Lay and clergy candidates are being sought this year to serve on/as:

Church Foundation Board

THREE (3) YEAR TERM:

  • Four lay
  • One clergy

TWO (2) YEAR TERM:

  • One lay

ONE (1) YEAR TERM:

  • One lay
  • One clergy

In response to a request from the Nominating Committee, the following description is provided by the chairperson or other representative of this committee.

The Church Foundation is a tax exempt Pennsylvania nonprofit corporation formed in 1925 to serve 1) as trustee of trusts of which the Episcopal Diocese of Pennsylvania and its associated parishes and ministries (collectively, “the Diocese”) are beneficiaries, 2) as titleholder of real estate held in trust for, and operated and maintained by, the Diocese and 3) as agent of the Diocese in a variety of commercial transactions when such agency is requested by the Diocese and agreed to by the Foundation.

The Foundation is governed by a 16-member board of directors comprising:

The Bishop of the Protestant Episcopal Church having jurisdiction of the Diocese of Pennsylvania (the “Bishop of the Diocese”), ex officio,
Three Clergymen of the Protestant Episcopal Church, residents of Pennsylvania and canonically connected with the Diocese of Pennsylvania; and
Twelve Laypersons, citizens of Pennsylvania, members of the Protestant Episcopal Church and of some Parish or Mission canonically connected with the Diocese of Pennsylvania.
The 15 directors with voting power are organized into 3 classes of 5 directors who serve staggered 3-year terms. Convention has the right to nominate, for each directorship with a term expiring at the Foundation board’s next Annual Meeting, at least 2 candidates meeting the qualifications set forth above for each of the 5 lay and 1 clergy seats to be filled. To the extent that Convention does not exercise its right of nomination, nominations may be made by any director present at the Annual Meeting.

At the Annual Meeting the directors elect from the candidates those persons who will serve as directors upon the vacancy of the directorships expiring at such Annual Meeting.
Directors of the Foundation are responsible for all of the fiduciary duties required of a trustee under Pennsylvania law with respect to hundreds of express trusts as well as implied trusts created by its relationship with the Diocese, trusts that include real estate and varied forms of tangible and intangible property and equitable interests that may be settled into trusts. There is a wide variety of restrictions that settlors have placed on trust assets and income. Trust assets that must be invested for return are generally invested in a common trust fund administered specifically for trusts administered by the Foundation.

All administration of trusts, the common trust fund and attention to the fiduciary duties of the directors is performed by 2 staff members. At present, C.H. Joyner serves as Executive Director and he is assisted by J. Gorski who does everything else.

The role of director often includes complex and technical decisions relating to trusts, property and a variety of commercial transactions, always in the overarching context of a financial fiduciary.

Professional skill sets presently represented on the Foundation board include licensed attorneys at law, licensed accountancy, licensed investment advice, licensed commercial real estate management and brokerage agency, licensed full service insurance and other risk management agency, real estate development and insurance company management.

Candidates are generally elected based on skill sets needed at the time and general suitability to serve as trustee of complex trusts. There is no on-the-job training and directors must be prepared to make complex decisions immediately.

Candidates who agree to be nominated must take personal responsibility for any due diligence that may be advisable for them to perform relative to any potential personal liability implications of this role. Inquiries of each candidate as to whether they have done this will be made and documented as part of the selection process.

Submitted May 5, 2009

Clergy Salaries and Pensions

THREE (3) YEAR TERM:

  • Two lay
  • Two clergy

TWO (2) YEAR TERM:

  • One lay

In response to a request from the Nominating Committee, the following description is provided by the chairperson or other representative of this committee.

1. Please describe the mission and responsibilities of your committee/commission
(Note: You may include citations from the Diocesan Constitution or Canons):

The Commission on Clergy Salaries and Pensions is concerned with three central matters. First, the ongoing compensation of clergy in the Diocese of Pennsylvania, which includes annual recommendation to Diocesan Convention of minimum salary ranges. Second, oversight of Health and Pension benefits, specifically the parishes’ responsibility to pay mandatory benefits and fees for Health and Retirement programs. Third, oversight and management of the health insurances of the diocese, including monitoring costs of health insurances, Mental Health and Pharmaceutical and other such benefits, and negotiating with insurance vendors to insure the Diocese and our clergy get the best coverage at the best value.

