. Ms. Diane Lovelace, chair of Diocesan Council, spoke next about healthy congregations and supportive diocesan programs, including evangelism, in-reach, and outreach. The Rev. Vincent Raj of Diocesan Council concluded the presentation by reflecting on vision being like a mustard seed – sprouting and growing – signifying new birth. The Joint Leaders recommended that Convention defer a decision on funding, voting “no” on all current funding resolutions, until a diocesan vision has been agreed upon and structure revisions have been accepted. After some debate, the resolution on “Ten-Plus” was tabled until the second session of Convention in October.
Report from the Joint Process Committee: The Joint Process Committee recommended that the “waiting period” - in place since the resignation of Bishop Shimpfky in 2004 - be concluded, and that the diocese now begin its search for the next Bishop of El Camino Real. Delegates agreed that the search process will now begin. It is expected that a special Convention may be convened in February or March of 2007 to elect the new bishop.
2006 Budget: There was discussion/debate about the stewardship funding line item in the proposed budget. Amendments were offered and discussed at length, but none were adopted. The budget passed without changes and without further discussion. The full Narrative Budget for 2006, including details of the stewardship program, can be found on the diocesan web site, www.ecrweb.org.
Resolutions (Full text of all resolutions can be found on the diocesan web site):
#1 - Pay Parity for Clergy and Lay Employees - tabled until October.
Study needs to be done on the financial impact of this resolution.
#2 - The Martyrs of the Sudan – passed
The Diocese of El Camino Real recommends … the inclusion of the Feast of the Martyrs of the Sudan in the calendar of the Episcopal Church… and … that this diocese seek ways to support the rebuilding of the church and society of the Sudan…
#3 - Holy Habits – passed
As Christian stewards and leaders of the Episcopal Church, we affirm that we are tithing, or have adopted a plan to work toward tithing as a minimum standard for our giving; and that, if we are not already doing so, we are committed to give priority to corporate worship, personal daily prayer and study, and Sabbath time in our own lives; and we invite all members of the Episcopal Church to join us in these holy habits; and…we commit ourselves to present this declaration to our vestries for adoption and signature, and in turn to the people of our parishes, missions, and university centers.
#4 - Proposed Fair Share Formula Change - withdrawn
#5 - 10% Plus Fair Share - tabled until October.
Study needs to be done to make sure the funding formula is in line with the diocesan vision and structure.
Ballot Results – newly elected diocesan leaders:
Secretary - Ms. Denise Chouinard
Treasurer - Mr. Edgar Markham
Directors of Corporation – Ms. Elizabeth Gonzalez, the Rev. William Kelly
Diocesan Council
Clergy - the Revs. Susan Miller and Nayan McNeill
Lay - Ms. Nancy Bowker, Mr. George Lockwood, Ms. Pat Williams
DIEM - Ms. Barbara George, Ms. Carole Morris, Ms. Laura Learned, Mr. Tedd Parske,
Mr. Forrest Huff, Ms. Sara Cook, Ms. Janice Martin, the Rev. Lance Beizer
Standing Committee
Clergy - the Rev. Keith Johnson
Lay - Mr. Jerry Witherspoon
Commission on Ministry
Clergy - the Rev. Mario Hauttecouer
Lay - Ms. Joanna Shreve, Ms. Margaret Clark
Ecclesiastical Trial Court
Clergy - the Rev. Mary Lou McKenney
Lay - Mr. Jay Armstead
Diocesan Review Committee
Clergy - the Revs. Patricia Barrett, Arnold Hedlund, Karen Siegfried
Lay - Ms. Michelle Welsh, Ms. Mary Ann Gee
Session 2 of the 26th Convention will meet in San Luis Obispo on October 21, 2006.
