The Acts of Convention

House of Deputies

The House of Deputies Committee on Program, Budget and Finance presented its Report #2 on Resolution A228 (Proposed 2023-2024 Budget) and moved adoption.

Original Text of Resolution:

(A228)

Resolved, the House of Bishops concurring,

That the 80th General Convention adopt the 2023-2024 budget for The Episcopal Church, as presented by the Joint Standing Committee on Program, Budget and Finance, at total income of $100,493,452 and total expenditures of $100,493,452; and be it further

Resolved, That the assessment formula (Canon I.4.6(b)) for the period January 1, 2023 through December 31, 2024 is adopted based on a single assessment of each diocese. In each year, 2023 and 2024, the diocesan total adjusted operating income, as reported in the annual diocesan financial report (Canon I.4.6(j) and Canon I.6.4) for the year two years prior to the year to which the assessment is applied [e.g., 2023 assessments are to be based on 2021 actual income figures], shall be reduced by a $200,000 exemption. A single assessment shall be applied to the remaining amount (balance) at a flat rate of 15%; and be it further

Resolved, That the 2023-2024 Episcopal Church budget shall be adjusted and managed as set forth in the Canons, Rules of Order, and Executive Council policies and procedures.

Following time allotted for questions, debate ensued. Deputy Lees of Oklahoma moved an amendment.

Proposed Amendment:

Replace 15% with 14.75% in the first Resolved. Add "; with any additional income to be funded by line 11c of the 2019-2021 budgetary surplus from short term reserve" after "at a flat rate of 14.75%." Add a second Resolved to read, "Resolved, That the 80th General Convention directs Executive Council to create a budget using a reduced assessment rate for the 2025-2027 Episcopal Church budget to be considered at the 81st General convention and be it further." Add a third Resolved to read, "Resolved, That the 80th General Convention asks Executive Council to set a plan for lowering the diocesan assessment to 10% by 2030, and be it further." Add a fourth Resolved to read, "Resolved, That the Executive Council prioritize Racial Justice, Evangelism, Creation Care, and support for marginalized communities, when creating the budget for the next triennium, and be it further."

A vote was taken on the amendment.

Motion defeated

Amendment defeated

Deputy Lees of Oklahoma requested an electronic vote be taken on the amendment.

An electronic vote was taken on the amendment.

Motion defeated

Amendment defeated

A vote was taken on Resolution A228.

Motion carried

Resolution adopted

(Communicated to the House of Bishops in HD Message #281)