Resolution Number: 2009-A035
Title: Evaluate Use of Standing Commissions to Develop Policy Proposals
Legislative Action Taken: Concurred as Substituted
Final Text:

Resolved, That the 76th General Convention urge the Presiding Bishop and the President of the House of Deputies to establish a Group to evaluate the current system of standing commissions as a method “to study and draft policy proposals on major subjects considered to be of continuing concern to the mission of the Church” (Canon I.1.2a); and be it further

Resolved, That the Group explore and consider proposing alternative methods and structures for accomplishing this task of proposing policy, including mission priorities; and be it further

Resolved, That no new Standing Commissions be established at the 76th General Convention; and be it further

Resolved, That the Group report its findings to the 77th General Convention of The Episcopal Church.

Citation: General Convention, Journal of the General Convention of...The Episcopal Church, Anaheim, 2009 (New York: General Convention, 2009), pp. 369-370.

Legislative History

Author: The Standing Commission on Anglican and International Peace with Justice Concerns
Originating House: House of Deputies
Originating Committee: Committee on Structure

House of Deputies

The House of Deputies Committee on Structure presented its Report #22 on Resolution A035 (Establish Standing Commission on the Environment) and moved adoption of a substitute.

Original Text of Resolution:

(A035)

Resolved, the House of Bishops concurring, That the 76th General Convention establish the Standing Commission on the Environment; and be it further

Resolved, That this Standing Commission be consistent in size and authority with the other Standing Commissions of the Church, and have as its membership consist of people with professional skills and training in the sciences, communication and education to help Episcopalians and others deeply understand and find ways to respond to the environmental crisis, both personally and in our congregations and organizations and in the witness and work of our Office on Governmental Affairs; and be it further

Resolved, That the triennial budget be $45,000, with enough extra money for a start-up meeting with the Presiding Bishop and President of the House of Deputies or their designees and with staff who will work with the Commission.

Committee Substitute:

Resolved, the House of Bishops concurring, That the 76th General Convention urge the Presiding Bishop and the President of the House of Deputies to establish a Group to evaluate the current system of standing commissions as a method “to study and draft policy proposals on major subjects considered to be of continuing concern to the mission of the Church” (Canon I.1.2a); and be it further

Resolved, That the Group explore and consider proposing alternative methods and structures for accomplishing this task of proposing policy, including mission priorities; and be it further

Resolved, That no new Standing Commissions be established at the 76th General Convention; and be it further

Resolved, That the Group report its findings to the 77th General Convention of The Episcopal Church.

Motion carried

Substitute resolution adopted

(Communicated to the House of Bishops in HD Message #273)

House of Bishops

The House of Bishops Committee on Structure presented its Report #32 on HD Message #273 on Resolution A035 (Establish Standing Commission on the Environment) and moved concurrence.

The House concurred

(Communicated to the House of Deputies in HB Message #285)

Resolution Concurred by Both Houses, July 17.

Report Reference:   Standing Commission on Anglican and International Peace with Justice Concerns, Reports to the 76th General Convention, 2009, pp. 91-104.
Abstract:   The 76th General Convention requests evaluation of alternatives to standing commissions for policy research and advocacy.
Notes:  

Resolution 2009-C074 was discharged because this matter was already acted upon in 2009-A035.