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The resolutions were adopted by the 133rd Annual
Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of Newark on Saturday, January 20, 2007.
The resolutions are available in PDF format - click on this line of text.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Resolution 2007-01
RESOLUTION DISSENTING FROM GENERAL CONVENTION'S B033
RESOLVED, That this 133rd Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of Newark dissents from Resolution B033 of the 75th
General Convention of The Episcopal Church as inconsistent with both Title III, Canon 1, Section 2 of the Canons
of The Episcopal Church and our baptismal promise to love and respect the dignity of every human being; and, be
it further
RESOLVED, That this Convention repents of the continuing discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered
people that B033 encourages, and reaffirms the full inclusion of all sisters and brothers in Christ, regardless
of sexual orientation, in into all areas of the life of the Church; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That this Convention calls upon our Bishop and Standing Committee to uphold canon law, in both letter
and spirit, by consenting to the consecration of all qualified candidates to the episcopate-including gay and lesbian
candidates who live in committed, same-sex domestic partnerships, and, be it further
RESOLVED, That the text of this resolution be sent to the Secretary of General Convention.
Submitted by General Convention Deputies/Alternates: Mr. Edgar Kim Byham, Mr. Steve Boston, Dr. Louie Crew, Ms.
Marge Christie, The Rev. Geoff Curtiss, The Rev. Randall Day, Ms. Lyn Headley-Deavours, The Rev. Elizabeth Kaeton;
The Oasis: Mr. John Simonelli, Mr. Peter Madison, Ms. Donna Cartwright, The Rev. C. Melissa Hall, Dr. Thomas Mundy,
Mr. Christian Paolino
SUPPORTING INFORMATION
General Convention 2006 passed Resolution B033, which called upon "Standing Committees and bishops with jurisdiction
to exercise restraint by not consenting to the consecration of any candidate to the episcopate whose manner of
life presents a challenge to the wider church and will lead to further strains on communion. "The rejection
of Resolution A161 on Tuesday, June 20, 2006, by the House of Deputies clearly expressed the mind of General Convention
2006 regarding a moratorium on the election, consent, and consecration of additional lesbian and gay bishops. The
passage of B033 by both Houses on Wednesday, June 21 -which occurred after limited debate and as a result of unusual
efforts by the Presiding Bishop to influence the actions of both houses-effectively stifled what the Spirit is
saying to the Episcopal Church. Both Bishops Croneberger and Gallagher voted against this resolution, as did the
majority of Newark's Deputies.
In the Diocese of Newark, it has long been our experience that gay and lesbian people are fully qualified and effective
in all orders of ministry. The Canons of The Episcopal Church (Title III, Canon 1, Section 2) prohibit discrimination
based on sexual orientation: "No person shall be denied access to the discernment process for any ministry,
lay or ordained, in this Church because of race, color, ethnic origin, national origin, sex, marital status, sexual
orientation, disabilities or age, except as otherwise provided by these Canons." The canons do not prohibit
gay and lesbian persons who are in same-sex domestic partnerships from the episcopate.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Resolution 2007-02
EQUAL RIGHTS AND BENEFITS FOR SAME-SEX COUPLES IN NEW JERSEY
RESOLVED, That this 133rd Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of Newark commends the Supreme Court of New Jersey
for its holding in Lewis v. Harris, issued October 25, 2006, that "under the equal protection guarantee of
Article I, Paragraph 1 of the New Jersey Constitution, committed same-sex couples must be afforded on equal terms
the same rights and benefits enjoyed by married opposite-sex couples;" and, be it further
RESOLVED, That this Convention expresses its thanks to Lambda Legal Defense and Education Fund and the seven couples
who initiated Lewis v. Harris, particularly Mark Lewis, a priest of this diocese, and his partner, Dennis Winslow,
a priest of the Diocese of New York, and Maureen Killian and Cindy Meneghin, active lay members of this diocese;
and, be it further
RESOLVED, That this Convention calls on the New Jersey State Legislature to enact civil marriage for same-sex couples
as that is the only means to provide same-sex couples with "the same rights and benefits enjoyed by married
opposite-sex couples;" and, be it further
RESOLVED, That the Secretary of Convention distribute copies of this resolution to the Governor and all members
of the Legislature.
