STRATEGIC PLANNING SURVEY REPORT. Conducted and Released by The CIM-040 Strategic Planning Committee

Transcription

1 STRATEGIC PLANNING SURVEY REPORT Conducted and Released by The CIM-040 Strategic Planning Committee October 1, 2009

2 TABLE OF CONTENTS REPORT I. Background, Design, Delivery and Response 3 II. Goal Areas and Strategies Important to a Vital Church...5 III. Findings Related to the Five Priorities From General Convention APPENDIX

3 I. BACKGROUND, DESIGN, DELIVERY, and RESPONSE On January 31, 2009, the Executive Council of the Episcopal Church adopted Resolution CIM-040 to create a Strategic Planning Committee to assist the Executive Council and the Episcopal Church Center in their capacities as entities charged with implementing the vision and priorities of General Convention. In response to this resolution, eleven individuals were jointly appointed by the Presiding Bishop, the Most Reverend Katharine Jefferts Schori, and the President of the House of Deputies, Ms. Bonnie Anderson. Those members are the Right Reverend David Alvarez, the Reverend Canon Timothy Anderson, the Reverend Paige Blair, Mr. J. Richard Briscoe, Mr. Jack Finlaw, the Reverend Canon Anthony Guillén, the Reverend Christopher Johnson, Mr. Bryan Krislock, Ms. Sarah Lawton, Mr. Albert Mollegen, Jr. (to serve through July 2009), and the Reverend Suzanne E. Watson. Both Presiding Officers also serve as ex-officio members of the committee. The first meeting of the Strategic Planning Committee was held May 27-29, 2009, in New York City. At this meeting the committee met with the Presiding Bishop, the President of the House of Bishops (by phone), the Chief Operating Officer for the Episcopal Church Center, and several key Church Center staff to begin a situation analysis, identify key sources of information for the strategic plan, and develop a timeline. One of the key sources of information needed as identified by the committee at its first meeting was a survey asking input from clergy and laity as to their priorities for the future of the Episcopal Church. Church Center researcher Dr. Adair Lummis worked with the committee to develop a survey that was distributed both online and in hardcopy, available in four languages (English, Spanish, French and Mandarin). 2

4 In early June, 2009, the Strategic Planning Committee finalized the wording of specific survey areas and strategies with which to assess the responses of Episcopal ordained and lay members. The survey was then formatted for online and hardcopy distribution by Dr. Lummis, with assistance from other Church Center staff along with Spanish, French, and Chinese translators. The survey was launched on June 18, Invitations to answer the survey were released through Public Affairs Office press releases in English, Spanish, French and Mandarin to church media, web site postings and to various List Serve groups, such as Diocesan communicators, bishops, dioceses, and religious media to promote additional responders. Participation was strongly encouraged during General Convention 2009, where announcements and fliers invited people to come by the Episcopal Church Center booth to take the survey online. Because it was necessary to get the initial survey results back to the committee as soon as possible, the cutoff for accepting surveys was July 28, By that date, a total of 6,697 surveys had been received, including 20 surveys in Spanish and one in French. The percentage responses to the numbered items in the survey, as well as an organized sample of written recommendations to the Strategic Planning Committee, are found in the Appendix. Over three-fourths of those who responded to the survey are lay persons, approximately 5,222. Of the 1,475 ordained respondents, 42 are bishops, 1,249 are priests, and 184 are deacons. About 70% of lay and clergy respondents are over age 50; no more than 15% are under age Time constraints for this report precluded coding the respondents by the diocese and province they represented, but that could be completed at a later date. 1 This age distribution of respondents is found in Appendix, question 6.. On the same page, the percentages belonging to various Episcopal national and regional commissions and committees can be found. 3

5 II. OVERVIEW: GOAL AREAS AND STRATEGIES IMPORTANT TO A VITAL EPISCOPAL CHURCH IN 2019 Those surveyed were asked to imagine the year as 2019, and the Episcopal Church is even more vital and thriving than it is today. As the Church begins to create a plan to move us toward that future, how important will each of the following be in reaching that vision? Overall, the five most important goal areas, marked as very important by a clear majority of the total sample 2 are, in descending order: 1. Reaching youth and young adults 2. Evangelism/Proclaiming the Good News of Christ 3. Worship, music and liturgy 4. Leadership 5. Strengthening congregations Although there were divisions about how important the other goal areas were judged to be, the great majority of clergy and laity indicated that each of the following was at least important. To continue the descending order of importance of goals started above: 6. Multicultural inclusion 7. Advocacy and social justice 8. Stewardship 9. Clarity of denominational mission 10. Planting new churches, communities of faith 11. Church administration, coordination and structure There were few differences between the responses of clergy and laity (that showed statistical significance) in degree of importance accorded to different goals. Ordained persons were somewhat more likely than lay persons to give higher ratings to the goals of Evangelism/Good News and Planting new churches, communities of faith. Age of 2 For the clergy versus laity response on each of these goals, see Appendix, questions 1-3 (A L) 4