The work of the Commission is generally divided into three working sub-committees, Salary Monitoring, Loans and Grants for parishes in financial difficulty, and Benefits. The Loans and Grants administers the Clergy Financial Assessment insuring that priests’ health and pension coverage continues when a parish is in financial crisis.

The Commission on Clergy Salaries and Pensions is charged with the responsibility for oversight and management of the Diocese of Pennsylvania Medical Trust, and acts as the Diocese’s Board of Directors for the Trust.

2. If possible, please describe specific agenda items that your committee or commission will be addressing in 2009-2010:

In 2009 – 2010 our commission will continue to monitor salary matters, and improve our recently designed web-based tool to help parishes determine adequate compensation; prepare our delegates to General Convention concerning possible legislation that might require all parishes to participate in a Nationwide health insurance program which may or may not approximate the coverage we now provide, and we are working harder than ever to assist parishes in financial crisis.

Two new initiatives on our horizon include facilitating a conversation between and among the principal diocesan entities which provide financial assistance for struggling parishes. It is our sense, our observation, that within the Diocese we have several entities which provide assistance of various kinds, however, sometimes one entity is not aware of what another is doing. Getting key players (ie: Standing Committee, Bishop, Salaries and Pensions, Council, etc…) in a feedback loop may help as we assess ways to end dependent financial relationships with the Diocese, and encourage financial stability and responsibility OR enable the diocese to put concentrated funds into the right place at the right time.

Second, in the fall of 2009 we hope to begin a conversation about a diocesan-based wellness program which will provide incentives to clergy to do a better job of self-care. This “Wellness program” could be a model that might be exported to other dioceses. We will call together experts from across the Diocese, and in the Communion, to help us dream/imagine what a Diocesan based Wellness model could look/be like….with an eye to beginning such a program here, and funding it out of our own designated funds.

3. Please list any particular skills and/or expertise that members of your committee or commission should possess (i.e. financial planning, knowledge of diocesan history, familiarity with Church Canons, architectural training, IT skills etc.):

Because of the fiduciary responsibilities of the Commission on Clergy Salaries and Pensions it is helpful when we have members that are knowledgeable about financial management. Our pastoral oversight of struggling parishes calls for pastorally sensitive, but pastorally wise and firm, gifted persons. Our responsibility for the Medical Trust and Insurance matters calls for members with legal expertise, as well as persons with knowledge of the insurance realm.

4. If you were to describe an ideal committee member, what characteristics would that person have?

An ideal member would have that unique set of abilities to be pastoral, and yet be able to manage fiduciary and legal matters with a firm hand, able to “speak the truth in love,” an able to firmly follow through with commission decisions. Sometimes it is important to be able to deal with angry or “entitled” vestry members who try to end run the canonical requirements the Commission holds. They would be nice, show up, and make a contribution, turn off their blackberry, and be present.

5. What is the average monthly time commitment for your committee’s members? (Please specify fixed meeting dates, times and locations, if possible):

The Commission on Clergy Salaries and Pensions meets on the second Tuesday of each month from 12 – 12:30 (depending upon sub committee assignment) until 2:30 or 3PM. Meetings are in the second floor conference room at Church House. Occasionally a member (or the chair) along with staff or the Bishop is called upon to make a visit to a parish/vestry. When the Commission has major matters that will be considered at Diocesan Convention, members may be asked to make presentations at Deanery Plenaries around the diocese.

6. Are there any others issues regarding the work of your committee that we should consider?

We have ongoing issues with diversity representation on the commission, we only have one or two persons of color on the commission just now, and our male-female ratios are weighted to the “male” side.

Submitted May 28, 2009

Deputy to Provincial Synod

THREE (3) YEAR TERM:

  • One lay
  • One clergy

In response to a request from the Nominating Committee, the following description is provided by the chairperson or other representative of this committee.

The position of Deputy to Provincial Synod involves attending the annual synod of Province 3 which occurs each year in the spring. Each synod runs from late afternoon on a Sunday until midday on Tuesday. In the years when a General Convention occurs the synod meeting is a preparation for General Convention. In the other years there is some sort of program. The deputies vote in the synod business session each year regarding the provincial budget and other items of business. That’s really all there is to tell. Many of the questions in the request for a job description simply are not applicable to this position. If someone needs more information call Christopher Hart at home in the evening, 610-527-8276.

Submitted June 22, 2009

Diocesan Review Committee

THREE (3) YEAR TERM:

  • One lay
  • One clergy

In response to a request from the Nominating Committee, the following description is provided by the chairperson or other representative of this committee.

