Diocese of New Jersey | 225th Diocesan Convention

The Bishop's Address
Elections
Resolutions Passed
Convention agenda (PDF)
Workshops offered (PDF)
Rules of Order (PDF)
Bishop's appointments (PDF)
Resolutions: final report (PDF)
Darfur committee report (PDF)
Urban ministry report (PDF)
Insurance committee report (PDF)
Loan and grant committee report (PDF)

Financial Statements as of 31 December 2007 (PDF)
Aged and Infirm Clergy Fund as of 31 December 2007 and 31 December 2008 (PDF)
Widow and Widowers Fund as of 31 December 2007 and 31 December 2008 (PDF)
Fair Share Report: 2009 and 2010 (PDF)
Report of the Diocesan Loan & Grant Funds for the Five Year Period of January 1, 2004 through December 31, 2008 (PDF) Added September 2009

Statistics 1: Transfers into and out of the Diocese of New Jersey (PDF)
Statistics II: Official acts (PDF)
Statistics III: Necrology (PDF)

Minutes

Before Convention:

Documents and mailings

Resolutions Passed at the 2009 Convention of the Diocese of New Jersey

The following resolutions were passed at the 225th Annual Convention of the Diocese of New Jersey held in Wildwood, New Jersey on February 27–28, 2009. An amendment from the floor to Proposed Resolution 2009-2 as contained in the Final Report of the Committee on Resolutions was accepted by representatives of the proponents, and it was passed as so amended in the form contained in this report. Proposed Resolution 2009-6/7 was referred by the President of Convention to the Finance and Budget Committee of the Diocese, to report back to the 226th Annual Convention. The Statements in Support by the proposers are omitted here but can be found in the Final Report of the Committee, Document 38; "Explanations" that are part of the text of Resolutions to be proposed by the Diocese to the General Convention of.The Episcopal Church are included.

The following texts are subject to correction by the Committee on Validation of the Minutes, as provided in Canon 6 of the Diocese of New Jersey.

Respectfully submitted,
Paul Ambos, Esq., Chair
Committee on Resolutions

RESOLUTION 2009-1:

Subject: 2009 General Convention Support of Seminarians

Be It Resolved, That the Convention of the Diocese of New Jersey join with its Deputies to General Convention in submitting the following resolution for consideration at the 76th General Convention of the Episcopal Church to be held in Anaheim, California, in July 2009:

TITLE: Financial Support for Seminarians

Resolved, the House of ____________ concurring, That the 76th General Convention request the Joint Standing Committee on Program, Budget and Finance provide funding for the next triennium to underwrite the mounting costs of theological education by providing needs-based scholarships for Episcopal Seminarians; and be it further

Resolved, That said funds be administered and distributed to needy seminarians through the existing Scholarship Program of the Society for the Increase of the Ministry (SIM), said Society having an established record of 151 years of experience in administering scholarship grants to Episcopal seminarians; and be it further

Resolved, That the General Convention direct SIM to report annually to the Executive Council on this work and its effectiveness in meeting the needs of the future ordained leaders of this Church and that the Executive Council, in turn, provide a full report to the 77th General Convention; and be it further

Resolved, That the General Convention request the Joint Standing Committee on Program, Budget and Finance to consider a budget allocation in the amounts of $100,000 in year one, $150,000 in year two and $200,000 in year three for the implementation of this resolution.

EXPLANATION:
The cost of three years of seminary can range from $51,000 to over $100,000, depending upon family circumstances and one's choice of seminaries. About half of our seminarians struggle under the burden of debt, most of which is educational debt. The Society for the Increase of the Ministry reported in autumn 2007 that some 42% of the graduating 2008 will have incurred an estimated indebtedness of $62,000, which will amount to about $12,000 per year against a median postgraduation income of $45,500. SIM also reports a declining enrollment of students in the Master of Divinity degree programs at Episcopal seminaries (a decrease of 25% over the last three academic years) reportedly related to the level of incurred student indebtedness. The high cost of seminary education and the threat of debilitating debt limits diversity among our seminary student bodies and limits the placement opportunities for ordinands to those congregations which pay better than others. This funding schedule is intended to bring the support from the General Convention budget to a level matching the annual grants committed by SIM ($225,000 for the academic year 2008-09).

RESOLUTION 2009-2:

Subject: Liturgical Creation Cycle of the Pentecost Season

Be it Resolved, That the 225th Annual Convention of the Diocese of New Jersey commend to the diocese and congregations the optional celebration of a liturgical Creation Cycle of the Pentecost Season from St. Francis’ Day to Advent, for the purpose of affirming the sacredness of God’s creation, of spreading hope about God’s reconciling work in creation, and of an understanding of environmental stewardship and ecological justice; and be it

Further Resolved, That the Diocesan Convention propose the following resolution to the General Convention of the Episcopal Church meeting in 2009:

TITLE: Creation Cycle of the Pentecost Season

Resolved, the House of __________________ concurring, That the 76th General Convention establish a liturgical Creation Cycle of the Pentecost Season from St. Francis’ Day to Advent, for the purpose of affirming the sacredness of God’s creation, of spreading hope about God’s reconciling work in creation and an understanding of environmental stewardship and ecological justice; and be it further

Resolved, That the General Convention direct the Standing Commission on Liturgy and Music to develop prayers and other liturgical materials celebrating a Pentecost Season Creation Cycle for inclusion in the next edition of the Book of Occasional Services and that it report its work to the 77th General Convention.

