TheConstitutionandCanonsoftheEpiscopalChurchintheDioceseofSouthernOhio

2012

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ConstitutionoftheEpiscopalChurch

inSouthernOhio

TableofContents

ArticleIAccedingtotheGeneralConvention

ArticleIITheElectionandAuthorityofaBishop

ArticleIIITheAnnualSessionoftheConventionandofaQuorum

ArticleIVThePresidentoftheConvention

ArticleVTheSecretaryoftheConvention

ArticleVIMembersoftheConvention

ArticleVIISpecialSessionsoftheConvention

ArticleVIIITheStandingCommittee

ArticleIXElectionofDeputiestoGeneralConventionandStandingCommittee

ArticleXSuspensionorDissolutionofaCongregation

ArticleXIAmendingtheConstitution

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ArticleIAccedingtotheGeneralConvention

ThisDioceseshallbeknownastheDioceseofSouthernOhioand,asnowconstituted,embracesterritoriallyallthatpartoftheStateofOhiolyingsouthofthenorthernboundaryofthecountiesofBelmont,Guernsey,Muskingum,Licking,Delaware,Franklin,Madison,Champaign,MiamiandDarke;and,asaconstituentpartoftheProtestantEpiscopalChurchintheUnitedStatesofAmerica,itagreestobeboundbyandexistundertheConstitutionandCanonsofthatChurch,andacknowledgestheirauthorityaccordingly.

ArticleIITheElectionandAuthorityofaBishop

Section1.TheelectionofaBishop,ofaBishopCoadjutororaSuffraganBishop,forthisDioceseshallbemadeatanAnnualsessionoftheConvention,orataSpecialsessioncalledforthatpurpose,providedatleastsixtydaysbeforethetimeofsuchAnnualorSpecialmeetinganoticebesentinwritingbytheSecretaryoftheStandingCommitteetoeveryEpiscopalClericalmemberoftheConventionandtoeveryCongregationcanonicallyinunionwiththisDiocese.TheelectionshallbebyconcurrentvoteoftheEpiscopalClergyandLaity,votingbyOrders,amajorityineachOrderonthesameballotbeingnecessarytoanelection.

Section2.TheBishopistheEcclesiasticalAuthorityofthisDiocese,exceptasotherwiseprovided.

Section3.TheremaybeaBishopCoadjutorasprovidedintheCanonsoftheGeneralConvention,whomtheBishop,incaseofabsenceorindisposition,maydesignateastheEcclesiasticalAuthorityofthisDiocese.

Section4.TheremaybeaSuffraganBishopinaccordancewiththeCanonsoftheGeneralConvention,whomtheBishop,orBishopCoadjutor,incaseoftheirabsenceofindisposition,maydesignateastheEcclesiasticalAuthorityoftheDiocese.UponthedeathorduringthedisabilityorabsenceofaBishop(andintheeventthatthereisnoBishopCoadjutor)anduponvoteoftheConvention,aBishopsuffraganoftheDiocesemaybeplacedinchargeoftheDioceseandbecometemporarilytheEcclesiasticalAuthoritythereofuntilsuchtimeasanewBishopshallbechosenandconsecrated.“Absence”ofaBishopshallincludeanyperiodoftimefollowingtheeffectivedateofresignationofaBishop(intheeventthatthereisnoBishopCoadjutor)andbeforetheelectionandconsecrationofanewBishop.

Section5.TheBishopistheChiefPastoroftheDioceseandmayofficiateintheofficesoftheChurchwithinanyCongregationorelsewhereinthisDiocese.TheBishopCoadjutorandtheSuffraganBishop,iftherebesuch,shallhavesimilarrighttoofficiate.

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Section6.TheBishopistheOrdinaryofallreligiousorbenevolentorganizationsoftheChurchwithinthisDiocese,andassuchmayattendandpresideatanyoftheirmeetings,andhasappellatejurisdictionovertheirproceedings,asfarasisconsistentwiththelawoftheState.

Section7.WhenevertheBishopshallissueaPastoralLetterandsorequests,itshallbethedutyofeveryMinisterinchargeofaCongregationtoreadittothatCongregationonsomeoccasionofpublicworshiponaLord'sDay,notlaterthanonemonthafterithasbeenreceived.TheMinisterinchargemayalsocausecopiesofthesametobedistributedtothemembersofthatCongregation.

Section8.AllcontroversiesbetweentheRectorsoftwoormoreCongregations,orbetweenaCongregationoritsVestryanditsRector,orbetweenpersonsadverselyclaimingtobeVestrymembersofaCongregation,shallbereferredtotheEcclesiasticalAuthorityforadjudication.

ArticleIIITheAnnualSessionsoftheConventionandQuorum

Section1.ThereshallbeaConventionoftheChurchintheDiocesewhichshallbethechiefgoverningbodyoftheDioceseandwhichshallholdatleastonesessioneachyear.TheAnnualsessionofthesaidConventionshallbeconvenedonthesecondFridayinNovember,oratatimetobesetbytheBishopoftheDiocese,withtheadviceandconsentoftheStandingCommittee,unlessotherwiseorderedbyapreviousAnnualsessionoftheConvention,orasprovidedinSection2ofthisArticle.

Section2.Foranysufficientcause,occurringafterthedesignationoftheplaceofthesession,theEcclesiasticalAuthoritymaychangethetimeandplaceofsuchsession.

Section3.NoticeofthemeetingoftheConventionshallbegivenasprovidedintheCanons.

Section4.ThepresenceoftheBishop,ortheBishopCoadjutor,ortheSuffraganBishop,iftherebeaBishop,oraBishopCoadjutor,oraSuffraganBishop,andthirtyoftheClergyentitledtoseatsintheConvention,andofDelegatesfromone-thirdoftheCongregationsincanonicalunionwiththisDiocese,takentogether,shallbenecessaryforthetransactionofbusiness,butasmallernumbermayadjournfromdaytoday.IntheeventthatboththeBishopandBishopCoadjutor,iftherebeone,arepreventedbyillness,orotheremergency,fromattendingtheConvention,theStandingCommitteemaysocertifytotheConvention,andinsuchacasethepresenceoftheBishop,ortheBishopCoadjutor,iftherebeone,shallnotbenecessaryforthetransactionofbusiness.

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ArticleIVThePresidentoftheConventionTheBishop,orattheBishop'srequest,theBishopCoadjutorshallbePresidentofandpresideintheConvention,andshallopenit,orcauseittobeopenedwithprayer.IftherebenoBishoppresent,theConventionshallbecalledtoorderbytheSecretary,andshallelectaPresidentfromamongitsvotingmembers.ArticleVTheSecretaryoftheConventionTheSecretaryoftheConventionshallbeappointedbytheBishop,subjecttotheapprovaloftheConvention.TheSecretary'sdutiesshallbeassetforthintheCanons.TheSecretarymayappointanynecessaryAssistantSecretaries.ArticleVIMembersoftheConventionSection1.TheConventionshallbecomposedofClergyandLayDelegates.TheBishoporBishopsandeveryMinisteroftheDiocesecanonicallyresidentshallbemembersofthisConvention.Inaddition,ordainedMinistersofotherdenominationswho,withwrittenpermissionoftheBishopandtheStandingCommittee,serveasPastorsinCongregationsofthisDioceseshallbemembersofthisConvention.EachCongregationincanonicalunionwiththisDioceseshallbeentitledtooneormoreLayDelegatesasspecifiedintheCanons.AllCongregationsshallbeentitledtoelectthesamenumberofAlternatesasDelegates.TheLayMembersoftheStandingCommittee,theLayMembersofDiocesanCouncil,theLayDeputiestoGeneralConvention,theTrusteesoftheDiocese,theChancelloroftheDiocese,theTreasureroftheDiocese,andthemembersoftheExecutiveBoardoftheEpiscopalChurchwomenoftheDioceseshallbeaccordedseatandvoice,butnotvote,atallsessions,AnnualandSpecial,oftheConvention.Section2.TheClergyandLayDelegatesinConventionshalldeliberateinonebodyandshallvoteassuchonallquestionsnototherwiseprovidedfor,exceptwhenavotebyOrdersiscalledforbyeightmembers.Oneveryquestion,unlessotherwiseprovided,thevotesofthemajorityofthosepresentandvoting,or,ifthevotingbebyOrders,thevotesofthemajorityofthosepresentandvotingineachOrdershalldecide.Insuchcase,theconcurrenceofbothOrdersshallbenecessary.WhenavotebyOrdersiscalledfor,eachClericandLayDelegateshallhaveonevote.

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ArticleVIISpecialSessionsoftheConvention

TheBishoportheBishopCoadjutorshallhavepowertocallSpecialsessionsoftheConventionwhenhemayjudgeitimportantforthegoodoftheChurch,orwhenappliedtoforthatpurposebytheStandingCommittee;andincaseofavacancyintheEpiscopate,orthecontinuedabsenceoftheBishopsfromtheDioceseforsixmonths,theStandingCommitteeshallhavepowertocallaSpecialsessionoftheConvention,andshallalsodoso,ifappliedtoforthatpurposebyanyfivePresbytersorVestriesoftheDiocese.

ArticleVIIITheStandingCommittee

Section1.TheStandingCommittee,whichshallbetheCouncilofAdvicetotheBishopinchargeoftheDiocese,shallconsistofthreeClergycanonicallyandactuallyresidentintheDioceseandofthreelaypersons,eachofwhomisamemberingoodstandinginaCongregationincanonicalunionwiththeDiocese.Twomembers,oneClergyandoneaLayPerson,shallbechosenateachAnnualsessionoftheConventionforatermofthreeyears.Nopersonmaybeelectedformorethantwo(2) consecutivefullterms.TheofficersofsaidCommittee,requiredbytheCanonoftheGeneralConvention,shallbeelectedannuallybytheCommitteeattheirfirstmeetingaftertheDiocesanConvention.Atallmeetingsamajorityofthemembersshallconstituteaquorum.

ItshallbethedutyoftheSecretaryoftheCommitteetokeepafaithfulrecordofallproceedingsinabookmaintainedforthatpurpose,topreservetheoriginalsofallpapersorlettersaddressedtotheCommittee,toattesttotheCommittee'sacts,andtodelivertohissuccessorallbooksandpaperswhichbyvirtueofhisofficehavebeencommittedtohim.TheminutesoftheCommittee,andallpapersinitscustodyorcontrolrelativetotheChurch,shallbesubjecttotheexaminationoftheBishopandtheConvention.

AvacancyoccurringintheCommitteemaybefilledbyavoteoftheremainingmembersbyelectingapersontoserveuntilthenextAnnualsessionoftheConventionoftheDiocese,atwhichtimetheConventionshallchoseapersontofilltheunexpiredterm.

Section2.whentheDioceseiswithoutaBishop,orinthecaseoftheinabilitytoactoftheBishopandtheBishopCoadjutor,iftherebeone,andtheSuffraganBishop,iftherebeone,theStandingCommitteeshallbetheEcclesiasticalAuthorityforallpurposesdeclaredintheCanonsoftheGeneralConventionandofthisDiocese.InthecaseoftheabsencefromtheDioceseoftheBishopandtheBishopCoadjutor,iftherebeone,andtheSuffraganBishop,iftherebeone,theStandingCommittee,ifauthorizedsotoactundertheEpiscopalhandandseal,shallinlikemannerbetheEcclesiasticalAuthority.

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ArticleIXElectionofDeputiestoGeneralConventionandMembersofStandingCommitteeDeputiestoGeneralConventionandmembersoftheStandingCommitteeshallbeelectedbyjointballotoftheClergyandLaityandamajorityofthosepresentandvotingshallberequiredforanelection.IncaseofafailureoromissiontoelectsuchDeputiesormembersoftheStandingCommittee,thepersonslastelectedshallcontinuetoserveuntilothersarechosen.If,afterfour(4)ballots,theelectionofDeputiestoGeneralConventionormembersoftheStandingCommitteehasnotbeencompleted,thepositionsstillvacantmaybefilledbyapluralityvote,ifauthorizedbythree-fourths(3/4)ofthemembersoftheConventionpresentandvoting.ElectionbyballotmaybedispensedwithbyanunanimousvoteoftheConvention.AlternateDeputiesshallbeelectedasprovidedforintheCanons.ArticleXSuspensionorDissolutionofaCongregationAnycongregationmaybesuspendedfromtherightofrepresentationintheconvention,oritsconnectionwiththediocesemaybewhollydissolvedbyavoteoftwo-thirdsofeachorder,wheneverthesamebedeemedconducivetotheinterestsoftheChurch.AnyCongregationwhichhasnotpaiditsfullassessmentfortheprecedingcalendaryearbyJune30ofanyyearorbyoneweekbeforethescheduleddatefortheAnnualmeetingoftheConventionifthatprecedesJune30,shall,ipsofacto,bedeprivedofLayrepresentationinthatyear'sConventionunlessexcusedbyvoteoftheConvention.ArticleXIAmendingtheConstitutionApropositionforamendmentshallbelaidbeforeanAnnualsessionoftheConventioninwriting,and,ifapprovedbyamajorityvoteoftheConvention,shalllieoveruntilthenextAnnualsessionoftheConvention;andifthenadoptedbytwo-thirds(2/3)ofthetotalvoteoftheClergyandLaityvotingonthequestion,theproposedamendmentshallbecomepartoftheConstitution,effectiveimmediatelyoratthetimespecifiedintheamendment.

