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THE DIOCESE OF NEWARK
The next meeting will be held on Wednesday, June 8, 2005 St. Agnes', Little Falls
Present: The Rt. Rev. John P. Croneberger; President; Mr. Michael Francaviglia, Secretary; Diane Sammons, Esq., Chancellor. Elected by Districts: The Rev. Christopher Brdlik, Ms. Faith Gideon Brown, The Rev. Canon Gervais Clarke, The Rev. Lu-Anne Conner, The Rev. Mariano Gargiulo Ms. Lois Gray, Mr. Robert Harwood, Ms. Susan Kynor, The Rev. William Potter, Mr. Don Roberts, The Rev. Elton Smith, Ms. Mary Sunden, Ms. Pat Yankus. Bishop's Appointments: Mr. Sidney King, The Rev. Prince Singh, Ms. Carol Taylor, The Rev. Paul Williams. Absent: Ms. Glenda DeKruif, The Rev. Janet Kraft, The Rev. Paul Olsson, Mr. Andrew Piccirillo, Ms. Lynn Tyler, The Rev. Fain Webb, Mr. John Zinn. ECW: Ms. Doris Mardirosian Others: Ms. Patrice Henderson, The Rev. Beverly Huck and Kim Byham, Esq., members of the Standing Committee Staff: Canon R. Carter Echols, Ms. Kitty Kawecki (for the Working Group time). COUNCIL WORKING GROUP MEETINGS The working groups met separately for Bible study (Acts 1:1-14) and discussions. BISHOP SEARCH PROCESS: CANONICAL & LEGAL CONSIDERATIONS Diane Sammons, Esq., Chancellor, presented a report on the structure (or lack thereof) for the election of a bishop as outlined (or not) in national and church canons. The report referred solely to the election of a diocesan bishop, not bishop coadjutor, bishop suffragans, bishop missionary. SEARCH PROCESS OVERVIEW Kim Byham, Esq., Standing Committee President, along with Ms. Patrice Henderson and The Rev. Beverly Huck, members of the Standing Committee, presented an overview for the search process to elect the tenth bishop of the diocese and the resolution drafted for consideration by the deputies at the June 18 Special Convention. The major change from past practice was the establishment of a Transition Committee, as urged by Bishop Clay Matthews. The transition committee would provide assistance during the transition period following the election and consents. This committee would start its work early into the process along with the Search/Nominating Committee. Membership would come from the districts for both committees. The Search/Nominating Committee may have an additional five persons appointed by the Standing Committee if there was need to balance for diversity and to insure specific skills were represented within the membership. The combination of the profile committee into the nomination committee was a decision made after much discussion. The time frame was shorter than during the last diocesan election. The profile will be adopted by the Standing Committee and the Diocesan Council, rather than at a diocesan convention. There were few, if any, dioceses where the profile was adopted by a convention vote. The profile production should be an easier task than the last time when the episcopacy had a long term (25 year) incumbent. At the special convention, deputies will have the opportunity to revise the procedure. Job descriptions for the committee membership were being developed and would be available within the next several weeks. The following resolution was planned for consideration by the deputies to the Special Convention scheduled for Saturday, June 18 to adopt a process to elect a new bishop. RESOLVED, That this Special Convention of the Diocese of Newark responds to the Bishop's call to elect committees to prepare for the election of a new diocesan bishop. The two committees will be: The Search/Nominating Committee, consisting of up to twenty-five (25) persons: twenty (20) persons, two (2) elected by each district, one (1) of whom must be clergy and one (1) lay. It is the intent of the Standing Committee that the Search/Nominating Committee be balanced among all constituencies of this Diocese including but not limited to: race, color, ethnic origin, sex, national origin, marital status, sexuality, disabilities, different economic backgrounds, differing theological viewpoints and age. To that end up to five (5) additional members may be chosen by the Standing Committee to ensure full representation of the various constituencies of this Diocese, while maintaining a balance by order and gender. The Transition Committee, consisting of 12 persons. Each district shall submit up to three names to the Standing Committee. The Standing Committee will select the committee from those nominees, but may select persons not nominated by the districts if specific skills are required. These committees shall be committees of the Standing Committee of the Diocese and chairs of the committees will be appointed by the Standing Committee, upon recommendation of