A Statement of the Executive Council to the Episcopal Church
Episcopal News Service. June 15, 2004 [061504-1]
The Executive Council of the Episcopal Church met June 11-14, 2004, in Burlington, VT. From our gracious hosts, the bishop and members of the diocese, we heard about the many exciting ministries undertaken by the Diocese of Vermont. The Standing Committees of Council continued to address the work laid out by General Convention. Particular attention was given to the funding process for young adults and youth, plans for a new Mission Funding effort, much needed renovation of the Church Center, and human rights issues in Sudan, Iraq and Haiti.
The decision of General Convention to add $1 million to the budget for young adults and youth led many in the church to expect a grants process open to all who might apply. The Council clarified priorities for this work and established an orderly means by which the money may be utilized over the triennium. Support will go to spiritual development for youth leaders, domestic internships for young adults, non-student young adult ministry development, and new initiatives in campus ministry.
The Council authorized a task force to prepare a comprehensive plan for seeking major gifts for new mission. Such fund-raising would not compete with giving to dioceses, congregations, seminaries or other agencies related to the church.
The Council honored the church's commitment to anti-racism work by engaging in anti-racism training. We also rejoiced in the news that all the ethnic missioner positions at the Church Center have been filled.
Upon the recommendation of a Task Force of Administration and Finance, the Council approved a plan to renovate the Church Center, located at 815 Second Avenue, New York. The Church Center has not been renovated since the building was erected 42 years ago. The renovations will comply with life safety and building code requirements, provide accessibility, complete urgently needed improvements, and accomplish today what, if delayed, would cost substantially more in the future. This exercise of stewardship will preserve the home of our many vital ministries in a cost effective manner. The total cost of $30 million will impact the church budget by less than one percent per year over the next 30 years.
The Council expressed its continuing concern about the progress of the reconstruction effort in Iraq and the relationship between the United States and the international community in that effort. The Council adopted resolutions regarding justice issues affecting human rights violations in Sudan, Iraq, the Middle East and Haiti and the peace process in the Middle East.
Council noted that income from diocesan pledges for 2004 is projected to total $27.8 million or close to $400,000 above the income assumed in the 2004 Budget approved in February, 2004.
As the meeting drew to a close, the Presiding Bishop and the President of the House of Deputies departed for a meeting of the Lambeth Commission. We sent with them our prayers for their conversation with the members of the Commission.
The Episcopal Church is moving forward with its ministries. We note with thanksgiving the role played by the National Cathedral and the Episcopal Church in the recent burial rites for former President Ronald Reagan. Around our church, Episcopalians continue to serve their communities. We are confident the spirit is moving among us. God has work for us to do, and our church is responding faithfully to God's call.
The Executive Council
June 14, 2004