This page contains resolutions adopted by the 148th Convention of the Diocese of Central New York (2016).

Download this information as a single PDF file:  Convention 2016: Resolutions (Final, With Results)

The 148th Convention also read resolutions from General Convention. Download resolutions from General Convention read at 2016 Diocesan Convention.

Adopted Resolutions:

Resolution #1: Clergy Compensation Resolution for 2017

Resolution #1

Subject: Clergy Compensation Resolution for 2017
Submitted by: The Diocesan Board

The Resolutions Committee recommended adoption of this Resolution with the edit of changing 2015 to 2016, a typo in the original submission.
The Rev. Dcn. Shelly Banner seconded the resolution.
There was no discussion. Chair Day called for a vote.
The vote passed.
Resolution adopted.

RESOLVED, that each parish consider a minimum cost of living increase of 2.1% for each member of the clergy and be it further

RESOLVED, that the Clergy Compensation and Benefits Policy and Handbook, previously ratified by Convention in 2015 be the resource and guide for the Wardens and Vestries of this Diocese when dealing with their clergy and compensation.

FINANCIAL IMPACT TO DIOCESAN BUDGET: Not applicable.

WHO WOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR CARRYING OUT RESOLUTION? Individual congregations of the Diocese.

Attached: Clergy Compensation and Benefits Policy and Handbook , which was ratified by Convention 2015, and policies adopted by the Diocesan Board in regards to Sick Leave, Family Leave and Health Insurance.

Resolution #2: Continuing Together with the Anglican Diocese of El Salvador

Resolution #2

Subject: Continuing Together with the Anglican Diocese of El Salvador
Submitted by: The Rev. Dcn. Charles N. Stewart

The Resolutions Committee recommended adoption of this resolution.
Ms. Ernestine Patterson, Grace Church in Syracuse, seconded the motion.
There was no discussion. Chair Day called for a vote.
After applause and thanksgiving, the vote passed.
Resolution adopted.

RESOLVED, that the 148th Convention of the Diocese of Central New York endorses the continuation of a Companion Relationship between this diocese and the Diocese of El Salvador beginning January 1, 2017 and continuing until December 31, 2019 or until terminated by mutual consent;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the bishop of this diocese be authorized to appoint a representative Companion Diocese Committee to implement this relationship, including the recruitment of persons and parishes in this diocese to participate in this ministry.

EXPLANATION: A companion diocese relationship with the Diocese of El Salvador existed from 1992 to 1999 and was reinstated in 2003 at the 135th Convention of this diocese and the 35th Convention of the Diocese of El Salvador; and, this sister relationship has been a wonderful experience of deepening friendship, mutual learning and spiritual deepening among all who have committed themselves to the mutual ministry.

FINANCIAL IMPACT TO DIOCESAN BUDGET: None. Although from time to time this convention has allocated funds for the support of this ministry, including the Mission of Miracles, this resolution does not seek nor require any financial support.

WHO WOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR CARRYING OUT RESOLUTION? The people and clergy of this diocese with the aid, assistance and support of the Companion Diocese Committee.

Resolution #3: Thanks to Exhibit Hall Organizers, Exhibitors, Visual Technologies, and the Holiday Inn, Liverpool, NY

Resolution # 3

Subject: Thanks to Exhibit Hall Organizers, Exhibitors, Visual Technologies, and the Holiday Inn, Liverpool, NY

Submitted by: The Resolution Committee

The Resolutions Committee recommends adoption of this resolution.
Mr. Matt Webber, St. James’ in Clinton, seconded the motion.
There was no discussion. Chair Day called for a vote.
The vote passed.
Resolution adopted.

RESOLVED, that this 148th Diocesan Convention express its thanks to Ms. Terri Weir and Ms. Ruthie Koerts for planning, managing and staffing the Exhibit Hall.

RESOLVED, that this 148th Diocesan Convention express its thanks to all exhibitors and their workers for brightening this Convention and for providing an important means of communication about programs, activities, resources and services that are relevant to our ministries together and in our communities.

RESOLVED, that this 148th Diocesan Convention thank Audio Visual Technologies for providing the sights, sound and technology for the Convention, ensuring that all who may see and hear all of the Convention.

RESOLVED, that this 148th Diocesan Convention express its appreciation to the Holiday Inn, Liverpool, NY, for the hospitality extended to us which has both contributed to the efficient performance of our tasks and the comfort of our delegates.

