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Resolution Number: 1979-B134
Title: Ratify the Division of the Diocese of California
Legislative Action Taken: Concurred
Final Text:

Resolved, That this 66th General Convention ratify the division of the Diocese of California into two parts. The new Diocese shall be that portion of the present Diocese of California contained within the County of San Luis Obispo, the County of Monterrey, the County of San Benito, the County of Santa Cruz, and the County of Santa Clara, except that portion of the County of Santa Clara which lies within the city limits of the City of Los Altos and the City of Los Altos Hills, and excepting that portion of the City of Palo Alto which lies south and west of a line starting at El Camino Real and the San Mateo County line and along El Camino Real to the intersection with Page Mill Road, thence southeasterly along The Bayshore to the city limits of Mountain View. (The unincorporated lands of Stanford University are to remain a part of the Diocese of California); and be it further

Resolved, That the 66th General Convention receive the following evidence supporting this Resolution:

  1. A Resolution from the Diocese of California committing the Diocese to its division and the formation of a new Diocese;
  2. A memorandum from the Bishop of the Diocese of California;
  3. A memorandum from the Bishop Coadjutor-Elect of the Diocese of California;
  4. Certification concerning the number of churches and the number of clergy remaining in the Diocese of California and the numbers of churches and clergy constituting the new Diocese;
  5. Certifications concerning the financial ability of the continuing Diocese of California and of the new Diocese;
  6. The adopted temporary name of the new Diocese;
  7. The proposed timetable;
  8. Ratification of this Resolution by the Bishop and Standing Committee of the Diocese of California;
  9. Maps of the existing and proposed new Dioceses.
Citation: General Convention, Journal of the General Convention of...The Episcopal Church, Denver, 1979 (New York: General Convention, 1980), p. C-140.

Legislative History

Author:
Originating House: House of Bishops
Originating Committee: Committee on Admission of New Dioceses

House of Bishops

On the fourth day, the Bishop of Eastern Oregon, Chairman of the Committee on Admission of New Dioceses, moved the adoption of Resolution B-134 (Diocese of California Division):

Whereas, the Diocese of California, in Convention assembled in the City of San Francisco on October 28, 1978, adopted a Resolution to divide the Diocese and form a new Diocese; therefore be it

Resolved, the House of Deputies concurring, That this 66th General Convention ratify the division of the Diocese of California into two parts. The new Diocese shall be that portion of the present Diocese of California contained within the County of San Luis Obispo, the County of Monterrey, the County of San Benito, the County of Santa Cruz, and the County of Santa Clara, except that portion of the County of Santa Clara which lies within the city limits of the City of Los Altos and the City of Los Altos Hills, and excepting that portion of the City of Palo Alto which lies south and west of a line starting at El Camino Real and the San Mateo County line and along El Camino Real to the intersection with Page Mill Road, thence southeasterly along The Bayshore to the city limits of Mountain View. (The unincorporated lands of Stanford University are to remain a part of the Diocese of California); and be it further

Resolved, the House of Deputies concurring, That the 66th General Convention receive the following evidence supporting this Resolution:

  1. A Resolution from the Diocese of California committing the Diocese to its division and the formation of a new Diocese;
  2. A memorandum from the Bishop of the Diocese of California;
  3. A memorandum from the Bishop Coadjutor-Elect of the Diocese of California;
  4. Certification concerning the number of churches and the number of clergy remaining in the Diocese of California and the numbers of churches and clergy constituting the new Diocese;
  5. Certifications concerning the financial ability of the continuing Diocese of California and of the new Diocese;
  6. The adopted temporary name of the new Diocese;
  7. The proposed timetable;
  8. Ratification of this Resolution by the Bishop and Standing Committee of the Diocese of California;
  9. Maps of the existing and proposed new Dioceses.

The motion was seconded by the Bishop of Arkansas.

Resolution adopted

(Communicated to the House of Deputies in HB Message #27)

House of Deputies

On the fifth day, the Committee on Admission of New Dioceses presented its Report #2 on Resolution B-134, to ratify the division of the Diocese of California into two Dioceses, and recommended unanimous concurrence with HB Message #27.

Debate followed.

The failure to pay diocesan apportionments in prior years was noted, and the proposed name of the new Diocese, El Camino Real, was questioned.

A motion was made to terminate the debate.

Motion carried

The question was called on the motion to concur with HB Message #27.

The House concurred

(Communicated to the House of Bishops in HD Message #43)

Abstract:   The 66th General Convention ratifies the division of the Diocese of California into two separate Dioceses to be known as the Diocese of California and, the Diocese of El Camino Real.