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TheCanonsoftheEpiscopalChurchinTheDioceseofSouthernOhio

TableofContentsPreliminaryCanon(DefinitionofTerms)CanonISealoftheDiocese CanonIIListofClergyintheDiocese CanonIIITheConventionSection1CalloftheConventionSection2OrganizingtheConventionSection3-7VotingMembersoftheConventionSection8SecretaryoftheConventionSection9ElectionofaBishopCanonIVDeputiesandAlternateDeputiestotheGeneralConventionSection1-2DeputiestobechosenSection3-4VacanciesfilledCanonVDeputiesandAlternateDeputiestotheProvincialSynodCanonVIOfficersoftheDioceseSection1TheTreasurerSection2TheChancellorSection3TheRegistrarSection4TheHistoriographerCanonVIITheStandingCommitteeSection1ElectionofPresidentandSecretarySection2CouncilofAdviceCanonVIIITheCommissiononMinistry CanonIX(Removedbyactionofthe124thAnnualConvention)CanonXTheFinanceCommitteeSection1(a)FinanceCommitteeMembershipandReportingSection1(b)FinanceCommitteeResponsibilitytoOverseeFinancialActivitySection2AuthoritytoborrowSection3FiscalyeartobeginJanuary1Section4Accountstobeaudited

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CanonXIDiocesanTrusteesandPropertySection1ElectionandtermofofficeSection2ShallholdDiocesanfundsandpropertySection3Congregationfundsandproperty,ifdesiredSection4ReportSection5MayelectaTreasurerSection6Mayestablishotherorganizationsand/orcorporations

CanonXIITheDiocesanCouncilSection1DutiesandPowersSection2-3MembershipSection4PresidingOfficer,Meetings,QuorumSection5VacanciesSection6AuthoritytoappointOfficersSection7ReportSection8PeriodicSystemicReview

CanonXIIIBudgetingProcessSection1ConventionDutytoEstablishanOperatingBudgetSection2BudgetCommitteeMembershipSection3StepsinBudgetProcessSection4AssessmentExpensesSection5OtherExpensesandIncomeSection6RemittalofFunds

CanonXIVAdministrationofFinancialAffairsSection1DiocesanAccountingPoliciesandProceduresSection2(a)FormationofPoliciesSection2(b)ExtentofPoliciesSection3DutytoAdheretoPolicies

CanonXVTheCommissiononCongregationalLifeSection1AuthoritySection2MembershipSection3Purpose

CanonXVITheCongregationsSection1-12TheVestry/MissionCouncil(Election,Qualifications,Duties,Officers)Section13CongregationsIncorporatedbySpecialActsSection14CongregationEndowmentandTrustFundsSection15-17CongregationDesignationsSection18CongregationInGoodStandingSection19CongregationsAtRiskSection20OfAreaandCooperativeMinistriesSection21VacantClergypositionsinCongregationsSection22CongregationsNoLongerinUnion-ClosingCongregationsSection23-30DifferencesbetweenRectorsandtheirParishes

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CanonXVIIMiscellaneousProvisionsSection1RegistersandAnnualReportsSection2ExtraparochialClergyReportsSection3Lay-Readers

CanonXVIIIDiscipline Section1IncorporationofTitleIVofEpiscopalChurchCanonsSection2-5DiocesanDisciplinaryBoardSection6ChurchAttorneySection7ContinuationofCompensationuponRestriction

CanonXIXCanons,RepealedorAmendedAsAmendedandRatifiedbythe1976,1977,1978,1981,1982,1983,1984,1985,1986,1987,1988,1989,1990,1991,1993,1994,1995,1996,1997,1998,1999,2000,2001,2002,2003,2004and2010DiocesanConventions.

PreliminaryCanonDefinitionofTerms

Assessment:TheannualfinancialcontributionrequiredfromaCongregationforthesupportofthemissionandministryoftheDiocese.Alternativelycalledthe"MissionShare."

AppellateJurisdiction:relatingtoappeals;havingthepowertoreviewthejudgmentofanothertribunal.

BishopCoadjutor:aBishop(helpertotheDiocesan)withautomaticrighttosucceedwhentheDiocesanretiresordies.Mustbeelected.(SometimesknownastheBishopElect.)

BishopSuffragan:aBishop,assistanttotheDiocesan,whodoesnothavetherightofsuccession.Mustbeelected.

Canonical:inaccordancewiththeCanonsoftheDioceseand/ortheEpiscopalChurch.Eg:ClergycanonicallyresidentintheDiocese.

CanonicalCertificate:(LettersDimissory).Anofficialletter,signedbytheBishop,authorizingthetransferofClergytoanotherDiocese.

Chapel:Aregulargroupofworshiperswhomeetinaninstitutional,recreational,orretreatsetting.

Chaplain:MaybeeitherordainedorLay,asisthecaseintheNationalBoardofExaminingChaplains.

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Church(orEpiscopalChurch):TheProtestantEpiscopalChurchintheUnitedStatesofAmericaotherwiseknownasTheEpiscopalChurch.

Clergy:personscanonicallyordainedBishop,Priest,orDeaconinTheEpiscopalChurch.

Congregation:anorganizedbodyofbelievers,inaparticularlocality,inunionwiththeConventionwhoworshipinaccordwiththeConstitutionandCanonsoftheEpiscopalChurchandthisDiocese."Congregation"includeswithinitsmeaning,"Mission"and"Parish,"unlessintheparticularcontext"Mission"or"Parish"isusedtodenoteaparticularstatus.

CongregationnotinGoodStanding:aCongregationwhichshallhavefailedtoprepareandsubmitaParochialReport,andorsecureanannualauditasrequiredbyCanonXVI,Section18.

Convention:theofficialAnnualMeetingofthelegislativebodyoftheDiocese,convenedtoadopttheBudgetforthecomingyear,andtoinitiateand/orapproverecommendedprogramsandpoliciesoftheDiocese.SpecialConventionsmaybecalledforspecificpurposes(ConstitutionVII).MembersoftheConventionarealltheClergycanonicallyresidentinthisDiocesetogetherwiththedulyelectedorappointedLayDelegatesfromeachCongregationinunionwiththisDiocese.

Diocesan:TheBishopoftheDiocese.(cf."Ordinary").

Diocese:ageographicalunitintheChurch,alwaysunderthesupervisionofaBishop,orotherEcclesiasticalAuthority.

Division,VoteBy:affirmativevotersrisetobecounted,thenNegativevotersrisetobecounted.Usedwhenvoicevoteisnotconclusive.

EcclesiasticalAuthority:authorityrelatingtotheChurch,especiallyaformalandestablishedinstitution.TheBishopoftheDioceseorintheabsenceoftheBishop,theBishopCoadjutoriftherebeone,ortheBishopSuffraganiftherebeone,orintheabsenceofallBishops,theStandingCommitteeoftheDiocese.

GenericTerms:anywordortermusedintheseCanonsthathasaninherentconnotationofgender(i.e."he","Clergyman","Layman")shallbeunderstoodtobeequallyapplicabletomenandwomen.

Ipsofacto:bytheverynatureofthecase;bythefactitself.

Journal:TheDiocesanJournal,publishedyearly,containingthreeparts:

• AnnualreportsofDiocesanStaff,Committees,Commissions,TaskForces,etc.,aswellasreportsfromaffiliatedorganizationsandinstitutions.

• Inaddition,aPre-Conventiondocumentispublished,containinginformationaboutthebusinesswhichwillbepresentedtotheDelegatesforactionatthe

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Convention(SlateofNominees,ReportoftheResolutionsCommittee,theBudget,etc.)

• Theofficialrecord,certifiedbytheSecretaryandtheBishop,of:TheMinutesoftheAnnualConvention;Clergylistings,DiocesanOfficers,DiocesanStatistics;deputiestotheGeneralConventionandtotheProvincialSynod;andthenamesoftheelectedorappointedmembersoftheCommitteesandCommissions.

Members:AllpersonswhoaremembersofthisChurchpursuanttotheCanonsoftheEpiscopalChurchandwhoareenrolledwithinacongregationofthisDiocesearemembersoftheEpiscopalChurchwithinthisDiocese.Mission:aCongregationthathasbecomecertifiedasaMissionpursuanttoCanonXVI,Section16;oraParishthathasbeencertifiedasaMissionpursuanttoCanonXVI,Section17subsections(b)and(c).MissionCouncil:PersonselectedbyaMissiontofulfillthedutiesspecifiedinCanonXVI.MissionShare:TheannualfinancialcontributionrequiredfromaCongregationforthesupportofthemissionandministryoftheDiocese.AMissionShareisanAssessmentasthattermisusedinArticleXoftheConstitutionoftheDiocese.MissionStation:aregulargroupofworshipperswhomayormaynotseektobecomeanorganizedMission.NotificationofCongregations:inthefollowingorder:theRector,iftherebeone;theVicar,iftherebeone;thePriestorMinister-in-Charge,iftherebeone;theSeniorWarden.NotificationofVestries:adocumentortheformalnoticeofsomeevent,senttotheSeniorWardenofaCongregationforpresentationtotheVestry.Orders,Voteby:ClericalandLayvotescountedbydifferentsetsofTellers,andtheresultsreportedseparately.Ordinary:theBishopoftheDiocese;aprelateexercisingjurisdictionoveraspecifiedterritoryorgroup.(cf.Diocesan).Parish:aCongregationthathasbeencertifiedasaparishpursuanttoCanonXVI,Section17(a).Presbyter:anordainedPriestintheEpiscopalChurch.Priest-in-Charge:AdulyordainedPriestservinginaCongregationbyappointmentoftheBishop.

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Rector:adulyordainedPriestwhohasbeencalledbytheVestryofandregularlysettledinaParish.SecretaryoftheDiocesanConvention:FulfillsthosefunctionsrequiredbyCanonandmay,atitsvote,serveasSecretaryofCouncil.TheSecretaryisamemberofDiocesanStaffbutisnotnecessarilyanemployeeoftheDiocese.SpecialSessions,Noticeof:NoticetobesentatleastsixtydaysinadvancetoallClergycanonicallyresidentintheDioceseandtoallCongregationsinunionwiththeDiocese.(Constitution,ArticlesIIandVII)StandingCommittee:CouncilofAdvicetotheBishop,EcclesiasticalAuthorityoftheDiocesewhentheDioceseiswithoutaBishop.(Constitution,ArticleVIIIandCanonVII.)TrusteesoftheDiocese:OfficersoftheCorporation,whichhasthesamename,chargedwiththehandlingofDiocesanfundsandproperty.(CanonXI).Vestry:personselectedbyaParishtofulfillthedutiesspecifiedinCanonXVI.Vicar:adulyordainedPriestorDeacon,appointedbytheBishoptobeinchargeofaMissionandwhoservesatthepleasureoftheBishop.Vivavoce:wordofmouth,voicevote.TheCanonsofTheDioceseofSouthernOhioCanonITheSealoftheDioceseAuthenticateOfficialActsTheOfficialSealoftheDioceseshallbeinaccordancewiththedesigndescribedasfollows:"Aroundtherimrunthewords'TheSealoftheDioceseofSouthernOhio',inLatin.Inthebodyaretheusualkeyandcrosier,surmountedbyamitre;Beneath,onascroll,isthelegendSicutflumenpax"*.Onashieldbelow,thefieldisgreen.Diagonallyacrossitrunsasilverstream,representingtheriverfromwhichboththeStateandtheDiocesetaketheirname.Tothelowerleftofthestreamisagoldensheaf,takenfromtheStatecoat-of-arms;TotheupperrightofthestreamisaploughinpropercolorastheemblemofCincinnati,andthesameshallbeusedtoauthenticateallofficialactsoftheBishoporoftheConvention.*Isaiah48:18(Vulgate)Utinamattendissesmandatamea:factafuissetsicutflumenpaxtua,etiustitiatuasicutgurgitesmaris."Othatthouhadsthearkenedtomycommandments!Thenhadthypeacebeenasariver,andthyrighteousnessasthewavesofthesea."(AV)

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CanonIIListofClergyoftheDioceseListtobepreparedbyEcclesiasticalAuthoritySection1.TheEcclesiasticalAuthorityshallprepare,orcausetobeprepared,alistofalltheClergycanonicallyresidentintheDiocesewiththeirrespectivedutiesandplacesofresidence.ListtoberecordedSection2.SuchlistshallberecordedbytheSecretaryoftheConvention.RecordtobekeptofcanonicalcertificatesSection3.TheSecretaryoftheConventionshallrecordallcanonicalcertificatesconcerningtheelectionorinstitutionofMinisters;provided,thatthesamebeaccompaniedbythecertificateoftheEcclesiasticalAuthoritythatthesamepersonsochosentoanyCongregationinthisDioceseisaqualifiedministerofthisChurch.CertificateofreceptiontoberecordedSection4.(a)whenLettersDimissoryshallhavebeenaccepted,theClergyreceivedshallprocurefromtheEcclesiasticalAuthorityacertificatethattheyhavebeenreceivedintotheDioceseincompliancewiththeCanonsoftheGeneralConvention.SaidclergyshallcausesuchcertificatetobedeliveredtotheSecretaryoftheConvention,whoshallrecordthesame.EcclesiasticalAuthoritytocertifynamesofClergyreceivedintotheDioceseandClericalChanges(b)TheEcclesiasticalAuthorityshallalsocertifyinwritingtotheSecretary,tobedulyrecorded,thenamesofallClergywhoshall,byordinationorinsomeothermodethanasabovespecified,becomecanonicallyresidentwithintheDiocese,tobedulyrecorded;andshallalsocertifytotheSecretarythenamesofallClergydeceased,transferred,deposed,suspendedorresigned,inorderthatsuchnamesmay,inthefirstthreecases,bestrickenfromtherecord;andinthelasttwo,thataminuteofthesentenceorfactbemade.ListtobeenteredupontheJournal(c)AcopyofsuchlistshallbegiventotheCommitteeonCredentialspriortotheopeningoftheConvention,andshallbeenteredupontheJournal.Suchrecordadmittedasevidenceinalltrials,etc.(d)Suchrecord,orcopythereof,orofsuchpartthereofasmayrelatetothematterinquestion,dulyattestedbytheSecretary,andtheSealoftheDiocese,shallbeadmittedinevidenceuponallproceedingsortrialsunderanylaworCanoninforceinthisDiocese.

