Convention Booklet 2023

REPORT OF THE CONSTITUTION AND CANONS COMMITTEE January 13, 2023

Overview

The Constitution and Canons Committee met via video conference on January 11, 2023 to discuss a proposed amendment to Article 15 regarding the election of the Chancellor and the appointment of Vice Chancellor(s). Mark Loftis, a member of the Committee and current Chancellor of the Diocese, briefed the Committee on the various legal matters a Chancellor works on throughout the year. According to Chancellor Loftis, a Vice Chancellor would be helpful with assisting a Chancellor with a variety of specific matters and allow an individual the opportunity to gradually prepare to become Chancellor. The Committee also discussed the need for flexibility in the process of appointing both the Chancellor and Vice Chancellor(s). Whereas, the Convention only meets once a year, the need to nominate and consent to an appointment warrants flexibility especially in the case of a vacancy or sudden need. A Chancellor being nominated by the Ecclesiastical Authority whether Bishop Diocesan or Standing Committee (in the absence of a Bishop) allows for pastoral consideration of the nominee even during a time when a Bishop may not be present. Consent by the Executive Board of the Diocese considers the views of a diocesan board composed of clergy and lay representatives from all Convocations of the Diocese who regularly meet during the year. The Committee is therefore recommending the following amendment to the Constitution of the Diocese of Southwestern Virginia for consideration by the 104th Annual Convention of the Diocese. Because the Committee is recommending an amendment to the Constitution, if approved, the amendment would also need approval at this Convention and at the next Annual Convention to become effective.

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