Governance news posted Feb 23, 2010

Actions of the Standing Committee

Nov 1, 2009 – Dec 31, 2009

Download the Actions and Approvals

Governance news posted Jan 15, 2010

Change of Contact Information for the Diocesan Health and Welfare Benefits Trust

Effective immediately, all mail and queries for the Diocesan Health and Welfare Benefits Trust should be sent to the following address and referred to the following phone numbers.

Parke Rouse, Administrator
Diocesan Health and Welfare Benefits Trust
Episcopal Diocese of Pennsylvania
P.O. Box 63930 • Philadelphia, PA 19147-7930
Phone: 215.874.4949
Fax: 215.220.2273
Email: parke@mydiopabenefits.org

Governance news posted Jan 15, 2010

2010 Committee Appointments

Download the Appointments for 2010

Attached is a list of the 2010 appointments for the appropriate 2010 Committees and Commissions. These appointments have been based upon the listings in the diocesan database, feedback from committee chairs and requests from individuals.

Governance news posted Dec 23, 2009

Standing Committee Meeting

Minutes: October 13, 2009

The meeting was called to order by President Glenn Matis at 4:30 PM.In addition to President Matis, Clergy present included Joy Segal, Sam Adu-Andoh, Bill Wood and Ike Miller. Lay Members included Christopher Hart, Arlene McGurk, Bill Powell and Norman “Mac” McCausland.

Governance news posted Dec 11, 2009

2010 Committee Appointments

All Diocesan Committees subject to appointment by the Office of the Bishop have a life span from one Diocesan Convention to the next. Appointments to committees newly formed, or to those which will be continued into the next year, will be made after the beginning of the New Year. Committees and committee members are not automatically continued but require the approval of the Assisting Bishop.

Governance news posted Dec 11, 2009

2009 Parochial Report

Download the Cover Letter
Download the Parochial Report Form

Dear Rectors, Priests in Charge and Wardens: The 2009 Parochial Report form was sent earlier this week to each parish in the Diocese of Pennsylvania. Please be on the lookout for it and put it aside for completion early next year.

Governance news posted Dec 11, 2009

The Message of God's Grace

DIOCESAN CONVENTION ADDRESS
THE DIOCESE OF PENNSYLVANIA 2009

The Right Reverend Rodney R. Michel

The grace of our Lord Jesus the Christ, the love of God and the fellowship of Holy Spirit be with you all. Amen. My sisters and brothers, it is my distinct privilege to stand before you as the Assisting Bishop of Pennsylvania on this Feast of the Consecration of Samuel Seabury as the first American Bishop. Read more...

Governance news posted Dec 02, 2009

Discretionary Funds

23 November, 2009

Download the Revision

Dear Sisters and Brothers in ministry: Discretionary spending and the ways we manage Discretionary Funds are an ongoing concern of the Church. The national church has recently revised Chapter V of the Manual of Business Methods on Discretionary Funds. This is a document with which you should all be familiar.

Governance news posted Nov 16, 2009

"Asking" letters to be forthcoming

The letters regarding the “Asking” pledge for the Diocese, as well as the 2010 assessments as set by governance committees, will be sent out to each parish within the next few days. The parishes are being requested to respond to Church House by December 15th with their commitment to this part of our common ministry for next year.

Governance news posted Jun 22, 2009

Nominating Committee Prepares for the Diocesan Convention

The Nominating Committee first met on April 14, to begin the work of identifying candidates for the Diocesan Convention in November. Standing Orders of Convention state that in no less than four months before each Convention, the Bishop shall appoint a committee of at least 10 communicants of the Diocese, at least five of whom shall be members of the Clergy and at least five lay persons to make nominations for all diocesan offices to be filled at such Convention.

