The Episcopal Diocese of Southwestern Virginia 100th Annual Convention

REPORT OF THE CONSTITUTION AND CANONS COMMITTEE January 10, 2019 Overview The Constitution and Canons Committee was asked to: 1. Review, and if appropriate recommend changes to, the vestry oath required of all vestry members pursuant to Canon 11, Section 10. 2. Review, and if appropriate recommend changes to, the provisions of Canon 13, Section 4 (audit of parish, mission, and other institutions) as applicable to smaller small parishes, missions, and other institutions. This matter is designated as 2019-C.1. 3. Review, and if appropriate recommend changes to, the manner in which disciplinary board members are selected. * * * Discussion and Recommendations REVIEW OF VESTRY OATH. Canon 11, Section 10 of the Canons require that each Vestry member of a parish subscribe to the declaration and promise as set forth therein. This declaration and promise is commonly referred to as the “vestry oath.” During the 2018 Convention, The Reverend Ray Moore, Christ Church, Big Stone Gap, requested that the Committee review the vestry oath and, if appropriate, recommend revisions. The Committee, after consultation with and agreement from Mr. Moore, has determined that it is in the best interest of the Diocese to defer this matter until the 2020 Convention. 2019-C1. REVIEW OF PROVISIONS OF CANON 13, SECTION 3 AND 4 CONCERNING THE AUDIT OF PARISHES, MISSIONS, AND OTHER INSTITUTIONS. Canon 1.7(f) of the Canons of the General Convention provides:

All accounts of Parishes, Missions or other institutions shall be audited annually by an independent Certified Public Accountant, or independent Licensed Public Accountant or such audit committee as shall be authorized by the Finance Committee, Department of Finance, or other appropriate diocesan authority.

While this canon of the General Convention requires annual audits of Parishes, Missions or other institutions, it also provides the Diocese with flexibility to set different standards for smaller congregations. The Diocese recognizes the financial and other burdens that an annual

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