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Episcopal Diocese of Maine

184th Annual Convention
October 24-25, 2003
Bangor Civic Center

All resolutions below are as passed by Diocesan Convention

Substitute Resolution #1 Resolution #2 Resolution #3
Amended Resolution #4 Resolutions Guidelines Resolution #5

Substitute RESOLUTION # 1

RE: Voting rights for clergy
SUBMITTED BY: The Rev. Edwin Cox

Strikeout = Deleted wording
Underline = Added wording

“RESOLVED that the Constitution, Article III Section 3 subsection (3) be amended, and a new subsection (4) added, to read:

  (3) The right to a seat and vote in the Convention shall not be forfeited by any Presbyter or Deacon canonically resident in the Diocese who for at least five consecutive years shall have possessed such right under the provisions of this Article and, after having such right for five consecutive years, shall be retired under the provisions of the Church Pension Fund, or shall by reason of age or infirmity be disabled from the performance of the active duties of the ministry of such Presbyter or Deacon.”

 

Explanation

The additions in Section III.3.(3) provides voting rights for clergy who retire.

CARRIED FOR THE 1ST READING AT THE 183RD CONVENTION OF THE DIOCESE OF MAINE 10/25-26/02.

RESOLUTION #2

RE: Clergy Compensation for 2004
SUBMITTED BY: Clergy and Lay Employee Compensation Committee

RESOLVED that the minimum compensation for a presbyter in full time service, consisting of Salary, Social Security Allowance, and Housing and Utilities Allowance (as determined by the Pension Fund formula [see Attachment #1]) is to be set at $47,927 and for a presbyter in full-time service in charge of a congregation to be set at the following four levels depending on the formula provided in Attachment #2:

Church Type Minimum Compensation

I $47,925

II $51,850

III $56,775

IV $62,700

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that for congregations that provide Rectories the value of provided housing will be determined using the Pension Fund Housing Formula (see Attachment #1)

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that it is recommended that presbyters be compensated above the required minimum according to years of ordained service in parish ministry by the formula provided in Attachment #3; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the guidelines for minimum compensation for supply clergy be those contained in Attachment #4; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the travel allowance for 2004 be set at the rate recognized by the Internal Revenue Service.

Explanation

In 1999, the 180th Convention of the Diocese of Maine charged the Compensation Committee to develop a means to "make salaries more equitable within the Diocese." This resolution answers that charge, and is based on four goals: 1) To attract good clergy to Maine; 2) To keep good, experienced clergy in congregations; 3) To adequately support clergy in congregations of all sizes; and 4) To value experience.

At a period in the life of the Episcopal Church when there are fewer clergy than congregations, and when the average tenure of clergy in a congregation is something under six years, most congregations in the Diocese can expect to engage in a search process within the next five or six years. At the moment, the Diocese of Maine offers, on average, salaries that are far lower than other New England dioceses. Maine is the only New England Diocese in the 4th quartile of the national average for clergy compensation. This resolution:

1. Brings the average compensation for clergy in the Diocese to the middle of the 3rd quartile, which is still lower than any other New England Diocese, but is closer to being competitive than the present average compensation.

2. Simplifies the formula for determining a congregation’s type by using only two numbers, both of which are part of the Annual Parochial Report.

3. Specifies the minimum salary level for each type of congregation, to make salaries more equitable throughout the diocese, providing formulas for congregations with and without a rectory.

4. Strongly recommends that clergy experience be compensated, as in many other dioceses, and provides a formula for calculating such additional compensation.

ATTACHMENT #1 TO RESOLUTION #2

Pension Fund Housing Allowance Value Calculation

In order to calculate the "Pension Fund Housing Allowance Value", you must first determine the Actual Fair Rental Value of the rectory and, using Cash Salary , Actual Fair Rental Value and Utilities, calculate the Social Security reimbursement (Cash Salary plus Actual Fair Rental Value plus Utilities times .0765). The Social Security reimbursement will then be added to Cash Salary and Utilities to determine the Pension Fund Housing value.

With Rectory 

1) Cash Salary + Social Security reimbursement

2) Utilities = amount paid to clergy OR approximation of annual amount of utility bills paid by church on Rectory.