Submitted by General Convention Deputies/Alternates: Mr. Edgar Kim Byham, Mr. Steve Boston, Dr. Louie Crew, Ms.
Marge Christie, Ms. Lyn Headley-Deavours, The Rev. Geoff Curtiss, The Rev. Randall Day, The Rev. Elizabeth Kaeton,
The Rev. William Parnell
SUPPORTING INFORMATION
The decision of the New Jersey Supreme Court left the Legislature with the option to either grant same-sex couples
the right to civil marriage or to institute a parallel civil union procedure. In her separate opinion, Chief Justice
Poritz says:
We must not underestimate the power of language. Labels set people apart as surely as physical separation on a
bus or in school facilities. Labels are often used to perpetuate prejudice about difference that, in this case,
are embedded in the law. By excluding same-sex couples from civil marriage, the State declares that it is legitimate
to differentiate between their commitments and the commitments of heterosexual couples.
The Chief Justice is correct. No matter how conscientiously the Legislature may try to create a "separate
but equal" institution for same-sex couples; however, such an institution will never be equal.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Resolution 2007-03
RECOGNITION AND CARE OF SCHOOL-AGE CHILDREN WITH DIABETES
RESOLVED, That this 133rd Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of Newark acknowledges that diabetes is one of the
most common chronic diseases in school-age children, affecting 176,500 young people in the United States in 2005,
and becoming the country's fifth-deadliest disease; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That this Convention, recognizing that many schools do not have a full-time nurse or licensed healthcare
professional available on-site to handle medical emergencies and that nursing duties are oftentimes performed by
other school personnel, supports the efforts of the national Parent Teachers Association (PTA) and its constituent
organizations urging that all school personnel receive general training on diabetes, and that at least two staff
members per school obtain specific training on diabetes care, diabetic emergency procedures, and identification
and treatment of symptoms of hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia as allowed by individual state statutes and licensures;
and, be it further
RESOLVED, That this Convention urges the State Board of Education to institute plans to ensure that each school
in the state of New Jersey, particularly schools in urban areas, is equipped with trained personnel to address
the needs of diabetic youth; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That this Convention encourages congregations to support the PTA's education and advocacy efforts; and,
be it further
RESOLVED, That the Secretary of Convention convey this resolution to the Governor of New Jersey, the New Jersey
State Board of Education and the Commissioner of Education in New Jersey.
Submitted by Sidney W. King, Jr., Incarnation, Jersey City (President, Union of Black Episcopalians, Newark Chapter)
SUPPORTING INFORMATION
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that each year, more than 13,000 youths are diagnosed with
Type 1 diabetes. The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases reports that diabetes is
one of the most common chronic diseases in school-age children, affecting 176,500 young people in the United States
in 2005. Further, about one in every 400 to 600 people under the age of 20 has Type 1 diabetes. Sadly, a growing
number of children and adolescents are developing Type 2 diabetes - a form of diabetes that is generally diagnosed
among adults.
State officials, with support from our Episcopal congregations, must effectively respond to these alarming statistics.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Resolution 2007-04
IMMIGRATION & UNDOCUMENTED ALIENS
RESOLVED, That this 133rd Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of Newark adopts the same fundamental principles
as those approved by the 75th General Convention of The Episcopal Church in the following resolution:
Resolved, That the 75th General Convention of the Episcopal Church receive "The Alien Among You" in the
Blue Book Report of the Standing Commission on Anglican and International Peace with Justice Concerns; and, while
recognizing the duty and right of a sovereign nation to protect and defend its borders, adopt the following fundamental
principles included in "The Alien Among You" as the policy of The Episcopal Church:
1. Undocumented aliens should have reasonable opportunity to pursue permanent residency.
2. Legal workers should be allowed to enter the United States to respond to recognized labor force needs.
3. Close family members should be allowed to reunite without undue delay with individuals lawfully present in the
United States.