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CanonIIITheConventionCalloftheConventionbyawrittenorprintednoticeSection1.UnlessitbeotherwisedirectedbytheConventionthemodeofgivingnoticeofthemeetingoftheConventionshallbebyprintedorwrittennotice,namingthetimeandplacethereof,withthesignatureoftheSecretary,sentbymailtoallClergycanonicallyresidentintheDiocese,andtoeachCongregation,atleastthirtydaysbeforethetimeappointed;thenoticeoftheSpecialSessionsoftheConventionshallbesentasrequiredbyArticlesIIandVIIoftheConstitution.OrganizingtheConventionSection2.TheConventionshallbeorganizedinaccordancewiththeConstitutionandtheRulesofOrder.ListofClergyentitledtoseatsSection3.WithinoneweekbeforeanysessionoftheConventionoftheDiocese,theEcclesiasticalAuthorityshallprepare,orcausetobeprepared,alistofClergyentitledtoseatsintheConvention.Suchlist,oracopythereof,authenticatedbytheEcclesiasticalAuthority,shallbefiledwiththeSecretary,whoshallrecordit.LayDelegatesandtheirrighttoseatsSection4.(a)EachCongregationthathaspaiditsannualDiocesanAssessmentsasprovidedinArticleXoftheConstitutionshallbeentitledtoseat,voiceandvoteasfollows:1.Eachmission-twolaydelegates2.Eachparish-fourlaydelegatesLayrepresentationfromeachcongregationshallbeselectedforthefullconventionyear.NoLayDelegateshallbeentitledtoaseatintheConventionunlessthatpersonbeconfirmedorreceivedandamemberingoodstandingintheCongregationfromwhichheorsheiselected.ElectionofLayDelegates(b)Thetime,placeandmannerofholdinganelectionofLayDelegatesandAlternateDelegates,andthenoticeforholdingthesame,shallbefixedbyrulesorBylawsmadebytheVestriesorMissionCouncilsofCongregations,orbytheLaymembersofthesamedulyqualifiedatameetingdulyconvened,providedthatsuchelectionbeheldduringthefirstfourmonthsofthecalendaryear.TheDelegatessoelectedshallassumetheirdutiesatthenextAnnualConvention.NomemberoftheChurchinthisDioceseshallbeavotingmemberofmorethanone(1)CongregationinthisDioceseforthepurposeofelectingDelegatestotheDiocesanConvention.ControversiesinanysuchelectionshallberesolvedbytheVestryorgoverningbodyofthatCongregationorFellowshipinconsultationwiththeChancelloroftheDiocese.ReporttotheSecretaryoftheConvention

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Section5.InordertocompilethelistofLayandAlternateDelegatesforuseintheorganizationoftheConvention,itshallbethedutyoftheClerkorSecretaryoftheCongregationtoreportthenamesofsuchDelegatestotheSecretaryoftheConventionimmediatelyafterthechoicesaremade.ConventiontodecidecontestedseatsSection6.NoothercertificateorevidenceoftheelectionofaLayDelegateasrequiredinSection4shallberequired,andLayDelegatesdulycertifiedaboveshallbeentitledtoseatsuntilfurtheractionoftheConvention.CopyoftheseSectionstobesentSection7.AcopyofSections4,5,6ofthisCanonshallbetransmittedbytheSecretaryoftheConventiontotheRector,Vicar,Priest-in-ChargeandVestryorgoverningbodyofeveryCongregation.SecretaryoftheConventionTogiveduenoticeofmeetingofConventionSection8.(a)Inadditiontotheofficesanddutieselsewherespecified,itshallbethedutyoftheSecretaryofConventiontogivenoticeofanymeetingoftheConvention,inawrittenorprintedlettertransmittedbymailtoallClergycanonicallyresidentintheDioceseand/orlicensedtoofficiateintheDioceseandtoeveryCongregationatleastthirtydaysbeforethetimeappointed.ThislettershallcontainanoticeofthetimeandplaceofholdingtheConvention,aprintedcopyofSections4,56,and7ofthisCanonrelatingtotheappointmentofLayDelegates,andaformofcertificateoftheirelection.Todistributescheduleofunfinishedandnewbusiness(b)TheSecretaryshallhaveprintedanddistributedwiththenoticeofthesessionoftheConvention,ascheduleofunfinishedbusinessandanynewbusinesstobepresentedtotheConventionofwhichpreviousnoticemayhavebeengiventotheSecretary.TotransmitcertaindocumentstotheDiocesanConvention(c)TheSecretaryshallhavepreviouslyprintedthereportsofOfficersandCommitteestobepresentedtotheConvention,whencopyofsuchreportsshallhavebeensubmittedtotheSecretaryintimetobeincludedinPartIoftheDiocesanJournalinadvanceofthePre-Conventionmeetings.Suchprintedcopiesshall,ifpossible,besenttoeachmemberandmember-electoftheConvention.Tonotifythoseelectedorappointed(d)TheSecretaryshallnotifyallOfficersandCommitteesoftheirelectionorappointmentwithinthirtydaysaftertheadjournmentofthesessionoftheConvention.TotransmitdocumentstoGeneralConvention(e)TheSecretaryshalltransmittoeveryGeneralConvention,inadditiontothedocumentsmentionedintheCanonsoftheGeneralConvention,asignedcertificateoftheappointmentofClericalandLayDeputies.TotransmitcopiesoftheJournal

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(f)TheSecretaryshalltransmitannuallyacopyoftheJournaloftheDiocesanConventiontotheSecretaryoftheHouseofDeputiesoftheGeneralConventionandtosuchBishopsoftheChurchandSecretariesoftheDiocesanConventionorConvocationsthereofasmayrequestcopies.VotingbyordersinElectionofaBishopandotherbusinessSection9.(a)IntheelectionofaBishop,votingbyOrdersshallbebysecretwrittenballotandshallproceedassetforthinArticleIIoftheConstitution.(b)Inotherbusiness,whenavotebyOrdersiscalledforbyanyeight(8)members(representingtwo(2)ormoredifferentCongregations),onanymeasureproposedforadoptionbytheConvention,votingwillbebyOrders.VotingneednotbebysecretwrittenballotbutwillbebyanymethodspecifiedbythePresidentoftheConvention.CanonIVDeputiesandAlternateDeputiestotheGeneralConventionDeputiestobechosenSection1.AttheannualConventioninthesecondyearbeforeeachregularmeetingoftheGeneralConvention,ClergyandLaypersonsshallbeelectedasDeputiestorepresenttheDioceseattheGeneralConventioninthenumberprescribedbytheConstitutionoftheGeneralConvention.

(a)EachClericalDeputyshallbeanordainedpriestordeaconcanonicallyresidentintheDiocese.(b)EachLayDeputyshallbeanadultcommunicantingoodstanding(asdefinedintheCanonsoftheGeneralConvention)ofacongregationoftheDiocese.(c)DeputiesshallbeelectedbyjointballotoftheClergyandLaity,andamajorityofthosepresentandvotingshallberequiredforelectionasrequiredbyArticleItheConstitutionandinaccordancewiththeRulesofOrderfortheConvention.(d)Deputiesshallholdofficeuntiltheirsuccessorsshallhavebeenelectedandqualifiedexceptasindicatedbelow.

AlternateDeputiestobechosenSection2.AftertheelectionofDeputiesiscompleted,thesamenumberofAlternateDeputiesshallbeelectedfromeachOrderinasingleseparateballotfromamongthecandidateswhowerenotelectedasDeputies.IndividualsthatwithdrawfromtheelectionforDeputyafterthefirstballotforDeputiesmaybecandidatesforAlternateDeputy.

(a)CandidatesforAlternateDeputiesshallberankedintheorderofthetotalnumberofvotesthattheyreceive.(b)InthesingleballotforAlternateDeputies,astocandidatesfromeachOrder,votersshallcastnomorevotesthanthenumberofAlternateDeputiestobeelectedfromeachOrder.

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(c)AmajorityvoteshallnotberequiredforelectionofAlternateDeputies.(d)AlternateDeputiesfromeachOrdershallbeelectedaccordingtothetotalnumberofvotescastforeachcandidate.AnyvacanciesoccurringamongtheDeputies,ClericalorLay,shallbefilledbyadvancingintothelistofDeputiesthenamehighestonthelistofAlternateDeputiesofthesameOrder,inorderofthehighestnumberofvotescast.

DeputiestosignifyinabilitytoattendSection3.IfanyDeputybeunabletoattend,heorsheshallnotifytheSecretary;andinsuchcase,orinthecaseofvacancy,theSecretaryofConventionshalldesignatefrontthelistofAlternateDeputies,intheorderoftheirrecordontheJournal,somanyasmaybenecessarytoinsureasfaraspracticable,afullrepresentationoftheDiocese.IntheeventthatsufficientAlternateDeputiesarenotavailable,theDiocesanCouncilshallelectasufficientnumberofpersonsfromtheappropriateOrdertocompletethedeputation,oriftheBishopdeterminesthatisnotpossible,theBishopshallappointsuchpersonsfromtheappropriateOrderastheBishopdeemsfittocompletethedeputation.CanonVDeputiesandAlternateDeputiestotheProvincialSynodDeputiestobeappointedbytheBishopSection1.(a)AttheAnnualSessionoftheConvention,theBishopshallnominatetheappropriatenumberofDeputiestotheProvincialSynod,asrecommendedbytheSynod.TheseDeputies,withtheBishop,shallrepresentthisDioceseintheProvincialSynod.ThesenominationsshallbeconfirmedbytheConvention.TheseDeputiesshallcontinueinofficeforoneyearoruntiltheirsuccessorsarenominatedandconfirmed.Qualifications(b)TheClericalDeputiesshallbePresbytersorDeacons,canonicallyresidentintheDiocese,andtheLayDeputiesshallbeconfirmedorreceivedandcommunicantsingoodstandinginsomecongregationoftheDiocese.AlternateDeputiesSection2.TheConvention,inlikemanner,shallconfirmthenamingofthesamenumberofAlternateDeputies.ThenamesoftheDeputiesandAlternateDeputiesshallbeenteredupontheJournal.VacanciesSection3.AnyvacanciesoccurringamongtheDeputies,ClericalorLay,shallbefilledbyadvancingintothelistofDeputiesthenamehighestonthelistofAlternateDeputiesofthesameOrder.

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CanonVIOfficersoftheDioceseTreasureroftheDioceseSection1.(a)ThereshallbeaTreasureroftheDiocese,nominatedbytheBishop,andelectedbytheConvention.Toreceiveanddisbursemoney(b)ItshallbethedutyoftheTreasurer,orpersonsdesignatedbytheTreasurer,toreceiveanddisbursemoneycollectedundertheauthorityoftheConvention.Fundstobedeposited(c)AllfundsreceivedbytheTreasurershallbedepositedinabankortrustcompanyapprovedbytheFinanceCommittee.ChecksagainstsuchfundsshallbesignedorcountersignedbyapersonorpersonsdulyauthorizedbytheFinanceCommittee.Tobebonded(d)TheTreasurershallbebondedinsuchamountandbysuchbondingcompanyasmaybeapprovedbytheFinanceCommittee.Accountstoberendered(e)TheTreasurer'saccountsshallberenderedannuallytotheConventionandshallbeexaminedbyanAuditorappointedbytheFinanceCommittee.Mayberemoved(f)TheTreasurermayberemovedfromofficeatanytimebytheStandingCommittee,actingbyandwiththeadviceandconsentoftheBishop,foranyneglect,misconduct,orincapacity.Intheeventofsuchremoval,orincaseofinfirmity,orofdeath,theStandingCommitteemay,withtheadviceandconsentoftheBishop,chooseasuccessorwhoshallholdoffice,underthesametermsasthepredecessor,deliveringtosaidsuccessorallmonies,credits,accounts,papersandbooks,untilthenextAnnualsessionoftheConventionwhentheConventionshallelectaTreasurer.ChancelloroftheDioceseBishopmayappointSection2.TheBishop,withtheapprovaloftheStandingCommittee,mayappointapersonlearnedinthelaw,asChancelloroftheDiocese,whoshallbeentitled,ex-officio,toaseatandvoiceinallsessionsoftheConvention;andtocontinueinofficeuntildeath,orresignation,orrevocationofappointmentbytheBishop.TheChancellor,ifanordainedperson,mustbecanonicallyresidentinthisDiocese.IfaLayperson,suchpersonmustbeamemberingoodstandingofsomeCongregationinthisDiocese.RegistraroftheDioceseSection3.(a)ThereshallbeaRegistraroftheDiocese,nominatedbytheBishopandelectedbytheConvention.

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(b)TheJournals,files,papers,reports,andotherdocumentswhich,undertheCanonsorotherwise,shallbecomethepropertyofthisConvention,shallbecommittedtothekeepingoftheRegistrar.Shallprocureandpreservedocuments,etc.(c)ItshallbethedutyoftheRegistrartoprocureallsuchJournals,files,papers,reports,copiesofchartersandactsofincorporationofChurches,andotherdocumentsasmaybeofvalueinthehistoryofthisDiocese;toarrange,label,file,indexandotherwiseputinorderandprovideforthesafekeepingofthesameandallsuchothersasmayhereaftercomeintopossessionoftheRegistrar,insomesafeandaccessibleplaceofdeposit;andtoholdthesameundersuchregulationsandrestrictionsastheConventionmay,fromtimetotime,provide.Torecord(d)ItshallbetheRegistrar'sdutyalsotoprepareandtopreserve,inaproperRegistrybook,arecordoftheordinationandconsecrationofthesuccessiveBishopsoftheDiocese,designatingaccuratelythetimeandplaceofthesame,withthenamesoftheordainingandconsecratingBishops,andoftheotherspresentandassisting;torecordalistofallthePresbytersandDeacons,andthedatesoftheirconnectionwiththisDiocese,andtoacquirecopiesofthechartersandactsofincorporationsofCongregationsinthesame,withsuchadditionalfactsasmaybeworthyofpreservationinthearchivesofthisDiocese.Shallmakeanannualreport(e)TheRegistrarshallmakeareportinwritingateachAnnualsessionoftheConvention,whichreportshallbeprintedintheJournal.TheHistoriographeroftheDioceseBishopmayappointSection4.TheBishop,withtheapprovaloftheStandingCommittee,mayappointapersonqualifiedforthepurpose,asHistoriographeroftheDiocese,whosedutyshallbe,tokeepandpreserveinsuitableformarecordoftheimportanteventspertainingtothehistoryoftheDiocese,andwhoshallcontinueinofficeuntildeath,orresignation,orrevocationofappointmentbytheBishop.TheHistoriographer,ifanordainedperson,mustbecanonicallyresidentinthisDiocese;ifaLayperson,suchpersonmustbeamemberingoodstandingofsomeCongregationinthisDiocese.CanonVIITheStandingCommitteeShallchooseaPresidentandSecretaryandrecordproceedingsSection1.TheStandingCommitteeshall,atitsfirstmeeting,chooseaPresidentandSecretaryfromamongitsmembers.TheSecretaryshallrecorditsproceedings.AllpapersintheCommittee'shandsrelativetotheDiocese,shallbesubjecttotheexaminationoftheBishopandoftheConvention,andafullreportofthe

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Committee'sactsshallbemadeateachAnnualsessionoftheConvention.ThisCanonshallnotapplytoanyproceedingsunderCanonXVIII,Section2.CouncilofAdviceSection2.TheStandingCommitteeshallbeaCouncilofAdvicetotheBishop.ItmaybesummonedbytheBishopwhenevertheBishopshallwishforitsadvice;anditmaymeetofitsownaccord,andagreeabletoitsownrules,wheneveritmaybedisposedtoadvisetheBishop.CanonVIIIDiocesanCommissiononMinistrySection1.ThereshallbeaDiocesanCommissiononMinistrywhosedutiesshallbetoassisttheBishopasprescribedbytheConstitutionandCanonsoftheEpiscopalChurch.Section2.TheCommissionshallassisttheBishopwithregardtotheimplementationofCanonIII.1oftheEpiscopalChurch,"OftheMinistryofallBaptizedPersons:"

(a)IndeterminingpresentandfutureopportunitiesandneedsfortheministryofallbaptizedpersonsintheDioceseandtheworld.(b)Insupportingthedevelopment,training,utilizationandaffirmationoftheministryofallbaptizedpersonsintheDioceseandintheworld.

