PEP Argument Briefing Paper
Background In preparation for “realignment,” Article XII was modified to provide for electing representatives to whatever synod is held in whatever Anglican province to which the diocese might attach itself. This amendment restores the original purpose of Article XII, namely providing for the election of deputies to the triennial General Convention of The Episcopal Church. Argument · This amendment does little more than restore Article XII to its pre-2008 state. Until it or something like it is accepted by two successive annual conventions, the diocese is required to elect General Convention deputies every year. In the pre-2008 Section 1, there was some ambiguity about just when General Convention deputies were to be elected. The proposed Section 1 clears up this confusion. Assuming that the General Convention continues to be held in the summer, deputies will be elected about 20 months prior to the Convention. The deputies for the 2012 General Convention would be elected at the 2010 convention. Of course, the amendment does not become effective until the 2010 convention is adjourned, but elections can be held under the current provisions of Article XII. · Section 3 is oddly worded. It would be wise to replace “by reason of resignation, removal from the Diocese, death or otherwise” with something like “by reason of resignation, removal from the Diocese, death, or other contingency.” Supporting Information Resolution (from Preconvention Journal 2009, pages C-8–C-9, http://www.episcopalpgh.org/wp-content/uploads/file/Documents/2009%20DioConv/2009DioConventionPacketV3.pdf):
2. Article XII, Deputies to Extra-Diocesan Conventions or Synods, shall be restated in its entirety as follows:
Article XII Deputies to the General Convention
Section 1. At the Annual Diocesan Convention that is held not more than two nor less than one year before the regular General Convention, four members of the Clergy and four Lay Persons shall be elected to represent this Diocese as Deputies to such General Convention and four members of the Clergy and four Lay Persons shall be elected as Alternate Deputies in the manner specified in the General Rules of Order.
Section 2. The Clerical Deputies shall be members of the Clergy entitled to seats in the convention of this Diocese, and the Lay Deputies shall be communicants of this Church and residents in this Diocese.
Section 3. Should a vacancy among the deputies occur by reason of resignation, removal from the Diocese, death or otherwise between the stated times of election, it shall be filled by the highest ranking Alternate Deputy, as determined by the General Rules of Order.
Section 4. In case of failure or neglect of the Convention to elect Deputies, those already in office shall continue until successors are chosen.
Section 5. It shall be the duty of the Deputies-elect to signify to the Bishop, in writing, at least one month before the meeting of the General Convention, their acceptance of the appointment and their intention to perform its duties. If a Deputy-elect fails to give this notice or fails to attend the Convention, the Bishop shall notify a replacement in accordance with Section 3 hereof.
Section 6. It shall be the duty of the Deputies to the General Convention to make a report, as a deputation to the succeeding Diocesan Convention.
Rationale: The current Article XII was modified by the annual conventions of 2007 and 2008 in connection with the attempts to withdraw the diocese from The Episcopal Church. At the Special Convention of December 13, 2008, Resolution IV was passed, affirming the accession of the diocese to the Constitution and canons of The Episcopal Church. The proposed wording basically restores the pre-2008 text of Article XII, making explicit the relationship of the diocese to the General Convention of The Episcopal Church. Section 1 has been altered to clarify exactly when deputies are to be elected.
This would replace the current Article XII reprinted below:
Article XII Deputies to Extra-Diocesan Conventions or Synods
Section 1. At each Annual Convention, there shall be elected four Clergy and an equal number of lay persons to serve as deputies or delegates to any extra-diocesan conventions, synods or meetings that may occur between Annual Conventions and to which the Diocese shall be invited to send deputies. They shall possess the same qualifications as member of Standing Committee and shall be elected by a concurrent majority of both orders.
Section 2. At the same Convention, there shall be chosen in the same manner and with the same qualifications, the same number of Clergy and Laity to serve as alternate deputies.
Section 3. Should a vacancy among the deputies or delegates occur by reason of resignation, removal from the Diocese, death or otherwise between the stated times of election, it shall be filled by the highest ranking Alternate, as determined by the General Rules of Order.
Section 4. In case of failure or neglect of the Convention to elect deputies or delegates, those already in office shall continue until successors are chosen.
Section 5. It shall be the duty of the persons so elected to signify to the Bishop, in writing, at least one month before the meeting of the extra-diocesan convention or synod, their acceptance of the appointment and their intention to perform its duties. If a person so elected fails to give this notice or fails to attend the convention or synod, the Bishop shall notify a replacement in accordance with Section 3 hereof |