4. Fundamental U.S. principles of legal due process should be granted all persons.
5. Enforcement of national borders and immigration policies should be proportional and humane
and, be it further
RESOLVED, That this Convention in agreement with the 75th General Convention deplores any action by the Government
of the United States that unduly emphasizes enforcement, including militarization of the border between the United
States and Mexico, as the primary response to immigrants entering the United States to work; and be it further
RESOLVED, That this Convention in agreement with the 75th General Convention undertakes a campaign to educate Episcopalians
as to the plight of refugees, immigrants, and migrants, which will include information about the root causes of
migration; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That this campaign calls the church to commit to welcoming strangers as a matter of Christian responsibility,
to advocate for their well-being and protection and to urge its members to resist legislation and actions that
violate our fundamental beliefs as Christians, including the treatment as criminals of persons providing humanitarian
assistance to migrants; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That this Convention urges the Bishop to appoint a task force to develop a strategy for implementing
these fundamental principles within congregations and report their findings to the 134th Diocesan Convention.
Submitted by The Rev. Margaret A. Gat, Deacon Elizabeth Ostuni, Miguel Hernandez and Francine Ferrara, St. John's,
Dover
SUPPORTING INFORMATION
More than 2 million immigrants live and work in New Jersey. They are our neighbors, fellow parishioners and acquaintances.
They are us. Thus, we are called as Christians to love and respect our neighbor and to seek and serve Christ in
all persons.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Resolution 2007-05
Resolution on
ADDING GENDER IDENTITY TO THE EPISCOPAL CHURCH CANONS
RESOLVED, That this 133rd Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of Newark submits the following Resolution to the
76th General Convention of The Episcopal Church by the Secretary of Convention acting on behalf of this convention:
Resolved, the House of _____ concurring, That Title III, Canon 1, Sec. 2 of the Canons of The Episcopal Church
be amended to read: "No person shall be denied access to the discernment process for any ministry, lay or
ordained, in this Church because of race, color, ethnic origin, national origin, sex, marital status, sexual orientation,
gender identity or expression of gender identity, disabilities or age, except as otherwise provided by these Canons
of The Episcopal Church. No right to licensing, ordination, or election is hereby established."
Explanation (to be attached to the Resolution)
Title III, Canon 1, Sec. 2 of the Canons of The Episcopal Church states: "No person shall be denied access
to the discernment process for any ministry, lay or ordained, in this Church because of race, color, ethnic origin,
national origin, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, disabilities or age, except as otherwise provided by
these Canons. No right to licensing, ordination, or election is hereby established." This resolution would
revise this canon by adding "gender identity or expression of gender identity" to this list of protected
categories.
Submitted by The Oasis of The Episcopal Diocese of Newark: Mr. John Simonelli, Mr. Peter Madison, Ms. Donna Cartwright,
The Rev. C. Melissa Hall, Dr. Thomas Mundy, Mr. Christian Paolino, Ms. Lyn Headley-Deavours, Justice Missioner
SUPPORTING INFORMATION
This revision is based on our increased understanding of the need to respect the human dignity of transgendered
people: transsexuals and others who are seen to differ from societal gender norms. Gender identity, in and of itself,
should not be a basis for exclusion from consideration for, or participation in, the ministries of the Church.
