The Acts of Convention

House of Bishops

Original Text of Resolution:

(A122)

Resolved, the House of Deputies concurring, That Canon III.1 be amended as follows:

CANON 1 2 .

Of Diocesan Commissions on Ministry

Sec. 1. In every each Diocese there shall be a Commission on Ministry (the "Commission") consisting of Members of the Clergy and Lay Persons. The number of members, terms of office, and manner of selection to the Commission on Ministry shall be determined by diocesan the Canons of each Diocese.

Sec. 2 (a). The Commission shall assist the Bishop with regard to the implementation of Canon III.1:

(a). In determining present and future needs for all ministry in the Diocese.

(b). The Commission shall assist the Bishop in matters pertaining to the enlistment and selection of In recruiting and selecting persons for Holy Orders and in the guidance of all guiding and examining Postulants, and Candidates, and Deacons in training for priesthood. and in determining the future needs for ordained ministry in the Diocese.

[Old III.1.7]

(c). In providing for the guidance and pastoral care of Clergy and Lay Persons who are in stipendiary and non-stipendiary positions accountable to the Bishop.

[Old III.1.8]

(d). In promoting the continuing education of the Clergy and of Lay Professionals employed by the Church.

(e). In supporting the development, training, utilization, and affirmation of the ministry of the Laity in the world.

[See Sec.2(e).]

Sec. 3 The Church in each Diocese shall make provision for the development, training, utilization, and affirmation of Lay Ministries. Each Diocese shall assign responsibility for the implementation of this Canon to the Commission or to such other committee or other agency as it shall deem fitting.

[Old III.1.6]

Sec. 4 3. The Commission may adopt rules for its work, subject to the approval of the Bishop; Provided, the same they are not inconsistent with the Constitution and Canons of the General convention and this Church or of the Diocese. These rules may include provision for committees of the Commission (such as Selection, Examination, Interviewing, and Continuing Education) to act on its behalf; however, ultimate responsibility shall remain with the Commission as a whole to report to the Bishop concerning an applicant's fitness and readiness for admission as a Postulant or Candidate, and if requested by the Bishop, for ordination to the Diaconate and, if requested by the Bishop, to the Priesthood.

[See III.7.8.]

[Sec. 12.]

Sec. 5. In those cases where the conduct and evaluation of the examination of persons for Holy Orders is assigned to the Commission, the Commission shall make the Report called for under Canon III.30.4.

[Sec. 3.]

Sec. 6. Under the guidance and oversight of the Bishop, the Commission shall interview each Candidate before ordination to the Diaconate and if so requested by the Bishop, to the Priesthood, to ascertain personal readiness for such ordination, and shall report in writing and without delay the findings of this interview to the Bishop.

[See Sec. 2(c).]

Sec. 7. The Commission shall assist the Bishop in the guidance and pastoral care of Deacons, of Deaconesses, if there be such, and of Certified Church Workers.

Sec. 8. The Commission shall assist the Bishop in matters pertaining to the continuing education of the clergy in the Diocese.

Motion carried

Resolution adopted

(Communicated to the House of Deputies in HB Message #47)