6 those responding to the survey made little difference in their choices of goal priorities, with one slight exception: Leadership is a more important goal to older than younger laypersons. 3 People surveyed were next asked to indicate how much effort needed to be given to each of a list of various efforts or strategies to reach these goals. In broad terms, their priorities on strategies reflect the goal area chosen as most important. However, the greater specificity in wording of most of these strategies allowed more differences to emerge. In fact, there are only two listed strategies for which a clear majority indicated that great effort should be given: 1. Focusing on God s Mission as the centerpiece of our church. 2. Expanding efforts to reach younger generations. The remaining strategies are in descending order: 3. Encouraging lay ministry 4. Increasing outreach to the disadvantaged 5. Advocating ending or transforming unjust social structures 6. Facilitating evangelism and new church planting 7. Developing leadership for ministry in a multicultural world 8. Articulating an Episcopal brand and identity 9. Improving communications between congregations, dioceses, and the Episcopal Church Center (ECC) 10. Focusing on growing our ministry in multiple cultures 11. Reaching out to the Latino/Hispanic population 12. Communicating our story through tools such as public narrative 13. Encouraging creative approaches to liturgy and music 14. Streamlining our governance and organization 15. Increasing alternative paths to the ordination process 3 About three-fifths (62-63%) of the clergy indicated that leadership was very important regardless of their age. Among lay persons, 50% under age 40, to 58% of those ages 41-59, to 66% of those 60 and older indicated that leadership is a very important priority for getting to an ideal future in

7 16. Improving communications between Executive Council, General Convention, and its appointed Committees, Commissions, Agencies and Boards (CCABs). 17. Establishing a churchwide mission fundraising initiative Ordained status made little difference, with two exceptions. Clergy are: (a) somewhat more likely than laity to assess facilitating evangelism and new church planting as a strategy deserving of substantial resources and efforts, and (b) somewhat less likely than laity to believe that much attention should be given to improving communications between Executive Council, General Convention and CCABs. There were no significant differences by ordination status. 4 Differences that appear most profound within this sample have more to do with an individual s orientation toward what is basic or central to continued involvement in a congregation or with the Episcopal Church. One way of looking at this may be through the lens of Christian evangelism and Christian activism. The first two goal areas listed on the survey may capture these distinctions in orientation: (A) Evangelism in spreading the Good News of Christ; and (B) Multicultural Inclusion. Some goals and strategies, particularly Reaching out to youth and young adults and expanding efforts to incorporate younger people are seen by both (A) Evangelists and (B) Multiculturalists as paths that should be followed. This is not true of the goal and strategies listed in Table I (p. 6). The Evangelists are most concerned with spreading the Word of God and following God s Mission. For Evangelists this does not mainly or even necessarily involve assisting the disadvantaged, or advocating social changes benefitting racial/ethnic minorities or ensuring their leadership positions within the Episcopal Church. The Multiculturalists, on the other hand, typically see these activities as the primary way of being church in today s society. Both perspectives are held by faithful Christians; it is simply a matter of differing priorities, and that is what is being asked. 4 The percentage responses by clergy and laity on each of these strategies can be found in the Appendix, question 4 series. 6

8 TABLE I % = VERY IMPORTANT ON EACH AND GREAT EFFORT K. Advocacy/Social justice A. EVAN- GELISM & GOOD NEWS B. MULTI- CULTURAL INCLUSION 36% 69% - 33 Growing in multiple cultures 23% 46% - 23 Leadership for ministry in a multicultural world 30% 55% - 25 Reaching out to Latino/Hispanics 24% 38% - 14 Creative approaches to liturgy and music 23% 34% - 11 God s Mission as centerpiece of our church 86% 71% + 15 Evangelism and new church planting 46% 28% + 18 Outreach to the disadvantaged 40% 56% - 16 Advocating ending unjust social structures 32% 60% - 28 III. Findings Related to the Five Priorities from General Convention 2009 (1) Improving Communications between local, regional, and national levels of the Episcopal Church and between the Executive Council, General Convention, and CCABs is not a major concern, it seems, for many Episcopalians. However, for those who are interested in streamlining governance and organization (significant correlations indicate) improving communications is indeed important. These more organizationally minded lay and clergy are also more concerned about establishing a churchwide fundraising initiative for mission and publicizing the image of the Episcopal Church through a brand identity. They are more likely to recognize the need for even greater reliance on technology in communication across the church. (Although, a number of 7

