Convention 2023 - Resolutions
(This post was updated November 8, 2023, with voting results from diocesan convention.)
All resolutions introduced at the 184th Convention of The Episcopal Diocese of Missouri were approved.
(Click on the +headline to read/download resolutions.)
Regular resolutions
Resolution A-184: Clergy Compensation
Download this resolution
(includes added reference material about health plans)
Resolution A-184
Clergy Compensation
Submitted by Diocesan Council
1. BE IT RESOLVED that this 184th Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of Missouri set the annual standard base compensation for full-time clergy in 2024 as follows:
CASH SALARY & HOUSING ALLOWANCE TABLE FOR FULL-TIME CLERGY
Years of Service = 0
Average Sunday Attendance:
- Under 75 = $71,035
- 75-175 = $74,227
- 176 or greater = $77,869
Years of Service = 5
Average Sunday Attendance:
- Under 75 = $74,227
- 75-175 = $77,869
- 176 or greater = $81,690
Years of Service = 10
Average Sunday Attendance:
- Under 75 - $77,869
- 75-175 = $81,690
- 175 or greater = $85,774
Years of Service = 15
Average Sunday Attendance:
- Under 75 = 81,690
- 75-175 = $85,774
- 176 or greater = $90,063
Years of Service = 20
Average Sunday Attendance:
- Under 75 = $85,774
- 75-175 = $90,063
- 175 or greater = $94,566
Years of Service = 25
Average Sunday Attendance:
- Under 75 = $90,063
- 75-175 = $94,566
- 175 or greater = $99,295
* Table outlines a standard base for full-time solo or senior clergy. Full-time associate compensation should follow the left column. This resolution establishes a standard base compensation for clergy. Congregations are urged and invited to compensate clergy beyond the standard. It is understood that under individual circumstances and conditions internal adjustments in the compensation package may be negotiated.
CASH SALARY & HOUSING ALLOWANCE TABLE FOR PART-TIME CLERGY
Years of Service = 0
- 1/4 Time = $17,759
- Half Time = $35,517
- 3/4 Time = $53,276
Years of Service = 5
- 1/4 Time = $18,557
- Half Time = $37,114
- 3/4 Time = $55,670
Years of Service = 10
- 1/4 Time = $19,467
- Half Time = $38,935
- 3/4 Time = $58,402
Years of Service = 15
- 1/4 Time = $20,422
- Half Time = $40,845
- 3/4 Time = $61,267
Years of Service = 20
- 1/4 Time = $21,444
- Half Time = $42,887
- 3/4 Time = $64,331
Years of Service = 25
- 1/4 Time = $22,516
- Half Time = $45,032
- 3/4 Time = $67,547
2. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Church Pension Fund assessment will be paid by the congregation;
3. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that $50,000 group life will be paid by the congregation;
4. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the medical coverage for clergy be in compliance with Diocesan Resolution A-172;
5. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a standard of ten days per calendar year and $500 will be provided for continuing education;
6. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the standard auto allowance will be $2,000 per year;
7. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that all parishes and missions encourage their full-time clergy to set aside the equivalent of two days each week for personal time, 24 hours of which must be consecutive;
8. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that all parishes and missions be strongly encouraged to provide dental insurance for clergy and eligible dependents, or be assured they already have such coverage;
9. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clergy in Charge shall accrue two weeks of sabbatical time for each year of service; and
10. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that all parishes and missions be encouraged to reimburse deacons and non-stipendiary clergy for reasonable expenses incurred in connection with continuing education and diocesan clergy retreats, including mileage, professional memberships and publications. (See also requirement in Title III Canon III.2 Sec 4 of the Constitution and Canons of the Episcopal Church in the Diocese of Missouri).
Rationale
The recommendation for 2024 reflects a 4.6% increase. This increase is based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Consumer Price Index-Midwest Urban Consumers.
Current Salary Range for Full-Time Solo or Senior Clergy in the Diocese of Missouri
ASA 0-75
- Low = $40,000
- Medium = $74,445
- High = $91,403
- Average = $73,948
- Average Years = 17
ASA 76-175
- Low = $101,600
- Medium = $107,050
- High = $108,000
- Average = $105,925
- Average Years = 17
ASA 176+
- Low = $171,209
- Medium = $175,000
- High = $232,782
- Average = $192,997
- Average Years = 34
Resolution B-184: Gun Violence Prevention Awareness
Resolution B-184
Gun Violence Prevention Awareness
Submitted by the Gun Violence Prevention Advisory Committee
Resolution calling for a Sunday Observation of “Gun Violence Prevention Awareness” in congregations within the Episcopal Diocese of Missouri; Submitted by the Gun Violence Prevention Advisory Committee.