Section3.TheCommissionshallassisttheBishopwithregardtotheneedsforordainedandLayprofessionalministriesintheDiocese:

(a)IndeterminingpresentandfutureneedsforordainedandLayprofessionalministriesintheDiocese.(b)InrecruitingandselectingpersonsforHolyOrdersandinguidingandexaminingPostulants,Candidates,andDeaconsintrainingforPriesthood.(c)InprovidingfortheguidanceandpastoralcareoftheClergyandLayPersonswhoareinstipendiaryandnon-stipendiarypositionsaccountabletotheBishop.(d)InpromotingthecontinuingeducationoftheClergyandofLayProfessionalsemployedbytheChurch.

Section4.TheDiocesanCommissiononMinistryshallconsistofnofewerthansixandnomorethannineclergyandanequalnumberoflaypersonstobeappointedbytheBishopforaperiodofthreeyears.VacanciesintheDiocesanCommissiononMinistryshallbefilledfortheunexpiredtermsbyappointmentbytheBishopoftheDiocese.TheChairshallbeappointedbyandserveattheBishop'swillandpleasure.

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Section5.TheDiocesanCommissiononMinistrymayadoptrulesforitswork,subjecttotheapprovaloftheBishop,providedthesamearenotinconsistentwiththeConstitutionandCanonsoftheEpiscopalChurchintheDioceseofSouthernOhio.TheserulesmayincludetheappointmentofcommitteesfromandbeyonditsmembershiptoassisttheCommissioninitsresponsibilities.UltimateresponsibilityshallremainwiththeCommissionasawholetoreporttotheBishopconcerninganapplicant'sfitnessandreadinessforadmissionasaPostulantorCandidate,forordinationtotheDiaconateand,ifrequestedbytheBishop,tothePriesthood.Section6.TheDiocesanCommissiononMinistryshallreportinwritingandwithoutdelaythefindingsconcerningeachExplorer,PostulantandCandidatebeforehisorherordinationtotheBishopandtheStandingCommittee.Itshalllikewisereportannually,ormoreoftenonrequest,totheBishopontheperformanceofotherduties.ItshallmakesuchreportsascalledforunderTitleIII,Canon1,Section4,andTitleIII,Canon7,Section4oftheConstitutionandCanonsoftheEpiscopalChurchandshalltransmitacopyofanyreportstotheAnnualConventionoftheDiocese.CanonIX(ThisCanonwasremovedbyactionofthe124thAnnualConvention)CanonXFinanceCommitteeFinanceCommitteeMembershipandReportingSection1.(a)ThereshallbeaFinanceCommitteenominatedbytheBishopandelectedbytheConventionateachAnnualsessionoftheConvention.TheCommitteeshallconsistoftenpersons,atleastsixofwhomshallbelaypersons,andshallreporttoeachAnnualsessionandbetweensessionstotheDiocesanCouncil,uponallsuchmatterspertainingtothefinancesoftheDioceseasmaybeassignedtoitbyCanonorreferredtoitbyConventionorDiocesanCouncil.FinanceCommitteeResponsibilitytooverseefinancialactivity(b)TheFinanceCommitteeshallhavetheresponsibilityofoverseeingthefiscalresponsibilityofDiocesanoperations.Inordertodothisitshall:

1.RecommendchangesandadditionstotheDiocesanAccountingPoliciesandProceduresasitfeelsdesirable.2.Reviewthestatusofallbudgetsatleastbi-monthly,andreportsametotheDiocesanCounciltogetherwithanyrecommendationsitmaywishtomakeregardingcorrectiveactionwhichshouldbetakenincaseofoverexpenditure.3.Arrangefor,reviewandcirculatethereportsof,andseetothedispositionofallrecommendationsresultingfromauditsofDiocesanaccountsasprovidedforinSection4hereof.4.CalltotheattentionoftheBishopandtheDiocesanCouncil(orConvention)anyconditions,practices,oractionsthatitdeemstobeimproper,irresponsible,ornotinthebestinterestoftheDiocese.

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AuthoritytoborrowSection2.InordertoenabletheTreasurertomeetDiocesanobligationswhendue,andinanticipationofpaymentsbytheCongregations,theFinanceCommitteeshallhavethepowertoauthorizetheTreasurertoborrowmoney.FiscalyeartobeginJanuary1stSection3.(a)ThefiscalyearoftheDioceseandofalloftheCongregationsintheDioceseshallbeginonJanuaryfirst,inaccordancewiththeChurch’sCanon.(b)EachCongregationintheDioceseshallcomplywiththeauditreportsrequiredbyTitleISection7oftheChurch’sCanons,underproceduresestablishedbytheFinanceCommittee.AccountstobeauditedSection4.(a)AccountshavingtodowiththereceiptandexpenditureorinvestmentofmoneyofallChurchorganizationsshallbeauditedbythecloseoftheyear,inaccordancewiththeChurch’sCanon.(b)Inthisregard,theDiocesemayrelyontheopinionofanindependentauditororregulatoryauthorityofanydulyauthorizedbank,trustcompany,orotherfinancialinstitutionhavingcustodyofDiocesansecuritiesorotherassets.CanonXIDiocesanTrusteesandPropertyElectionandtermofofficeFive-yeartermSection1."TheTrusteesoftheDioceseofSouthernOhio"isacorporation,notforprofit,hereinafterreferredtoasTrustees,dulyincorporatedunderthelawsofOhio.TheBoardofTrusteesofthatCorporation,hereinafterreferredtoasBoardofTrustees,shallconsistoffivemembersofthechurchwithinthisDiocese,nomorethantwoofwhommaybemembersoftheclergy.EachAnnualSessionoftheConventionshallelectonetrustee,toserveforatermoffiveyears,fromandafterthefirstdayofDecembernextafterelectionoftheTrustee.TheBoardofTrusteesshallfillallvacancies,lessthanamajority,thatmayoccurinitsBoardbyreasonofdeath,resignationorremovalfromtheDiocese,orinanymanner,byelectingaTrusteetoserveuntilthenextAnnualsessionoftheConventionoftheDiocese,atwhichtimetheConventionshallelectaTrusteetofilltheunexpiredterm.ShallholdendowmentfundandallDiocesanfundsandpropertyofdefunctCongregationsSection2.(a)SaidTrusteesoftheDioceseofSouthernOhioshallholdintrust,underthelawsofOhio,andalsounderanyordersofanysessionoftheConventionoftheDiocese,anyendowmentfund,oranyproperty,realorpersonal,thatmaybegiven,bequeathed,devised,orconveyedtoitintrustfortheuseandbenefitoftheDioceseofSouthernOhio,orforanysociety,committee,ororganizationofsuchDiocese,orfortheuseandbenefitofanyCongregation,orsocietylocatedwithintheDioceseofSouthernOhio.

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(b)SaidTrusteesoftheDioceseofSouthernOhioshallalsotakepossession,inbehalfofsaidDiocese,ofanyandallpropertyofanyCongregation,orsocietyofsaidChurch,withintheterritoryofsaidDiocese,declaredbysaidDiocesanConventiontobeextinctordefunct,sofarasthelawsoftheStatedonowormayhereafter,givepowertosaidBoardofTrusteessotodo.MaytakeintrustCongregationfundsorpropertyifdesiredSection3.SaidTrusteesoftheDioceseofSouthernOhiomayatanytimeacceptproperty,realorpersonal,thatshallbegiven,bequeathed,devised,orconveyedtoittoholdintrustfortheuseandbenefitoftheDioceseofSouthernOhio,oranysociety,committee,orCongregationofsuchDiocese;orforuseinanyCongregationorsociety,subjecttothejurisdictionoftheConventionofsaidDiocese,andundertheConstitution,CanonsandjurisdictionofsaidChurch,insaidDiocese;provided,thatinthecasetheCongregationorsocietyforwhoseusethepropertyissoconveyed(whilestillwithintheterritoriallimitsofsaidDiocese),shallbedeclaredextinctordefunctbytheConventionofsaidDiocese,orshallceasetobeinrecognizedunionwiththesaidEpiscopalChurchinsaidDioceseunderitsConstitution,Canons,andjurisdiction,saidtrustpropertyandrealestateshallthenceforthbeheldandadministeredbysaidCorporationunderthedirectionoftheConventionofsaidDiocese.ShallreportannuallytoConventionSection4.TheBoardofTrusteesshallreportitsactsandproceedingstotheConventionannually,statingparticularly,amongotherthings,alldonationsorconveyancesacceptedbyitduringtheprecedingyear.MayelectatreasurerSection5.TheBoardofTrusteesmayelectitsowntreasurer,underrulesprescribedbyit.Itshall,amongotherthings,orderandprovidefortheinvestmentandcareofsaidfundsandproperty.Itshallhavethepowertodoallthingsthatmaybenecessaryforthesafeandprofitableinvestmentanddisbursementsthereof,andtoreceiveatitsconvenience,thepossessionofanyandallsaidfundsfromanyformerorotherpresentmembersoftheBoardofTrusteesofthesame.ItshallhaveallpowersembracedwithinthetermsofthecertificateofincorporationoftheBoardofTrusteesoftheDioceseofSouthernOhio,nowonfileintheofficeoftheSecretaryoftheStateofOhio,andundertheStatutesoftheStateofOhio,andmayinvest,reinvest,lease,manage,andcontrolallpropertyandfundsvestedinitforthebestinterestofsaidChurchinsaidDiocese,subjecttothedirectionandcontrolofsaidConvention.Mayestablishotherorganizationsand/orcorporationsSection6.(a)UndertheauthorityanddirectionoftheTrustees,andwiththeapprovaloftheDiocesanConvention,otherOrganizationsand/orCorporationsmaybeestablishedtocarryoutoneormoreofthepowersanddutiesofthesaidTrustees.Specifically,therehavebeencreatedandnowexistthefollowingCorporationspursuanttothisSection:

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1.TheChurchFoundationoftheDioceseofSouthernOhio,incorporatedFebruary9,1922underthelawsofOhio;and2.412Sycamore,Incorporated,incorporatedJanuary24,1964underthelawsofOhio.

(b)ItistheintentofthisSectionthatanyOrganizationand/orCorporationincludingthetwoabovenamedshallhavesuchdutiesandpowersaswillfacilitatethosepurposesforwhichtheTrustees(theCorporation)wasformedwithoutenlargingorabridgingthosepurposes.CanonXIITheDiocesanCouncilSection1.(a)ThereshallbeaDiocesanCouncil,whosedutyitshallbetocarryouttheprogramandpoliciesadoptedbytheDiocesanConvention.TheDiocesanCouncilshallhavechargeofthecoordination,development,andprosecutionofthemissionary,education,andsocialworkoftheChurch,andofsuchotherworkasmaybecommittedtoitbytheDiocesanConvention.DutiesandPowersofCouncil(b)TheCouncilshallexercisethepowersconferreduponitbyCanon,andsuchfurtherpowersasmaybedesignatedbytheDiocesanConvention,andbetweensessionsoftheDiocesanConventionmayinitiateanddevelopsuchnewworkasitmaydeemnecessary.(c)TheCouncilshallhavethepowertoexpendallsumsofmoneyauthorizedbytheBudgetapprovedbytheDiocesanConvention,subjecttosuchrestrictionsasmaybeimposedbytheDiocesanConvention.Itshallalsohavepowertounder-takesuchotherworkapprovedbytheDiocesanConvention,orotherworkunderthejurisdictionoftheCouncil,theneedforwhichmayhavearisenaftertheactionoftheDiocesanConvention,asinthejudgmentoftheCouncilavailableincomewillwarrant.MembershipSection2.TheDiocesanCouncilshallconsistoftheBishop,theBishopCoadjutor,iftherebeone,theBishopSuffragan,iftherebeone,asexofficiomemberswithvoiceandvote,andeighteen(18)persons,fifteen(15)ofwhomshallbeelectedbytheConventionassetforthinSection3(a)below,andthree(3)ofwhomshallbeappointedbytheBishopassetforthinSection3(b)below.TobeeligibleforelectionorappointmenttoDiocesanCouncil,apersonshallhavethesamequalificationsasapersonelectedasadelegatetoDiocesanConvention.ElectedMembersSection3.(a)TheelectedmembersofsaidDiocesanCouncilshallbeelected,five(5)eachyear,bytheDiocesanConvention,shallserveforthree(3)yearsfromthetimeoftheirelection,andshallbeeligibleforreelectiontonotmorethanoneadditional

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consecutivethree-yearterm.Thereshallbearatioofone(1)Clergy,canonicallyresidentinthisDiocese,totwo(2)laypersons,eachofwhomshallbeamemberingoodstandingofaCongregationintheDiocese.TheNominatingCommitteeshallprovideaslateofcandidatesrepresentativewithregardtogeography,expertise,minoritygroups,sex,age,andotherappropriateconsiderations.AppointedMembers(b)TheBishopshallappointthree(3)additionalpersonsqualifiedassetforthinSection3(a)above,within30daysfollowingtheadjournmentoftheDiocesanConventiontoserveuntilthenextConvention.Theseappointmentsshallbemadesoas,intheBishop'sjudgment,tocausethecounciltobemorereasonablyrepresentativewithregardtogeography,expertise,minoritygroups,sex,age,andotherappropriateconsiderations.Suchappointedmembersshallservenomorethanthree(3)consecutiveyears.PresidingOfficer,Meetings,QuorumSection4.TheBishop,or,intheabsenceoftheBishop,theBishopCoadjutor,iftherebeone,orintheabsenceofboththeBishopandBishopCoadjutor,theBishopSuffragan,iftherebeone,shallpresideatmeetingsoftheDiocesanCouncil.IntheabsenceofallBishops,theVice-Presidentsshallpresideinorder.TheDiocesanCouncilshallmeetregularlyatleastsix(6)timesperyearonitsownschedule,andatothertimesatthecallofthree(3)members.Aquorumtotransactbusinessshallconsistofamajorityofallmembers,includingtheex-officiomembers,providedatleast15daysnoticeofthemeetinghasbeengiventoallmembers.VacanciesSection5.VacanciesintheCouncilmembershipshallbefilledwithin30daysasfollows:

• Ifthemembertobereplacedwasanappointedmember,theBishopshallmakeanewappointment.