Resolution #4: Greetings to the Rt. Rev. Gladstone “Skip” Adams and Mrs. Bonnie Adams, the Rt. Rev. David Joslin, the Rt. Rev. Martín de Jesus Barahona and Mrs. Betty Barahona and to Bishop John S. Macholz, E.L.C.A.

Resolution # 4

Subject: Greetings to the Rt. Rev. Gladstone “Skip” Adams and Mrs. Bonnie Adams, the Rt. Rev. David Joslin, the Rt. Rev. Martín de Jesus Barahona and Mrs. Betty Barahona and to Bishop John S. Macholz, E.L.C.A.

Submitted by: Resolutions Committee

The Resolutions Committee recommended adoption of this resolution.
The Rev. Nick Smith seconded the motion.
There was no discussion. Chair Day called for a vote.
The vote passed.
Resolution adopted.

RESOLVED, that this 148th  Diocesan Convention send greetings Bishop Skip and Bonnie Adams and Bishop Joslin with warm appreciation for their many years of faithful leadership and ministry among us and prayers for health, happiness and fulfilling pursuits in retirement;

RESOLVED, that this 148th Diocesan Convention send greetings to the Rt. Rev. Martín de Jesus Barahona and Mrs. Betty Barahona with affection and fond memories of our shared time together in the significant development of our relationship as companion dioceses and wishing them many years of contentment and health in retirement;

RESOLVED, that this 148th Diocesan Convention send greetings to the Rev. John S. Macholz of the Upstate New York Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, our partner in our Call for Common Mission, with heartfelt gratitude for his leadership, friendship and cooperation as we continue to work together as Christ’s Body in the world.

Resolution #5: The Very Rev. Charles G. Taylor

Resolution # 5

Subject:  The Very Rev. Charles G. Taylor

Submitted by: The Resolution Committee

The Resolutions Committee recommended adoption of this Resolution.
Mr. Harmon TenWolde, St. Matthew’s, South New Berlin, seconded the motion.
There was no discussion. Chair Day called for a vote.
The vote passed.
Resolution adopted.

WHEREAS the Very Rev. Charles G. Taylor, belovedly  known as Chuck, served as rector of St. Andrew’s, New Berlin, and St. Matthew’s, South New Berlin for thirty-one years and as parish priest of Emmanuel, Norwich, for the last seven of those years; and

WHEREAS “he never sat still”—“he was so good at visiting people at home or in the hospital,” coaching Little League, repairing homes for the elderly, cleaning up the cemetery, taking kids to the Enchanted Forest, “pretty much running the food bank in New Berlin,” driving the Christmas program to make sure “every kid got a gift”; and

WHEREAS his preaching kept his parishioners “awake” but his walks to the corner store took an hour “because he stopped to talk to everybody”—“he had such a way with people”; and

WHEREAS he worked closely with Bishop Adams, serving as Dean of the Chenango District, and also served as vice president of the Foundation of the Diocese; and was anticipating retiring last spring when unexpectedly he died:

BE IT RESOLVED that this 2016 Diocesan Convention give its prayers of thanksgiving for the dedicated ministry of the Very Rev. Charles G. Taylor and its love and prayers of consolation for his widow, Donna, and their family.

Resolutions #6-8: Recognition of Retiring Clergy

Resolution # 6

Subject: The Rev. Deacon Barbara Groves

Submitted by:  The Resolution Committee

The Resolutions Committee recommended adoption of this Resolution.
Dr. Bambi Carkey, St. Luke’s in Camillus, seconded the resolution.
There was no discussion. Chair Day called for a vote.
The vote passed.
Resolution adopted.