the committees; and, be it further RESOLVED, That district elections for the Search/Nominating Committee shall be held no later than June 25, 2005 (using guidelines established by the Diocesan Council and with results reported to the Standing Committee by June 26), that the Standing Committee will appoint a chair or co-chair and additional members no later than June 30, 2005, that the Standing Committee will appoint members of the Transition Committee no later than June 30, 2005, and that a day-long retreat and investiture for the members of the two committees and the Standing Committee will be held no later than July 16, 2005, after which the committees will commence regular meetings; and, be it further RESOLVED, That the Search/Nominating Committee will submit its draft profile of the diocese as it is a plan for the future, and a job description of the talents and skills required in the office of Bishop to carry this diocese into the future for approval by the Standing Committee and the Diocesan Council no later than their December meetings; and, be it further RESOLVED, That the Search/Nominating Committee shall present, no later than June 28, 2006, no more than six and no fewer than four candidates for consideration by the diocese, that there shall be provision for additional nominations by petition, and that opportunities to meet the candidates for bishop shall be available at various times and places prior to the electing convention; and, be it further RESOLVED, That a Special Convention to elect the Tenth Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Newark be held on September 16, 2006. There was an intense and in-depth discussion about the proposed process. The Rev. William Potter lauded the practice of the diocese to be a model of inclusion and consensus building. However, he questioned whether the proposed structure of the committees and what appeared to heavy responsibilities and tasks would limit the slate of candidates and participation by people within the diocese. He cited the Visioning Convocation of 2001 as an example of inclusion and consensus building. A visioning process as part of the search process would bring together people from through out the diocese and would have an ownership of the process and would allow participation beyond just having a small committee make the important decisions. Members of the Standing Committee that it was the process would include opportunities for wider participation, including questionnaires, information on the web site and district meetings. The Rev. Chris Brdlik urged that the process of discernment and listening be an integral part of the procedures for the search/nominating committee. Bishop Croneberger expressed his expectation was that the profile would emphasize the future for the diocese, what direction is sought, what ministries would be created and expanded; rather than dwelling on the past and what the diocese had accomplished or what it did in earlier years. The bishop clarified that for this election funding has been reserved on an annual basis and currently totaled $70K. These Diocesan Council funds were invested by the Trustees on its behalf. Mr. Byham asked if the Council could adopt a budget in June for the work of the committees and that the budget include funding for the consultants to work with the committees. Motion: It was moved and seconded that the Diocesan Council endorse the resolution as prepared by the Standing Committee for the Special Convention scheduled for June 18. The motion was adopted. PROCESS FOR DISTRICT ELECTIONS TO THE SEARCH/NOMINATING COMMITTEE Members of the Steering Committee – Ms. Faith Gideon Brown, The Rev. Lu-Anne Connor, and Ms. Pat Yankus – presented a proposal for the elections by districts to the Search/Nominating Committee. The Guidelines for Election of District Representatives to the Search/Nominating Committee and the Transition Committee were as follows (italics indicate revisions): Eligibility: All baptized and confirmed members of congregations located in a specific district and known to their congregational treasurer are eligible to either nominate themselves or have their name placed in nomination for election to the Search/Nominating Committee, or as a nominee for The Standing Committee's consideration for the Transition Committee. Candidates must have completed anti-racism training as approved by the Mission to Dismantle Racism by the time of their election and/or no later than June 30, 2005. Search/Nominating and Transition Committees: Nomination Forms Forms will be made available to each congregation for copy and distribution. Completed forms MUST be sent to your district convener no later than June 10. The convener will prepare