Governance news posted May 21, 2009

Financial Status Follow-Up

To: Diocesan Clergy and Lay leadership
From: Executive Committee, Diocesan Council
Subject: Financial Status Follow-Up

Download the Diocesan Pledge Status
Download the Diocesan Pledge Status [xls]

Friends in Christ, On March 28th an important letter was sent to all leaders in the Diocese and posted on the Diocesan website detailing the state of the 2009 program budget. The essence of this letter was both a warning and an appeal to the entire Diocese. With actual pledges in hand dramatically lower than what was budgeted at Convention, our ability to carry out the mission and ministry of the Diocese is in serious jeopardy.

Governance news posted Apr 14, 2009

Summary of Diocesan Council Meeting

March 28 | Executive Committee Summary

Download the Minutes for this meeting.

The Diocesan Council of the Diocesan of Pennsylvania meets approximately every two months. In an effort to provide timely information to the Diocese regarding the actions taken by Diocesan Council, a summary of the meetings written by the Executive Committee will be posted following each meeting.

Governance news posted Mar 08, 2009

Standing Committee plans for the future

The 10 members of Standing Committee spent Friday evening and Saturday last weekend at a retreat held at St. Thomas’, Whitemarsh to plan for the future. Bishop Rodney Michael joined us along with consultants Woodi Sprinkel and Wally Fletcher. We discussed the ongoing ecclesiastical work that the Bishop will assume and reviewed the oversight functions that Standing Committee is required to perform.

Governance news posted Feb 25, 2009

Ash Wednesday

Now accepting new aspirants into the ordination process

February 25, 2009

Dear People of the Diocese of Pennsylvania, At its most recent meeting the Standing Committee voted to end immediately the year long moratorium on accepting new aspirants into the ordination process. We know that a number of diocesan clergy are in conversation with parishioners about vocations to ordained ministry. We are concerned that an extended moratorium will yield an unmanageable back log of aspirants. Although our ecclesiastical situation remains much the same as a year ago we are also confident that the ordination process will function well.

Governance news posted Feb 05, 2009

Bishop Bennison Proceeding

Sentence affirmed

Download the Memorandum

Governance news posted Feb 04, 2009

Actions of Standing Committee

Nov 1, 2008 – December 31, 2008

Download the Actions and Consents

Governance news posted Jan 29, 2009

Statement Concerning Property in the Episcopal Church

Many may have seen articles and heard news reports concerning those who have chosen to break away from the Episcopal Church and have questions about the status of the properties of those parishes. The following is being provided to help explain some of these issues.

Governance news posted Dec 02, 2008

Convention Small Group Discussion Summary

Convention 2008

Download the Small Group Conversations
Download the Group Discussion Questions

At our 225th Convention, the delegates took the time to spend 45 minutes to begin a healing process through facilitated small group conversations. The Standing Committee is thankful for all who participated, facilitated, listened and shared their thoughts. This summary comes from the notes taken by the facilitators.

Governance news posted Dec 02, 2008

December 2008

As a Diocese we have come through a great deal in the past year. Much of what we have been through has caused distress, the enumeration of which would probably add to the sense of gloom with which some of us, most likely all of us, are still burdened.

Governance news posted Nov 19, 2008

Concerning the Ordination Process in the Diocese of Pennsylvania

A Letter from The Standing Committee,
The Commission on Ministry,
and The Rt. Rev. Edward Lee, Jr.

To: All Rectors and Vicars

We have been in a moratorium period concerning those wishing to begin the ordination process in the Diocese of Pennsylvania since the inhibition of our diocesan bishop. This has meant that those who wish to begin to move through the process have been told that there will be no Pre-Postulancy Conference in 2009.

Governance news posted Nov 13, 2008

Court hears arguments to mitigate bishop's deposition order

Bennison appeal

by Jerry Hames

Bishop Charles Bennison’s defense counsel argued before an ecclesiastical court in downtown Philadelphia on Nov. 12 that its verdict and sentencing was flawed and that its recommendation that the bishop be deposed was too severe.