EXPLANATION:
God the Creator has made the universe with all its marvelous order, its atoms, planets, galaxies, and the Earth with its infinite complexity of living creatures. Our Gracious God has filled all living creatures with plenteousness and generativity and has blessed human beings with the task of the stewardship of the creation upon Earth.

Traditional Anglicanism has observed the beauty of the Creation over the centuries by celebrating the octave of Rogation, and has commended this practice in its foundational documents and continuing liturgical traditions. Since 1991, many Episcopal Churches in the United States have celebrated a "Creation Cycle of the Pentecost Season" to honor God the Creator with worship, music and praise for these gifts of life. This practice has spread to churches and cathedrals in the Episcopal Church, and also to Australia where it has become a national religious observance.

In June of 2008, the Archbishop of Canterbury, Rowan Williams, joined ecumenical leaders in England in calling for the celebrating of a liturgical period annually in all churches of the United Kingdom to "be dedicated to prayer for the protection of Creation and the promotion of sustainable lifestyles that reverse our contribution to climate change."

In affirming the Creation Cycle of the Pentecost Season, the Episcopal Church would be taking leadership in the Anglican Communion in the promotion of this important liturgical innovation.

RESOLUTION 2009-4:

Subject: The Merciful and Humane Treatment of God’s Creatures

Be It Resolved, That the 225th Annual Convention of the Diocese of New Jersey support the humane and merciful treatment of all of God’s Creatures, with specific concern as to (a) actions that can lead to the extinction of species of animals in the wild and (b) housing and treatment of domestic animals that are grown for our food; and be it

Further Resolved, That the Diocese direct the Environmental Commission to provide information to educate our parishes about decisions that would affect the lives and health of the most vulnerable of animal life; and be it

Further Resolved, That each congregation be encouraged to refer this resolution to their outreach committee or other such venue in order to educate and disseminate information to their members and encourage environmentally friendly actions.

RESOLUTION 2009-5

Subject: Environmental Justice

Be It Resolved, That the 225th Annual Convention of the Diocese of New Jersey support an environmentally just treatment of all in God’s Creation, especially children, indigenous peoples, and the economically marginalized; and be it

Further Resolved, That the Diocese direct the Environmental Commission to provide information to educate our parishes about decisions that would affect the lives and health of all of us and disproportionately the most vulnerable persons in our society; and be it

Further Resolved, That each congregation be encouraged to refer this resolution to their outreach committee or other such venue in order to educate and disseminate information to their members and encourage environmentally just actions.

RESOLUTION 2009-8:

Subject: 2009 General Convention Affirmation of Canonical Process

Be It Resolved, That the 225th Annual Convention of the Diocese of New Jersey submit the following resolution for consideration at the 76th General Convention of the Episcopal Church to be held in Anaheim, California, in July 2009:

TITLE: Affirming the Canonical Process

Resolved, the House of ____________ concurring, That the 76th General Convention affirm the canonical commitment to full access by members of this Church to the discernment process for any ministry, lay or ordained (Canon III.1.2–3), and be it further

Resolved, That this Convention affirm the existing canonical process for the election, consents, and ordination of a bishop in this Church, in which the Christ-centered manner of life of candidates and, later, bishops-elect is tested by the theological, moral, and psychological concerns of this Church, understanding that determination of the appropriateness of such election and subsequent consents and ordination includes concerns for the challenges such election may present to members of this church or of other churches in the Anglican Communion, and be it further

Resolved, That this Convention continue its pledge to engage in a process of healing and reconciliation with member churches of the Anglican Communion who have declared themselves in a state of impaired communion with this Church, and be it further

Resolved, That the content of this resolution supersede the content of Resolution B033 of the 75th General Convention.

EXPLANATION:
The existing canons of The Episcopal Church are intended to be comprehensive and contain all processes and provisions that are to be used for the discernment of vocation for the episcopate. The canons have no restrictions on non-celibate gay and lesbian persons and specifically prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation. Therefore B033 contradicts these canons by imposing an extra-canonical restraint (cf. Title III, Canon 11 and Title III, Canon 1, Section 2). Resolutions such as B033 and its extra-canonical restraints are non-binding; resolutions are strong recommendations. A recommendation that is in conflict with a canon does not require compliance and needs to be rescinded in order that it does not offer opportunity and justification for those seeking to act outside canon law.

The Bishop's Address

'My dear friends in Christ, I have been to the mountain top. On Monday morning, November 10, 2008. . . ' Read it all here.

DOCUMENTS

Resolutions: supporting documents
Choose the resolution that interests you and download supporting PDF documents.