9 comments also recognized that older members are not as likely to be reached over the Internet. 5 ) In communicating to the wider church, many commented on the importance of using words that are clear and unambiguous in meaning. A number had no idea what was meant by various terms and phrases in the survey (e.g., public narrative and alternative paths to ordination ). Some did not trust the jargon as meaning the same concept or action to the church hierarchy as it did to them (e.g., God s Mission 6 ). All of this suggests that beyond this survey, public communication may need to avoid jargon and should instead spell out briefly what is meant by various terms that may not be familiar to those outside national commissions and committees. (2) Clarifying Denominational Mission is important to those who urge better communication within and between levels of the Episcopal Church, but it is of particular concern to those who are interested in developing a brand identity. Comments indicate that many feel the development of a clear, positive identity is essential for recruitment of new members. What is it that the Episcopal Church does well, better than other denominations? Suggestions on this topic by concerned Episcopalian are worth noting. 7 However, an identity must be publicized to be effective for growth, and that is where the branding comes in as a way to communicate in few words the essence of the Episcopal Church. At the same time, those who recommend branding also endorse the importance of public narratives in further communicating a strong, positive denominational identity. Based on seeing ads from the Methodist, Mormon, Lutheran, and United Church of Christ churches on television, several in essence were asking, Why not ads by the Episcopal Church? 8 The more traditional respondents would focus advertising on expanding Christianity first and then helping the poor. Those most concerned with 5 For comments on technology in communication and planning, see Appendix, section C, #,6. 6 In illustration, see Appendix, section C, #5. 7 See comments on identity in Appendix, section C, #1- #3. 8 See comments on branding and advertising, Appendix, section C, #4. 8

10 advertising the church through public media, however, appear to be calling for a more active, open-door focus expressed in good sound-bit slogans. (3) Inclusion of Different Voices in communication within and across levels of the Episcopal Church, should, comments suggest, include the multicultural perspectives and persons, but not end there. Inclusion should also extend to those of different ages, nontraditional lifestyles (particularly gays and lesbians), 9 and also to those who hold contrasting theological positions which is perhaps the most difficult level of inclusion. Many of those who focus on this last level of inclusion are also likely to be those who ask for the end of fighting in the Episcopal Church. Some of these are clergy and members embarrassed or agonized by the public press reports on the legal fights over church property first and, secondly, on the church being a denomination that endorses gay clergy and bishops. 10 Whether greater inclusion of diverse viewpoints should involve making renewed connections with the Anglican Church, however, is more disputed. 11 Mission outreach is important as a ministry in itself, and as a means of communicating within and outside the Church or the United States. A number of respondents recommended that the Episcopal Church work more with other denominations possibly in mission, but particularly in getting ideas about how best to strengthen congregations and start worshipping communities. 12 Strengthening congregations and planting new ones are related in that those who are most highly in favor of one usually want the other too. However, more see it as important to strengthen existing congregations than to plant new churches and communities of faith. 13 Existing congregations are the ones that pay in to support the dioceses and church; and that may also be why those most interested in improving communication 9 See comments on inclusion, Appendix, section A, #2, and specifically on age, race, and sexual orientation, section D, # 1 - # See comments on Quit Fighting, Appendix, section A, #3. 11 See Anglican Communion Ties, Appendix, section A, #4. 12 See Domestic and Foreign Mission and Ecumenical Collaborations, Appendix, section A, #5 - #6. 13 In the total sample, while 61% said strengthening congregations is very important, 34% said this about planting new churches. 9

