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The 177th Convention of the Diocese of Michigan was held Oct 28-29, 2011 at the Lansing Center & Radisson Hotel in Lansing, MI. The 178th Convention will take place Oct. 26-27, 2012, also in Lansing.

Click here to download a copy of the Bishop's Annual Address

Resolutions Passed at 177^th Diocesan Convention Oct. 28-29, 2011 and Election Results

 

Resolutions:

#1: Continued Commitment to MDGs as a Mission Priority

Originator: Bonnie Anderson, All Saints, Pontiac

Resolved: that the Diocese of Michigan affirms its commitment to the Millennium Development Goals as a primary mission priority of The Episcopal Church through 2015 and pledges to continue efforts in pursuit of achievement of these goals by 2015.

Resolved: that the Diocese of Michigan, requests that the 77th General Convention include in the 2013-2015 General Convention Budget, a line item of no less than 0.7% of the non-government revenue of the Episcopal Church to support the Millennium Development Goals; and that this 0.7% commitment be a visible and prophetic act of leadership in fighting global poverty.

Resolved: that the funds from the 0.7% line item be contributed to a campaign for the triennium 2013-2015 to be led and administered by Episcopal Relief & Development in support of its programs that are working to achieve the Millennium Development Goals.

Resolved: that this 177th Convention of the Diocese of Michigan instruct the Convention Secretary to provide this resolution to the Secretary of The General Convention in appropriate resolution form so that it may be considered by the 77th General Convention of The Episcopal Church in Indianapolis, July 2012.

Rationale/Explanation

The Episcopal Church has been a leader among communities of faith, nationally and globally, in calling attention to the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) as one way of responding to God's mission of reconciliation. Countless individual Episcopalians, as well as Episcopal parishes and dioceses, have taken up the challenge to meet the MDGs by contributing 0.7% of their annual income to international development as commended by 1998 Lambeth Conference Resolution I.15 and General Convention resolutions 2003-D066, 2006-D022 and 2009-D016. It is important for the Episcopal Church to provide continued leadership through 2015, which marks the date by which the MDGs are to be met.

Passed

 

#2: Support for expanded mission initiatives in provinces, dioceses and congregations

Originator: Bonnie Anderson, All Saints, Pontiac

Resolved: that the Episcopal Diocese of Michigan requests the 77th General Convention to consider the following resolution: “Resolved, the House concurring, That the 77^th General Convention urge the Joint Standing Committee on Program, Budget and Finance present a new triennial funding formula for consideration by General Convention, that increases the “deductible amount:” allowed by each diocese and reduces the diocesan apportionment (askings) in order to allow more monies to remain at the provincial, diocesan and congregational levels where they can support robust, diverse, extensive and local mission initiatives that will help God’s Episcopal Church thrive in the 21st century.

Rationale/Explanation

The Episcopal Church, like most other denominations, is adapting too slowly to new ways of proclaiming the Gospel to a fast-changing population driven by experiences and values far different from those of earlier generations. To speed our adaptation in this time of social and cultural opportunity and upheaval, we must empower and support local ministry initiatives that can be quickly conceived, executed, evaluated and shared with the wider church. At the same time, we recognize that successful local initiatives may depend on support from the diocesan, provincial and Episcopal Church Center levels, and on able facilitation of communication and resource sharing.

In addition to cultivating and supporting local initiative in mission, the Episcopal Church must be mindful of local realities when setting church wide financial and administrative standards, particularly those that require dioceses and congregations to assume new costs.

Passed

 

#3: Proposed Resolution concerning cooperation and sharing of resources by the dioceses of the Episcopal Church in the State of Michigan in connection with the implementation of Title IV

Originator: The Rt. Rev. Wendell N. Gibbs, Jr.

Resolved: that the 177th Convention of the Diocese of Michigan encourages and supports cooperation and the sharing of resources with other Dioceses of The Episcopal Church in the State of Michigan with respect to the implementation of Title IV of the Canons of The Episcopal Church.

Resolved: that the Diocesan Chancellor and the Committee on Constitution and Canons be charged with the task of working together with their counterparts in other Dioceses of The Episcopal Church in the State of Michigan to determine ways in which such Dioceses may appropriately cooperate and share resources with respect to the implementation of Title IV of the Canons of The Episcopal Church.