Resolution 2007-06 (postponed indefinitely)
RESOLUTION ON MARRIAGE RITES
IN CIVIL JURISDICTIONS THAT PERMIT SAME-SEX MARriage
RESOLVED, That this 133rd Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of Newark submits the following Resolution to the
76th General Convention of The Episcopal Church by the Secretary of Convention acting on behalf of this convention:
Resolved, the House of _____ concurring, that the 76th General Convention authorize use of the rites for Celebration
and Blessing of a Marriage and The Blessing of a Civil Marriage in the Book of Common Prayer for same-sex couples
in those civil jurisdictions that permit same-sex marriage, and to authorize modification of gender references
in the rites to accommodate such marriages, and be it further
Resolved, that 76th General Convention amend Title I, Canon 18: Of the Solemnization of Holy Matrimony by striking
the words "a man and a woman" and "husband and wife" wherever they appear, and inserting in
place thereof the words "two adults", and be it further
Resolved, that the 76th General Convention amend Title I, Canon 19: Of Regulations Respecting Holy Matrimony by
striking the words "husband or wife" and "the husband or the wife" wherever they appear, and
inserting in place thereof the word "spouse".
Submitted by The Oasis of The Episcopal Diocese of Newark: Mr. John Simonelli, Mr. Peter Madison, Ms. Donna Cartwright,
The Rev. C. Melissa Hall, Dr. Thomas Mundy, Mr. Christian Paolino, Ms. Lyn Headley-Deavours, Justice Missioner
SUPPORTING INFORMATION
Episcopal clergy in the U.S. provide both blessings from the Church and marriage as civil agents of the State in
performing marriages. Since 2003, it has been the policy in our diocese that blessings of committed relationships
require only that the Bishop be notified. The Episcopal Church canons permit clergy to perform marriage rites for
a couple comprised only of a man and a woman.
With the change in Massachusetts law (the only state at present that provides full marriage rights for same-sex
couples), the required change in NJ statutes that may also provide marriage for same-sex couples (by May 2007)
and possible future changes in state marriage laws in other states, the canons of The Episcopal Church must be
amended to permit clergy to marry same-sex couples.
The intent of this resolution is to allow for opening the rubrics of the Book of Common Prayer to permit marriage
in those dioceses where civil jurisdictions have made same-sex marriage legal. In addition to the equal rights,
legal protections and social recognition that marriage affords, amendment of the canons to permit marriage in the
church would allow same-sex couples the choice exercised by different-gender couples to stand before family and
community to include God as partner in their blessed civil marriage.
Resolution 2007-07 (defeated)
THE ROLE OF THE CLERGY - CEREMONY OF MARRIAGE OR BLESSING OF A CIVIL UNION?
RESOLVED, That this 133rd Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of Newark expresses its belief that the institution
of marriage is a civil event which should be presided over by an agent of the State and that the members of the
clergy should be responsible solely for the blessing of the union as a holy act and thus no longer be used as an
agent of the State for any kind of civil marriage or civil union.
Submitted by General Convention Deputies: Ms. Marge Christie, Christ Church, Ridgewood; The Rev. Elizabeth Kaeton,
St. Paul's, Chatham; The Rev. Diana Clark, St. John's, Montclair; Dr. Louie Crew, Grace, Newark; Ms. Martha Gardner,
St. George's, Ridgewood; Ms. Lyn Headley-Deavours, St. Andrew & Holy Communion, South Orange
SUPPORTING INFORMATION
The blessing of a civil marriage or union is a more appropriate role for the clergy. In many parts of the world
that is precisely the role the clergy play.
Resolution 2007-08 (adopted)
AFFIRMATION OF KATHARINE JEFFERTS SCHORI AS
PRESIDING BISHOP OF THE EPISCOPAL CHURCH
(The resolution was presented and accepted at the start of the business session.)
RESOLVED, That this 133rd Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of Newark expresses its affirmation and support for
the Most Reverend Katharine Jefferts Schori as Presiding Bishop and Primate of The Episcopal Church; and, be it
further
RESOLVED, That this diocese affirms once again that it believes that God continues to call women into both ordained
and lay ministry within God's one holy catholic and apostolic church; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That this diocese affirms once again its belief in and support of the gifts and skills of women in leadership
contribute to the life of the Church.
Submitted by Ms. Marge Christie, Christ Church, Ridgewood
SUPPORTING INFORMATION
As the days have passed since Bishop Katharine's election and consecration, the increase in the level of hostility
toward a woman in leadership has become increasingly painful for many women and men, but especially for women clergy.
