Resolution Number: 2022-A147
Title: Amend Article IX [Court of Trial for Bishops--Second Reading]
Legislative Action Taken: Concurred
Final Text:

Resolved, That the Article IX of the Constitution be amended as follows:

ARTICLE IX

The General Convention may, by Canon, establish one or more Courts for the Trial of Bishops.

Presbyters and Deacons canonically resident in a Diocese shall be tried by a Court instituted by the Convention thereof; Presbyters and Deacons canonically resident in a Missionary Diocese shall be tried according to Canons adopted by the Bishop and Convocation thereof, with the approval of the House of Bishops; provided that the General Convention in each case may prescribe by Canon for a change of venue.

The General Convention, in like manner, may establish or may provide for the establishment of Courts of Review of the determination of diocesan or other trial Courts.

The Court for the review of the determination of the trial Court, on the trial of a Bishop, shall be composed of Bishops only.

The General Convention, in like manner, may establish an ultimate Court of Appeal, solely for the review of the determination of any Court of Review on questions of Doctrine, Faith, or Worship.

None but a Bishop shall pronounce sentence of admonition, or suspension, or removal, or deposition from the Ministry, on any Bishop, Presbyter, or Deacon; and none but a Bishop shall admonish any Bishop, Presbyter, or Deacon.

A sentence of suspension shall specify on what terms or conditions and at what time the suspension shall cease. A sentence of suspension may be remitted in such manner as may be provided by Canon.

Citation: General Convention, Journal of the General Convention of...The Episcopal Church, Baltimore, 2022 (New York: General Convention, 2023), p. 507.

Legislative History

Author: Standing Commission on Structure, Governance, Constitution and Canons
Originating House: House of Bishops
Originating Committee: Title IV Disciplinary Canons

House of Bishops

The House of Bishops Committee on Title IV Disciplinary Canons presented its Report #1 on Resolution A147 (Amend Article IX [Court of Trial for Bishops--Second Reading]) and moved adoption.

Original Text of Resolution:

(A147)

Resolved, the House of Deputies concurring,

That the Article IX of the Constitution be amended as follows:

ARTICLE IX

The General Convention may, by Canon, establish one or more Courts for the Trial of Bishops.

Presbyters and Deacons canonically resident in a Diocese shall be tried by a Court instituted by the Convention thereof; Presbyters and Deacons canonically resident in a Missionary Diocese shall be tried according to Canons adopted by the Bishop and Convocation thereof, with the approval of the House of Bishops; provided that the General Convention in each case may prescribe by Canon for a change of venue.

The General Convention, in like manner, may establish or may provide for the establishment of Courts of Review of the determination of diocesan or other trial Courts.

The Court for the review of the determination of the trial Court, on the trial of a Bishop, shall be composed of Bishops only.

The General Convention, in like manner, may establish an ultimate Court of Appeal, solely for the review of the determination of any Court of Review on questions of Doctrine, Faith, or Worship.

None but a Bishop shall pronounce sentence of admonition, or suspension, or removal, or deposition from the Ministry, on any Bishop, Presbyter, or Deacon; and none but a Bishop shall admonish any Bishop, Presbyter, or Deacon.

A sentence of suspension shall specify on what terms or conditions and at what time the suspension shall cease. A sentence of suspension may be remitted in such manner as may be provided by Canon.

Motion carried

Resolution adopted

(Communicated to the House of Deputies in HB Message #83)

House of Deputies

The House of Deputies Committee on Title IV Disciplinary Canons presented its Report #24 on HB Message #83 on Resolution A147 (Amend Article IX [Court of Trial for Bishops--Second Reading]) and moved concurrence.

Ballot #1 - Vote by Orders

A Vote by Orders was taken on Resolution A147.

Ballot #1 taken by orders

Results of Ballot #1: Vote By Orders of Resolution A147

The President read the results of Ballot #1.

TypeTotalNecessaryYesNoDividedNo+DividedResult
Lay:10754106101Yes
Clergy:10654104112Yes

Motion carried

The House concurred

(Communicated to the House of Bishops in HD Message #275)

Resolution Concurred by Both Houses, July 10.

Abstract:   The 80th General Convention amends Article IX of the Constitution to add admonition to the disciplinary sentences a bishop may pronounce.