WHEREAS the Rev. Deacon Barbara Groves has served as deacon at Grace Church, Utica since 2012 and in that position she not only served liturgically at Sunday and mid-week services but also as a ministering presence in area hospitals and nursing homes; and

WHEREAS she developed a “wonderful ministry” with the Karen community at Grace Church, dedicating herself to bridging the language gap between that community and the rest of the parish, attending the services of the Karen community in their language and advocating for them with numerous agencies while working in other community efforts to serve the wider refugee population of Utica; and

WHEREAS she taught the “fabulously popular Bible class about women in the Bible” and was a “dynamic presence” on the vestry and in the parish at large, “cutting to the heart of issues” yet also serving as “the voice of calm in the storm”; and

WHEREAS she previously served as Dean of the Utica-Rome District, as steward of St. Margaret’s House in Utica, as a member of the Global Missions Committee and the Medical Mission Committee of the Diocese, as alternate delegate to the 2015 General Convention and delegate to the 2015 Triennial Meeting of the Women of the Church; and

WHEREAS she has now retired from her position at Grace Church, Utica:

BE IT RESOLVED that this 2016 Diocesan Convention give its heartfelt thanks for the dedicated ministry of the Rev. Deacon Barbara Groves and its warmest wishes for her happiness and that of her husband, Tom, as she spends the next several months listening and discerning in what direction(s) to go next.

 

Resolution # 7

Subject:  The Rev. Dr. Leon Mozeliak, Jr.

Submitted by: The Resolution Committee

The Resolutions Committee recommended adoption of this resolution.
Ms. Ernestine Patterson, Grace Church in Syracuse, seconded the resolution.
There was no discussion. Chair Day called for a vote.
The vote passed.
Resolution adopted.

WHEREAS the Rev. Dr. Leon Mozeliak, Jr., has served as rector of Grace Church, Utica, since October of 2011; and in that position he introduced the parish to new liturgical forms which were “very popular,” sang the Eucharist with “tremendous reverence” in a “good singing voice,” led various groups within the parish, and interacted person-to-person in a way that was both “gentle and thoughtful”; and

WHEREAS he served as a “principal force” in welcoming the Karen community to Utica and to Grace Church and in helping to raise funds for the building of Habitat for Humanity homes for that community; and

WHEREAS he serves on the Diocesan Board and is chair of its Stewardship Committee and is a member of its Budget Committee and served as an alternate delegate to the 2015 General Convention; and

WHEREAS he has now retired from his position at Grace Church, Utica:

BE IT RESOLVED that this 2016 Diocesan Convention give its heartfelt thanks for the dedicated ministry of the Rev. Dr. Leon Mozeliak, Jr., and its warmest wishes for his happiness and that of his wife, Lynn, in his undertaking of retirement.

 

 

Resolution # 8

Subject: The Rev. Dr. William C. Lutz

Submitted by: The Resolution Committee

The Resolutions Committee recommends adoption of this resolution.
Ms. Judy Sheasley, Trinity Church in Elmira, seconded the motion.
There was no discussion. Chair Day called for a vote.
The vote passed.
Resolution adopted.

WHEREAS the Rev. Dr. William C. Lutz has served as rector of Trinity Church, Elmira, since 1999 and as pastor of Emanuel Lutheran Church, Corning, since 2014 and he “put a lot of time and effort” into his sermons, basing them around topics that were current, but nonetheless kindly shared his pulpit at times with Brother Sebastian, relaying to the congregation what that Cabbage Patch doll whispered into his ear; and

WHEREAS he led Lenten studies and confirmation classes combined with those of the Lutheran parish, and was “very supportive of youth,” serving as spiritual director of Happening, and supportive also of older students, serving as chaplain of Elmira College; and

WHEREAS in his commitment to building partnerships he led the parishioners of Trinity Church into sharing their space with a United Baptist congregation and, in his commitment to mutual ministry, he “nudged” the people of Trinity into becoming a downtown ministry center offering space for a number of ministries—a family counselor, a multi-church feeding program, a program offering household goods to people transitioning from homelessness, Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous and the Episcopal Children’s Clothing Closet, a ministry shared with St. Matthew’s, Horseheads; and

WHEREAS he served as a former dean of the Chemung District, ecumenical officer for the Diocese, co-facilitator of Fresh Start, and alternate delegate to the 2012 General Convention; and

WHEREAS he has retired as rector of Trinity Church, Elmira, and Emanuel Lutheran Church, Corning;

BE IT RESOLVED that this 2016 Diocesan Convention give its heartfelt thanks for the dedicated ministry of the Rev. Dr. William C. Lutz and its warmest wishes for his happiness and that of his wife Heather in his undertaking of retirement.

Resolutions #9-11: Thank you to the Search Committee, Transition Committee, and Standing Committee

Resolution # 9

Subject: Thank You to the Search Committee

Submitted by: The Standing Committee

The Resolutions Committee recommended adoption of this Resolution.
The Very Rev. Becky Coerper, seconded the resolution.
There was no discussion. Chair Day called for a vote.
After applause and thanksgiving, the vote passed.
Resolution adopted.