It is especially important to make this statement of support as she prepares to attend the Primates Meeting in
Tanzania in early February.
Resolution 2007-09A
A RESOLUTION ON THE 2007 DIOCESAN BUDGET
(The resolution was divided into two parts and both sections were adopted.)
(The resolution was presented and accepted at the start of the business session.)
RESOLVED, That this 133rd Convention of the Diocese of Newark commends Treasurer John Zinn and all those who worked
to provide this Convention with a balanced budget; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That this Convention also expresses regret that financial exigencies have led to a reduction in our proportional
giving to The Episcopal Church, over $100,000 less than the Asking approved by the 2006 General Convention for
this diocese; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That this Convention pledges that in 2008 it will make a priority the meeting of the full Asking of the
Episcopal Church; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That the budget line "National Church" be changed to "The Episcopal Church," and,
be it further
RESOLVED, that this Diocese support and encourage the Stewardship Commission in its mission and ministry in 2007
to provide year-round stewardship education, discussion and support for parishes and urge that there should be
a conversation to include the Bishop, appropriate members of Diocesan Staff, Standing Committee, Diocesan Council,
Trustees, Stewardship Commission and congregational clergy, wardens and vestry members on the Diocese of Newark's
50/50 Giving Program and renewing support for or revision of this program.
Submitted by the following members of the Newark deputation to General Convention 2006:
Kim Byham, Steven Boston, Marge Christie, The Rev. Diana Clark, Louie Crew, The Rev. Geoff Curtiss, The Rev. Randall
Day, Martha Gardner, The Rev. Elizabeth Kaeton, The Rev. Bill Parnell, The Rev. Sandye Wilson
SUPPORTING INFORMATION
The Diocese of Newark has for many years pledged 25% of its current budget to The Episcopal Church (TEC). This
year, decreased income from parishes in our Diocese has resulted in a substantial decrease in that percentage.
Subsequent conversations about this issue have revealed misunderstanding surrounding the percentage Asking by TEC
and our diocesan practices. When General Convention passes the budget, it specified that each diocese will give
to TEC an amount equal to 21% of its operating budget from two years earlier, minus an exemption of $100,000. (See
full text below.) Thus, for 2006, the Newark donation to TEC, while amounting to 25% of our 2006 budget, was only
21.9% of our 2004 budget (minus $100,000).
The proposed donation to TEC is 21% of the 2007 diocesan budget, which translates to only 17.4% as computed by
TEC's budget formula. This means that Newark will likely slip from being one of the ten top givers to TEC on a
percentage basis to the lower half of all dioceses of the church.
The amount proposed to be given to TEC is $107,337 below the Asking for 2007 as established by the budget which
was prepared by the Program, Budget and Finance Committee (on which Lyn Headley-Deavours serves) and which was
unanimously supported by Newark's deputation to General Convention.
We commend the treasurer and all those who worked diligently to present a balanced budget under very difficult
circumstances and acknowledge that there is nothing to be done for 2007. However, for 2008, we must make clear
that our diocesan commitment to TEC is strong and that we will endeavor to model proper stewardship for our parishes
by giving the full amount of the Asking. To that end, the diocese needs to commit itself to reestablishing stewardship
education as a key goal of its ministry.
The current budget situation makes it clear that all of us in the Diocese need to make stewardship a higher priority.
A broad conversation on the Diocese of Newark 50/50 Giving Program will be beneficial in assuring there is general
awareness and support for this approach to stewardship of our common life and resources, not only among leaders
on the diocesan level but also among members and leaders of congregations. Such a comprehensive conversation may
allow useful revisions and enhancements of the program to emerge.
