Resolutions Adopted by the 149th Diocesan Convention (2017)

Resolution #1

Subject: Clergy Compensation

Submitted by: The Diocesan Board

Resolved, that each parish consider a minimum cost of living increase of 2.0% for each member of the clergy and be it further 

Resolved, that the Guidelines for base cash salary (does not include housing or utilities) be increased by 2.0% plus 1/6th of the cost of living increases recommended for 2014–2017 which had not been previously applied to the ranges:

Type I  $35,317–48,736
Type II  $41,202–56,858
Type III  $47,082–64,970
Type IV  $54,006–73,103

Financial Impact to Diocesan Budget:
Not applicable.

Who would be responsible for carrying out the Resolution?
Individual congregations of the Diocese.

The Clergy Compensation and Benefits Policy and Handbook , which was ratified, by Convention 2016 and policies adopted by the Diocesan Board in regards to Sick Leave, Family Leave and Health Insurance is the resource and guide for the Wardens and Vestries of this Diocese when dealing with their clergy and compensation.

Resolution adopted.

Resolution #2

Subject: Commending the Diocese of New York Reparations Committee for its call for a “Year of Lamentations” for the sin of slavery

Submitted by: The Rev. Jacqueline Schmitt and the Antiracism Team

Resolved, that this 149th Convention of the Diocese of Central New York commend the Diocese of New York and its Reparations Committee for its call to mark 2018 as a “Year of Lamentations” for the sin of slavery, and for its ongoing study of that Diocese and the history of the involvement in slavery and in its old and new incarnations; and be it further 

Resolved, that the parishes and people of the Diocese of Central New York be urged to study the work of the Reparations Committee of the Diocese of New York in its efforts to uncover the legacy as slavery as part of our common history as Episcopalians in New York State; and be it further 

Resolved, that links to relevant materials from the Reparations Committee of the Diocese of New York be available to Central New York Episcopalians through our diocesan website.

Resolution adopted.

Resolution #3

Subject: Commitment to Anti-Racism and Opposition to the Alt-Right Movement

Submitted by: The Rev. Dr. Steven P. Moore

Whereas, the 78th General Convention resolved to continue the work for racial justice and addressing the systemic causes of racial injustice and in response to the growing tide of racist rhetoric and action in our nation,

Be it resolved that the Diocese of Central New York:

• Commits to continue the work of promoting anti-racism training in all the local congregations and affiliated diocesan works, as well as encourage other ways to educate our congregations about the reality of systemic racism;
• Makes a firm commitment to speak out publicly against racist rhetoric and actions, including those espoused by the alt right and neo-Nazi movements;
• Publicly supports efforts to reform institutions with inherent racial bias;
• Direct the Antiracism Team to address the racial disparities in our own diocese and recommit to partner with ministries in our inner cities, as well as address the racial segregation that currently exists between our diverse populations.

Resolution adopted. 

Resolution #4

Subject: Work for Racial Justice and Reconciliation

Submitted by: Matthew Sanaker and The Antiracism Team

Resolved, that this 149th Convention confesses to our historic participation in the evil of slavery and in ongoing racial injustice; and be it further

Resolved that, as Christians and Episcopalians, we pledge our repentance of that sin and commit to amendment of our common life by praying and acting for racial reconciliation as directed by the 78th General Convention, specifically 2015-A182 “Address Systemic Racial Injustice” and 2015-C019 “Work for Racial Justice and Reconciliation;” and be it further

Resolved, that this 149th Convention identify and urge the use of resources for Christian formation that address systemic racial injustice, such as study materials, liturgies and antiracism training, be strengthened, increased and made available to congregations; and be it further

Resolved, that the 149th Convention urge congregations to create vehicles for listening to diverse neighbors and developing reconciling relationships; such options might include (a) listening campaigns in local communities, (b) partnerships with churches and organizations comprised predominately of a different race or culture (especially those targeted by oppression), (c) neighborhood prayer walks, (d) storytelling and speak-out events designed to facilitate truth-telling, healing and action, (e) and others with which leaders throughout the Church are familiar; and be it further

Resolved, that the 149th Convention encourages congregations to partner with the Diocesan Antiracism Team, other congregations and church offices and organizations as appropriate to host events dedicated to the ministry of racial justice and reconciliation; and be it further

Resolved, that the 149th Convention direct the Antiracism Team to inquire after and to support these efforts across the Diocese, and to report the results to the 150th Convention.

Resolution adopted.

Resolution #5

Subject: The Rev. Donald W. Matthews

Submitted by:  The Resolutions Committee

Whereas the Rev. Donald W. Matthews has served as rector of Grace Church, Elmira, for the last eighteen years, exhibiting “great respect for the traditions of the Anglican Church” as he did; and

Whereas he led the parish in a major capital campaign and in securing a grant to restore their historic buildings and himself restored some of the antique furnishings and chandeliers; and

Whereas he preached with dramatic flair and tremendous command of Scripture—“he didn’t have people asleep”; and

Whereas he also “got the message out” to the community with services of blessing of animals and dinners that incorporated the community; and

Whereas he also served as Dean of the Chemung District and as a member of the Search Committee that gave this Diocese the Rt. Rev. Gladstone B. Adams III as its Bishop; and

Whereas physical disability has led to his entering retirement early:

Be it resolved that this 2017 Diocesan Convention give its heartfelt thanks for the dedicated ministry of the Rev. Donald W. Matthews and its warmest wishes for his happiness and that of his wife Margaret in his undertaking of retirement.

Resolution adopted.

Resolution #6

Subject: Greetings to the Rt. Rev. Gladstone “Skip” Adams and Mrs. Bonnie Adams; the Rt. Rev. David Joslin and Mrs. Carol Anne Joslin; the Rt. Rev. David Alvarado and the Rev. Irma Alvarado; and to Bishop John S. Macholz, E.L.C.A.

Submitted by: The Resolutions Committee

Resolved, that this 149th Diocesan Convention send greetings to Bishop Skip and Bonnie Adams with warm appreciation for all the years of faithful leadership and ministry among us and best wishes for many years of joyful companionship to Bishop and Missy Joslin in celebration of their new life together;

Resolved, that this 149th Diocesan Convention send greetings to the Rt. Rev. David Alvarado and the Rev. Irma Alvarado with affection and fond memories of our shared time together in the significant development of our relationship as companion dioceses;

Resolved, that this 149th 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 adopted.

Resolution #7

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

Submitted by: The Resolutions Committee

Resolved, that this 149th Diocesan Convention express its thanks to Ms. Terri Weir and Ms. Ruthie Koerts for planning, managing and staffing the Exhibit Hall.

Resolved, that this 149th 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 149th Diocesan Convention thank Syracuse 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 149th 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 adopted.