11 across levels of the church also are particularly apt to see strengthening existing congregations as important. Whether in favor of strengthening existing congregations or staring new ones, comments indicated that qualified clergy is important. But not all congregations can afford their own M.Div.-educated full-time priest. Deacons, being non-stipendiary, can assist the effort, comments indicated, but an educated, affirmed cadre of lay leaders is essential too. 14 There were a number of comments, pro and con, concerning the use of alternative paths to the ordination process. 15 However, a slight majority of those surveyed (52%) believe that it is not an area that should be given more than a little/some effort. Increasing the number of seminary-educated clergy, it seems, is considered to come at too high a cost to the larger church. (4) Worship, music, and liturgy is one of the most important goals areas, as outlined earlier. However, there was considerably less enthusiasm for encouraging creative approaches to liturgy and music. Likely because liturgy and music are so important, so central to the identity of the Episcopal Church for some, plans to change the liturgy or music, even creatively, can arouse anxiety and resistance. 16 Those who are most eager see new liturgies, hymns, and other music developed for worship are also those (significant correlations indicate) who are eager to attract more Latino members and those from other cultures, as well as more from the younger generations. (5) Strengthening Governance and Foundations for Ministry, the fifth priority area from General Convention 2009, has roots in all that has been discussed. However, streamlining governance, improving communications, and stewardship, especially on the church wide level, is an area that does not seem to be of great interest to the wider membership of the Episcopal Church. Yet, this is the area likely most important for the current work of the Strategic Planning Committee (SPC). Recommendations to the SPC in this section are seemingly often proffered by those with experience in planning and 14 See particularly, Congregational programs for growth, vitality, Appendix, section D, # See Education & Tracks for Ordination, Appendix, section D, #4. 16 For comments opposing or asking changes in the liturgy and music, see Appendix, section D, #7. 10

12 administration, and/or real concerns about the future of the Episcopal Church as a viable organizational entity. A number stressed the importance of including diverse viewpoints and people from different age and ethnic groups on church wide committees, especially the Strategic Planning Committee. 17 Even more concern was expressed about the importance of the Strategic Planning Committee making decisions that involved formulating actions as well as stating objectives that are measurable (and evaluated) in the short run (as well as over a longer time span). Ongoing communications from the Strategic Planning Committee with others about its work was underlined by quite a few as necessary for essential transparency. 18 Clergy and lay leaders responding to this survey also suggested specific objectives they would like to see addressed by the Strategic Planning Committee. A number made comments on the importance of focusing on the well-being of congregations; most typically helping established congregations through their dioceses. Several wished that the national church could better control diocesan bishops in what they said and did, and generally get a better understanding of what some dioceses are going through. The critical financial situation of the Episcopal Church occasioned comments on what structures to reduce; many suggested combining offices and ministries on the national level and reducing staff. Given straightened finances accompanied by technological communication improvements, quite a few made recommendations not only about reducing the number and length of meetings involving travel (particularly General Conventions) but also of the number of dioceses. 19 Respondents to this survey know their recommendations to the Strategic Planning Committee will not be easy to put into place or assess as progress continues. But on an affirmative ending note, one leader concluded: The Presiding Bishop is extremely sharp and can get this done with good leadership support. And a lay person wrote: 17 See Appendix, p See Planning on TEC Committees, Particularly SPC, Appendix, section E,, #1. 19 See Specific Changes wanted in National Church Foci and Structures, Appendix, section E, # 2. 11

13 12 I think this is wonderful that you all are doing this. I will try to uphold the committee in my prayers. Two questions: (1) Will you publish other ways folks might be involved if they want to volunteer help? (2) Will you publish updates/communications/prayer requests to better help those who [are] praying for this effort as it moves forward?

14 APPENDIX RESPONSES TO THE STRATEGIC PLANNING SURVEY August 10, Are you a: # % Bishop 42 1% Priest 1,249 19% Deacon 184 3% Lay person 5,034 77% 6, % No answer on #1 188* Total 6,697 * Of these 188 surveys, most were likely lay persons because (as suggested by comments made) they did not understand that for this survey that lay person was not a special category of the non-ordained, but included all other Episcopalians. These 188 are therefore combined with the 5,034 laity to make a total of 5,222 laity for the following distributions. The clergy category of 1,475 includes bishops, priests, and deacons. 2. Areas Important to a Vital Episcopal Church in 2019 CLERGY LAITY (1,475) (5,222) A. Evangelism/Proclaiming the Good News of Christ Less Important 4% 7% Important 18% 32% Very Important 78% 61% B. Multicultural inclusion Less Important 16% 19% Important 34% 33% Very Important 50% 48% 13

15 C. Worship, music, and liturgy Less Important 3% 5% Important 34% 33% Very Important 63% 62% D. Reaching youth and young adults Less Important 2% 2% Important 22% 20% Very Important 76% 78% E. Clarity of denominational mission Less Important 21% 21% Important 38% 42% Very Important 42% 37% F. Leadership Less Important 5% 6% Important 32% 34% Very Important 63% 60% G. Strengthening congregations Less Important 5% 4% Important 34% 35% Very Important 60% 61% H. Planting new churches, communities of faith Less Important 16% 24% Important 40% 45% Very Important 43% 31% I. Church administration, coordination, and structure Less Important 43% 34% Important 42% 49% Very Important 15% 17% 14