Governance news posted Nov 12, 2008

Actions of Standing Committee

Nov 20, 2007 – Oct 31, 2008

Download the complete Actions and Consents

Governance news posted Nov 12, 2008

Letter of support from the Diocese of Bethlehem

Dear Father Matis and Members of the Standing Committee:

On behalf of the Standing Committee of the Diocese of Bethlehem, I am writing to convey our unwavering support, which we extend to you during these most difficult days. As you approach the dates for gathering together and planning the ongoing life and work of your diocese, during your annual convention next month, we want you to know that we are thinking of you and keeping all of you in our prayers.

Download the Letter

Governance news posted Nov 05, 2008

Hearing set on Bishop Bennison's request for modified sentence

by Mary Frances Schjonberg

[Episcopal News Service] An ecclesiastical court will convene November 12 in Philadelphia to consider a request from inhibited Diocese of Pennsylvania Bishop Charles E. Bennison Jr. that it modify its call for Bennison to be deposed.

Governance news posted Oct 26, 2008

Statement of Standing Committee

Decision on the Moyer Suit

The suit brought in the Montgomery County Court by David Moyer, former Rector of Good Shepherd Church, Rosemont, against the Diocese of Pennsylvania and Bishop Charles Bennison was dismissed today following the entry of a jury verdict in favor of the Bishop and the Diocese. The trial began on Monday and continued through Wednesday. After closing arguments by counsel this morning, the case went to the jury and the verdict was announced at about 2:45.

Governance news posted Oct 03, 2008

Statement of Standing Committee

Bennison Sentencing

The Standing Committee of the Episcopal Diocese of Pennsylvania has received the news that the Court for the Trial of a Bishop has rendered its decision and sentencing recommendations. The Court denied Bishop Bennison’s motion for a new trial and for a sentencing hearing, and recommended that Bishop Bennison be deposed.

Governance news posted Oct 01, 2008

Bishop Allen Bartlett agrees to extend ministry as Assisting Bishop, Pro Tempore

The Standing Committee is very pleased to share the news that Bishop Allen Bartlett has agreed to extend his ministry as Assisting Bishop, Pro Tempore, until June 30, 2009. We are deeply thankful to Bishop Bartlett for his continued devotion to the Diocese.

Governance news posted Jul 31, 2008

Presiding Officer for Diocesan Convention

Concerning the selection of a Presiding Officer for Diocesan Convention
in November:

Article V of the Constitution of the Diocese of Pennsylvania states:

“If no Bishop be present the Convention shall then elect a President from among the Clergy.”

Governance news posted Jul 30, 2008

Care for the Flock

William White Day | Jul 17 | Philadelphia Cathedral

Jesus said to him the third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” Peter felt hurt because he said to him the third time, “Do you love me?” And he said to him, “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep.” John 21:17

When Lloyd Casson, our wonderful new Interim Dean at this Cathedral, called last week to suggest we have this service on William White Day, inviting any and all to come, I thought, “What a timely idea!” If we can just bring Bishop White back from the dead and put him in charge again, all will be well.

Governance news posted Jul 22, 2008

Actions of Standing Committee

Nov 20, 2007 – Jun 24, 2008

Stated Meeting, Tuesday, November 20, 2007

• Approved request for St. Luke’s, Bustleton to begin negotiations to renew daycare lease, subject to legal review.
• Approved listing the property at Atonement, Morton for sale with Colliers International.
• Approved listing Emmanuel/Good Shepherd property for sale with Colliers International.
• Approved that organ at All Saints’, Crescentville for not less than $6,700.
• Approved funds for new boiler for St. Faith’s, Haverton, pending identifying appropriate fund.
• Consented to election in Diocese of Dallas for Suffragan Bishop.

Governance news posted Jun 26, 2008

Ecclesiastical Trial Update

Read the Episcopal Life Article

The Standing Committee of the Episcopal Diocese of Pennsylvania has received the news of Bishop Bennison’s conviction and shares in the grief of the victims and all whose lives have been impacted by these events. Our prayers and thoughts are with those affected by the trial and now the verdict. We pray for healing for all. The canonical process is long and far from over. The Standing Committee will be continuing its responsibilities as the Ecclesiastical Authority in the diocese until the matter is finally concluded.