Resolution 2009-2: Liturgical Creation Cycle of the Pentecost Season
Resolution 2009-4: The Merciful and Humane Treatment of God's Creatures
Resolution 2009-5: Environmental Justice

Pre-Convention hearings (past)
All are invited to the pre-convention hearings. The hearings offer a time for deputies to ask questions and discuss the issues. Representation will be present from the Finance and Budget, Resolutions, Constitution and Canons, and Board of Missions Committees. Four hearings will be offered from 7 p.m. until 9 p.m. in February 2009. Download the dates and directions, plus representatives and agenda.

February 3: St. James' Church, Long Branch
February 5: Grace Church, Haddonfield
February 9: Church of the Holy Spirit, Tuckerton
February 11: St. John's Church, Somerville

Mailing 4 (late January, Financial Reports)

Mailing 4 Cover Letter

Exhibit I Budgets: Revised Preliminary 2009, Proposed 2010 (PDF)
Exhibit I Treasurer's Report, 2009-2010 Finance & Budget (PDF)
Exhibit II Fair Share Reports 2009 and 2010 (PDF)
Exhibit III-1 Catalog of Funds Report, Dec 2008 (PDF)
Exhibit III Catalog of Funds Report, Dec 2007 (PDF)
Exhibit IV Budget Report 2008 (PDF)
Exhibit V Fair Share Reports, 2008 (PDF)
Doc 7A Proposed Amendment to Article II, Section 2 (PDF)
Doc 7B Supplementary Report, Standing Committee on Constitution and Canons (PDF)
Chair Flyer - Trinity Cathedral (PDF)
Doc 8 Registrar's Report (PDF)
Doc 18 Commission on Ministry (PDF)
Doc 18A Committee on the Priesthood (PDF)
Doc 18B Committee on the Diaconate (PDF)
Doc 18C Committee on Lifelong Christian Formation (PDF)
Doc 18D Ministry Institute (PDF)
Doc 19 Anti-Racism Committee (PDF)
Doc 20 Right Onward Committee (PDF)
Doc 21 Environmental Commission (PDF)
Doc 23 Commission on Ministry with the Disabled (PDF)
Doc 24 Committee on Resolutions (PDF)
Doc 25 Migrant Ministry (PDF)
Doc 26 Audit Committee (PDF)
Doc 27 Diocesan Council (PDF)
Doc 28 Reflections, Dean of Trinity Cathedral (PDF)
Doc 29 Canonical List of Churches (PDF)
Doc 30 Canonical List of Clergy (PDF)
Doc 31 Historiographer (PDF)
Doc 32 Trinity Cathedral (PDF)
Doc 33 and 33A Diocesan Investment Trust (PDF)
Doc 34 Union of Black Episcopalians (PDF)

Mailing 3 (mid-January, Committee Reports)

Mailing 3 Cover Letter

Doc 1 Nominating Committee (PDF)
Doc 2 Standing Committee (PDF)
Doc 3 Youth Report (PDF)
Doc 4 Companion Diocese Committee (PDF)
Doc 5 Recovery Ministries (PDF)
Doc 6 Special Resolution (PDF)
Doc 7 Standing Committee on Constitution and Canons (PDF)
Doc 8 Registrar's Report (PDF)
Doc 9 Diocesan Altar Guild (PDF)
Doc 10 Standing Committee on Clerical Compensation
Committee Report (PDF)
Congregation Level Classifications (PDF)
Mandatory Minimum Cash Salaries (PDF)
Sabbatical Leave Policy - Draft 4 (PDF)
Doc 11 Committee on Congregational Development (PDF)
Doc 12 Education for Ministry (PDF)
Doc 13 Bishop's Journal: The Rt. Rev. George E. Councell (PDF)
Doc 14 Bishop's Journal: The Rt. Rev. Sylvestre D. Romero (PDF)
Doc 15 Visitations: The Rt. Rev. George E. Councell (PDF)
Doc 16 Visitations: The Rt. Rev. Sylvestre D. Romero (PDF)
Doc 17 Board of Missions (PDF)

Mailing 2 (Inc. lay and clergy pre-registration and vendor forms)

Cover letter: Registration and Event Information (PDF)
Banquet Order (PDF)
Women's Caucus/ECW Breakfast Registration (PDF)
Box Lunch Order (PDF)
Child Care Request (PDF)
Clergy Pre-Registration (PDF)
Lay Pre-Registration (PDF)
Visitor Registration (PDF)
Exhibitor Registration (PDF)
Telephone/Cable Order (PDF)
Vendor Policy (PDF)
Electric/Water Service Order (PDF)

Nominating Committee Mailing and Online Nomination Form

Cover Letter (PDF)
Nomination Recommendation Form (PDF)
Nomination Recommendation Form (online)
Nominating Committee Roster (PDF)
Offices to Fill (PDF)

Diocesan Convention Forms for 2009 (online and PDF)

Report of Licensed Clergy (2008) (online)
Report of Non-Parochial Clergy (2008) (online)
Parish Report of Officials in a Church (2009) (online)
Lay Deputies Certification (2009) (PDF)
Report of Licensed Clergy (2008) (PDF)
Report of Non-Parochial Clergy (2008) (PDF)
Parish Report of Officials in a Church (2009) (PDF)

Minutes from the 224th Convention (2008)

Download the Minutes