16 J. Stewardship Clergy Laity Less Important 8% 9% Important 45% 50% Very Important 47% 41% K. Advocacy and social justice Less Important 28% 27% Important 32% 19% Very Important 40% 44% L. OTHER important area or strategy Question answered by (646 ) (1,929) Please specify "Other". A total of 2,584 wrote something in specifying other. Written responses here have been reviewed by members of the Strategic Planning Committee. 3. Which one of the broad issue areas named above do you feel will be most important to a vital Episcopal Church in 2019? A 35% 24% B 7% 8% C 7% 9% D 10% 20% E 7% 6% F 6% 5% G 6% 7% H 3% 1% I 1% 1% J 1% 1% K 6% 9% L 11% 11% 15

17 Explain why this is most important, if you choose: A total of 4,923 wrote something in explaining their choice of the most important. Written responses here have been reviewed by the Strategic Planning Committee. 4. To achieve your vision of a vital Episcopal Church in 2019, how much effort needs to be given to the each of the following paths or strategies? CLERGY LAITY a) Focusing on growing our ministry in multiple cultures Little/Some Effort 27% 30% Much Effort 48% 45% Great Effort 25% 25% b) Developing leadership for ministry in a multicultural world Little/Some Effort 21% 26% Much Effort 43% 43% Great Effort 36% 31% c) Reaching out to the Latino/Hispanic populations Little/Some Effort 21% 28% Much Effort 52% 49% Great Effort 27% 23% d) Encouraging creative approaches to liturgy and music Little/Some Effort 35% 39% Much Effort 36% 37% Great Effort 29% 24% e) Expanding efforts to reach younger generations Little/Some Effort 5% 5% Much Effort 34% 29% Great Effort 61% 66% CLERGY LAITY 16

18 f) Streamlining our governance and organization Little/Some Effort 37% 39% Much Effort 37% 42% Great Effort 26% 19% g) Improving communications between congregations, dioceses, and the Episcopal Church Center Little/Some Effort 40% 31% Much Effort 38% 41% Great Effort 22% 28% h) Improving communications between the Executive Council, General Convention, and committees (CCAB's) Little/Some Effort 59% 46% Much Effort 30% 38% Great Effort 11% 16% i) Articulating an Episcopal "brand" and identity Little/Some Effort 37% 36% Much Effort 32% 33% Great Effort 31% 31% j) Focusing on God's Mission as the centerpiece of our church Little/Some Effort 5% 6% Much Effort 17% 22% Great Effort 78% 72% k) Communicating our story through tools such as public narratives Little/Some Effort 31% 30% Much Effort 41% 46% Great Effort 28% 24% 17

19 CLERGY LAITY l) Encouraging lay ministry Little/Some Effort 11% 11% Much Effort 37% 41% Great Effort 52% 48% m) Increasing alternative paths to the ordination process Little/Some Effort 55% 51% Much Effort 27% 31% Great Effort 18% 18% n) Facilitating evangelism and new church planting Little/Some Effort 18% 29% Much Effort 37% 42% Great Effort 45% 29% o) Increasing outreach to the disadvantaged Little/Some Effort 18% 14% Much Effort 44% 44% Great Effort 38% 42% p) Advocating ending or transforming unjust social structures Little/Some Effort 34% 32% Much Effort 31% 29% Great Effort 36% 39% q) Establishing a churchwide mission fundraising initiative Little/Some Effort 54% 47% Much Effort 34% 41% Great Effort 12% 12% r) OTHER important path or strategy Answered by (405) (1,180) 18

20 Please specify "Other." A total of 1,465 wrote something in specifying other. Written responses here have been reviewed by members of the Strategic Planning Committee. About You 5. Are you currently a member of one of the following? (Select all that apply.) CLERGY LAITY House of Bishops ( 37) 1%.. House of Deputies (243) 8% 2% Executive Council (36) 1% 1% Committee/Commission/Agency/Board (CCAB) (219) 5% 3% Church Center staff (124) 1% 2% Diocesan leadership body (878) 25% 9% Other. Specify: (2106) 20% 35% Please specify other: 2,151 responses, (Other response was mainly congreational leader) 6. What is your age? under 30 3% 7% % 8% % 16% % 27% % 28% % 15% 7. What is the name of your diocese? (optional) 5,008 gave the name of their diocese. This has not been coded into numerical categories to get diocesean and provincial response, but could be in the future. 19