Governance news posted Jun 23, 2008

A letter to our Sisters and Brothers in Christ

“Wait on the Lord, and Be of Good Courage, and He will Strengthen Your Heart.”

from “The Lord is My Light and My Salvation” Lift Every Voice and Sing, #58

Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ of the Diocese of Pennsylvania:

“The Lord is My Light” is based loosely on the 27th Psalm. The verse quoted, not found in all renditions of the song, brings to mind the powerful words of the 40th chapter of Isaiah:

Governance news posted Jun 20, 2008

Title IV Review Committee votes not to issue presentment

Statement from the Standing Committee

June 20, 2008

Download the statement concerning the Title IV Review Committee report

Governance news posted Jun 13, 2008

In his testimony, Bishop Bennison defends his conduct

Ecclesiastical trial – account of Day 4

by Jerry Hames

Bishop Charles E. Bennison said Thursday during the final day of an ecclesiastical trial examining his conduct that his recollections of events during the past 35 years were “hazy” and that he could not remember conversations with others who called attention to sexual abuse initiated by his brother against a young teenager in his parish in California.

Governance news posted Jun 12, 2008

Defense begins to call its witnesses

Ecclesiastical trial – account of Day 3

by Jerry Hames

Attention shifted to the defense on Wednesday, the third day of the ecclesiastical trial of Bishop Charles E. Bennison when James Pabarue, the bishop’s lawyer, called upon Bishop Harold Hopkins, former director of the Office of Pastoral Development for the Episcopal Church, and Margaret Thompson, former wife of John Bennison, who was ordered to renounce his orders as a priest in 2006.

Governance news posted Jun 11, 2008

Sexual abuse victim said she sought only a hearing and apology

Ecclesiastical Trial – account of Day 2

by Jerry Hames

A woman who was sexually abused over four years at a California parish during the time Bishop Charles Bennison was its rector 35 years ago told an ecclesiastical court in Philadelphia Tuesday that she never sought the bishop’s removal from office, but only a recognition from him and an apology about his complicity in hiding his brother’s actions.

Governance news posted Jun 10, 2008

Report from Province III

We thank Penny Cutler for writing this summary of the recent Province 3 synod.

On May 19 – 21, your deputies to Province III of The Episcopal Church attended the Province III Synod in Martinsburg, West Virginia. The Pennsylvania Diocese Deputies are Christopher Hart, The Rev. Canon James Shannon, and Penny Cutler. Bill Powell was also there in his role as treasurer of the Province and Greg Wilson attended as the Campus Ministry and Young Adult Coordinator. In addition to the business meeting, the deputies had the opportunity to learn about important changes in the Episcopal Church Offices and to become familiar with activities and opportunities in “Ministering to the Military.”

Governance news posted Jun 10, 2008

Opening arguments begin the trial of Bishop Charles Bennison

Ecclesiastical Trial – account of Day 1

by Jerry Hames

The ecclesiastical trial of Bishop Charles E. Bennison Jr. began today at the Marriott Hotel in Philadelphia with opening arguments from both the church prosecutor, the lawyer representing the bishop and testimony from three family members, including the woman who was sexually abused as a minor by the bishop’s younger brother at the California church where he was then rector thirty-five years ago.

Governance news posted Jun 04, 2008

Decision on Camp at Wapiti, Summer 2008

Statement from the Standing Committee

June 4, 2008

In light of Diocesan Council’s decision to close camp at Wapiti for the summer of 2008, the Standing Committee, at their meeting of May 27, 2008, at Calvary Church, Conshohocken, approved payment of the unbudgeted operating expenses for Wapiti from the Property Fund. In doing so we now consider the property “closed”.

Governance news posted Jun 02, 2008

Updated Statement about Wapiti Funds

“There have been questions and concerns raised about the Standing Committee’s action of Tuesday, May 27, 2008.”

Here is the rationale for our decision:

Funds for Operational Expenses of the property at Wapiti

On Tuesday afternoon, May 27, 2008, the Standing Committee voted to
use the “Closed Property” fund for the operating expenses of Wapiti
that had not been budgeted for in the Program Budget.

