Constitution/Canon Review Underway
Episcopal News Service. July 13, 1978 [78195]
HOUSTON, Tex. -- The Joint Commission on Constitution and Canons, created by the 65th General Convention, held its second meeting May 31-June 2, in the Church of St. John the Divine here. Ten members of the Commission were present, including the Chairman, the Rt. Rev. Duncan M. Gray, Jr., Bishop of Mississippi.
A major portion of the meeting was spent in dealing with the reports of sub-committees of the Commission on assignments that had been given them at the initial meeting. These reports included work on a "comprehensive review" of the Canons as to internal consistency and clarity, as well as a number of issues that had been raised by Diocesan Chancellors and others. An important part of this review has to do with updating references to gender in the light of recent canonical changes.
The Commission heard a special report from its sub-committee on the updating and revision of White & Dykman's Annotated Constitution and Canons, and although it seems apparent that this revision will not be completed by the time the next General Convention meets, the Commission does hope that much progress will have been made in that direction. The Rev. Canon Charles M. Guilbert met with the Commission on June 2, and later with the White & Dykman sub-committee, in regard to work and research he will do in connection with the revision.
One of the biggest problems with White & Dykman has to do with obtaining the necessary funding, and Commission members are now making special efforts to raise the needed funds. The Seabury Press and the Church Pension Fund have agreed to help substantially in this process, but they are unable to finance the major part of the research and development needed. The Commission would welcome any contributions for this purpose, as well as comments and suggestions about the proposed revision. Any suggestions or assistance should be sent to Fred C. Scribner, Esquire, One Monument Square, Portland, Me. 04101, who serves as Chairman of this subcommittee.
The next and final meeting of the Commission for this triennium will be held at St. Andrew's Cathedral, Jackson, Miss., on Jan. 31-Feb. 2, 1979, at which time the Commission hopes to complete its final report.
Anyone having business with the Commission, or suggestions to make to it, should contact the Chairman as soon as possible at Post Office Box 1636, Jackson, MS. 39205. Those who are proposing cononical changes in Denver and who would like such changes approved by the Commission as to form should also communicate with the Chairman.