21 8. What recommendations would you make to the Strategic Planning Committee? See next pages CODING SCHEME AND RESULTS FOR QUESTION 8 RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE STRAGEGIC PLANNING COMMITTEE Introduction to Analysis Coding Categories: Over 3, persons (about 50% of the total sample) responded to Question 8 for Recommendations to the Strategic Planning Committee, resulting in nearly 400 pages of single-spaced comments. Initial coding suggested categories for clustering recommendations on particular themes. Categories were organized into the following sections along Program Budget & Finance priorities. Coded responses (often more than one category for each comment) were entered into a database. Each comment was numbered sequentially by the web survey program as to date and time (Eastern). Representative quotes as possible choices for illustrating the coding categories were noted by comment number in this database. Choice of Comments: The response was much greater than the researcher, Dr. Adair Lummis, frankly anticipated. Two weeks were allocated for data analysis and writing between survey acceptance cut-off and when the initial report was due to Strategic Planning Committee; not enough time for this amount of qualitative coding. All comments (with the exception of duplicates) were coded within the first 100 pages, taking nearly three full days. This necessitated making restrictions on further coding for the first report due. Comments on another fifty pages were coded, selected according to set sequences of 5 pages each, as follows: Seq. Pages Comment # s Date & Time (Eastern) Comments Made Start: End: # /18 12:02 PM 6/25 8:23 PM # /26 5:10 PM 5/26 5:43 PM # /26 8:52 PM 6/26 9:51 PM # /27 2:39 PM 6/27 5:24 PM # /29 1:53 AM 6/29 1:04 PM # /30 2:35 AM 6/30 1:47 PM # /1 2:42 AM 7/1 1:35 PM # /2 4:33 AM 7/2 4:05 PM # /9 1:12 PM 7/9 11:29 PM # /14 9:48 PM 7/16 2:06 PM # /24 6:01 PM 7/29 12:53 PM As the foregoing delineation of pages, comment # s and dates written indicates, this leaves many pages and comments which were not examined at all for the following 20 Although there were slightly over 3,700 persons responding to this question, a number of these (estimated as under 100) are duplicates due to these persons hitting the send button typically twice. 20

22 analysis. The percentages below are presented as estimates only of the proportion of those responding to Question 8 whose comment appeared to relate to one of the named categories The comments chosen as representative of the category are often cut for presentation (although the # is given) and more importantly, are not necessarily the best. Note: Several members of the Strategic Planning Committee are reading through all recommendations made to them on Question 8. A. NETWORKING (Across the Church & Ecumenically) 1. Communicate with dioceses and congregations, give them information and elicit feedback (info to/feedback from) 21 Estimated Percentage of Total # Reviewed (n=about 1050) = 16% Examples: a. (10%) general comments b. (2%) listen to the laity c. (4%) comments about survey as communication (#85) On improving communications between congregations, dioceses, and Episcopal Church Center: Rather than focusing on such vertical communications, help us to figure out how to be more horizontal in our communications. It will be difficult for a hierarchical church, but it is essential that we talk and work across diocesan and denominational lines. (#686) I see benefit to improving communication between various levels of the church. Often times as a church staff member, I don t feel any clear communication coming to me from the Diocese or the National Church. At best I catch mere glimpses of such communication and ideas, and I am sure the congregation doesn t even get that much (#415) Communications are important - I am so amazed to read the Blue Book because there are things going on in TEC that I didn t know were happening. (#515) More frequent visits for 815 officials so that lay people in the pews know there is more to TEC than what one priest or bishop might espouse. When there is no contrary information without a good deal of effort, even the movers and shakers in the congregation have no information other than one bishop s point of view. Even the lay press has no input and consequently rumors and false narratives 21 Comments on communication that deal with more specifically with technology, or with advertising a brand/ focus, or language/jargon used - are coded mainly under the more specific category. 21