an information sheet listing information about each nominee. This information will be distributed to all district representatives at least one week prior to the district election. District Election Process: District elections will be held at the district meetings to be scheduled between June 18 – 25, 2005. If the convener chooses to be a nominee, some one other than the convener should supervise the election. The proposed District Election Process is by majority vote. One clergy and one lay member will be elected from each district for the Search/Nominating Committee. In addition, three individuals must be elected for nomination for The Standing Committee's consideration for the Transition Committee. The presence of lay and/or clergy representatives from a majority of the Churches within the district shall constitute a quorum. Submission of Names to The Standing Committee: After the election, the names of those elected will be FAXED to The Standing Committee by June 26, 2005. Names and information about those people not elected should be forwarded to The Standing Committee as well for their deliberations in choosing additional members of the committee. There was a full and lively discussion on the guidelines presented and about the canonical requirement of anti-racism training to participate in the election process for the search/nominating committee and the transition committee. The training will be required. If an individual did not have the training they must commit to completing it by June 30. A training session will be made available. Motion: It was moved and seconded that nominees be allowed to be presented for election to the committees provided that they attend and complete anti-racism training no later than June 30, else they will be rejected from the committees. The motion was adopted. Motion: It was moved and seconded that election be by "majority vote." The motion was adopted. Motion: It was moved and seconded to accept the cover letter, the guidelines as amended and the nomination form as amended. The motion was adopted. EPISCOPAL COMMUNICATIONS Bishop Croneberger reported: • on Sunday, May 29 there will be a final worship service at St. Mary's in Haledon. The members recognized their situation and have made decisions on ceasing worship at St. Mary's and began their transfers to other parishes. The final service will be one of appreciation for its ministry. He thanked Canon Echols for her work with the congregation. • This evening there was a rally and memorial service for Sakia Gunn at Military Park in Newark. Several diocesan staff members were in attendance, including Canon Echols, Ms. Kitty Kawecki and Ms. Lyn Headley-Deavours. He addressed the rally and expressed the concern of the Episcopal Church for rights and protections of LGBTI persons. AGENDA Motion: It was moved and seconded to adopt the agenda as prepared. The motion was adopted. MINUTES Motion: It was moved and seconded to accept the minutes for the meeting of April 13, 2005 with the correction that there were two votes in opposition to the district spending process. The motion to accept the amended minutes was adopted. TREASURER'S REPORT In the absence of the treasurer, the written treasurer's report was presented. Pledge income was ahead of budget for April. Year to date income was within range of being one month behind budget, which was typical. Other income lines were consistent with the budget and past years. All outreach, mission and program lines were funded to the extent required. Most outreach grants would be disbursed over the next two months. The staff category was over budget in April due to the first quarter payment of medical insurance premium. Operating expenses were over due to heating system repairs and a partial payment on DOL insurance. Group medical insurance was over due to second quarter premium payment. The deficit at end of April was $238,000. Regarding the e-mail for an Episcopal Community Development loan request for a short term cash flow situation the report noted that the request was temporarily withdrawn. There had been thirteen responses, nine in favor and four requesting a discussion at the May meeting. Other issues surfaced that require more review and analysis before concluding a council vote. Included was the possibility of an alternative approach that might eliminate the loan need. Motion: It was moved and seconded to accept the report, subject to audit. The motion was adopted. ACTS/VIM BOARD RECOMMENDATIONS Mr. Michael Francaviglia presented the recommendations from the ACTS/VIM Board. It was moved and seconded to adopt the recommendations and refer them to the June meeting for ratification. The motion was adopted. AV-05-01 Union