A157 Amend Article I Sec. 7
Resolved, the House of Deputies concurring,
That Article I, Section 7 of the Constitution be amended to read as follows:
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Sec. 7. The General Convention shall hold its regular meeting not less than once in each three years, at a time and place determined in accordance with the Canons. In the event of a change of circumstances indicating the necessity or advisability of changing the date of such regular meeting of The General Convention beyond three years, said meeting may be rescheduled as provided by Canon. Special Meetings may be held as provided for by Canon.
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Sec. 7. The General Convention shall meet hold its regular meeting not less than once in each three years, at a time and place determined in accordance with the Canons. In the event of a change of circumstances indicating the necessity or advisability of changing the date of such regular meeting of The General Convention beyond three years, said meeting may be rescheduled as provided by Canon. Special Meetings may be held as provided for by Canon.
Explanation
The current text of the Constitution of the Episcopal Church requires that the General Convention shall “meet not less than once in each three years,” and does not allow for a delay due to conditions such as the pandemic we have experienced.
The Bishops and Deputies Legislative Committees on Constitution and Canons present this proposed Constitutional Amendment to allow the regular triennial meeting of General Convention to be delayed under exigent circumstances.
Echoing current canonical language, “in the event of a change of circumstances indicating the necessity or advisability of changing the date of such regular meeting,” the convening of the regular meeting convention could be delayed beyond three years.
Per Canon I.1.14.e, any postponement or delay of Convention due to adverse circumstances would require the recommendation of the Joint Standing Committee on Planning and Arrangements to the Presiding Officers and the advice and consent of the Executive Council before being rescheduled.