Conference of Diocesan Executives Meets
Episcopal News Service. April 15, 1976 [76138]
William G. Lewis
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- Forty-nine executive officers representing thirty-seven dioceses of the Episcopal Church met at the Franciscan Renewal Center in Scottsdale for the annual meeting of the Conference of Diocesan Executives (CODE). These annual meetings are designed to assist diocesan officers to sharpen skills in the several areas of responsibility in which they usually serve, and to provide a fellowship among those who work in diocesan administrative positions.
The Very Rev. Frederick H. Borsch, Dean, Church Divinity School of the Pacific, served as theologian in residence, scrutinizing the theological justification of the diocesan administrator and executive. Dean Borsch reminded the group that the very word "administer" has as its root "a ministering to and for others." He observed that in ministering we are called to be artist and healer. As the conference unfolded, the Dean illuminated his point by drawing upon certain "healing episodes" in Jesus' ministry.
How can the Church continue its witness and mission in certain isolated communities and cities where employment, population, and environmental conditions have changed? "New Directions" may hold some clues. The Revs. Robert B. Greene, William Warren and Hunter Morris are carefully testing some of the options this program suggests for the Diocese of Arizona. They explained their experiment and shared their learnings with a detailed audio-visual presentation.
The Rev. Hugh R. Brownlee and the Rev. Francis Washburn from the Diocese of Ohio have worked out some helpful procedures in conflict management and crisis intervention between priest and congregation. A morning-long session revealed the implications of power, role identification, and intervention methods open to the consultant.
There is much talk these days about performance evaluation or accountability. What? Evaluate the Bishop and the Bishop's executive staff? Would anyone dare consider such a proposal? If so, where or how do we begin and what might we learn? The Bishop of Rochester and his staff have recently completed such an evaluation. The Rev. Canon William F. Kirkpatrick prepared and presented a paper for CODE explaining the procedures and the work done by the Rev. Charles Wilson as consultant for the project.
A stimulating panel discussion featured the Rt. Rev. William A. Jones, Jr., Bishop of Missouri, who advised the use of trained consultants in diocesan and parish work. The Rev. Richard Hayes described the demands on a one-person staff serving a large geographical area. The Rev. Roger B. Nichols demonstrated how a diocese might better utilize the talents of non-stipendiary, retired, and parish clergy and laity as part-time diocesan staff members
The four-day conference culminated in a dramatic celebration of the Holy Eucharist in the Franciscan Renewal Center Chapel on the evening of April 1, as conferees were reminded of the "foolishness of the Gospel" and of our commission to be fools for Christ's sake. Dean Borsch's homily underscored this truth for all who preach Christ crucified. To heighten the sense of celebration and community, a clown, religious dance, and music by regular participants in the Renewal Center's program assisted CODE members in their worship which preceded the closing dinner and fellowship for the evening.
The Rev. LeRoy Hall of Southern Ohio retired as President of CODE with this meeting. He is succeeded in that position by the Ven. Hunter M. Morris, Archdeacon, Diocese of Arizona. For the coming year, the Rev. Francis G. Washburn, Chaplain, Diocese of Ohio, will serve as Vice President; the Ven. Courtland M. Moore, Diocese of Dallas, as Programmer; Mr. James Wyrick, Diocese of Louisiana, Treasurer; Mr. Walter Berberian, Central New York, Coordinator; and the Ven. William G. Lewis, Diocese of Pittsburgh, as Secretary.
CODE exists as an agency to serve the Episcopal Church with the Bishops through the dioceses in the development of effective organizational and executive procedures, and to provide a primary vehicle of communication among the members and the national Church for planning, program and administration.