City, St. John's - Positive Connection Thrift Shop $15,000 Motion to fund: 11 yes. Motion to fund $6,400: 11 yes. AV-05-02 Newark, Newark School of Theology 10,000* Motion to fund: 11 yes. Motion to fund $2,300: 11 yes. AV-05-03 Clifton, St. Peter's - St. Peter's Haven 10,000* Motion to fund: 11 yes. Motion to fund $4,300: 11 yes. AV-05-04 Denville, The Saviour - Youth Ministry Program 9,000 Motion to fund: 11 yes. Motion to fund $3,500: 11 yes. AV-05-05 Orange, Epiphany - Epiphany Hot Food Ministry 5,400 Motion to fund: 11 yes. Motion to fund $3,500: 11 yes. AV-05-06 Hackensack, Christ Church CDC - Next Steps Initiative 10,000* Motion to fund: 9 yes, 2 abstentions. Motion to fund $4,300: 9 yes, 2 abstentions. AV-05-07 Boonton, St. John's CDC - Community Summer Camp 10,000* Motion to fund: 11 yes. Motion to fund $4,300: 11 yes. AV-05-08 Jersey City, Grace Church Van Vorst 10,000* Young Artists-in-Training Summer Program Motion to fund: 11 yes. Motion to fund $4,000: 11 yes. AV-05-09 Newark, House of Prayer - "Feed My Sheep" 8,000 Motion to fund: 11 yes. Motion to fund $4,500: 11 yes. AV-05-10 Fort Lee, Good Shepherd 10,000* Friends for Life/Good Shepherd Community Services Motion to fund: 10 yes, 1 abstention. Motion to fund $4,300: 10 yes, 1 abstention. AV-05-11 Newark, Grace Church - Homework Club 10,000* Motion to fund: 11 yes. Motion to fund $4,000: 11 yes. AV-05-12 Jersey City, Jersey City Community Development Corp. 10,000* "Community Synergy Project" Motion to fund: 10 yes, 1 abstention. Motion to fund $4,300: 10 yes, 1 abstention. AV-05-13 Maplewood, St. George's - Summer Enrichment Music Program 9,650 Motion to fund: 7 yes, 4 abstentions. Motion to fund $4,700: 7 yes, 4 abstentions. AV-05-14 Hasbrouck Heights, St. John the Divine 10,000* Care on the Corner Community Service Center Motion to fund: 10 yes, 1 abstention. Motion to fund $4,300: 10 yes, 1 abstention. AV-05-15 Port Murray, Cross Roads Outdoor Ministries 19,200 Team-Building Program Motion to fund: 11 yes. Motion to fund $9,000: 11 yes. AV-05-16 Paterson, St. Paul's - CityServe Summer Program 10,000* Motion to fund: 10 yes, 1 abstention. Motion to fund $4,300: 10 yes, 1 abstention. Total Recommendation to Diocesan Council: $72,000 WARD J. HERBERT FUND BOARD RECOMMENDATIONS Ms. Mary Sunden, Board Chair, presented the recommendations. It was moved and seconded to adopt the recommendations and refer them to the June meeting for ratification. The motion was adopted. WJH-05-01 Little Falls, St. Agnes' - Flat roof replacements $27,000 Motion to fund: 14 yes. Motion to fund $27,000: 14 yes. WJH-05-02 Orange, All Saints' - Parish hall heating system 2,200 Motion to fund: 14 yes. Motion to fund $2,200: 14 yes. WJH-05-03 Parsippany, St. Gregory's - Smoke detectors, fire extinguishers 3,095 Motion to fund: 14 yes. Motion to fund $995 from Fund 1 and $2,100 from Fund 2: 14 yes. An emergency loan was provided in December 2004 in the amount of $1,200 for a heat circulating pump. The pump cost $995. A refund of $205 will be made by the church. A grant from Fund 2 for the smoke detectors and fire extinguishers in the amount of the $2,100. A grant from Fund 1 for the heat circulation pump, $995 (this actually pays back the emergency loan). WJH-05-04 Orange, Epiphany - Repairs of bathrooms, kitchen & function room 7,000 Motion to fund: 14 no; the church will be encouraged to apply for an ECLF loan. The space on the first level will be rented to a day care center beginning in June. The upper level will be used for parish functions, because the lower level will be rented. An option to a grant could be an ECLF loan. WJH-05-05 Newark, Seamen's Church Institute 12,500 Renovation of Seafarers' Center in Port Newark This application was rejected. WJH-05-06 Kearny, Trinity - Roof work on parish house and church 1,095 Motion to fund: 14 yes. Motion to fund $1,095: 14 yes. WJH-05-07 Newark, St. Andrew's - Drainage line repair 800 Motion to fund: 14 yes. Motion to fund $800: 14 yes. WJH-05-08 Newark, House of Prayer - Church roof repair 6,680 Motion to fund: 14 yes. Motion to fund $6,680: 14 yes. WJH-05-09 Teaneck, Christ Church - Rectory roof repairs 4,800 Motion to fund: 13 yes, 1 abstention. Motion to fund $4,800 from Fund 2 as a loan: 14 yes. Motion: It was moved, seconded and adopted that a loan from Fund 2 will be provided so that the work can be completed as soon as possible. A decision as to whether the funds will be repaid through a loan process or through a grant will be made in the future once the disposal of the rectory as a rental property decided. WJH-05-10 Fair Lawn, Atonement - New oil tanks, replace furnace fire box 2,595 Motion to fund: 14 yes. Motion to fund $2,595 with the strong suggestion that