Governance news posted May 30, 2008

Standing Committee Action

May 27, 2008

At the meeting on Tuesday, May 27, 2008, Standing Committee approved the use of the Diocesan property fund to pay 2008 Wapiti operating expenses with the understanding that it is a loan and will be repaid from the proceeds of the sale of all or part of Wapiti.

Governance news posted May 29, 2008

Communications during the trial

The Standing Committee is pleased to announce that Jerry Hames has agreed to provide communications services for the Diocese of Pennsylvania during the time of the upcoming trial of Bishop Bennison. Mr. Hames was Editor of Episcopal Life, the Episcopal Church’s national monthly newspaper, at the Episcopal Church Center in New York for seventeen years prior to his retirement last year.

Governance news posted May 26, 2008

Statement of the Standing Committee concerning the trial

May, 27 2008

The occasion of the ecclesiastical trial of the Rt. Rev. Charles E. Bennison, Bishop of the Diocese of Pennsylvania, is a sad and difficult time for the Diocese. We encourage all members of the Diocese to hold in prayer Bishop Bennison and his family, those who will testify to the court, the nine judges, others involved in the trial, and all organizations, groups, and individuals in the Diocese of Pennsylvania. We encourage participation in the several prayer groups that have been organized; for information on these, be in touch with the Rev. Mary Laney, 610-828-2507, revmlaney@aol.com.

Governance news posted May 20, 2008

Episcopal Camp and DIOPA Scholarship Information

Download the Camp Scholarship Form
*
*May 30, 2008 Update:
May 30, 2008 Update: Go to www.episcopalccc.org for this year’s summer camps. We have received a special invitation from Camp Wright on Kent Island, Maryland. Call the director Dee Zeller 410-643-4171 for information or check their website.
*

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

The decisions taken this past Thursday by Finance and Property and on Saturday by Diocesan Council concerning the cancellation of camp at Wapiti this summer were made with courage and deep devotion to the Diocese of Pennsylvania. They were difficult decisions, and made in the face of understandably strong emotions, but guided by painful financial realities. We recognize the hard work and honest dialogue that were a part of reaching this decision, and we thank all those who struggled, and continue to struggle, to be a part of the leadership of this diocese during these difficult days.

Governance news posted May 14, 2008

Standing Committee Special Meeting

May 05 | 2008

1. The Standing Committee approved the request for Canonical Residency for The Rev. Edward G. Rice, pending the conversation between Bishop Bartlett and the Bishop of Massachusetts.

2. The Standing Committee approved the proposal from The Rev. Kathryn Andonian to appoint a Diocesan Liturgical Committee.

3. The Standing Committee approved the continuation of The Rev. Rodger Broadley as the Chair of the Commission on Ministry (COM) for one additional year. (Fr. Broadley is to provide the Standing Committee with the names of the three COM members who will be stepping down).

Governance news posted May 01, 2008

WAPITI – A summary of key events and decisions since 2003

In January, 2003, The Conservation Fund (the Fund) a Washington D.C.-based non-profit organization dedicated to the conservation of large tracts of land, joined in partnership with the Diocese to acquire Wapiti Farm, a 616 acre tract with a mile of waterfront on the Elk River, a tributary of the Chesapeake. The Diocese contributed $3 million to that property acquisition by the Fund. The agreement between the Fund and the Diocese contemplated that the Fund would be bought out, and its investment recovered, with funding from various government programs.

Governance news posted Apr 29, 2008

Ecclesiastical Trial

Jun 9 | Philadelphia Marriott

Jun 5, 2008 Update: The starting time for the trial will be 9:30am.
*

The Standing Committee has been advised by the Church Attorney that the Ecclesiastical Trial of the Right Reverend Charles E. Bennison, Jr., on the Presentment dated October 29, 2007 on charges filed by the then Presiding Bishop, Frank Griswold, has been scheduled for June 9, 2008. The trial will be conducted in Philadelphia and will be open to the public.