• Ifthemembertobereplacedwasanelectedmember,thereplacementshallbechosenbytheDiocesanCouncil,andshallserveonlyuntilthenextregularelectionatwhichtimeapersonshallbeelectedtocompletetheterm.

AuthoritytoappointitsOfficersSection6.TheCouncilshallelectfromamongitsmembersFirstandSecondVice-Presidents,andshallappointitsownRecordingSecretary.TomakereportSection7.TheDiocesanCouncilshallmakeawrittenreport,summarizingitsactions,totheDiocesanConventioneachyear,whichreportshallbeprintedintheJournal.PeriodicSystemicReviewSection8.AtintervalsofnolessthanthreenormorethanfiveyearstheDiocesanCouncilshallarrangeforasystemicreviewoftheDiocesanorganizationand

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operationswiththeconclusionsandrecommendationsresultingtherefromreportedtotheConventionforitsinformationandaction.CanonXIIIBudgetingProcessConventiondutytoestablishanOperatingBudgetSection1.ItshallbethedutyoftheConventiontoestablishanannualOperatingBudget(TheBudget).BudgetCommitteeMembershipSection2.Toaccomplishthis,itshallestablishaBudgetCommitteecomposedofthree(3)electedmembersofDiocesanCouncil;three(3)memberselectedbyConvention;three(3)membersappointedbytheBishop;andtheBishop,theDiocesanTreasurer,andtheChairmanoftheTrustees,ex-officio.TheBishopshalldesignateoneoftheseindividualstoserveasChair.One(1)personfromeachofthethree(3)appointedandelectedcategoriesshallbeacanonicallyresidentPresbyter,andtheothersshallbelaypersons.ThefollowingcriteriaarerecommendedforBudgetCommitteemembership:

(a)workingknowledgeofbudgetprocedures;(b)personaland/orbusinessexperienceappropriatetothiscommittee;(c)somedemonstratedexperienceonDiocesanprogramswhichwouldreflectdirectknowledgeof"howthesystemworks;"(d)willingnessandabilitytocommittomonthlymeetingsinadditiontoCouncilmeetings,andperhapsmoreinspring/earlysummer;and(e)representationwithregardtogeography,minoritygroups,sex,andage.

StepsinBudgetProcessSection3.TheBudgetCommitteeshallproceedasfollows:

(a)Itshallacceptrequestsforfundingforallprogramandprojectwork.(b)Inaddition,theFinanceOfficershallcausefundingrequirementstobepreparedforincorporationintheBudgets.TheFinanceOfficershallalsoberesponsiblefordevelopingtheestimatedresources.(c)TheBudgetCommitteeshalladjusttherequestsandestimatesasneededtoachieveabalancedbudget.(d)ItshallbethedutyoftheBudgetCommitteeandDiocesanCounciltokeepConventiondelegatesinformedabouttheBudget.

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(e)AftertheDraftBudgethasbeenapprovedbytheDiocesanCouncil,andassoonafterJune1aspracticable,theFinanceOfficershalladviseeachCongregation,onaninformalandtentativebasis,theinformationreferredtoinsubsection(g)belowinorderthatitmayplanitsEveryMemberCanvass.(f)TheBudgetthuspreparedshallbepresentedforapprovaltotheDiocesanConvention.ConventionmayamendtheBudgetinaccordancewiththeRulesofOrderfortheAnnualConvention.TheConvention'srighttoamendshallnotbelimitedordiminishedbythefactthatinformalandtentativedatahavebeengiventotheCongregationsinaccordancewithsubsection(e)above.(g)WhenapprovedbytheConvention,theBudgetshallbereportedtoeachCongregationwithinone(1)monthofthecloseoftheConventiontogetherwiththatCongregation'srequiredassessment.Suchassessmentsshallbedeterminedonsomefixedanduniformplan,basedontheabilityofeachCongregationasshownonitsAnnualParochialReport.(h)EachCongregationshallinformtheDiocesebeforeMarch1ofitsintentiontopayitsassessment.Ifitcannotpayitsassignedassessment,theCongregationshallimmediatelysoinformtheFinanceOfficeoftheDiocese.(i)Inlightoftheaggregateofalltheassessments,theDiocesanCouncilmayadjusttheBudget.

AssessmentExpensesSection4.ThequotaassessedontheCongregationsshallprovideforthesalariesandhousing(unlesstheyarespecificallyendowed)oftheBishop,theBishopCoadjutoriftherebeone,andBishopSuffraganiftherebeone,andsuchcontingentexpensesasaresetforthbelow:

(a)TravelingandotherofficialexpensesoftheBishop,BishopCoadjutoriftherebeone,andBishopSuffraganiftherebeone.(b)ThequotaassessedontheDiocesebytheGeneralConventionandbytheProvincialCouncilforcontingentexpenses.(c)PublishingtheJournaloftheConvention,andsuchotherdocumentsasmaybeorderedbytheConvention.(d)ThesalaryoftheSecretaryoftheConvention(theLegislativeOfficeroftheDiocese).(e)OtheradministrativeexpensesincludingtheoperationofDiocesanHeadquarters,DiocesanConvention,andDiocesanCouncil.(f)ThesumfortheexpensesofClericalandLayDeputiesforattendingupontheGeneralConventionandProvincialSynod.

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(g)SuchotherexpensesasmaybeauthorizedbytheDiocesanConventionorCouncilandlistedintheDiocesanAccountingPoliciesandProcedures.

OtherExpensesandIncomeSection5.(a)AllotherexpensesoftheDiocesenotprovidedforbytheassessment,theChurchFoundationBudget,ortheWilliamCooperProcterFund,includingthoseofanyself-supporting,partiallyself-supporting,orspecificallyendowedoperations,shallbesupportedentirelyfromgiftsofindividualsandCongregations,incidentalearnings,andfundsfromTrustsandEndowmentswhenappropriateaccordingtothetermsthereof.(b)Inthecaseofself-supporting,partiallyself-supporting,andspecificallyendowedoperations,theBudgetshallshowthenetcost(orincome)totheDiocese.Thetotalincomesandexpensesshallalsobeshown.RemittalofFundsSection6.ItshallbethedutyoftheVestryorMissionCouncilofeachCongregationtoprovideforthecollectionofsuchsumsasshallbeneededtomeetitsassessment.TheVestryorMissionCouncilshalltransmitthesameinmonthlyinstallments.CanonXIVAdministrationofFinancialAffairsDiocesanAccountingPoliciesandProceduresSection1.DiocesanCouncil(Council)shallberesponsibleforthepreparation,publication,andasisperiodicallyrequired,revision,ofasetof"DiocesanAccountingPoliciesandProcedures."FormationofPoliciesSection2.(a)Councilataregularlycalledmeetingshalladoptandauthorizetheoriginalsetofpoliciesandprocedures,andanysubsequentrevisionthereof,withadviceofanyofthefollowingbodieswhichmaybeaffectedbythepolicyorpoliciesunderconsideration:TheFinanceCommittee,TheTrustees,TheChurchFoundation,412Sycamore,Inc.,andtheCongregationsoftheDioceseofSouthernOhio.ExtentofPolicies(b)Thepoliciesshallcover,butnotnecessarilybelimitedtothefollowing:expenseaccountapproval,commitmentauthorization,invoicepayment,budgetover-expenditureauthorization,interimandfinalbudgetreporting,assetdepreciation(replacementreserve)fundingandtheannualparochialreports.DutytoAdheretoPoliciesSection3.TheDioceseanditsaffiliatesandsubordinatesshalladheretotheDiocesanAccountingPoliciesandproceduresasestablishedherein.CanonXVTheCommissiononCongregationalLife

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AuthoritySection1.TheBishophasauthorityoverallmissionaryworkwithinthisDiocese.TheBishopshallestablishaCommissiononCongregationalLife(COCL)toassistwiththeorganizationandoversightofMissions.MembershipSection2.TheCommissiononCongregationalLifeshallconsistoftheBishop,ortheBishop'srepresentatives,exofficioandtwelvemembersappointedbytheBishop.AteachannualDiocesanConvention,theBishopshalldesignateonemembertochairtheCommission.PurposeSection3.(a)TheCommissiononCongregationalLifeshallimplementthemissionstrategyfortheDioceseofSouthernOhiosubjecttotheauthorityoftheBishopandDiocesanCouncil.InitsimplementationofthemissionstrategyCOCLshallencourage,support,evaluate,andseekopportunitiesforthedevelopmentandgrowthofallexistingMissionsandParishesintheDiocese.COCLisalsochargedwiththedevelopmentofnewCongregations.TheCommissiononCongregationalLifeshallberesponsible,underthedirectionoftheBishopandDiocesanCouncil,forcoordinatingtheimplementationofCanonXVI.(b)COCLshallmakerecommendationstotheBishopandDiocesanCouncilwithregardtothefoundingofnewCongregations(c)COCLshalloverseechangesinthestatusofaCongregation,changesinthedesignationofaCongregation,andtheclosingofaCongregation.(d)TheCommissiononCongregationalLifeshallreceiveandreviewallrequestsforfundingmadebyCongregationsandshalldeterminefinancialsupportbasedonappropriateDiocesanbudgetresources.(e)TheCommissiononCongregationalLifeshallconductanAnnualReviewofallMissions.CanonXVITheCongregationsTheVestry/MissionCouncilEligiblevotersSection1.EveryCongregationcertifiedasaparishshallhaveaVestryandeveryCongregationcertifiedasamissionshallhaveaMissionCouncil.Section2.AllmembersoftheChurchingoodstandingaged16oroldershallbeeligibletovotefortheelectionofaVestryorMissionCouncilandonotherCongregationalmatters,whoatthetimeofvotingshallhavecontributed,bysubscriptionorotherwise,tothesupportoftheCongregationandwhoshallbeentitledtoenrollmentonthelistofmembersingoodstandingoftheCongregation.ElectingtheVestryorMissionCouncil

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Section3.EveryCongregationofthisDioceseshallmeetannually,sometimebetweenthebeginningofAdventandtheendofLent,atadateandtimeforwhichpublicnoticeshallhavebeengivenatleasttwenty(20)daysinadvance,forthepurposeofelectingaVestryorMissionCouncil.Suchmeetingshallbeopenedwithprayer,andshallbeconductedaccordingtotheRulesorBylawsofeachCongregation.IfaCongregationbeincorporated,theVestryorMissionCouncilshallalsobetheBoardofTrusteesoftheCorporation.TheVestryorMissionCouncilshallconsistofnofewerthanfive(5)normorethanfifteen(15)members,oneofwhomshallbeSeniorWardenandoneJuniorWarden;andallofwhomshallcontinueinofficeuntilsuccessorsarechosen.TheVestryorMissionCouncilmay,byamajorityvote,electtoitsbodycertainpersonsintheCongregation,nottoexceedtwo(2)innumber,toserveforaperiodofone(1)year.SuchappointedpersonsmayserveforthenumberoftermsdeterminedbytheVestryorMissionCouncil.TheSeniorWardenandJuniorWardenshallbefirstelected,insuccession,onseparateballotsandtheremainingmembersoftheVestryorMissionCouncilshallbeelectedonasubsequentseparateballot.ExceptfortheWardens,aCongregationmayelectsomeoftheremainingmembersoftheVestryorMissionCouncilforatermoftwoormoreyears,providedthatnoVestryorMissionCouncilmembershallserveforaperiodlongerthansixyearswithoutre-election,andthateachyearsomeoftheVestryorMissionCouncilmustbeelected.AlternatemethodsofelectionAlternateMethod1Section4.(a)AnyCongregationofthisDiocese,onrecommendationofitsVestryorMissionCouncil,noticeofwhichrecommendationshallbegivenatthesametimeasnoticeoftheAnnualMeeting,maydispensewiththedirectelectionoftheSeniorandJuniorWardensbythemembersoftheCongregationattheAnnualMeetingoftheCongregationsothat,atsuchAnnualMeeting,onlymembersoftheVestryorMissionCouncilshallbeelected.TheelectionoftheSeniorWardenandJuniorWardenshallbedeferreduntilthefirstmeetingofthenewlyconstitutedVestryorMissionCouncilwhensaidWardensshallbeelectedinsuccessionandonseparateballotsfromandbythemembersofthatVestryorMissionCouncil;andmembersoftheVestryorMissionCouncilsoelectedasWardensshall,ifthetermoftheirelectiontotheVestryorMissionCouncilpermit,serveouttheirfulltermaftertheexpirationoftheirelectedtermasSeniorWardenorJuniorWarden.AlternateMethod2(b)NotwithstandingtheprocedureforelectionofWardensandVestryorMissionCouncilmembersprovidedforherein,anyCongregationmay,byenactinganappropriateregulation,adoptaprocedurefortheelectionofWardensandVestryorMissionCouncilmemberstobeaccomplishedbyasingleballotvotetobetakenpriortotheAnnualMeeting.Inthisevent,suchballotistakenfollowingthirtydaysnotice,giveninthecustomarymanner,andatsuchtimeandplaceaswillenabletheeligiblevoterstocasttheirballotsbefore,during,orafterregularChurchservicesontwoSundayspriortotheAnnualMeeting.Further,provisionshallbemadeforinclusionofnamesontheballot,inadditiontothoseplacedbytheNominatingCommittee,uponpresentationofsuchnamesbyapetitionsignedbyfiveeligible

