Another Resolution Tucked Away in the Blue Book
Resolution A034 Canonical Residence Study
Resolved, the House of _____ concurring, That the Standing Commission on Constitution and Canons be directed to study the definition and use in the Constitution and Canons, and elsewhere in the Church, of the term "canonical residence," and make recommendations to the 76th General Convention whether said term should be discontinued or modified, or whether some alternative should be instituted to replace those terms.
EXPLANATION
The American practice of canonical residence is somewhat anomalous in the Anglican Communion. The current scope of application of the term creates duties for Bishops which are in many instances impossible to fulfill. It further creates an illusion of supervision and responsibility which as a practical matter may not exist. It is time to look seriously at the concept of “canonical residence” to see if some alternative might be more feasible.
Think about the implications of this plan to discontinue the practice of canonical residence. In the Diocese of South Carolina, we have a number of clergy who retire to our coast because of its natural beauty and opportunity for recreation. Some may choose to become involved in the life of the parishes. Others, however, have no real involvement. They may serve, licensed by the bishop, in various ways. Here is what they may not do: they may not be included in the diocesan health insurance and they may not vote at our Diocesan Conventions.
Consider what passage of a resolution to this effect could mean for your diocese (albeit a minimum of two conventions from now). Watch for this resolution. Could it show up on the Consent Calendar?
Resolved, the House of _____ concurring, That the Standing Commission on Constitution and Canons be directed to study the definition and use in the Constitution and Canons, and elsewhere in the Church, of the term "canonical residence," and make recommendations to the 76th General Convention whether said term should be discontinued or modified, or whether some alternative should be instituted to replace those terms.
EXPLANATION
The American practice of canonical residence is somewhat anomalous in the Anglican Communion. The current scope of application of the term creates duties for Bishops which are in many instances impossible to fulfill. It further creates an illusion of supervision and responsibility which as a practical matter may not exist. It is time to look seriously at the concept of “canonical residence” to see if some alternative might be more feasible.
Think about the implications of this plan to discontinue the practice of canonical residence. In the Diocese of South Carolina, we have a number of clergy who retire to our coast because of its natural beauty and opportunity for recreation. Some may choose to become involved in the life of the parishes. Others, however, have no real involvement. They may serve, licensed by the bishop, in various ways. Here is what they may not do: they may not be included in the diocesan health insurance and they may not vote at our Diocesan Conventions.
Consider what passage of a resolution to this effect could mean for your diocese (albeit a minimum of two conventions from now). Watch for this resolution. Could it show up on the Consent Calendar?
posted by Anglican Feedbag | 10:30 PM
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
<< Home