the tank be remediated: 14 yes. WJH-05-11 Hackettstown, St. James' - Furnace replacement 2,498 Motion to fund: 14 yes. Motion to fund $2,498: 14 yes. Total Recommendation to Diocesan Council: $43,863 DISTRICT SHARING The bishop asked for comments from the representatives about conversations, events and comments happening in the districts. District 7: Mr. Robert Harwood reported the district had begun discussions about college chaplaincy through district parishes. District 10: The Rev. Prince Singh reported that the district had been involved with Ramapo College and the district will hold a meeting on May 31 at the college with the topic on college chaplaincy and open for all who might be interested. DISTRICTS SPENDING REQUEST The Rev. Paul Williams reported that planned spending request District 5 had to be delayed until next month because the district did not vote on the event at the April meeting, it was only discussed. Hence, the request would be delayed until next month. It is the intent of the district to request an expenditure of $300 toward a district Visioning Day scheduled for Sunday, June 26. The funds will be used for food, beverages and other associate costs. The President called to order the Annual Meeting of the Hillsdale Senior Housing Corporation. HILLSDALE SENIOR HOUSING CORPORATION Motion: It was moved, seconded and adopted that the following nominees be elected to the Board of Trustees for the term noted: Hillsdale Trustees (Terms expire May 9, 2006): Mrs. Barbara Blinn, Mr. Bruce M. Bloch, Mr. James Davidson, Mrs. Nancy DeNoble, Mrs. Joan DeRosa, Mr. William Hafemann, Mrs. Mary Hampton, Mrs. Barbara Hasse, Ms. Collette Killian, Ms. Chessie Kouba, Mr. George Norman, and Ms. Angela Williamson. Motion: It was moved and seconded to adjourn the Annual Meeting of the Hillsdale Episcopal Senior Housing Corporation. The motion was adopted. The President called to order the Annual Meeting of the Nutley Episcopal Senior Housing Corporation. NUTLEY EPISCOPAL SENIOR HOUSING CORPORATION Motion: It was moved, seconded and adopted that the following nominees be elected to the Board of Trustees in the categories and for the terms noted: Diocesan Representative Trustees: Class of 2008: Mr. William Heick and Mr. David Pellnitz. Nutley Trustees (Terms expire May 9, 2006): Mr. John Agostini, The Rev. Pamela Bakal, Mr. James Blanda, Mr. James T. Callaghan, Ms. Sandra Carella, Mr. Thomas Corino, Mr. Jerry Deltufo, Mr. Robert Mulligan, Ms. AnnMae Thibault. Motion: It was moved and seconded to adjourn the Annual Meeting of the Nutley Episcopal Senior Housing Corporation. The motion was adopted. The President called to order the Annual Meeting of the Rutherford Senior Housing Corporation. RUTHERFORD SENIOR HOUSING CORPORATION Motion: It was moved, seconded and adopted that the following nominees be elected to the Board of Trustees in the categories and for the terms noted. The motion was adopted. Diocesan Representative Trustees (Term expires May 2008): The Rev. Jacob David and Ms. Barbara (Bobbie) Christenberry. Rutherford Trustees (Terms expire May 9, 2006): Ms. Rachelle Bialek, Ms. Barbara Chadwick, The Rev. Ray Frazier, Ms. Maria Teresa Gutierrez, Mr. George Hensel, Mr. John Hipp, Ms. Constance Keeler, Ms. Denise Ross and Ms. Barbara Russell. Motion: It was moved and seconded to adjourn the Annual Meeting of the Rutherford Senior Housing Corporation. The motion was adopted. The President called to order the Annual Meeting of the Jersey City Episcopal Community Development Corporation. JERSEY CITY EPISCOPAL COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ELECTIONS Motion: It was moved and seconded that the following nominees be elected to the Board of Trustees for the term noted. The motion was adopted. Class of 2008: Mr. Ruddys Andrade, Ms. Denise Jefferson and Ms. Carol Mori. Motion: It was moved and seconded to adjourn the Annual Meeting of the Jersey City Episcopal Community Development Corporation. The motion was adopted. The President reconvened the meeting of the Diocesan Council. ANNOUNCEMENTS The Rev. Elton Smith announced his call to St. John's, Butte, Montana. Canon Echols reported on the recommended dates for the council meetings in December and January. The new dates will be December 7 and January 4; the former for the adoption of the profile and the latter for the adoption of the annual budget for recommendation to diocesan convention. The Rev. Prince Singh reported that formal recognition was received about the Dalits' situation in India. The meeting was adjourned at 9:30 p.m. with prayer by The Rev. Elton Smith. Respectfully submitted, Michael Francaviglia, Secretary  --Return to Diocese of Newark Home PageReturn to Top of Page |