From the Budget of the Episcopal Church, approved at General Convention 2006
Diocesan Commitments
The funding policy for the period January 1, 2007 through December 31, 2009 is based on a single Asking of the
Dioceses (apportioned share). After a $100,000 exemption from total income, a single asking shall be applied at
a flat rate of 21% of the balance of income to the Diocese, as reported in the Diocesan Financial Statements for
the year two years prior to the year to which the pledge is applied. For example, the 2007 Asking would be based
on actual 2005 income. "Income" includes 1) all congregational giving to the Diocese, 2) all unrestricted
investment and endowment income to the Diocese, 3) restricted investment and endowment income to the Diocese which
covers costs in the operating budget, and 4) other earnings from investments or enterprises. It is intended that
income shall include revenues that fund normal and programming expense of the dioceses. It is not intended to include
pass-through income that is used for expenses for programming that is simply administered by the Dioceses or that
would not be otherwise funded by contributions from parishes or out of investment income.
Resolution 2007-09B
A RESOLUTION ON THE 2007 DIOCESAN BUDGET
(This is the second of two parts and was adopted.)
RESOLVED, that for 2007, half of any funds received by the Diocese of Newark in excess of the approved budgeted
income be given to The Episcopal Church, up to the amount of the Asking.
Submitted by the following members of the Newark deputation to General Convention 2006:
Kim Byham, Steven Boston, Marge Christie, The Rev. Diana Clark, Louie Crew, The Rev. Geoff Curtiss, The Rev. Randall
Day, Martha Gardner, The Rev. Elizabeth Kaeton, The Rev. Bill Parnell, The Rev. Sandye Wilson
SUPPORTING INFORMATION
The Diocese of Newark has for many years pledged 25% of its current budget to The Episcopal Church (TEC). This
year, decreased income from parishes in our Diocese has resulted in a substantial decrease in that percentage.
Subsequent conversations about this issue have revealed misunderstanding surrounding the percentage Asking by TEC
and our diocesan practices. When General Convention passes the budget, it specified that each diocese will give
to TEC an amount equal to 21% of its operating budget from two years earlier, minus an exemption of $100,000. (See
full text below.) Thus, for 2006, the Newark donation to TEC, while amounting to 25% of our 2006 budget, was only
21.9% of our 2004 budget (minus $100,000).
The proposed donation to TEC is 21% of the 2007 diocesan budget, which translates to only 17.4% as computed by
TEC's budget formula. This means that Newark will likely slip from being one of the ten top givers to TEC on a
percentage basis to the lower half of all dioceses of the church.
The amount proposed to be given to TEC is $107,337 below the Asking for 2007 as established by the budget which
was prepared by the Program, Budget and Finance Committee (on which Lyn Headley-Deavours serves) and which was
unanimously supported by Newark's deputation to General Convention.
We commend the treasurer and all those who worked diligently to present a balanced budget under very difficult
circumstances and acknowledge that there is nothing to be done for 2007. However, for 2008, we must make clear
that our diocesan commitment to TEC is strong and that we will endeavor to model proper stewardship for our parishes
by giving the full amount of the Asking. To that end, the diocese needs to commit itself to reestablishing stewardship
education as a key goal of its ministry.
The current budget situation makes it clear that all of us in the Diocese need to make stewardship a higher priority.
A broad conversation on the Diocese of Newark 50/50 Giving Program will be beneficial in assuring there is general
awareness and support for this approach to stewardship of our common life and resources, not only among leaders
on the diocesan level but also among members and leaders of congregations. Such a comprehensive conversation may
allow useful revisions and enhancements of the program to emerge.
__________________________________________________________________
The Resolution on the 2007 Diocesan Budget was presented and accepted at the start of the business session. The
text of the original resolution before being divided is provided below. The resolution was numbered as Resolution
2007-09.