BE IT RESOLVED THAT this 184th Convention of the Diocese of Missouri asks that the congregations of the diocese observe Sunday December 10th, 2023 (the closest Sunday preceding the anniversary of the mass shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary in Newtown CT) as Gun Violence Prevention Awareness Sunday in support of the Diocese’s efforts to end the pandemic of gun violence in our communities.
RATIONALE
The nation was stunned with the news on December 14, 2012 that 26 people (20 of them children) had been killed at Sandy Hook Elementary School, plus two others killed and two injured, in a mass shooting in Newtown, CT. This sparked a short-lived but futile debate about the need for stricter, or more common sense, gun laws. Mass shootings in the country have alarmingly increased in the years since the federal assault weapons ban lapsed in 2004 and was not renewed.
During the 183rd Convention of this Diocese The Right Reverend Deon K. Johnson appointed a Diocesan Missioner for Gun Violence Prevention who, with a team serving as the Gun Violence Prevention Advisory Committee, is engaging in efforts to raise awareness and help bring an end to gun violence in our communities. The work centers on promoting gun safety, legislative advocacy, and education within the Diocese. The observance of a Gun Violence Prevention Awareness Sunday by congregations aids in sharing ways that advocacy, prayer, public witness, and pastoral care can help to end the pandemic of gun violence.
To facilitate this observance, the Gun Violence Prevention Ministry of the Diocese of MO, with the support of Bishop Deon, will be rolling out a letter writing campaign for congregations to begin on December 10th, with resources provided. The goal is to encourage Missouri’s 2024 Legislative Leaders to assign bills that are proposed for sensible gun laws to committee in a timely manner so that hearings can be held.
Other resources will also be available for congregations to use on December 10th, such as print-ready bulletin inserts, prayers and/or modified forms of the Prayers of the People.
Amendments to the Constitution and Canons
Resolution E-183: Average Sunday Attendance Calculations (Second Reading)
Chancellor Burroughs presented Resolution E-183 (first reading) at the 2022 Diocesan Convention.
Resolution E-183: A Resolution of the Committee on Constitution and Canons to Address Impairment of Average Sunday Attendance Calculations
WHEREAS, pursuant to Article III.6.a of the Constitution of the Episcopal Church in this Diocese, Lay representation at Convention in this Diocese is based upon average Sunday attendance during the immediately preceding calendar year; and
WHEREAS, church closures and worship restrictions during the coronavirus pandemic artificially suppressed average Sunday attendance calculations; and
WHEREAS, it is in the best interests of the Diocese to establish a means to address future possible disruptions to Church attendance and preserve the legislative balance of Convention;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that Article III.6 of the Constitution of the Episcopal Church in this Diocese be amended by adding a new Section 6.d. thereof which shall read as follows:
SEC. 6.d. In the event that any occurrence or circumstance temporarily impairs a Congregation from normal gathering for worship in the year otherwise counted, the Diocesan Council, or the ecclesiastical authority of the Diocese with the Diocesan Council’s consent, may accord the Congregation the number of Convention delegates determined pursuant to subsection a above for the year before the impairment.
Rationale: The resolution largely speaks for itself. Average Sunday attendance calculations based upon the period when the Diocese was unable to accommodate in-person worship were distorted relative to historical attendance experience. Relying upon such figures would have greatly suppressed Lay participation in Convention and resulted in an imbalance in representation by Order at Convention.
Resolution E-183 (on first reading) was moved by Chancellor Burroughs, and was approved unanimously.
Resolution D-182B: Restoring Congregational Health (postponed from last year)
Resolution D-182B
Resolution D-182B: A resolution of the Committee on Constitution and Canons to effect certain amendments to the Constitution and Canons of the Episcopal Church in the Diocese of Missouri
WHEREAS, the 182nd Convention of the Episcopal Church in the Diocese of Missouri (the “Diocese”) voted to postpone consideration of Resolution D-182B until the 183rd Convention of this Diocese; and
WHEREAS, the 183rd Convention of the Episcopal Church in the Diocese of Missouri (the “Diocese”) voted to postpone consideration of Resolution D-182B until the 1184th Convention of this Diocese; and
WHEREAS, in consultation with the Offices of the Bishop and in consideration of practices and procedures enacted in other Dioceses of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the United States of America, the Committee on Constitution and Canons drafted a proposed new Canon IV.22 to articulate more clearly the manner in which the resources of the Diocese may be best employed to assist a Parish confronting existential challenges;
NOW, THEREFORE, be it resolved that the Constitution and Canons of the Episcopal Church in the Diocese of Missouri be amended as follows:
Canon IV.22 is hereby added in its proper numerical order and shall read in its entirety as follows:
CANON IV.22 Of Restoring Congregational Health
SECTION 1.Concerning all that follows, it shall be the intention and obligation of all parties to labor to restore any Parish under Review to a greater degree of health, setting forth problems to be addressed in an open, honest manner and working toward the resolution of such problems in a climate of respect, charity, and collaborative power sharing.