Resolved: that the Committee on Constitution and Canons, working together with their counterparts in Other Dioceses of The Episcopal Church in the State of Michigan, propose changes to the Canons, consistent with changes to the Canons of other Dioceses of The Episcopal Church in the State of Michigan, that would implement appropriate means of cooperating and sharing resources with regard to Title IV of the Canons of The Episcopal Church.

Passed

 

#4: Expression of Thanks

Originator: Ann Larimore, The Rev. Ellis Clifton, The Rev. Charles Swinehart, Covenant 5

Resolved: that the 177th Annual Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of Michigan accept the gratitude of its social-service and social-advocacy ministries for past and present Diocesan financial support.

Resolved: that the Episcopal Diocese of Michigan attempt in every possible way to find means of increasing funding to the above-mentioned agencies in these times of economic stress, which most directly and adversely affect the poor and other underserved individuals and groups.

Rational/Explanation
We are called to minister selflessly to the poor, the despised, and the outcast. May we be moved to work for the day when every human right is distributed and enjoyed universally and equitably, without fear or favor, in liberty and justice for all.

Passed

 

#5: Addressing Michigan’s Economic Crisis

Originator: Covenant 5, Jim Toy, Secretary

Resolved: that the Episcopal Diocese of Michigan urge Diocesan Council to facilitate during one or more Council meetings a discussion open to all, of how we, as Episcopalian Christians, will respond out of our Anglican identity to address the worsening socio-economic conditions in the State of Michigan.

Resolved: that Diocesan Council provides guidance in this matter to deaneries and parishes.

Resolved: that there be created, a way by which such means as Diocesan Council or other entity may find appropriate, e.g. a blue-ribbon commission, and/or task forces and public hearings, for parishes and all Christians to engage in, in order to carry forward this work of the Gospel.

Resolved: that Diocesan Council be urged to take the lead in forming an alliance of faith communities to work for the substance of this Resolution.

Rationale/Explanation

The economic crisis has lessened our ability to respond to individual and community need. The statewide, national, and global economic crisis has impacted the general operating monies of our diocese and parishes.

Constraints on our social-justice ministries are increasing, while calls for their services are exponentially increasing.

A blue-ribbon commission could appoint task forces and arrange public hearings.

Passed as Amended

 

#6: Diocesan Funding for the Justice and Peace Advocacy Ministries

Withdrawn due to passage of budget

 

#7: A resolution authorizing the solicitation of financial support for the Justice and

Peace Advocacy and Social Service Support Ministries of the Diocese of Michigan

Originators: The Rev. Charles H. Swinehart, Jr., The Rev. Ellis Clifton

Resolved: that in recognition of the stated Diocesan Mission and Ministry Commitment to Justice, Peace, and Diversity, the 177th Annual Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of Michigan authorizes the Justice and Peace Advocacy Ministries and Social Service Support Ministries to solicit funds from the governing bodies of recognized congregations and individual members of congregations in support of the following ministries:

SOCIAL SERVICE SUPPORT MINISTRIES: JUSTICE AND PEACE ADVOCACY MINISTRIES:

Rationale/Explanation

Support to meaningful and needed Christian ministry occurs at several levels from the largest possible gathering to the individual. This resolution would allow the Justice and Peace Advocacy Ministries and Social Service Support Ministries to engage in solicitation for support at several levels should the adopted budget support prove insufficient for their respective ministries to operate. In these times of difficult diocesan cuts, ministries of public witness should not be discontinued or rendered ineffective. The ministries that are permitted and encouraged to raise funds will do so to strengthen the ministries so that the witness of the Church may grow; and so that support to those in greatest need and the most marginalized will continue.

The Scriptures, the Baptismal Covenant, the Canons of General Convention and Title V, Section 5.4 of our Diocesan Canons affirm that all members of the Church share in the servant-hood ministry of our Lord Jesus Christ, and support the ministry of all baptized persons. Striving for justice and peace and loving and serving our neighbors are foundational, and we have, individually and as the Body of Christ, the responsibility to keep this covenant.

Passed as Amended

 

#8: Diocesan Funding for the Social Service Support Ministries of the Diocese of Michigan

Originators: Charles H. Swinehart, Jr., Ellis Clifton, Covenant 5

Resolved: that after disbanding CESA and not funding or reconstituting the Episcopal Community Services, and three more budget years having passed without Council or Convention establishing a new way of supporting and funding “hands-on” ministry, Convention in passing this resolution, directs Council and urges the Diocese as a whole to renew its efforts to increase support for the “hands-on” ministries in next year’s budget and the budgets that follow, so that our witness may be ever more viable and growing.