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voterspresentedtosuchNominatingCommittee,notlessthantwoweekspriortothefirstdayofballoting.TermsofWardensOffice(c)NotwithstandinganyotherprovisionofthisCanonXVI,anyCongregationmayprovidebyregulationorbylawthattheSeniorWardenandtheJuniorWardenmayservetermsofuptothreeyearswithoutre-election.PresidingOfficerSection5.TheRectoroftheParish,orVicarofaMission,ifpresent,shallpresideatCongregationmeetings,exceptthatheorshemaychoosetodesignateaLaypersontopreside,ormayrequesttheVestryorMissionCounciltoelectaLaypersontopreside.IntheabsenceoftheRectororVicar,orthatoftheLaypersonpresider,theorderofpriorityforthePresidingOfficershallbeex-officio:1)TheSeniorWarden;2)TheJuniorWarden;and3)TheSecretaryoftheVestryorMissionCouncil.Shouldnoneoftheforegoingofficersbepresent,theCongregationMeetingmayelectoneofitsmemberstopreside.QualificationsofVestryorMissionCouncilmembersandWardensSection6.Abaptizedpersonmaybeelectedto,andmayserveupontheVestryorMissionCouncilofaCongregationofwhichheorsheisamember;provided,however,thattobeeligibleasaWarden,onemustbeatleasttwenty-one(21)yearsofageandamemberingoodstanding;andprovidedfurtherthatamajorityofthemembersofaVestryorMissionCouncilmustbeatleasttwenty-one(21)yearsofage.DutiesofVestryorMissionCouncilSection7.(a)ItshallbethedutyoftheVestryorMissionCounciloftheCongregationtotakechargeofthepropertythereof,and,exceptsofarastheCongregationmayhaveadoptedsomeotherplanunderSection14ofthisCanonwithregardtoitsendowmentfunds,toregulateallitstemporalconcerns.ButaVestryorMissionCouncilmaynotconveytitleormortgage,orencumbertherealpropertyofaCongregation,ordivertanyofitsendowments,orinanywayalienateanyofsaidpropertyofaCongregationfromtheuseoftheEpiscopalChurchintheDioceseofSouthernOhio,withoutthepreviousconsentoftheBishopandStandingCommittee.ItshallbethedutyoftheVestrytoelectandcallaRectorandtoprovideforhisorhermaintenance.ItshallbethedutyoftheVestryorMissionCounciltoprovideforpayingalllawfulassessmentsontheCongregation,tokeeporderintheChurchduringDivineServicesand,ingeneral,toactashelperstotheRector,Vicar,orPriest-in-ChargeinwhateverwayisappropriatetoLaypersonsforthefurtheranceoftheGospel;itbeingunderstoodalwaysthatthespiritualconcernsoftheChurchareundertheexclusivedirectionoftheRector,Vicar,orPriest-in-Charge,insubordinationtotheEcclesiasticalAuthorityandLawsoftheDiocese.(b)ItshallbethedutyoftheVestryorMissionCounciloftheCongregationtomaintainthepropertythereofandtoinsurethepropertyataprudentlevelforitsreplacementasdeterminedbytheVestryorMissionCouncilandasapprovedbytheBishopandStandingCommittee.

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DutiesofWardensSection8.ItshallbethedutyoftheWardens,especiallytoprovidetheelementsfortheLord'sSupper,tocollectthealmsattheadministrationofthesame,tokeepanddisbursesuchalmsincasetheChurchisdestituteofaRector,Vicar,orPriest-in-Charge,andwhiletheChurchisdestituteofaRector,Vicar,orPriest-in-Charge,toprovideforthecelebrationofpublicworship,andtheinstructionofthecongregation,byoccasionalclericalservices,orbylayreading,asthecircumstancesmaypermit.CalledmeetingsoftheVestryorMissionCouncilSection9.MeetingsoftheVestryorMissionCouncilmaybecalledbytheRectororVicar,orintheabsenceoftheRectororVicar,bytheSeniorWarden,andintheabsenceofbothbytheJuniorWarden.AmeetingmaybecalledattherequestoftwomembersoftheVestryorMissionCouncil.SecretaryoftheVestryorMissionCouncilanddutiesSection10.TheVestryorMissionCouncilshallelectaSecretarywhosedutyitshallbetotakeandrecordtheMinutesofitsproceedings,attestthepublicactsoftheVestryorMissionCouncil,preserveallrecordsandpapersbelongingtotheCongregation,nototherwiseprovidedfor,performsuchotherdutiesasshallbelegallyassignedandfaithfullydelivertotheSecretary'ssuccessorallbooksanddocumentsinthepossessionoftheSecretarybelongingtotheCongregation.TreasureroftheVestryorMissionCouncilSection11.(a)TheVestryorMissionCouncilshallelectaTreasureroftheCongregation,whosedutyitshallbetoreceive,disburseandaccountforthefundsoftheCongregation.EveryCongregationshallcomplywiththeauditrequirementsoftheChurch’sCanons.Tobebonded(b)TheTreasurer,andtheSecretaryifnecessary,andsuchotherofficerswhoarechargedwiththehandlingorcustodyoffunds,shallbebondedaccordingtotherequirementsoftheChurch’sCanons.VacanciesintheVestryorMissionCouncilandExtinctionofVestryorMissionCouncilSection12.VacanciesoccurringintheVestryorMissionCouncilduringtheyearmaybefilledbytheremainingmembers.IftheVestryorMissionCouncilshouldbecomeextinctorincapacitatedforaction,bythedeathorresignationofitsmembers,theBishopmaycallaspecialmeetingoftheCongregation(givingduenoticethereof)toelectaVestryorMissionCounciltoserveuntiltheAnnualMeetingoftheCongregationnextfollowing;and,ifthemembersoftheCongregationshallrefuseorneglecttoassembleandelectashereinprovided,theBishop,withtheadviceandconsentoftheStandingCommittee,mayappointthreeTrusteestotakechargeofthepropertyandendowmentfundsoftheCongregation,andtoexercisetherightsandfunctionsoftheVestryorMissionCounciluntiltheCongregationshallelectthesame.

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CongregationsincorporatedbySpecialActexceptedSection13.CongregationsincorporatedunderthelawsofOhioinforcepriortotheadoptionoftheConstitutionof1851areexceptedfromanypartoftheCanonsinconflictwiththelawunderwhichsuchCongregationswereincorporatedandareexceptedfromtheprovisionsofSection3ofthisCanonwithrespecttothedatesonwhichtheAnnualMeetingofsuchCongregationsshallbeheld.CongregationsEndowmentsandTrustFundsEndowmentsSection14.(a)AnyCongregationinthisDiocesemayadoptanyplanofCongregationEndowmentnotinconsistentwiththelawsofOhio,orwiththeConstitutionandCanonsofthisDioceseorofTheEpiscopalChurch.TrustfundsmaybeplacedwithTrusteesoftheDiocese(b)Itshallbetherightandprivilegeofthecustodiansofallendowmentfunds,andothertrustandpermanentfundsforChurchpurposes,sofarasispermissibleunderthetermsofthegrantorbequestthereof,toadviseandcooperatewiththeTrusteesoftheDioceseofSouthernOhio,hereinaftertermedTrustees,andsuchcustodiansmaydepositsaidfundsintrustwiththesaidTrusteestobeheldandadministeredbytheaforesaidTrustees,tobeusedfortheobjectorobjectsdesignatedbythetermsofthegiftorbequestandafull,detailedstatementofsaidfundorfundsshallbereportedannuallytotheDiocesanConvention.DutyofOrdainedMinisters(c)ItshallbethedutyofOrdainedMinisterstoinstructtheircongregationsfromtimetotimethatendowmentfunds,andothertrustandpermanentfunds,maybeplaceddirectlyintothehandsoftheTrusteesoftheDioceseofSouthernOhio,acorporation,tobeheldandadministeredbysaidcorporationintrust,tobeusedfortheobjectorobjectsdesignatedbythetermsofthegiftorbequest.(SeeDigestofCanonsofGeneralConvention,"OnBusinessMethodsinChurchAffairs.")CongregationDesignationsMissionStationsandChapelsSection15.(a)Aregulargroupofworshipperswhomay,ormaynot,seektobecomeanorganizedmissionmaybedesignatedasaMissionStationbytheBishop.(b)Aregulargroupofworshipperswhomeetinaninstitutional,recreational,orretreatsettingmaybedesignatedaChapelbytheBishop.ThereisnoexpectationthataChapelwillseektobecomeanewCongregationoftheDiocese.(c)MissionStationsandChapelsareunderthejurisdictionanddirectionoftheBishop.EstablishmentofMissionsSection16.(a)Atanytime,twentyormorepersonsagedatleast18years,atleasttwoofwhomshallbeagedatleast21yearsandmembersoftheEpiscopalChurch,maypetitiontheBishopforpermissiontoestablishaMission.Theformofpetitionshallbeasfollows:

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We,theundersigned,beingmovedbytheHolySpirit,desiretoformanewCongregation.WewillliveandworktoextendChrist'sKingdom,andcommitourselvestoconformtotheDoctrine,DisciplineandWorshipoftheEpiscopalChurch.WeasktheBishopforpermissiontoestablishaMissionwithintheDioceseofSouthernOhio.Werecognizethatweareresponsibletoprovideaplaceforworshipandprogram,andtoprovideforsuchsacramentalandpastoralministryasseemsappropriateinconsultationwiththeBishop.(b)TheCommissiononCongregationalLifeshallreviewthepetitionasitappliestothemissionaryneedsoftheDiocese,assesstheprospectsfortheestablishmentofanewCongregationinthatlocation,andreportitsrecommendationtotheBishop.TheCommissiononCongregationalLifeshallconsultwithandseekthesupportofallCongregationscontiguoustotheterritoryoftheproposedMission.(c)WhentheBishopdeterminesthatthepetitionersareabletoprovideaplaceforregularworship,andarewillingtobeevangelistsforChrist,andcanprovideforsacramentalandpastoralministry,theBishopshallbylettergiveprovisionalpermissionfortheestablishmentoftheMissionuntilthenextannualConvention.TheBishopshallsoinformtheCommissiononCongregationalLifeandDiocesanCouncil.TheprovisionalMissionshallbepresentedforunionwithConventionatthenextsessionoftheannualConvention.(d)ThecontinuationoftheMissionanditscontinuedassociationwiththeDioceseshallbereviewedbytheBishoporhisappointedrepresentative,andbytheCommissiononCongregationalLife,everyotheryear,inthemonthprecedingtheanniversaryoftheletterofformation.(e)AnyCongregationinunionwithConventionmaypetitiontheBishoptoorganizeaParochialMissionfollowingtheaboveguidelines.TheCongregationshallsatisfytheBishopandCOCLofitsabilitytosponsorandfinanciallysustainitselfandtheParochialMission.ChangeinCongregation'sDesignationDesignationasaParishSection17.(a)ForMissionspresentlyinunionwiththeConvention,achangeofdesignationfromMissiontoParishshallbemadebytheBishopuponrecommendationoftheCommissiononCongregationalLife.Criteriaforsuchachangeshallbeconsistentwiththefollowing,plussuchotherfactorsastheBishopandCommissiononCongregationalLifemay,fromtimetotime,deemappropriate:

1.Celebrationofpublicworshipatleastweekly.2.MaintenanceofanadequatelevelofordainedleadershipasapprovedbytheCommissiononCongregationalLife.SuchleadershipshallbecompensatedinaccordancewiththeminimumDiocesanstandards.3.PaymentoftheCongregation'sfullannualDiocesanassessment

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4.ServicingalllegaldebtsoftheParish.5.Twenty(20)ormorepersonsaged18yearsorolderfromatleasttwentyseparatehouseholdsasmembersingoodstanding.

Whengranted,thisdesignationisprovisionaluntiltheCommissiononCongregationalLifesubmitsaresolutiontoConventionthattheMissionbereceivedintounionwiththeDiocesanConventionasaParishandtheConventionapprovestheresolutionbyatwo-thirdsvoteofbothOrders.DesignationasaMission(b)Atanytime,achangeofdesignationfromParishtoMissionmayberequestedbytheRectorandVestryinordertofurtherthemissionarystrategyoftheCongregationandDiocese.ThisrequestwillbeconsideredbytheBishopandtheCommissiononCongregationalLife.Ifapproved,theBishopshallinformtheSecretaryoftheConvention.(c)ForParishespresentlyinunionwiththeConvention,achangeofdesignationfromParishtoMissionmaybemadebytheBishopuponrecommendationoftheCommissiononCongregationalLife,whenattheendofthesecondconsecutiveyear,aParishhasbeenunablefromitsownresourcestoprovideforanyoneofthefollowinglistedbelow:

1.Celebrationofpublicworshipatleastweekly.2.MaintenanceofanadequatelevelofordainedleadershipasapprovedbytheCommissiononCongregationalLife.SuchleadershipshallbecompensatedinaccordancewiththeminimumDiocesanstandards.3.PaymentoftheCongregation'sfullannualDiocesanassessment4.ServicingalllegaldebtsoftheParish.5.Atleasttwenty(20)personsaged18yearsorolderfromatleasttwentyseparatehouseholdsasmembersingoodstanding.

