PEP Argument Briefing Paper
Background This proposal consolidates two canons that define terms into a single canon. In the process, minor copyediting has been performed, and two definitions have been changed to conform to proposed changes to Canon XX. Argument · The proposal incorporates the definitions of Canon XXXIII into Canon XXIII, eliminating the former canon in the process. It seems sensible to collect definitions in a single canon and to make those definitions as parallel as possible. The revised canon is re-titled “Definitions.” · For the sake of consistency, clarity, and grammatical correctness, various minor changes have been incorporated into the expanded Canon XXIII. It seems unnecessary to list them all. In particular, however, defined terms have everywhere been set in quotes, commas have been added or deleted, and a “which” has been changed to “that.” · The proposed change to Canon XX eliminates wording suggesting that assistants are “called” or “elected.” The understanding is that they are selected by the rector and approved by the vestry. To be consistent with this change, Section 1(b) and Section 1(e) had to be altered. Supporting Information Resolution (from Preconvention Journal 2009, pp. C-15–16, http://www.episcopalpgh.org/wp-content/uploads/file/Documents/2009%20DioConv/2009DioConventionPacketV3.pdf) follows. Minor errors in the Preconvention Journal have been corrected here.
8. Canon XXXIII, Definitions, shall be deleted, and Canon XXIII, Of Definition of Titles, shall be restated in its entirety as follows:
Canon
XXIII Section 1. Whereas the Titles used for the Clergy in settlement are not authoritatively defined in the legislation of the Church, therefore, for the purpose of the Constitution and of these Canons, these respective Titles shall be understood and received as follows: a. A “Rector” is a Priest who is canonically settled in a self-supporting Parish that is fully organized and in union with the Convention, whose settlement is without limitation of time, and whose salary is therefore of the nature of a permanent contract. b. An “Assistant” is a Priest or Deacon approved by the Vestry to assist the Rector, either for a specified time or permanently. c. A “Priest-in-Charge” or a “Pastor” is a Priest or Deacon settled in a Transitional Parish and whose settlement in the Parish is subject to a specific agreement as to time and other conditions. These Titles also apply to all members of the Clergy appointed by the Ecclesiastical Authority to the cure of souls. d. A “Minister-in-Charge” is a Lay person appointed by the Ecclesiastical Authority to conduct the religious affairs of a Transitional Parish having no Priest or Pastor. e. A “Settled Member of the Clergy” is a Rector who has been duly elected and inducted in accordance with the provisions as herein before set forth in Canon XX, or an Assistant who has been selected and approved pursuant to that canon. Section 2. Except as may otherwise be provided within these Canons, for purposes of the Canons of the Diocese of Pittsburgh: a. “Constitution” shall mean the Constitution of the Diocese of Pittsburgh. b. “The Bishop” shall mean the Diocesan Bishop of the Diocese of Pittsburgh.
Rationale: The present Canons XXIII and XXXIII establish definitions. This proposal combines the canons into a revised Canon XXIII and eliminates Canon XXXIII. Minor changes have been made for consistency. Section 1b and 1e have been changed to conform to the proposed changes to Canon XX respecting the selection of assistants.
The current wording of Canon XXIII to be replaced is the following:
Canon
XXIII Section 3. Whereas, the Titles used for the Clergy in settlement are not authoritatively defined in the legislation of the Church, therefore for the purpose of the Constitution and of these Canons these respective Titles shall be understood and received as follows: a. A “Rector” is a Priest who is canonically settled in a self-supporting Parish which is fully organized and in union with the Convention; whose settlement is without limitation of time, and whose salary is therefore of the nature of a permanent contract. b. An “Assistant” is a Priest or Deacon called by the Vestry to assist the Rector, either for a specified time, or permanently. c. A Priest-in-Charge or a Pastor is a Priest or Deacon settled in a Transitional Parish and whose settlement in the Parish is subject to a specific agreement as to time and other conditions. These Titles also apply to all members of the Clergy appointed by the Ecclesiastical Authority to the cure of souls. d. Minister-in-Charge is a Lay person appointed by the Ecclesiastical Authority to conduct the religious affairs of a Transitional Parish having no Priest or Pastor. e. A “Settled Member of the Clergy” is a Rector or Assistant who has been duly elected and inducted in accordance with the provisions as herein before set forth in Canon XX. The current wording of Canon XXXIII to be deleted is the following:
Canon
XXXIII Except as may otherwise be provided within these Canons, for purposes of the Canons of the Diocese of Pittsburgh: a. “constitution” shall mean the Constitution of the Diocese of Pittsburgh. b. “The Bishop” shall mean the Diocesan Bishop of the Diocese of Pittsburgh.
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