23 thrive. The past hands off approach without support and direction has been destructive to many. People are thankful to be part of the whole again. (#594) And where is church communications in this survey as a priority? Church communicators are vital in any strategy that has any chance of success, but dioceses are cutting such positions and Church Center management is making crucial decision about communications strategy without consulting Episcopal Church Communicators. (#1755) It would be great if there were more ways for the dioceses in all parts of the USA to come together.... The more we meet with other dioceses and share ideas, the stronger we become. (#1292) Do not just seek the opinions of active leaders but of our many people in the pews who take a less active role but may have valuable insights none the less. (#2636) Include lay member ideas and creative thinking in your planning and decision making. (#2434) Concentrate on a strong and vital church and it will grow. Improving communications is vital as a means. There is too much disconnect between congregations and ECC and between EC, CCAB s, GC and ultimately the congregations. I hope this survey is just the beginning for the SPC and that they will be seeking far more specific input into their study and deliberations. (#625) In this survey there is no explanation of important terms (evangelism, stewardship etc.). The people who will respond have access to and are familiar and comfortable with computers for an internet and computer-based project like this. If you desired responses from a more diverse constituency, alternative ways of participating would have been desirable. (#682) Thank you for soliciting broad input. (#520) I do appreciate this survey. It is quite likely that from this one, another survey will emerge and that will be good. (#1952) Assure public communication and continued input through this process, both while at the Strategic Planning Committee stage and after it is passed up the chain to the Executive Council and to the staff at 815. (#760) Actually pay attention to these results don t shelve them! 22

24 2. Inclusion of different views/groups in planning, getting feedback Estimated Percentage of Total # Reviewed = 16% 22 Examples: a. (1%) All types of inclusion b. (2%) Theological: accept differences and cooperate in unity c. (4%) Theological open precepts yet set some balance &boundaries d. (3%) Birth attributes accept all ethnicities, sexes & orientations (#3673) Remember that the Episcopal Church historically has been tolerant of a broad range of opinion within the faith, conservative and liberal, and any strategic plan should ensure that all remain welcome. (#52) I believe there are serious divisions in our church. There must be a way for the middle-of-the-road and conservative element to be given respects in the present environment. Their words must be heard and valued. The Church of the future must be light, flexible, clear, multi-reasoning, room for a variety of theological positions with equal respect. (#250) One of the strengths of TEC and Anglicanism historically has been its ability to be a big tent while maintaining an identity. I believe there are probably 3 important Anglican identities in TEC, being broad/literal, evangelical, and Anglo-Catholic (a small but important segment that in my opinion houses much of our important theology). Finding ways to honor these various expressions may be critical for the vitality and life of the church. (#1268) Spend less time and effort on phony inclusiveness, which includes only and extreme left-leaning point of view. (#568) Although the Episcopal Church welcomes all persons, the Episcopal Church cannot (and should not try to) be all things to all people. We need to focus on what we want the Episcopal Church to be in broad terms, and then target our mission and evangelizing to the persons who most likely would respond positively to this particular version of Church. (#797) Remember the words of the Collect for Richard Hooker: Grant that we may maintain that middle way, not as a compromise for the sake of peace, but as a comprehension for the sake of truth. 22 More comments on age, race and sexual orientation in the future of the church were put in Section D. Growing Congregations and the Next Generation of Faith. 23

25 (#1502) We re not blind to the issues dividing our church. Discrimination against any group, no matter how the Bible can be twisted to justify it, is wrong. (#1292) Do not exclude the voices of any, regardless of conservative or liberal view, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, age, etc. It is the great variety of the church that makes us strong, and yet makes it difficult to clearly express a unified identity and mission to the rest of the world. 3. Quit Fighting over current issues, focus on collaboration in Church Estimated Percentage of Total # Reviewed = 13% 23 Examples: a. (3%) Stop fighting on all issues causing public conflicts within TEC b. (1%) Stop fighting over and live with gay ordinations & GLBT s c. (2%) Stop legal fights over church property d. (2%) Stop fighting; focus at least moderately on Biblical basics (#137) There should be room for all varieties of Episcopalians under the Big Tent and they should quit shooting at each other. (#50) I am from what is labeled the most liberal wing of the church and yet I feel as abandoned as some of my most conservative brothers and sisters. The true mission of the church, the love of Christ and the way it transforms and redeems each of us, has been lost to in-fighting and navel gazing. Call us home not so that we may go backwards, but so that we may go forward in strength. (#758) Continue to take the appropriate legal actions necessary to retain parish and diocesan property and resources for Episcopalians and TEC in general. Force breakaway congregations to face the financial consequences of their decisions. Restrict all mission funds from going to dioceses and primates who support break-away bishops and parishes in the United States. (#36) While we debate and sue parishes for their buildings etc, people are not sure they want to join a church which is breaking apart. Until this is decided or resolved we re going to be going no where. (#674) Seek to work out our issues someplace other than civil courtrooms. The only area of growth for TEC seems to be in the litigation department. At the very least, we need to acknowledge what this looks like to people outside the denominational fracas. (#161) Stop wasting our resources on lawsuits. Work to come to some form of negotiated settlement with congregations and dioceses that find it necessary to leave TEC because of the changes that TEC has made in its faith and practice. 23 Many additional comments touching on conflict were coded in Section C Claiming our Identity. 24