ThechangeinaCongregation'sdesignationshalltakeeffectupontheBishop'sapprovaloftherecommendationfromtheCommissiononCongregationalLife.CriteriaforsuchachangeofdesignationshallbeconsistentwiththoselistedaboveplussuchotherfactorsastheBishop,andtheCommissiononCongregationalLifemay,fromtimetotime,deemappropriate.CongregationsinGoodStandingSection18.(a)AnyCongregationwillbeconsideredtobeinGoodStandingbymeetingthefollowingcriteria:

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1.TheCongregationemploysClergywhoarelicensedintheDiocese;useschurchbuildingsandgroundsforpurposesconsistentwithitsconsecration;andfollowsacourseconsistentwiththedoctrine,discipline,andworshipofthisChurch.2.TheCongregationannuallyelectsandregularlyassemblesaVestryorMissionCouncil;annuallysendsrepresentativestotheAnnualConventionofthisDiocese;paysitsfullDiocesanassessmentfortheprecedingcalendaryearbyJune30ofanyyearorbyoneweekbeforethescheduledmeetingoftheConventionifthatprecedesJune30.3.TheCongregationhasbeendiligentinitssearchforandelectionofaRector,orhasacceptedtheBishop’sappointmentofaVicar,or,inthecaseofarecognizedAreaandCooperativeMinistry,diligentinsearchingforandcallingaPriest4.TheCongregationmaintainsadequateinsurancetoprotecttheCongregation’scapitalassets5.TheCongregationmakestimelyreportsandpreparesandsubmitstotheBishoporEcclesiasticalAuthoritytheParochialReportfortheyearendingDecember31preceding,notlaterthanMarch1ofeachyear.6.TheCongregationsecuresanannualauditofallaccountsoftheCongregationfortheyearendingDecember31preceding,underproceduresauthorizedbytheFinanceCommitteeoftheDioceseandreportssuchauditbySeptember1ofeachyear.7.TheCongregationrecognizestheBishopasChiefPastoroftheDiocese.8.TheCongregationshowsevidenceoffinancialstability,includingprotectionfortheprincipalportionofendowmentfundsfrompersistentinvasionandbyencumberingpropertyonlywiththepreviousconsentoftheBishopandStandingCommittee.

(b)ShouldaCongregationfailtocomplywithSection18(a.2),Section18(a.5),andSection18(a.6),thatCongregationshallbedeniedLayrepresentationatthatyear’sDiocesanConvention.CongregationsatRiskDesignationofaCongregationatRiskSection19.Purpose(a)ThisSectionisintendedtoaddresstheexceptionalcaseofaCongregationwhosecontinuedviabilityasaself-sustainingentityappearsinjeopardy,suchthatadegreeofepiscopateinterventionoroversightisneededasameansofrestoringhealthtotheCongregation.ItisnotintendedtodetractfromthetraditionalrightandresponsibilityofParishesintheEpiscopalChurchtogovernthemselves.Inthosecaseswhereaninquiryisinitiated,andwhereaCongregationatRiskisdeclared,itshallbethedutyandobligationofallpartiestoworkandpray

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towardtheresolutionofsuchproblemsinaclimateofrespectandcharityinordertoaccomplishthespeedyendorsubstantialameliorationoftheconditionsthatledtotheinquiryortothedeclarationoftheCongregationatRisk,andtorestoretheCongregationtospiritualandtemporalhealth.ConditionsLeadingtoDeterminationofaCongregationatRisk(b)NodeclarationofaCongregationatRiskmaybemadeexceptuponafinding,followinginquiry,thatoneormoreofthefollowingconditionsexistintheCongregation:

1.ThefailureofaCongregationfortwoyearsormore,tobefinanciallyself-supporting.Itshallnotconstituteafailuretobefinanciallyself-supportingthattheCongregationshallhavereceivedfundingfromtheDiocese,solongastheCongregationisself-supportingwithsuchfunding.2.ThefailureforatleasttwoyearstoelectaVestryorMissionCouncilortosearchdiligentlyforandelectaRectororaccepttheBishop’sappointmentofaVicaror,inthecaseofarecognizedAreaandCooperativeMinistry,todiligentlysearchforandcallaPriest.3.ThefailuretopaytheminimumClergycompensationasrequiredbyDiocesanstandards;orthefailurefortwoyearstopaysuchcompensationfromfundsotherthanthoseprovidedbyDiocesanassistance;orthefailuretomaketimelypaymentofthepremiumundertheClergypensionsystem,orofthepremiumforanyotherobligatoryinsurancefortheClergy.4.TherefusalorwillfulfailuretoarrangeforrepresentationoftheCongregationatanAnnualConventionoftheDiocese.5.Thefailureorneglecttomakecanonicallyrequiredreports,includingtheannualParochialReporttotheBishop,ortopayDiocesanassessments.6.PersistentandsignificantinstabilityordeclineinthefinancialortemporalconditionoftheCongregation,asevidencedby,forexample,substantialinvasionoftheprincipalportionofendowmentortrustfunds,tosuchadegreethat,inthejudgmentoftheBishopandtheStandingCommittee,thelong-termviabilityoftheCongregationisinjeopardy.7.PersistentfailureorneglecttoconformtothebusinessmethodsinchurchaffairsrequiredbytheConstitutionandCanonsoftheEpiscopalChurchoroftheDiocese,includingthoserequirementsrelatingtothebondingoftreasurersorothercustodiansoffunds,properrecordkeeping,propermaintenanceofbooksofaccount,anannualaudit,andthemaintenanceofadequateinsurance.8.Thepurchase,use,orconveyanceofpropertyoftheCongregation,ortheincurringofdebt,otherthaninconformitywiththeConstitutionandCanonsoftheEpiscopalChurchandoftheDiocese,exceptwheresuchnon-

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conformitywasinadvertentandresultedinnosubstantialprejudicetothepropertyortemporalinterestsoftheCongregation.

InquiryforPurposesofRestorationofCongregationalHealth(c)AninquirybytheEcclesiasticalAuthorityleadingtoadeclarationofaCongregationatRiskunderthisCanonmaybeinitiatedbyoneofthefollowingways:

1.TheBishop,believingthatoneormoreoftheconditionsinSection19(b)mayexist,mayinitiatesuchinquiry;

2.TheStandingCommittee,believingthatoneormoreoftheconditionsinSection19(b)mayexist,maypetitiontheBishoptoinitiatesuchinquiry;oriftheStandingCommitteeistheEcclesiasticalAuthority,itmayinitiatesuchinquirybyunanimousvote;

3.TheRectororVicarorPriestservingarecognizedAreaandCooperativeMinistry,orbothWardens,oramajorityoftheVestry,believingthatoneormoreoftheconditionsinSection19(b)mayexist,maypetitiontheEcclesiasticalAuthoritytoinitiatesuchinquiry.

(d)Uponproperinitiationasprovidedin(c)above,theEcclesiasticalAuthoritymay,itselforactingthroughitsdesignates,conductsuchinquiryintotheconditionoftheCongregation.TheRector,Vicar,orPriestinChargeandVestryorMissionCounciloftheCongregationwhichisthesubjectofsuchinquiryshallcooperateinaninquiryundertheCanon,includingprovidingtotheinquiringentity,uponrequest,fullandaccurateinformationonthestateoftheCongregationanditsaffairs.FailuretoreasonablycooperateshallbesufficienttopermitadeclarationthattheCongregationisaCongregationatRisk.(e)UponafindingthattheCongregationisaCongregationatRisk,oneormoreofthefollowingmeasurestostrivetorestorethehealthoftheCongregationmaybehad,inthediscretionoftheEcclesiasticalAuthority:

1.ArrangeforpastoraldiscussionstobeheldbetweentheBishopand/ortheBishop’srepresentativesandtheRectororVicarandVestryorMissionCounciloftheCongregationtoseekameliorationoftheconditionsthatinhibitthehealth,mission,andministryoftheCongregation.

2.AplanfortheCongregationtocuretheconditions,whichledtothedeclarationofaCongregationatRisk,agreedtobytheCongregationwithin30days,andimplementedthereafterinaccordancewithitsterms.

3.AppointmentbytheBishopoffiveormoreadultTrusteestotakechargeofthepropertyoftheCongregationandexercisetherightsandfunctionsofaVestryorMissionCouncil,duringthependencyoftheseconditions.SaidTrusteesmayormaynotbefromtheCongregation.

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4.InthecaseofaParish,designationofaPriestinChargeduringthependencyoftheseconditions;saidPriestmayormaynotbetheincumbent.

5.ConveyanceoftitleofallrealpropertytotheTrusteesoftheDiocese,whoshallholdthesameintrustduringthependencyoftheseconditions.6.Suchothermeasures,duringthependencyoftheseconditions,astheBishop,withtheconcurrenceoftheStandingCommittee,shalldetermine(orasdeterminedbytheStandingCommitteeactingunanimously,ifitistheEcclesiasticalAuthority).

(f)InaccordancewithCanonXVI,Section19(b.2),whenanyCongregationshallcontinuetofailtoelectaVestryorMissionCouncil,theBishop,withtheadviceandconsentoftheStandingCommitteeasprovidedforinCanonXVI,Section12,mayappointthreetrusteestotakechargeofthepropertyoftheCongregationandexercisetherightsandfunctionsofaVestryorMissionCouncil,untiltheCongregationshallhaveelectedaVestryorMissionCouncilundertheprovisionsofthisCanon.OfAreaandCooperativeMinistriesSection20.(a)WhenevertwoormoreCongregationswishtoshareresourcestoprovideministrytoageographicareaoftheDiocese,orinconjunctionwithageographicareaofaneighboringdiocese,theyshalldraftaCovenantinconsultationwiththeCommissiononCongregationalLifeandtheBishoportheBishop'sappointedrepresentative(s).(b) TheCovenantshallcontain,atleast:

1.ThemethodofselectionoftheleadershipthatwillbesharedbytheAreaMinistry,includingordainedclergyandlicensedlayministries;

2.ThemethodoffinancingtheAreaMinistryincludingthesharedlayandordainedleadership;

3.ThemethodbywhichtheAreaMinistrygoverningbodyischosen;

4.TheresponsibilitiesoftheAreaMinistrygoverningbodyandtheWardensandVestryand/orMissionCouncilofeachofthememberCongregations,and;

5.ThemethodbywhichindividualCongregationsmayassociatewithordisassociatefromtheAreaMinistry.

TheCovenantshallbeapprovedbyatwo-thirdsmajorityvotebyeachVestryorMissionCounciloftheindividualCongregations,andshallbesubjecttotheapprovaloftheCommissiononCongregationalLifeandtheBishop.(c)AnyCongregationintheDioceseenteringintoacooperativeministrywithacongregationinanadjacentDiocese,orwithanecumenicalorinterfaith

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congregationinvolvingbuildinguseorothersharedresourcesincludingpersonnelinthisDiocese,shallbeobligedtoconformtotheprovisionsofsubsections(a)and(b)ofthisSection.SaidCovenantmustbereviewedbytheChancellorandissubjecttotheapprovaloftheCommissiononCongregationalLifeandtheBishop.Thisrequirementdoesnotincludeagreementstorentbuildings.(d)AnysuchCovenantsshallbesubjecttoallprovisionsoftheConstitutionandCanonsoftheEpiscopalChurchandthisDiocese.VacantClergyPositionsinCongregationsSection21.(a)WheneveraRector'spositioninaParishbecomesvacant,orabouttobecomevacant,theWardensorotherproperofficialsoftheParishshallnotifytheBishopforthwith.Vestrytoprovidecompensation(b)ItshallbethedutyoftheVestryofaParishwithnoRectortoprovideforthecompensationofanyPriest-in-ChargewhomaybeappointedbytheBishopforthemaintenanceoftemporaryreligiousservicestherein.TomeetwiththeBishoptoconsidernominations(c)Within30daysafterbeinginformedofsuchvacancy,theBishopshallmeetwithacommitteeoftheelectingbodyoftheParishtoconsidertherequirementsofthepositiontobefilled.IfthepositiontobefilledisthatofanAssistantRector,theRectorshallactasthecommitteeoftheelectingbody,andshallsubmitrecommendationstotheVestryafterhavingconsultedwiththeBishopregardingsuchrecommendations.TheCommitteeandtheBishopmayproposefornominationthenameornamesofclergyatthisoranyothertimeuntilthevacancyisfilled.Assoonaspossible,butnolongerthan60daysthereafter,atasecondsuchmeetingtheBishopandthecommitteeshallconsiderallproposednomineesuntilagreementhasbeenreachedononeormorenamestosubmittotheelectingbodyforaction,oruntilitbecomesapparentthatnoagreementcanbereached.Ifadditionalnominationsarerequestedbytheelectingbodyorifanelectionisdeclinedbytheclergydesignated,theproceduressetforthaboveshallberepeateduntilanelectionhasbeencompleted.IfthecommitteeandtheBishopcannotagreeonclergytonominatetotheelectingbody,andifthecommitteeandtheBishophaveconsultednotlessthanthreetimesattemptingtoreachsuchagreement,thenominationsofbothpartiesshallbesubmittedtotheelectingbodyforitsconsideration,andtheelectingbodymaythenelectanyoneofsuchnominees.WrittennoticeofelectiontotheBishop(d)AwrittennoticeoftheelectionofaRectororofanAssistantRector,signedbytheWardens,togetherwithanycontractualagreementsconcludedbetweentheParishandtheNewRectororAssistantRector,shallbesenttotheBishoporotherEcclesiasticalAuthorityoftheDiocese.IftheBishoportheEcclesiasticalAuthorityshallbesatisfiedthatthepersonselectedisadulyqualifiedmemberoftheClergy,andthatheorshehasacceptedtheoffice,thenoticetogetherwithanycontractualagreementsshallbesenttotheSecretaryoftheDiocesanConvention,whoshall

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recordthem.SuchrecordshallbesufficientevidencetotheBishoportheEcclesiasticalAuthorityoftherelationbetweentheClergyandtheCongregation.CongregationsNoLongerinUnionClosingCongregationsSection22.TheBishop,uponrecommendationoftheCommissiononCongregationalLifeandwiththeconcurrenceoftheStandingCommittee,maydeclare"unabletocontinue,"aMissionorParish,whetherincorporatedornot,whichisinunionwiththeConvention.SuchadeclarationshallbebaseduponafindingthatcontinuedDiocesanfinancialsupportforsuchaMissionorParishisunlikelysubstantiallytofosterthespreadofChrist'sKingdom.Criteriaforsuchafindingshallinclude,butnotbelimitedto:

• EstablishmentofareasonablecertaintythattheCongregation'sstatedmissioncannolongerbeaccomplished;and

• TheCongregationincludesnomorethantwentyseparatehouseholdunitscurrentlypledgingtoitsannualoperatingbudget.