1. Please describe the mission and responsibilities of your committee/commission

The Diocesan Review Committee responds to complaints of misconduct by clergy. This is the first step toward seeking an Ecclesiastical Trial as set out in Title IV of the National Church Constitution and Canons.

2. If possible, please describe specific agenda items that your committee or commission will be addressing in 2009-2010:

We have no other agenda except that set out in Title IV and do not meet or act except as required therein.

3. Please list any particular skills and/or expertise that members of your committee or commission should possess (i.e. financial planning, knowledge of diocesan history, familiarity with Church Canons, architectural training, IT skills etc.):

Members should possess discernment, pastoral skills and the ability to look objectively and without prejudice at the charges received. One person with in the area of organizational finance who also has the above qualities to some degree is an essential member of the committee also.

4. If you were to describe an ideal committee member, what characteristics would that person have?

As above plus ease of availability at unpredictable times.

5. What is the average monthly time commitment for your committee’s members? (Please specify fixed meeting dates, times and locations, if possible):

Varies according to cases presented. If the church attorney, after detailed investigation, deems a case worthy of further investigation, more time is necessary than if the CA deems the case without merit. Of ten referred to as “the committee which never meets” that has not been true of the past year.

6. Are there any others issues regarding the work of your committee that we should consider?

Title IV is in the process of revision at General Convention and if passed this year, may change the DRC responsibilities significantly.

Submitted May 6, 2009

Ecclesiastical Trial Court

THREE (3) YEAR TERM:

  • Nine lay
  • Ten clergy

In response to a request from the Nominating Committee, the following description is provided by the chairperson or other representative of this committee.

1. Please describe the mission and responsibilities of your committee/commission

The Ecclesiastic Trial Court is charged to conduct trial of an ordained person of the diocese when a presentment comes from Standing Committee. The outcome of a trial is recommendation to the Bishop concerning disciplinary action. Canon 22 of the Diocese of Pennsylvania and Title IV of the Canons of General Convention are governing authority.

2. If possible, please describe specific agenda items that your committee or commission will be addressing in 2009-2010:

This depends upon recommendations from the Diocesan Review Committee (also by election by Convention), through Standing Committee, generating presentments (indictments, in the secular context) pertaining to clergy of the Diocese. At present we are not informed that any presentments exist.

3. Please list any particular skills and/or expertise that members of your committee or commission should possess (i.e. financial planning, knowledge of diocesan history, familiarity with Church Canons, architectural training, IT skills etc.):

Knowledge of diocesan history and canons could be useful, but the Church Attorney (elected by Diocesan Convention) is available to consult. Diversity amongst the Court is desirable.

4. If you were to describe an ideal committee member, what characteristics would that person have?

Spirituality and a sense for working in consensus are desirable characteristics. By canon, triers may not also sit on Standing Committee or Diocesan Review Committee.

5. What is the average monthly time commitment for your committee’s members? (Please specify fixed meeting dates, times and locations, if possible):

If no presentments are brought to the Ecclesiastic Triers, there is no time commitment beyond one annual meeting. If a case exists, meetings could be one per week or one per month, scheduled as appointed.

6. Are there any others issues regarding the work of your committee that we should consider?

Look for a sense of commitment and flexibility to schedule participation should a trial arise. A full slate of 9 lay persons and 10 clergy persons for election is important should a court need to be composed for a trial. When such time comes, 5 clergy and 4 lay will be seated, based on their availability and order of election.

Submitted June 11, 2009

Finance and Property

THREE (3) YEAR TERM:

  • Three lay
  • Two clergy

In response to a request from the Nominating Committee, the following description is provided by the chairperson or other representative of this committee.

The duties and obligations of the Diocesan Committee on Finance and Property are outlined in Section 6&8211;3 of the Constitution and Canons of the Diocese of Pennsylvania. The last printed version of the Canons (2005) has been revised by Convention in 2006. The Finance and Property Committee is no longer part of Diocesan Council, but is independently elected by convention. Eight lay members and seven clergy serve for a three year term.