SECTION 2.Action under this Canon may be initiated in any of the following ways:
(a)The Rector or Vestry of any such Congregation may invite the pastoral intervention of the Bishop.
(b)The Bishop, being aware of the conditions enumerated in Section 3 of this Canon, and acting in his or her capacity as Pastor of the Church in this Diocese, may appoint a committee of three persons to seek amelioration of the condition(s), and to report to the Bishop thereon.
(c)The Standing Committee may initiate the pastoral intervention of the Bishop upon the affirmative vote of two-thirds of the members of the Standing Committee (or as determined by the Standing Committee acting unanimously, if it then be the Ecclesiastical Authority of the Diocese).
SECTION 3.Following the initiation of any action under this Canon pursuant to the procedures set forth in Section 2 above, the Bishop, with the advice and consent of the Standing Committee, may declare a Congregation to be a “Parish under Review” when two or more of the following conditions shall exist:
(a)The Parish fails to assemble and elect a Vestry, as provided in these Canons; or fails to send delegates to any Convention of this Diocese; or shall fail to pay diocesan assessments in a timely manner.
(b)The Parish fails to search for and elect a Rector after a reasonable period of time.
(c)The Parish fails to compensate its Clergy with at least the minimum recommended stipends and allowances set forth in accordance with the compensation guidelines of the Diocese, or does not pay canonically required pension assessments for its Clergy and eligible lay employees, or does not maintain adequate insurance for the property of the Parish.
(d)The Parish fails to make timely reports or to submit a certificate of audit as required by CANON IV.10.
(e)Financial reports reveal invasion of the principal portion of endowment funds, or other evidence of financial instability sufficient, in the judgment of the Bishop and Standing Committee, to warrant action under this canon.
(f)The Parish attempts to or effects an alienation or encumbrance of the real property of the Parish in violation of CANON IV.11.
(g)The Parish permits its property to be used for purposes incompatible with its consecration; or the Parish engages in any persistent course inconsistent with the doctrine, discipline or form of worship of this Church.
SECTION 4.In the event that the Bishop, with the advice and consent of the Standing Committee, shall have declared a Congregation to be a Parish under Review pursuant to Section 3 of this Canon, the Bishop, with the advice and consent of the Standing Committee, may require the application of one or more of the following measures to restore health to the Congregation:
(a)appointment by the Bishop of five or more adult Communicants of the Parish to govern the affairs of the Parish as the Vestry during the pendency of the specified condition(s), notwithstanding any other provisions in these Canons for (i) such governance, or (ii) the election of a Vestry;
(b)designation of the Rector of the Parish as Vicar, during the pendency of the specified condition(s);
(c)conveyance of title of all real property to the Trustees of COEDMO, who shall hold the same in trust during the pendency of the specified condition(s);
(d)such other measures, during the pendency of the specified condition(s), as the Bishop, with the advice and consent of the Standing Committee, shall determine.
SECTION 5.When any Parish fails to elect a Vestry, the Bishop, with the advice and consent of the Standing Committee, may appoint at least three trustees to take charge of the property of the Parish and exercise the rights and functions of a Vestry, until the earlier of (i) the Parish shall have elected a Vestry in accordance with the provisions of CANON IV.5 or (ii) the appointment of a new Vestry under Section 4(a) of this Canon.
SECTION 6.When, in the judgment of the Bishop, with the advice and consent of the Standing Committee and in consultation with the Parish under Review in question, a Parish under Review has either completed its mission or exhausted its resources, the Bishop may end the existence of the Parish, and its property and other assets shall be transferred to the Trustees of COEDMO. The Diocese will take appropriate steps to conclude the affairs of the Parish. The Diocese shall assist the people and Clergy of the affected Parish in continuing their lives in faith in the Diocese.
SECTION 7.The Bishop, with the advice and consent of the Standing Committee and in consultation with the Parish under Review in question, may remove a Parish’s designation as a Parish under Review, thereby terminating any actions or restrictions imposed upon it under this Canon during the period of time it was deemed a Parish under Review.
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