Passed as Amended

 

#9 Opposing State and Local Budget Cuts That Target the Poor

Passed as Amended

 

Election Results

Cathedral Chapter:

Lay

James Garrett 111

Jenny Ritter 166 Elected*

 

Clergy

The Rev. Janis Stevenson 239 Elected*

 

Commission on Ministry

1^st Ballot

Lay

Sue Carpenter 129

Patricia Nielson 56

Peter Trumbore 86

2^nd Ballot 132 needed to elect

Carpenter 180 Elected*

Trumbore 83

 

Clergy

The Rev. John Franklin 91

The Rev. Jeanne Hansknecht 187 Elected*

 

Disciplinary Board

Lay

Eric Travis 111

Tim Wittlinger 170 Elected*

 

Clergy

The Rev. Susan Vandercook 262 Elected*

 

Standing Committee

Lay
Shelley Zalewski 253 Elected*

 

Clergy

The Very Rev. Dr. W. Richard Hamlin 259 Elected*

 

Trustees

Lay  

Andrew Anyanonu 177 Elected*

Carol Bennett 113  

Louis J. Clark 99

Marie Donigan 183 Elected*

Tamika Hamilton 114 Elected*

Joanne Heaton 111

Craig G..Peterson 58

Tom Post 156 Elected*

 

Clergy

The Rev. William T. Roberts 141 Elected*

The Rev. Ross Vandercook 137

 

Provincial Synod

Lay  

Bonnie Anderson   168 Elected*

Lizzie Anderson 67

Denise Crenshaw 111 Elected*

Cedric Flounory 92

Pete Ross 109 Elected*  

 

Clergy          

1^st Ballot 142 needed to elect

Barbara Cavin 62

Richard Hamlin 114

Thalia Johnson 107

 

2^nd Ballot 134 needed to elect

Richard Hamlin 131

Thalia Johnson 135 Elected*

 

In the Episcopal Church, all church members play a role in our governance, from decisions in parish life to our highest policy-making body, the General Convention. Lay and ordained people, in concert with the church's bishops, share the responsibilities of oversight and legislation.

In the Diocese of Michigan the Bishop, elected by Convention, is the head of the Diocese and its Ecclesiastical Authority. He oversees and guides it in combination with the Convention, the Standing Committee and the Diocesan Council. The rules and by-laws governing the Diocese are known as the Diocesan Constitution and Canons.

THE DUTIES OF THE DEAN
As of March 3, 2011

CLICK HERE to download this document

The Ecclesiastical Authority shall appoint, with approval by a vote of a majority at the Deanery’s Caucus of the Members of Convention present and voting representing the constituent congregations of the Deanery, a Dean for each Deanery. Deans shall be appointed for a three(3) year term, and may not be re-appointed until one year has elapsed following the term. Vacancies in the office of Dean shall be filled between Caucus by the Ecclesiastical Authority. Deans shall perform such duties as are set forth by the Ecclesiastical Authority, and shall act in consultation with members of the clergy and governing bodies of the recognized congregations in the Deanery. Canon 2.3.1.2.1 lines 682-686

Election, accountability and summary of duties:

Responsibility of Members of the Deanery - At the time of the Annual Pre-Convention Caucus each Deanery, as needed, through the members of convention representing their constituent congregations, shall nominate at least two people for the position of Dean.

The Bishop - The nominations will be submitted to the Ecclesiastical Authority who, with the advice of the Standing Committee (Canon 2.1.3.3) shall appoint a Dean for each Deanery. For the maintenance of good relationship between the Ecclesiastical Authority and the congregations of the Deanery and for the purposes of educating congregations, the Bishop shall acknowledge the appointed Dean’s Vestry or Bishop’s Committee of the appointment and provide an outline of the duties of the Dean as appropriate.

The Dean – The Dean carries out his/her duties as outlined in Canon 2.3.1.2.1 – 2.3.1.2.4. The Dean is accountable to the Bishop. The Dean represents the Bishop to the Deanery and the Deanery to the Bishop. The Dean should provide a report to the Deanery at each meeting detailing his/her official activities since the last prior meeting, and any pastoral needs or concerns of which the community should be aware. If a Deanery is one that has not been meeting more than once a year, the Dean has the responsibility to provide the above information through some other means, to the congregations under their care.