A Resolution on the 2007 Diocesan Budget
Resolved, that this 133rd Convention of the Diocese of Newark commends Treasurer John Zinn and all those who worked
to provide this Convention with a balanced budget; and be it further
Resolved, that this Convention also expresses regret that financial exigencies have led to a reduction in our proportional
giving to The Episcopal Church, over $100,000 less than the Asking approved by the 2006 General Convention for
this diocese; and be it further
Resolved, that this Convention pledges that in 2008 it will make a priority the meeting of the full Asking of the
Episcopal Church; and be it further
Resolved, that for 2007, half of any funds received by the Diocese of Newark in excess of the approved budgeted
income be given to The Episcopal Church, up to the amount of the Asking; and be it further
Resolved that the budget line "National Church" be changed to "The Episcopal Church," and be
it further
Resolved, that this Diocese support and encourage the Stewardship Commission in its mission and ministry in 2007
to provide year-round stewardship education, discussion and support for parishes and urge that there should be
a conversation to include the Bishop, appropriate members of Diocesan Staff, Standing Committee, Diocesan Council,
Trustees, Stewardship Commission and congregational clergy, wardens and vestry members on the Diocese of Newark's
50/50 Giving Program and renewing support for or revision of this program.
Explanation:
The Diocese of Newark has for many years pledged 25% of its current budget to The Episcopal Church (TEC). This
year, decreased income from parishes in our Diocese has resulted in a substantial decrease in that percentage.
Subsequent conversations about this issue have revealed misunderstanding surrounding the percentage Asking by TEC
and our diocesan practices. When General Convention passes the budget, it specified that each diocese will give
to TEC an amount equal to 21% of its operating budget from two years earlier, minus an exemption of $100,000. (See
full text below.) Thus, for 2006, the Newark donation to TEC, while amounting to 25% of our 2006 budget, was only
21.9% of our 2004 budget (minus $100,000).
The proposed donation to TEC is 21% of the 2007 diocesan budget, which translates to only 17.4% as computed by
TEC's budget formula. This means that Newark will likely slip from being one of the ten top givers to TEC on a
percentage basis to the lower half of all dioceses of the church.
The amount proposed to be given to TEC is $107,337 below the Asking for 2007 as established by the budget which
was prepared by the Program, Budget and Finance Committee (on which Lyn Headley-Deavours serves) and which was
unanimously supported by Newark's deputation to General Convention.
We commend the treasurer and all those who worked diligently to present a balanced budget under very difficult
circumstances and acknowledge that there is nothing to be done for 2007. However, for 2008, we must make clear
that our diocesan commitment to TEC is strong and that we will endeavor to model proper stewardship for our parishes
by giving the full amount of the Asking. To that end, the diocese needs to commit itself to reestablishing stewardship
education as a key goal of its ministry.
The current budget situation makes it clear that all of us in the Diocese need to make stewardship a higher priority.
A broad conversation on the Diocese of Newark 50/50 Giving Program will be beneficial in assuring there is general
awareness and support for this approach to stewardship of our common life and resources, not only among leaders
on the diocesan level but also among members and leaders of congregations. Such a comprehensive conversation may
allow useful revisions and enhancements of the program to emerge.
From the Budget of the Episcopal Church, approved at General Convention 2006
Diocesan Commitments
The funding policy for the period January 1, 2007 through December 31, 2009 is based on a single Asking of the
Dioceses (apportioned share). After a $100,000 exemption from total income, a single asking shall be applied at
a flat rate of 21% of the balance of income to the Diocese, as reported in the Diocesan Financial Statements for
the year two years prior to the year to which the pledge is applied. For example, the 2007 Asking would be based
on actual 2005 income. "Income" includes 1) all congregational giving to the Diocese, 2) all unrestricted
investment and endowment income to the Diocese, 3) restricted investment and endowment income to the Diocese which
covers costs in the operating budget, and 4) other earnings from investments or enterprises. It is intended that
income shall include revenues that fund normal and programming expense of the dioceses. It is not intended to include
pass-through income that is used for expenses for programming that is simply administered by the Dioceses or that
would not be otherwise funded by contributions from parishes or out of investment income.
Presented by the following members of the Newark deputation to General Convention 2006:
Kim Byham, Steven Boston, Marge Christie, The Rev. Diana Clark, Louie Crew, The Rev. Geoff Curtiss, The Rev. Randall
Day, Martha Gardner, The Rev. Elizabeth Kaeton, The Rev. Bill Parnell, The Rev. Sandye Wilson
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