Governance news posted Apr 09, 2008

Diocesan Voices

In his recent Eastertide column, Bishop Allen Bishop reminded us that “We are now called to live as the wounded but risen Body of Christ, bearers of forgiveness, hope, and joy”. Although it might be easy to fall into the trap of focusing on how “our spirits here are troubled,” I wanted to share some of the other messages that we have received over recent weeks. I thank those who penned these messages and allowed me to share them with you.

Governance news posted Apr 02, 2008

Announcement of Open Forum

Apr 27 | 4-6pm | St. Mary’s, Wayne

The Standing Committee invites all in the Diocese to an Open Forum on Sunday, April 27, 2008, at St. Mary’s Church, Wayne from 4-6 p.m. Please join The Rt. Rev. Allen Bartlett, Assisting Bishop Pro Tempore, and the Standing Committee in a conversation about the Diocese.

Governance news posted Mar 24, 2008

Moratorium on the Ordination Process

A Letter from The Standing Committee And the Commission on Ministry

The canons of The Episcopal Church require bishops to oversee the entire ordination process. Our diocesan bishop, The Rt. Rev. Charles E. Bennison, Jr., has been inhibited by the Presiding Bishop of The Episcopal Church and cannot function as a bishop pending outcome of his trial. Although the Standing Committee serves as the Ecclesiastical Authority during this time, it cannot assume a bishop’s role in the ordination process.

Governance news posted Mar 14, 2008

Standing Committee Saturday Retreat

On Saturday March 8, 2008 the Standing Committee met at St. Thomas’, Whitemarsh, for a day of reflection and discussion of our role as ecclesiastical authority for our diocese. Woodi Sprinkel, an experienced church consultant, guided our discussions. Present were Glenn Matis, President, D-L Wormley, Vice-President, Bill Powell 2nd vice president, Arlene McGurk, secretary and Bill Wood, Joe Suprenuk, Ike Miller, Christopher Hart, Joy Segal. The only one missing was Sam Adu-Andoh who is recovering from surgery. We missed him and pray for his recovery.

Governance news posted Feb 29, 2008

Ecclesiastical Trial scheduled

The Standing Committee has been advised by the Church
Attorney that the Ecclesiastical Trial of the Right
Reverend Charles E. Bennison, Jr., on the Presentment
dated October 29, 2007 on charges filed by the then
Presiding Bishop, Frank Griswold, has been scheduled
for June 9, 2008. The trial will be conducted in
Philadelphia and will be open to the public. The
exact location of the trial has not yet been
determined.

Governance news posted Feb 05, 2008

Bishop Bartlett begins ministry as Assisting Bishop Pro Tempore

From: The Standing Committee
Date: February 5, 2008

Dear Diocesan Family:

We are pleased to announce that Bishop Allen L. Bartlett has agreed to
be the Assisting Bishop Pro Tempore while we maintain our search for an
Assisting Bishop. We continue to work with Bishop Clay Matthews of the
Presiding Bishop’s Office in this endeavor.

Governance news posted Jan 25, 2008

Standing Committee Responds to Old Abuse Case

Download the Resolution for more information.

Governance news posted Nov 02, 2007

Statement Concerning the Presentment and Inhibition Issued Against Bishop Bennison

On Tuesday, October 30, 2007, the members of the Standing Committee and Michael F. Rehill, Special Counsel to the Standing Committee, had a meeting with the Right Reverend F. Clayton Matthews, Bishop for Pastoral Development, Office of Pastoral Development of the Episcopal Church; David Beers, Chancellor to the Presiding Bishop; and his assistant, Mary E. Kostel. At that meeting Chancellor Beers permitted the members of the Standing Committee to read the Presentment against Bishop Bennison which had been issued the prior day, and gave them copies of a draft of the Inhibition which the Presiding Bishop intended to issue with the consent of a majority of the members of the Standing Committee. After a full and frank discussion, all ten members of the Standing Committee gave consent to the Inhibition.

Governance news posted Feb 14, 2006

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