3) Housing = 30% of (1 + 2) above

 

Without Rectory Whichever is greater A or B below:

A. Actual Cash Housing/Utilities Allowance

-OR-

B. 1) Cash Salary + Self Employment Tax reimbursement

2) Utilities (approximation of actual costs)

3) Housing = 30% of (1 + 2) above

For more detailed information, please see: http://www.diomaine.org/2003compinfo.pdf 

ATTACHMENT #2 TO RESOLUTION # 2

NOI* Points
Up to - $107,999  1
$108,000 - $149,999

2
$150,000 - $199,999  3
$200,000 - up  4
 ASA**  Points
1- 80  1
81 - 120

2
121- 150 3
151 - up 4
Total Points Type
0-3 I
4-5 II
6-7 II
8 IV

* NOI (Normal Operating Income as shown on Page 3, Line A of the Parochial Report)

** ASA (Average Sunday Attendance as shown on Page 2, Line 6 of the Parochial Report)

 

ATTACHMENT #3 TO RESOLUTION # 2

Years*

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10
Type I

Type II

Type III

Type IV

 $47,925

$51,850

$56,775

$62,700

 $48,255

$52,280

$57,305

$63,330

 $48,590

$52,715

$57,840

$63,965

 $48,930

$53,155

$58,380

$64,605

 $49,275

$53,600

$58,925

$65,250

 $49,625

$54,050

$59,475

$65,900

 $49,980

$54,505

$60,030

$66,555

 $50,340

$54,965

$60,590

$67,215

 $50,705

$55,430

$61,155

$67,880

 $51,075

$55,900

$61,725

$68,550

*  Years of service is defined as the number of years that the presbyter has served in a congregation since ordination in the Episcopal Church of the United States of America. Ordained service in other denominations may also be considered.

ATTACHMENT #4 TO RESOLUTION # 2

GUIDELINES FOR TOTAL CLERICAL COMPENSATION

The diocesan Clerical Compensation and Review Committee recommends the following minimum fees for supply clergy:

One Sunday Service $100.00

Two Sunday Services 130.00

Other Liturgical Services 70.00

Pastoral or other assigned responsibilities 70.00 per unit*

* a unit is a morning, afternoon or evening

Expenses are reimbursed at cost for meals, lodging, telephone, etc. and at the IRS approved rate for mileage.

RESOLUTION #3

RE: Canon 22 (Of Clerical and Lay Employee Compensation)
SUBMITTED BY: Clerical and Lay Employee Compensation Committee

Strikeout = deleted wording
Underline – new wording

RESOLVED that the following changes be made in Canon 22:

CANON 22

Of Clerical and Lay Employee Compensation

Section 1.  There shall be a Clerical and Lay Employee Compensation and Review Committee appointed by the Bishop to recommend to the annual Convention the minimum compensation, expense reimbursement and related matters required by this canon.  The Committee shall develop compensation and review guidelines.  The Committee shall also serve as a Board of Advice to the Diocese in areas relative to clerical and lay employee compensation, expense reimbursement and related matters.  At the request of the Bishop, the Committee or several of its members may serve as a Board of Mediation whenever a dispute occurs in clerical or lay employee compensation.  The Committee shall have at least three Presbyters, one Deacon, and four lay persons.  Throughout this canon the term "compensation" refers to salary and benefits accruing to Presbyters, deacons and lay employees, while the term "expense" refers to expenditures made by Presbyters, deacons and lay employees on behalf of the congregation or Diocese.

Section 3.  A Presbyter in part time service shall receive compensation as defined in Section 2 based upon that proportional part of the full time standard called for in the agreement he or she has made with the Parish or Mission. Vacation and continuing education time shall be the same as for full time presbyters.

Section 4 (4) In the event of childbirth or adoption, clergy shall receive a paid six eight week primary care parental leave, or a paid two week non-primary care parental leave, as the case may be, and shall be entitled to up to twelve weeks of total leave, the balance of which need not be paid. This parental leave shall be taken within a reasonable time before or after the birth or adoption of a child. If questions shall arise concerning the proper interpretation of this section, the parties shall consult with the Bishop and the decision of the Bishop shall be final and binding on all concerned parties.

Section 5. (1) Each Parish and Mission shall review annually the compensation to be paid to the clergy in the ensuing year and the expenses relative thereto to the end that fair and suitable compensation and expense be provided in line with guidelines established by the Clerical and Lay Employee Compensation and Review Commission Committee.

(2) This review as well as the amount of the compensation will be sent annually to the Clerical and Lay Employee Compensation and Review Commission Committee.