WHEREAS the Search Committee developed a profile of the Diocese of Central New York, involving many parishes and presenting a comprehensive overview of who we are and who we want to be, and following the announcement of the opening of the search for a new bishop, was responsible for reviewing applications and nominations through a process that included Skype interviews, and;

WHEREAS Search Committee members sponsored a retreat to become better acquainted with the gifts offered by potential candidates after which the Search Committee prayerfully discerned to further shorten the list, and;

WHEREAS the Search Committee, during each of these steps, informed the Diocese about what was happening through online videos and The Messenger:

BE IT RESOLVED that this 148th Diocesan Convention recognizes and deeply appreciates the members of the Search Committee—Ms. Cynthia Adamowsky, the Rev. Adrian Amaya, Ms. Kristen Blum, Dr. Bambi Carkey, the Rev. Wanda Copeland, Mr. David Cordone, the Rev. Dcn. Kay Drebert, the Very Rev. David Hanselman, the Very Rev. Jeanne Hansknecht, Mr. James Hughes, the Rev. Johanna Marcure, Mr. Doug Mouncey, Mr. Andy Pierce, the Rev. Judy Kessler, Chaplain and the Very Rev. Carrie Schofield-Broadbent, Chairperson—who served as volunteers, giving of their time and talents to ensure candidates received a broad overview of Central New York and our parish communities so that all would be able to make informed decisions about our future leadership.

 

Resolution: # 10

Subject: Thank You to the Transition Committee

Submitted by: The Standing Committee

The Resolutions Committee recommended adoption of this resolution.
Ms. Cindy Adamowsky, St. Matthew’s Church in Liverpool, seconded the motion.
There being no discussion, Chair Day called for a vote on the resolution.
With applause and thanksgiving the vote passed.
Resolution adopted.

WHEREAS the Transition Committee set up and escorted the final five candidates through four days of Diocesan-wide “Walkabouts,” made the arrangements for the August 6th Special Election Convention, which included the first electronic voting used in the Diocese; and

WHEREAS the Committee shepherded the gala farewell for Bishop Skip and Bonnie Adams, an event which was attended by more than 300 people; and

WHEREAS the Committee continues to develop the detailed plans for the Consecration service to be held the third of December to officially install the Very Rev. Dr. DeDe Duncan-Probe as the 11th Bishop of the Diocese of Central New York, plans which include community and interfaith dignitaries from across CNY, members of the Bishop-elect’s family and friends and numerous levels of Church hierarchy:

BE IT RESOLVED that this 148th Diocesan Convention lauds the members of the Transition Committee—the Rev. Dcn. Shelly Banner, the Rev. Dr. Gerry Beritela, the Very Rev. John Crosswaite, Mr. Arthur Durando, the Rev. Dcn. Barbara Groves, Ms. Lynda Helmer, the Rev. Steven Moore, Ms. Ernestine Patterson, Mr. Andy Pierce, Mr. Kyle Ramey, Ms. Meredith Sanderson, Ms. Deborah Shigley, the Rev. Nick Smith, Ms. Susan Wilson, the Rev. Judy Kessler, Chaplain and the Rev. Richard Schaal and Ms. Carol Forrester, Co-chairs—who have shared their talents, experience and many hours of volunteer time working with parishes, diocesan committees and other organizations throughout the Diocese to arrange these events. Convention recognizes that their work continues through the end of the Consecration reception and commends them for their ongoing dedication.

 

Resolution # 11

Subject: Thank You to the Standing Committee

Submitted by: Resolution Committee

The Resolutions Committee recommended adoption of the resolution.
The Very Rev. Carrie Schofield-Broadbent seconded the motion.
The Rev. Georgina Hegney asked to make a “friendly amendment” to the resolution to add a special thank you for the leadership of the Rev. Christine Day as the President of the Standing Committee. Amendment accepted.
There being no discussion, Chair Day called for a vote on the resolution.
With applause and thanksgiving, the vote passed.
Resolution adopted.

