The Constitution and Canons Committee has consistently continued its
work since the Convention last convened. As a result of that work, we
bring back to you the Constitution for its second vote and also bring
to you six new Resolutions. You may recall, the Resolutions presented
at Convention 2000 included proposed amendments to the Constitution.
Under present Article XII, the Constitution may be amended only upon
the amendment being assented to by a majority of the members in Convention
and then be adopted by two-thirds of the members present at the succeeding
Convention. Therefore, we have for consideration at this Convention
whether the proposed amendments will be approved by two-thirds of the
members here present. The proposed changes are contained in eleven separate
Resolutions.
After discussion with and upon the advice of Bishops vonRosenberg and
Sanders, Resolution 6 is being withdrawn. The Constitution and Canons
Committee proposes the remaining Resolutions be voted on collectively
unless it is the desire of Convention that the Resolutions addressing
amendments to the Constitution be voted upon separately.
The Resolutions proposing amendments to the Constitution are proposed
by the Constitution and Canons Committee with the concurrence of Bishop
vonRosenberg. Additionally, the Constitution and Canons Committee brings
to you four Canons with nominal or no substantive changes and two with
more substantive changes for consideration.
We had expected to have the entire body of Canons revised and before
you for consideration. However, an analysis of the Canons demonstrates
much thought and reflection concerning the direction of this Diocese
is necessary before the Canons can be amended. The Committee has consulted
with the Bishop and numerous individuals in the Diocese familiar with
the issues.
It is the feeling of the Committee it would not be appropriate for
the Committee to propose policy in some of the areas in which the Canons
may need revision. Therefore, with the recognition that much thought
and care must go into the policy decisions to be made before the Canons
can be revised, we do not have the Canons in their entirety before you
for consideration.
Over the next year, the Committee will endeavor to complete revisions
to the remaining Canons. You do have in your packets certain portions
of the minutes of the last meeting of the Constitution and Canons Committee,
which portions of the Canons the Committee anticipates will need only
editorial changes and those which need substantive changes. The Committee
would appreciate any input you may have over the next year to assist
in our addressing these issues.
Hearings will be held at 11:00 a.m. at the Riverview Room. The Committee
invites any of you who wish to give input or engage in discussion concerning
the Resolutions upon which a vote will be taken this afternoon to join
us at that time and place.
Respectfully submitted by the Hon. Marie Williams, Chair