Explanation

Section 1: The Committee believes that these provisions are unnecessary as the Bishop can call the Committee or any other appropriate body or individual to mediate a dispute. Further, the Bishop and the Diocesan Council already have the ability to adjust the mix of clergy and lay persons on the Committee.

Section 3: Clergy who are receiving part time compensation should receive 30 days of vacation time and 7 days continuing education time, but at part time compensation.

Section 4.4: The national canons require eight (8) weeks parental leave. This brings the Diocese into conformity to those canons.

Sections 5.1 and 5.2: These changes make the name of the Committee consistent throughout the canon.

Amended RESOLUTION # 4
to see all the actions taken on this resolution, click here

(Amended by proponents)

RE: A Statement Following General Convention
SUBMITTED BY: Clergy, Youth Missioner and Vestry of Christ Church, Gardiner, Maine

RESOLVED that Episcopalians of the Diocese of Maine, in our diversity of opinions, teachings and liturgical practices, continue as one united body of Christians fully participating in the Episcopal Church in the United States of America; and be it further

RESOLVED that we respect the differences among our church members; and be it further

RESOLVED that all church members are encouraged to support one another as we continue our conversation and dialogue always striving "to carry on Christ’s work of reconciliation in the world" (BCP 855); and be it further

RESOLVED that this convention declares that the Diocese of Maine affirms the right and responsibility of clergy, vestries and search committees to strive to engage in prayerful discernment of God’s will as they guide their congregations regarding issues of sexual orientation, holy matrimony or blessing of same sex unions; and be it further

RESOLVED that all members of the Episcopal Diocese of Maine commit to participate in the life of the church, at the local, diocesan, national and worldwide levels; and be it finally 

RESOLVED that The 184th Convention of the Diocese of Maine communicates this resolution to the Presiding Bishop and the Executive Council.

Explanation

Many Episcopalians have been profoundly disturbed by the action of General Convention, July 2003.

It is the conviction of many within the Diocese of Maine, the ECUSA and the worldwide Anglican Communion that clergy, having subscribed to the Declaration required by Article VIII of the National Constitution, shall be under the obligation to model in their own lives the received teaching of the church that all its members abstain from sexual relations outside of Holy Matrimony.

The Episcopal Church has formally confirmed an openly practicing gay man to be the next bishop of New Hampshire and the Convention also gave indirect approval for Church blessings for same-sex couples.

Many in the diocese of Maine consider this decision to be a tragic mistake, contradicting the Scriptures, the Lambeth Conference, and the majority of the Christian world.

We also recognize that there are many who strongly support that decision which they believe to be a matter of simple justice for gay and lesbian people.

There are many church members who have yet to resolve this issue in their own minds.

We wish to have our voices heard and recognized on the floor of this convention and the next general convention. We wish to be affirmed that we will always have the freedom to disagree. We also seek assurance that no clergy, vestry, or search committee will be forced to act against their conscience in the future.

We deeply appreciate the pastoral care provided by our bishop, the love of clergy one for another, and diocesan as well as national structures that provide for the health and well-being of clergy and laity.

It is our intention to state our continued forbearance for one another and the value we place on standing side by side, united in the name of Christ, for witness to the watching world.

 

 

 

RESOLUTION #5

RE: Canon 15
SUBMITTED BY: Diocesan Council

Strikeout = deleted wording
Underline – new wording

RESOLVED that this 184th Convention of the Diocese of Maine amend Canon 15 as follows:

CANON 15 of the Diocese of Maine

Of the Diocesan Council

(1) The congregations and the clergy of the Diocese shall be grouped in  Areas in such number and manner as the Bishop and Diocesan Council, in consultation with the clergy and congregations, shall from time to time determine. (2) There shall be a Diocesan Council composed of the following members:

The Bishop(s);

Two members representing each of the Areas of the Diocese;

One Commission Chairpersons from each Commission of Diocesan Council, or designees;

The Chairperson of the Finance Committee;

and no more than four members appointed by the Bishop.

(3) Selection of members shall be as follows:

a. In addition to the Bishop Diocesan of Maine, if there be any Bishop Coadjutor or Bishop(s) Suffragan, whose duties include service on the Council, each such bishop shall likewise be a member.

b. Each Area shall elect two members to serve staggered terms of two years.   Each members shall be elected in accordance with procedures established or approved by the Council, either from the clergy of the  Area, as eligible under Article III.3.1 of the Constitution of the Diocese of Maine,  or from the lay members, who are communicants in good standing of their respective congregations within the  Area.  The names of those elected shall be communicated to the Bishop for review, and presented at Convention. 