WHEREAS, the Standing Committee of the Episcopal Diocese of Central New York is an elected body which normally meets only four times a year to conduct their necessary canonical business; and

WHEREAS, since the announcement of the our bishop transition has been working steadfastly, conscientiously, and faithfully through many, many, many hours to lead us well through this episcopal transition in the midst of their regular canonical duties,

BE IT RESOLVED, that this 2016 Convention express our utmost and deepest gratitude to—Ms. Stacey Balduf, Ms. Maria Dawson, Ms. Felicity Hallanan, Ms. Beth Hallinan, the Rev. Georgina Hegney, the Rev. Jennifer Kenna, the Rev. Joell Szachara and the Rev. Christine Day, President—for their faithful leadership and service in this time of transition. We will never know all of the details in the famed “bishop search binder”, but we do know that our diocese has been in sure and steady hands as we move from the episcopacy of the Rt. Rev. Gladstone “Skip” Adams, into our time in between bishops where the Standing Committee functions as the ecclesiastical authority for our diocese, and into the upcoming episcopacy of the Very Rev. Dr. DeDe Duncan-Probe.

Resolution #12: Support of the Very Rev. Dr. DeDe Duncan-Probe and the Probe Family

Resolution # 12

Subject:  Support of the Very Rev. Dr. DeDe Duncan-Probe and the Probe Family

Submitted by: Resolution Committee

The Resolutions Committee recommended adoption of this resolution.
The Rev. Dcn. Shelly Banner seconded the motion.
The Rev. Richard Schaal asked to make a friendly amendment to the original resolution to include the family of the Bishop-elect.
The Rev. Dcn. Shelly Banner seconded this amendment.
Chair Day called for a vote on the amendment.
Vote passed.
There being no further discussion, Chair Day called for a vote.
With a standing ovation and loud applause, the vote passed.
Resolution adopted.

WHEREAS the Very Rev. Dr. DeDe Duncan-Probe was courageous enough to stand for election to the episcopate in the Diocese of CNY with the encouragement and full support of her husband, Christopher Probe and their three children, Chasen, Ryan and Grace; and

WHEREAS as, out of a slate of five candidates, all of whom were impressive in their experience and commitment to sharing their varied ministries, she was elected—and on the second ballot!; and

WHEREAS she and her family are moving to Central New York—from Virginia!— despite the approach of winter and having heard stories of treacherous driving through the ‘snow belt’ of CNY; and

WHEREAS she has survived four clergy gatherings and pre-Convention Regional Meetings with good grace and humor,

BE IT RESOLVED that this 2016 Convention of the Diocese of Central New York recognizes the significant sacrifice the Probe family has made in sharing their wife and mother with the entire Diocese and offers them our sincere appreciation and the promise to honor their ‘family time,’ and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this 2016 Convention of the Diocese of Central New York express our deep-felt thanks to Bishop-elect DeDe Duncan-Probe for her commitment to us and pledge her our support as she develops her vision and ministry among us as the 11th Bishop of the Diocese of Central New York.

Resolution #13: Ms. Judy Fried

Resolution # 13

Subject: Ms. Judy Fried

Submitted by: The Resolution Committee

The Resolutions Committee recommended adoption of this resolution.
The Rev. Kate Day seconded the motion.
There was no discussion. Chair Day called for a vote.
With applause and standing ovation, the vote passed.
Resolution adopted.

WHEREAS Ms. Judy Fried has served as deployment officer of the Diocese of Central New York since June of 2003 and has been instrumental in assisting dozens of parishes in transition with, in the words of Bishop Adams, “a steady, unwavering commitment to do the best for the parish,” always trying “to see the big picture” while maintaining “a wonderful non-anxious presence”; and

WHEREAS parishes have commented “over and over how responsive she was,” going out to the parishes “to do early education,” answering questions by phone, consolidating trips of rector candidates to save on costs.  Clergy also have commented on her helpfulness, graciousness and concern to find them a position that would “fit”; and

WHEREAS in this work Judy is well respected in the Episcopal Church Transition community and she also has served as the staff liaison for the Ministry Support Committee, the Dayspring program and the Transition Consultants; and

WHEREAS she has also served as secretary of Convention since 2005; and

WHEREAS she has announced her retirement as of December 31st of this year:

BE IT RESOLVED that this 2016 Diocesan Convention give its heartfelt thanks for the dedicated ministry of Ms. Judy Fried and its warmest wishes for her happiness and that of her husband, Glenn, in her undertaking of retirement.

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