The Duties of the Dean

A. PASTORAL CARE (The Dean is an administrative, communications, liturgical extension of the Bishop and these duties are seen as having pastoral implications)

1. Serve as a pastor, as needed. Promptly notify the Bishop of major crises (ie. death, serious illness or accident) directly affecting Deanery clergy and lay leaders, members of their families and spouses of deceased clergy, and to encourage the people of the Deanery to advise the Dean of such pastoral emergencies, including when an emergency arises where a congregation’s clergy is unable to conduct Sunday services.
2. In coordination with Diocesan Staff, oversee welcoming and incorporating clergy new to the Diocese into the lives of the Deanery, Clericus, and Diocese; and to provide appropriate opportunities for closure when clergy leave the Deanery.
3. Deans should be available to the Bishop if he chooses to call upon them for support and prayer.
4. If possible be pastorally present for congregations and in support of Diocesan staff when hard decisions must be made with regards to the life of a congregation in the Deanery. If possible, to be present for other congregational celebrations.

 

B. COMMUNICATION (The intention of the administrative duties of the Dean is to ensure communication between the Bishop, Diocesan Offices and Programs, Deaneries, Vestries, and Clergy within a Deanery)

1. In cooperation with Clericus to develop and maintain a Deanery telephone and e-mail network to be used for passing urgent information in a timely manner. For congregations who have only part-time clergy, an interim, or are mutual ministry or total ministry congregations the telephone and e-mail network should include the Senior Warden. The list should also include the representatives to Diocesan Council.
2. Regularly report and interpret transition and diocesan information affecting the Deanery to the the clergy and congregations of that deanery.
3. At the request of the Bishop, and in continuing communication with the Bishop’s office, assist congregations of the Deanery which are in difficult or changing circumstances.
4. Report to and meet with the Bishop at least quarterly through the months of Sept.- June. The purpose of these meetings should be for support, communication, guidance, direction, and fellowship shared between the Bishop and the Deans who represent the congregations under their care.

 

C. ADMINISTRATIVE

1. Schedule and attend regular Clericus meetings
2. Work with Clericus schedule and attend programs/meetings prepared for the Deanery.
3. Attend Dean’s meetings as scheduled.
4. Keep track of programs and events throughout the Diocese and in Dean’s particular Deanery, make clergy and congregations aware and encourage congregations in the Deanery to attend.
5. Remind and encourage congregations of Deanery to have annual financial audits and attend required leadership training programs, continuing educational units for clergy and laity.
6. Encourage Educational program and/or Outreach and resources showing opportunities that will build up the relationship among congregations.
7. Deans serve as the nominations committee for the Diocesan Convention, working with clergy and congregations to inform them of vacancies in various offices within the Diocese, and encourage lay and clergy leadership to run for such vacancies.

 

D. LITURGICAL

1. Once a year the Deanery (or group of Deaneries) will host a Confirmation Service. The Dean is in responsible for with working with the Bishop to choose a date for Confirmation, finding a host congregation, working with that congregation on the liturgy for the service, and keeping the bishop informed, if possible.
2. As Renewal of Ministry Services arise it is appropriate for the Dean to be involved as a minister in the service ie: presenting a book of Canons or some token of the Deanery’s welcome, during service.
3. Providing a small sacred moment of liturgical space for Clericus meetings

The rules and by-laws that govern our diocese are known as its Constitution and Canons. The Constitution is a relatively brief document which establishes the overall framework of our governance. The Canons fill out those rules in more specific detail. They are available here in their entirety.

THE TABLE OF CONTENTS OF THE CONSTITUTION AND CANONS OF THE DIOCESE OF MICHIGAN. As amended through the 175th Convention of the Diocese of Michigan.

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THE CONSTITUTION OF THE DIOCESE OF MICHIGAN. As amended through the 175th Convention of the Diocese of Michigan.

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THE CANONS OF THE DIOCESE OF MICHIGAN. As Adopted at the 170th Convention and as amended through the 175th Convention of the Diocese of Michigan.

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THE CONSTITUTION AND CANONS OF THE EPISCOPAL CHURCH.  As amended through the 75th Convention of the Episcopal Church.

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