The Committee on Finance and Property is responsible for all of the financial affairs of the Diocese and acts in any other business and executive capacity that may be required of it by Convention. Among those duties is the responsibility to provide for the enforcement of Canon 16 (“Of the Mode of Securing an Accurate View of the State of the Church in this Diocese”),in Canon 17 (“Of Business Methods in Church Affairs”), and Canon 19.1 (“Diocesan Institutions”). The Committee also is responsible for the communication of assessment levels and the accounting for receipts of assessments all pledges and assessments in support of the Diocesan Budget, the Episcopate assessment, Clergy Financial Assistance as called for by the Committee on Clergy Salaries and Pensions. It no longer develops the Program Budget, but the Committee provides advice on the projection of funding for that budget and endorses budgets that appear to be realistic

Five standing committees meet from time to time on the following matters: Diocesan Audit, Parochial Reports and Parish Audits, Property (including Wapiti), Loans/Bishop’s Revolving Loan Fund, and Liaison Committee for Program Budget. As needed, ad hoc committees are formed as well.

Issues to be addressed in 2009 – 2010

The Committee on Finance and Property continues to be alarmed by the lack of financial support of this Diocese. Program Budget pledges exceeded $1.7 million twenty years ago. Support for that budget in 2009 was approximately half of that. Numerous issues contribute to this decline and all will be considered in 2009 – 2010. Two property matters will most likely be continuing agenda items: the Wapiti property sale and resolution of the building at 3717-19 Chestnut Street.

An ongoing issue will surface monthly. Many parishes are operating on “the edge”. They are challenged in their ability to raise operating revenues and are finding they are spending their endowments or whatever financial savings they control. The Committee on Finance and Property must be in a position to advise or direct these churches towards resolution, through either revisiting their strategic plan, if any, or looking to solutions such as joining with other parishes for a mutual growth strategy.

The Committee on Finance and Property is seeking ways to reestablish the Bishop’s Revolving Loan Fund, perhaps with funds provided by Standing Committee’s Property Fund. This would allow churches with the ability to repay a loan at a modest interest, an ability to finance building projects as were financed in the seventies and eighties.

Numerous items will arise, either requiring advice to governing bodies or reaction to financial events that arise.

Candidate Qualifications

All candidates for election to the Committee on finance and Property over the past years have been well qualified. However, as described above, interest and expertise in finance, real estate, budgeting, stewardship, church growth, business methods and practices and related areas are areas that a member may wish to have some expertise or qualification. Compassion for our fellow diocesan members comes in handy.

The Committee meets on the third Wednesday of the month. Exceptions might include lack of business (one of the two summer months) or a conflict with some other scheduled event, including Holy Days. Subcommittee meetings may be called as necessary. Committees seem to meet more in the suburbs recently, but we do convene at Church House from time to time.

Submitted May 13, 2009

Standing Committee

FIVE (5) YEAR TERM:

  • One lay
  • One clergy

In response to a request from the Nominating Committee, the following description is provided by the chairperson or other representative of this committee.

The Standing Committee is presently the Ecclesiastical Authority of the diocese. It is expected that this will continue for several more years. We work closely with Assisting Bishop Rodney Michel in carrying out various duties and responsibilities. These duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to the following:

  • Being a council of advice to Bishop Michel.
  • Giving our consent to real estate matters for parishes and the diocese.
  • Making decisions pertaining to diocesan endowment funds.
  • Giving our consent for candidates for ordination.
  • Giving our consent to the election of bishops.
  • Being a physical presence at Church House and attending diocesan staff meetings as needed.
  • Having an active spiritual involvement in the church.
  • Being dedicated to stewardship principles.
  • Reading numerous documents and emails before the meetings.
  • Having a working knowledge of diocesan and national canons.
  • Having Vestry experience, Diocesan Committee involvement, and National Church involvement is helpful as a prelude to serving on the Standing Committee.

Each member is expected to serve on at least one sub-committee of the Standing Committee. A Standing Committee member may be asked to attend a particular vestry/parish meeting or diocesan committee meeting if their expertise would be helpful.

Standing Committee members serve as liaisons to the Finance and Property Committee, the Commission on Salaries and Pensions, Commission on Ministry, Diocesan Council and other committees as needed. If you are appointed as a liaison, you will need to attend those meetings. These meetings may be scheduled during normal business hours or on Saturdays.

We have a minimum of two working weekend conferences during the year. We work with two outside consultants in establishing goals and direction.

We meet a minimum of once a month, generally at Church House. The meetings last four + hours. We generally meet during the summer. The expectation is that members will attend every meeting unless ill, on vacation, or out of town.

Serving on the Standing Committee is an honor, but also requires a considerable time commitment. It is suggested that serving on the Standing Committee be your only diocesan commitment.

Submitted June 22, 2009