B007 (Standing Committees and Ecclesiastical Authority)

House of Bishops Message #116

The House of Bishops informs the House of Deputies that on Jun 25, 2024 it considered resolution B007 (Standing Committees and Ecclesiastical Authority). The house acted to:

Adopt


Resolved, the House of Deputies concurring,

That the 81st General Convention require the Standing Commission on Structure, Governance, Constitution and Canons (SCSGCC) to study the matter of ecclesiastical authority as this Church conceives of it, as exercised (1) by the diocesan, coadjutor, or suffragan bishop, subject to certain canonical restrictions devolving to the standing committee; and (2) as exercised by the standing committee in the absence of a bishop, there being currently no accountability for the committee’s exercise of such authority; and be it further

Resolved, That SCSGCC present its findings, including a clear overall definition of ecclesiastical authority and recommendations of action to the 82nd General Convention; and be it further

Resolved, That the SCSGCC begin its work no later than January 1, 2025, with the Standing Commission concluding its study at the conclusion of the 82nd General Convention, unless this mandate is extended by the 82nd Convention; and be it further 

Resolved, That the SCSGCC report annually to the Executive Council detailing its work and present recommendations to the 82nd General Convention; and be it further 

Resolved, That the SCSGCC appoint up to four representatives with expertise in the ecclesiology, history and polity of The Episcopal Church to advise it.