(3) c. The Bishop may appoint not more than four members of to the Diocesan Council at any time the Bishop may deem convenient, to serve until the final adjournment of the second Diocesan Convention held after their appointment.  If there be no Bishop, the Standing Committee shall have the power of appointment.

 (4) No person having served as a member of the Diocesan Council for six consecutive years shall be elected or appointed to the Diocesan Council until after the expiration of one year following the sixth year of service.  For the purpose of this Canon, the period between annual Diocesan Conventions shall be deemed one year.

 (5) Vacancies in the number of members of the Diocesan Council elected by an Area may be filled by the  Area.  The appointing authority may fill vacancies in the number of appointed members of the Diocesan Council.  In all cases such elections or appointments shall be for unexpired terms only.

(6) The Bishop or the Convener appointed by the Bishop shall preside at all meetings of the Diocesan Council.  In their absence of both, the Council shall have the power to choose its own presiding officer.

 (7) The Diocesan Council shall administer and carry out the work of the Episcopal Church within the Diocese of Maine,  subject to such directions as the Diocesan Convention may give.  Within 30 days of adjournment of the annual Diocesan Convention, Diocesan Council shall schedule and publish the dates of Council meetings for the ensuing twelve months; Diocesan Council shall, in advance of such scheduled meetings, make the proposed agenda available to the members of the Diocesan Council and to the Areas.

(8) At least six weeks before the date set for the Annual Diocesan Convention the Council shall prepare an estimate of the amount of money required for the work of the Diocese during the next ensuing year — that is, from January 1 to December 31. The Council shall determine and recommend to Convention the assessments required to carry out the ministry of the Diocese. 

(9) The Diocesan Council shall establish a Finance Committee.

 (10) In addition to establishing a Finance Committee, the Diocesan Council may establish such other, commissions, committees, and task forces as it may deem advisable.   

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that resolution shall take effect immediately after adjournment of the 184th Convention of Diocese of Maine, and shall apply to all terms of membership on the Diocesan Council beginning after such adjournment. Terms of membership beginning as of or prior to the 184th Convention shall not be shortened by reason of this resolution, and service in such a term shall not effect a person's eligibility to serve on the Council pursuant to this resolution.

 

Explanation

The Diocesan Council began a review of Canon 15 for the following reasons:

1. As described currently in Canon 15, Diocesan Council could be as large as forty-four (44) members and that is too large for a working group to function effectively and efficiently;

2. A specific structure of Regional Councils is currently defined in Canon 15, even though a survey of the regions of the Diocese indicated that very few of them still meet and/or elect or send representatives to Diocesan Council; and

3. Since the Council only meets a few times during the year, the one year terms of office for Diocesan Council members appointed by the Bishop, and the of two consecutive terms for all other Council members, are too short to provide the continuity necessary for the Council to conduct the business of the Diocese.

Following careful and prayerful deliberations, highlights of the amendments we are recommending are as follows:

1. That Canon 15 is written as a policy, including a general statement of commitment to the continued establishment of area groupings across the Diocese, and that administrative procedures adopted by Council will provide guidance with regard to the groupings as well as elections of area representatives, without requiring approval by Convention to make changes;

2. In the administrative procedures mentioned above, Council will be proposing the establishment of fewer Diocesan "areas" so that each part of the State will still be represented on Council, while the overall number of Council members will be reduced;

3. In the event that there is ever more than one Bishop in the Diocese, Council membership of each has been clarified;

4. The six Council membership positions currently filled by election at the Annual Convention have been eliminated since each area of the Diocese will have two representatives on Council; and

5. The maximum length of consecutive service on Council has been increased to six years. Assuming all changes indicated are made, below is how the proposed Canon would read:

Canon 15 Workgroup: Ms. Melanie Lee, Mr. Skip Greenlaw, The Rev. Edwin Cox, Ms. Carol Farnsworth, Ms.Barbara Hall, Mr. Gordon Gayer, Mr.Dick Dickinson, Ms. Maribeth Barney (contact: 786-7547 or 795-4108; mbethbarny@aol.com)

Diocesan Staff Liaison: Canon Vicki Wiederkehr

Long Range Planning and Evaluation Liaisons: The Rev. Dick Hall, Mr.Peter White, The Rev. Cn. Linton Studdiford, The Rev. William Kennison

 

Action Taken On Resolution #4 at the 184th Convention, October 24-25, 2003

The Rev. Paige Blair (St. George’s, York Harbor) moved and it was seconded that the words "make their decisions within the limit of their consciences" with the words: "strive to engage in prayerful discernment of God’s will". The motion was considered a "friendly amendment" by the proponents.

