New Executive Council Holds First Meeting
Diocesan Press Service. January 8, 1968 [61-1]
The General Convention Special Program on the crisis in American life was the primary topic of debate and discussion at the meeting of the Executive Council Dec. 12-14 at Seabury House in Greenwich, Connecticut.
Charters Approved For Special Program
Following the report of a conference committee Thursday morning, the Council approved charters for an interim Screening and Review Committee and for the staff unit for the Special Program. The interim Screening and Review Committee is charged with recommending procedures for grant allocations in accord with the General Convention directives. It also establishes priorities for grants and criteria, both for screening grant applicants and for measuring results achieved by recipients' programs in relation to stated goals.
The Committee was also asked to recommend procedures for selecting and appointing the permanent Screening and Review Committee. These recommendations will be presented to the Council for approval at its next meeting to be held at Seabury House on Feb. 20-22.
Although the charter for the Interim Screening and Review Committee was adopted quickly on Thursday morning, it was the product of two days of debate and a night session by a special conference committee.
Tuesday afternoon the Council approved the appointments of Leon E. Modeste as Acting Director and the Rev. John F. Stevens as Acting Deputy Director of the staff unit. In his report to Council, Mr. Modeste outlined the prospective plans made by the new unit in the first few weeks of its existence and called upon Council members to contribute information and expertise where possible. He characterized the new unit's style of operation as one of "flexibility and responsiveness."
Following the presentation, Council members first considered and, after considerable discussion, approved the charter for the interim Screening and Review Committee. They understood it gave the interim committee power to allocate grants and this resulted in considerable discussion. Charles Crump of Memphis, Tenn., Council member and vice president of the House of Deputies, presented a number of documents from the recent General Convention which he felt demonstrated that the Council had been directed to retain the power to allocate grants.
Houston Wilson, new Council member from Wilmington, Del., and vice chairman of the Convention's Program and Budget Committee, presented other documents which he interpreted as meaning that Council could administer grants by itself or through an ecumenical coalition, or through an agency which it appointed.
The Right Reverend George M. Murray, Bishop Coadjutor of Alabama, supported Mr. Crump's point of view. He argued that it would be good strategy for the Council to retain grant-making powers for at least a year.
Dr. Charity Waymouth, a new Council member from Bar Harbor, Maine, however, made the point that grants made by foundations to scientists are usually made by a committee of experts in the field, the committee being appointed by the foundation. The practicality of Council's being able to pass on each grant was also considered.
When the vote was taken Tuesday afternoon, the charter as presented was approved. The matter did not end there, however, for a number of members asked for further consideration. This request was granted and after discussion on Wednesday afternoon a motion was passed calling for the appointment of a conference committee.
The committee report was brought in Thursday morning and quickly passed. It, in effect, rescinded the Council's action of Tuesday by approving a substitute charter which provided that the interim screening committee would only recommend procedures for allocating grants. These will be submitted to Council for approval at its February meeting.
Provision was also made to cover any emergency grants which might be necessary before the February meeting of the Council. Such grants can be made upon approval of the Presiding Bishop.
On Thursday morning also, the charter for the staff unit, itself, was approved with minor editorial changes. This had not been considered by the Council up to this point. This charter outlines the goals of the new General Convention Special Program Unit (interim). It also establishes guide lines for the unit's organization and manner of operation.
Other Actions
In other major action, the Council passed a resolution adopting "Projects for Partnership" as a part of the official overseas program of the Episcopal Church. It also approved the system of extra-budgetary support of overseas projects whereby money is given above national quotas to be used for particular work designated by the donees.
After considerable discussion, the Council approved an arrangement whereby property located in the rear of the Executive Council Building in Manhattan may be used for the construction of a garage. Under the proposal, brought before the Council by the Department of Finance, the prospective owner of the property would give it to the Council and take back a long-term lease. The discussion centered upon the propriety of the Church in allowing itself to be used as a tax shelter, although it was pointed out that city, state and federal taxes would all be paid. Withholding Consumer Patronage
A policy statement from the National Council of Churches concerning the with- holding of consumer patronage as a weapon of protest was submitted. Council declined to act upon the document in its present form. In its resolution on the subject Council also called for the development of positive strategies whereby the churches may use their resources to further equal opportunity and economic development. This resolution will be transmitted to the General Secretary of the NCC and to representatives of the Episcopal Church on the NCC's General Board.
The Council approved registration of the Executive Council with the National Service Board for Religious Objectors in Washington, D. C. Such registration would allow the Council to become an approved agency for the employment of conscientious objectors. This would enable the Council, along with many other religious organizations, to participate in providing responsible alternative service for those approved for such service by their draft boards. It would also provide an additional source of manpower for the Church.
CSMO Resolution
Passed after some debate, was a resolution that the promotion of the 1968 Church School Missionary Offering be discharged by distributing through the Clergy Newsletter the General Convention resolution on the Offering as well as a list of approved objectives. Mite boxes are also available. The Home and Overseas Departments were also directed to present to the Council specific objectives for the 1969 Church School Missionary Offering at the February meeting.
The Council was also informed:
---that several officers have been transferred to the General Convention Special Program unit. They are D. Barry Menuez, the Rev. Quinland Gordon and the Rev. John H. Steidl.
---that four officers have resigned. They are Walker Taylor, Jr. executive secretary of the MRI Commission; the Rev. Herman Page of the Home Department; the Rev. Edmund Partridge of the Department of Christian Education; and Carroll Greene, Jr., assistant ecumenical officer.
---that the Rev. Tollie Caution will retire on June 30 after twenty-three years of service on the Council staff.
---that seven missionaries have been appointed and seconded to other provinces of the Anglican Communion and thirteen appointed and sent to overseas jurisdictions of the Episcopal Church since the Spring meeting of the Executive Council.
Additional Action
The Council in other action,
---approved of the extension of three companion-diocese relationships: Springfield and Lesotho (Church of the Province of South Africa); Maryland and the Virgin Islands; and Southwestern Virginia and Ecuador.
---approved appointments to the Board of Theological Education: Hershner Cross, Amory Houghton, Jr., Mrs. Harold C. Kelleran; Professor James A. Martin, the Rev. Walter J. Ong, S. J., the Rev. Charles Price, the Rev. Almus M. Thorp, Jr., the Rt. Rev. Frederick Warnecke, and Dr. Charles V. Willie.
February Meeting
At its February meeting the Council will have a special order of business on several resolutions referred to Council by the recent General Convention. These deal with such subjects as Medicare, increased eligibility for public assistance and a guaranteed minimum wage.
Also suggested for discussion at future Council meetings were: the Church's ministry in higher education, particularly the role of the chaplain; implementation of the establishment of criteria for a viable diocese, passed by Convention.
Special Orientation Session
Since this was the first meeting for those members elected by the recent General Convention and for a number of members elected by the Provinces, an orientation session was held on Monday Dec. 11 at the Episcopal Church Center. The purpose of the day-long session before the Council meeting was to acquaint new members with the program for the next triennium, with Council structure and with their responsibilities and duties as Council members.