Whensuchadeclarationhasbeenmade,theBishopshallcausetobenegotiatedacontractofclosurewhichshallprovidefortheliquidationoftheCongregation'scapitalassetsandtheirreallocation,inaccordancewithCanonXI,Section2(b)bytheTrusteesasfollows:

• AnyunpaidAssessmentsand/orParishPledgesremainingontheDiocesanbooks

• AllotherliquidatedassetstootherCongregationalLifeprojectsSuchacontractofclosureshallbesubmittedtotheStandingCommitteeuponwhoseapprovalthecontractofclosureshallconstitutearecommendationtoConventionthatConventionrescindtheadmissionofsuchCongregationintounionwiththeConvention.Upontheacceptanceofthatrecommendationbyavoteoftwo-thirdsofeachOrderoftheConvention,suchunionshallbedissolvedandthecontractofclosureshallbecomeeffective.DifferencesbetweenRectorsandtheirParishesRectornottoresignwithoutVestryconsent,nortoberemovedagainstRector'swillSection23.Exceptuponmandatoryresignationbyreasonofage,aRectormaynotresignasRectorofaparishwithouttheconsentofitsVestry,normayanyRectorcanonicallyorlawfullyelectedandinchargeofaParishberemovedtherefrombytheVestryagainsttheRector'swill,exceptashereinafterprovided.NoticetoEcclesiasticalAuthoritySection24.IfforanyurgentreasonaRectororVestrydesiresadissolutionofthepastoralrelation,andthepartiescannotagree,eitherpartymaygivenoticeinwritingtotheEcclesiasticalAuthorityoftheDiocese.WhenevertheStandingCommitteeistheEcclesiasticalAuthorityoftheDiocese,itshallrequesttheBishopofanotherDiocesetoperformthedutiesoftheBishopunderthisCanon.

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BishoptomediateSection25.Withinsixtydaysofreceiptofthewrittennotice,theBishop,aschiefpastoroftheDiocese,shallmediatethedifferencesbetweenRectorandVestryineveryinformalwaywhichtheBishopdeemsproperandmayappointacommitteeofatleastonePresbyterandoneLayPerson,noneofwhommaybemembersoftheParishinvolved,tomakeareporttotheBishop.ModeofsettlingdifferencesSection26.Ifthedifferencesbetweenthepartiesarenotresolvedaftercompletionofthemediation,theBishopshallproceedasfollows:

(a)TheBishopshallgivenoticetotheRectorandVestrythatagodlyjudgmentwillberenderedinthematterafterconsultationwiththeStandingCommitteeandthateitherpartyhastherightwithintendaystorequestinwritinganopportunitytoconferwiththeStandingCommitteebeforeitconsultswiththeBishop.(b)Ifatimelyrequestismade,thePresidentoftheStandingCommitteeshallsetadatefortheconferencethatshallbeheldwithinthirtydays.(c)Attheconferenceeachpartyshallbeentitledtohaverepresentationandtopresentitspositionfully.

(d)WithinthirtydaysaftertheconferenceoraftertheBishop'snoticeifnoconferenceisrequested,theBishopshallconferwithandreceivetherecommendationoftheStandingCommittee;thereafter,theBishop,asfinalarbiterandjudge,shallrenderagodlyjudgment.

(e)UpontherequestofeitherpartytheBishopshallexplainthereasonsforthejudgment.Iftheexplanationisinwriting,copiesshallbedeliveredtobothparties.

(f)Ifthepastoralrelationistobecontinued,theBishopshallrequirethepartiestoagreeondefinitionsofresponsibilitiesandaccountabilityfortheRectorandtheVestry.(g)Iftherelationistobedissolved:

1.TheBishopshalldirecttheSecretaryoftheConventiontorecord

thedissolution.

2.ThejudgmentshallincludesuchtermsandconditionsincludingfinancialsettlementsasshallseemtotheBishopjustandcompassionate.

SupportiveservicesbytheBishop.Ineventoffailureorrefusaltocomply

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Section27.IneithereventtheBishopshallofferappropriatesupportiveservicestothePriestandtheParish.Section28.Intheeventofthefailureorrefusalofeitherpartytocomplywiththetermsofthejudgment,theBishopmayimposesuchpenaltiesasmaybesetforthintheConstitutionandCanonsoftheDiocese;andindefaultofanyprovisionsforsuchpenaltiestherein,theBishopmayactasfollows:

(a)InthecaseofaRector,suspendtheRectorfromtheexerciseofthepriestlyofficeuntilthePriestshallcomplywiththejudgment.

(b)InthecaseofaVestry,invokeanyavailablesanctions,includingrecommendingtotheConventionoftheDiocesethattheParishbeplacedunderthesupervisionoftheBishopasaMissionuntilithascompliedwiththejudgment.

TimemaybeextendedSection29.Forcause,theBishopmayextendthetimeperiodsspecifiedinthisCanon,providedthatallbedonetoexpeditetheseproceedings.Allpartiesshallbenotifiedinwritingofthelengthofanyextension.StatementsnotdiscoverableoradmissibleSection30.(a)StatementsmadeduringthecourseofproceedingsunderthisCanonarenotdiscoverablenoradmissibleinanyproceedingsunderTitleIVprovidedthatthisdoesnotrequiretheexclusionofevidenceinanyproceedingundertheCanonswhichisotherwisediscoverableandadmissible.(b)InthecourseofproceedingsunderthisCanon,iftheVestrymakesachargeagainsttheRectorthatcouldgiverisetoadisciplinaryproceedingunderCanonIV.1,allproceedingsunderthisCanonshallbesuspendeduntilthechargehasbeenresolvedorwithdrawn.CanonXVIIMiscellaneousProvisionsRegistersandAnnualReportsAllClergytokeepaRegisterSection1(a)AccordingtotheCanonsoftheGeneralConvention,eachandallClergyofthisChurchshallkeepaRegisterofBaptisms,Confirmations,Communicants,MarriagesandBurials,withinhisorherCure,agreeabletosuchrulesasmaybeprovidedbytheConstitutionoftheDiocesewherehisorherCurelies.ThisRegistertocontaincertainparticulars(b)TheRegistershallspecifythename,placeanddateofbirthofeachpersonbaptized,withthenamesoftheparentsandsponsors;thenamesofpartiesmarried;thenamesofpersonsburied,andalsothetimewheneachritewasperformed.

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TheRegistertobecarefullypreserved(c)TheClergyshallmaketheseentriesinabooktobeprovidedforthatpurpose,belongingtotheVestryorMissionCouncilofeachCongregation.ThebookshallbetheCongregationRegisterandshallbepreservedbytheVestryorMissionCouncilasapartoftherecordsoftheCongregation.AlistofMembersinGoodStandingtobekept(d)ThelistofmembersingoodstandingshallembraceallwithintheClergy'sCure,asnearlyascanbeascertained.TheClergyshallalsokeepalistofallofthefamiliesandadultpersonswithintheCureasfaraspracticable,andalsoanaccuratelistofthepersonsconfirmedfromtimetotimebytheBishop.AnnualReportsofCongregations(e)ItshallbethedutyofeachCongregationinunionwiththeDiocesetorendertotheBishopoftheDiocese,oriftherebenoBishop,totheEcclesiasticalAuthority,anAnnualReport(ParochialReport)ontheformprovidedbytheEpiscopalChurch.EqualOpportunity,FairEmploymentandNon-Discrimination(f)Nooneshallbedeniedrights,statusoremploymentinthisDiocesebaseduponrace,sex,age(40andover),colorornationalorigin,norbecauseofnon-disqualifyingphysical,mentalormedicaldisability.ExtraparochialClergyReportsSection2.AllClergynotregularlysettledinanyCongregationorChurchshallreporttheoccasionalservicesperformed.Ifnoserviceswereperformed,theClergyshallreportthecausesorreasonswhichpreventedthesame.Thesereports,orsuchpartsofthemastheBishopshallthinkfit,maybeenteredontheJournaloftheConvention.LayReadersLayReaderslicensedToconformtotheChurch’sCanonsSection3.NooneshallbeconsideredasauthorizedtoofficiateasaLayReaderinthisDiocese,exceptincaseofparticularemergency,withoutawrittenLicensefromtheBishop,orincaseofavacancyintheEpiscopate,fromtheStandingCommittee;andLayReadersshallinallcasesconformtotheprovisionsoftheChurch’sCanons.CanonXVIIIEcclesiasticalDisciplineIncorporationofTitleIVandSupplementaryProvisionsSection1.CanonXVIIIincorporatesandsupplementsTitleIVoftheCanonsoftheEpiscopalChurchastheCanonforEcclesiasticalDisciplineintheDiocese.DiocesanDisciplinaryBoard

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Section2.ThereshallbeaDiocesanDisciplinaryBoardtocarryoutthedutiesdescribedinTitleIV.5.1oftheEpiscopalChurch.TheDisciplinaryBoardshallconsistofseven(7)persons,three(3)ofwhomshallbelaypersons,andfour(4)ofwhomshallbeClergy.TheConventionshallelectfive(5)membersoftheDisciplinaryBoard.TheBishoporEcclesiasticalAuthorityshallappointtwo(2)membersoftheDisciplinaryBoard,onelaypersonandoneClergy,inconsultationwiththeChancellorandtheStandingCommittee.AllmembersoftheDisciplinaryBoardshallbeknowledgeableinCanonorCivilLaw,orboth.AlllaymembersshallbeMembersinGoodStandingofaCongregationoftheDiocese.AllClergymembersshallbecanonicallyresidentintheDiocese.TermsSection3.MembersoftheDisciplinaryBoardshallserveforthree(3)yearterms.ThemembersoftheDisciplinaryBoardshalltakeofficeimmediatelyupontheirelectionorappointmentandshallserveuntiltheirsuccessorsareelectedorappointed.NomemberoftheDisciplinaryBoardmayservemorethantwo(2)consecutiveterms.IfamemberoftheDisciplinaryBoardisservinginaspecificmatterpendingwhenthatmember’stermexpires,thatpersonshallcontinuetoserveasamemberforthatpendingmatterthroughanduntiltheconclusionofthemember’sconsiderationofthependingmatter.VacanciesSection4.VacanciesoccurringontheDisciplinaryBoardshallbefilled(i)forelectedmembers,bymajorityvoteofthemembersoftheDisciplinaryBoardfrompersonsotherwisequalifiedforelectionfromthesameorderasthemembervacatingtheDisciplinaryBoardwhenfirstelected,and(ii)forappointedmembers,byappointmentoftheBishoporEcclesiasticalAuthorityfromthesameorderasthemembervacatingtheDisciplinaryBoardwhenfirstappointed.AnymemberelectedbytheDisciplinaryBoardorappointedbytheBishoptofillsuchvacancyshallserveuntiltheexpirationofthetermofthevacatingmember.ReportregardingPresidentSection5.TheDisciplinaryBoardshallwithintwomonthsofeachConventionannuallyelectfromitsmembersaPresidentandshallinformthePresidentoftheStandingCommitteeinwritingofthenameofthePresidentoftheDisciplinaryBoard.ChurchAttorneySection6.TheBishopshallappointoneormoreattorneyslicensedinOhiotoserveasChurchAttorney.AChurchAttorneymayberelievedofthatofficebyavoteoffive(5)oftheseven(7)membersoftheDisciplinaryBoard.TheBishopshallappointalawyertotaketheplaceoftheChurchAttorneysorelieved,subjecttoconsentofamajorityoftheDisciplinaryBoard.ContinuationofCompensationuponRestrictionPursuanttoCanonIV.7Section7.(a)IntheeventamemberoftheClergyshallbesubjecttotheprovisionsofCanonIV.7oftheEpiscopalChurch,thefullcompensationduetosuchmemberof

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theClergyshallcontinueforthedurationofthePastoralDirection,temporaryrestrictiononministry,orAdministrativeLeave(“Restriction”);providedthattheperiodofmandatoryfullcompensationshallnotexceedninety(90)daysfromthedatetheRestrictionisimposed.(b) ThedeterminationoftheamountofcompensationtobecontinuedunderthisSectionshallbethesamecompensationandbenefitsbeingpaidtoorforthebenefitofthememberoftheClergyimmediatelypriortotheimpositionoftheRestriction.

(c) CompensationpursuanttothisSectionshallbepaidbytheParish,Missionorothernon-parochialentityemployingthememberoftheClergyatthetimetheRestrictionisimposed.

(d) OnlyadulyordainedmemberoftheClergyRestrictedbytheBishoporEcclesiasticalAuthoritywhoisengagedinfull-time,part-time,supplyorinterimservicestoaParish,Missionorothernon-parochialentitywithintheDioceseshallbeeligibletoreceivecompensationunderthisSection.

CanonXIXCanons,RepealedorAmended

RepealingClauseSection1.TherepealofaCanonthatitselfrepealedapriorCanonorportionoftheCanon,doesnotrevivethepriorCanonorportionthereof.

ChangestobecertifiedSection2.TheSecretary,withtheChairoftheCommitteeonConstitutionandCanons,shallatthecloseofeachsessionoftheConventioncertifytheamendingorenactinglanguageaspassedintheCanons.TheSecretaryshallprintthesameintheJournal.

HowCanonsmaybeamendedSection3.TheCanonsmaybeamendedornewCanonsmaybeenacted,attheAnnualsessionoftheConvention,byavoteofthemajorityoftheConvention.NoexistingCanonshallbechanged,andnonewCanonshallbeenacted,unlesssuchchangeorenactmentshallhavebeenreferredtoandreporteduponbytheCommitteeonConstitutionandCanons.

AmendedCanontotakeeffectSection4.AllchangesintheCanonsshalltakeeffectimmediatelyfollowingthecloseoftheannualsessionoftheConventionatwhichtheyareadopted,unlessanotherspecifictimeisincludedinandpassedaspartoftheamendmentorenactment.

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