Ms. Rita Redfield (St. Saviour’s, Bar Harbor) moved and it was seconded that the last Resolve be deleted.

The Rev. Michael Rowe (St. Thomas’, Camden) moved and it was seconded to amend Rita Redfield’s motion to say "Resolved, that this 184th Convention of the Diocese of Maine communicate this resolution to the Presiding Bishop and Executive Council. This amended amendment was considered friendly by the proponents.

Mr. Ralph Davidson (St. George’s, York Harbor) moved and it was seconded to delete the words "RESOLVED that all church members are encouraged to support one another as we continue our conversation and dialogue always striving "to carry on Christ’s work of reconciliation in the world" (BCP 855); and be it further RESOLVED that this convention declares that the Diocese of Maine affirms the right and responsibility of clergy, vestries and search committees to strive to engage in prayerful discernment of God’s will as they guide their congregations regarding issues of sexual orientation, holy matrimony or blessing of same sex unions; and be it". The Rev. Richard Johnson moved and it was seconded to conclude debate. His motion passed. The vote on the motion failed.

A vote on the main motion was taken by counted hand ballot. The vote was 137 yes and 140 no. As the vote was so close, the Bishop requested a vote by ballot. The vote by ballot was 133 yes and 148 no.

On Saturday, October 25th, Mr. Tom Beecher (St. George’s, York Harbor) moved and it was seconded to reconsider Resolution #4. Dr. Marc Klentzman (Christ Church, Eastport) moved and it was seconded to conclude debate. The motion to reconsider Resolution #4 passed.

The Rev. Calvin Sanborn (St. George’s, York Harbor) moved and it was seconded that the words "RESOLVED that all church members are encouraged to communicate their convictions through the formation of groups for support and encouragement; and to communicate their conviction through convention displays and other appropriate means; and be it further" be replaced with the words "RESOLVED that all church members are encouraged to support one another as we continue our conversation and dialogue always striving" to carry on Christ’s work of reconciliation in the world" (BCP 855); and be it further. The proponents considered this a friendly amendment.

The Rev. Stephen White (St. Andrew’s, Newcastle) moved and it was seconded that the words "regarding the issue of" be changed to read "regarding issues of". The proponents considered this a friendly amendment.

Brenda Hamilton (St. Andrew’s, Newcastle) moved and it was seconded that the word "full" be removed from the wording "to participate in the full life of the church", which would change the wording to "to participate in the life of the church". The proponents considered this a friendly amendment.

Sr. Cyndy Anderson (St. Ann’s, Windham) moved and it was seconded to strike the words "holy matrimony". The motion failed.

Mr. Peter Bickford (Christ Church, Norway) moved and it was seconded to conclude debate and to vote after a moment of prayer. The motion carried.

The vote on the amended Resolution carried.

Ms. Rita Redfield (St. Saviour’s, Bar Harbor) asked that the Convention Staff transmit this resolution to the Executive Council immediately for their meeting this weekend.

CARRIED AS AMENDED AT THE 184TH CONVENTION OF THE DIOCESE OF MAINE, 10/24-25/03.

 

 

Resolution Guidelines:

ü       Resolutions must be titled and include the name of the submitting body

ü       Standard Resolution language is required using “Resolved” clauses

ü       The "Resolved" section must clearly indicate the kind of action required and who is to perform the action

ü       What results are expected and when

ü       The method of reporting the results to whomever should be accountable

ü       The source and amount of funding if money will be necessary to accomplish the resolution's purpose

ü       A short explanation section may follow the "Resolves"

ü       Please indicate a contact person with phone number and email address

ü       Resolutions are numbered in the order that they are received in the diocesan office

ü       Resolutions may be considered out of numerical order due to workshop scheduling

ü       Email resolutions to Melinda DeWolfe at mdewolfe@diomaine.org

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