26 (#171) Do whatever you can to stop the divisive, hateful language that I see and hear and read from the orthodox right and the extreme liberal left. Those 80-90% of us in the middle are drifting away from our churches because of the fighting and out of fear that we will be drawn into the fight. We don t want to worry about a person s sexuality or some other perceived sin.... We all have one sin or another. God forgives us and we move on. Find a way to incorporate that in the church at large. (#83) Work to reconcile the divisions by a return to traditional teaching. (#75) Accept that we are going to lose some people who don t accept the path we are on, bless them on their way and get back to the business that really matters. (#705) I appreciate the Presiding Bishop saying, Let s focus on our work with those who want to be with us, rather than fighting with those who don t. 4. Anglican Communion Ties, Let Loose or Maintain Estimated Percentage of Total # Reviewed = 8% Note: There were strong comments made on the let loose position. About an equal number of comments were focused on efforts to maintain ties with the Anglican Communion. Most of the maintainers seemed to want the whole church body simply to stay together as goal in itself. Examples: (#363) Don t give in to the demands of the Anglican Church. We are the Episcopal Church. (#106) We must take a stand against exclusionary practices, even if it means alienating the rest of the Anglican Communion. Our loyalty is first and foremost to Christ, not to Archbishop Williams or the rest of our communion. If a majority in our communion would reject us for accepting some of God s children into our ranks as parishioners, deacons, priests or bishops, so be it God cares more about how we love each other than whether or not we are officially in communion with other churches that are not as loving as God would have them be. (#2662) Stop expending so much time and effort on debating our stand with the worldwide Anglican Communion and concentrate on following the teachings of Christ and living by Christ s example. (#3651) Let us always be Anglicans, first and foremost. We are not just another Protestant denomination or sect. 25

27 (#756) No effort should be spared in working for the unity of the Anglican Communion and a return to unity in EC. (#555) Please keep us in Communion with the wider Anglican body! 5. Domestic and Foreign Mission as Networking Estimated Percentage of Total # Reviewed = 8% 24 Examples: (#404) Go forward with everyday people who love each other. Quit wasting energy on structure and leadership classes and grandiosity. Lay aside the pointy hats and golden robes, and pick up a serving tray at a kitchen which feeds the hungry. (#561) Concentrate more on our home (USA) focusing our efforts to do well and grow here first before sending additional support overseas. (#246) Continue/increase our foreign missionary efforts. Emphasize stewardship and the gap between the abundance of the West and scarcity amongst the Rest. (#493) In terms of global mission, give more responsibility to missionaries in the field for communications about and implementation of programs and projects; listen to their advice on issues of concern, pay relatively less money for committee meetings and foreign trips for top administrators and relatively more for those in the field. (#3650) As a missionary to the Sudan, I would like to see our church be more sensitive to the more conservative points of view of the African bishops. Currently missionaries need to raise their own funds. A person might have many talents to offer to the missionary field, but not be a good fund raiser. I believe that fund raising for our Episcopal missionaries should be more centrally organized by even profession fund raisers. (#569) My impression is the PB is using mission in the sense of service and outreach to the community, the nation, and the world, as a way to unify the denomination over against the theological divisions we face. We may not agree on theology, but we can and should work for the betterment of the world. This is not a bad decision necessarily. However, I see the emphasis on outreach may be obscuring our denominational identity and also obscures the fact that we are a church and not merely a service organization. 24 Additional comments involving mission were coded in Section B Alleviating Poverty and Injustice 26

28 (#3383) It is important that we continue to provide opportunities and forums for the discussion of social issues. But please can we also focus on and perhaps better publicize other issues as well - such as homelessness, poverty, violence and hunger. Word of our good works, personally and communally, local and distant, will bring people to God and to our church. (#3704) Make positive teaching and action in the area of missions local and global. Don t wait until we all agree to do this! Encourage creativity in the arts, liturgy, music, storytelling to communicate our great commission. This could be an ageless opportunity. 6. Ecumenical Relations and Collaborations Estimated Percentage of Total # Reviewed = 5% Examples: (#71) Work with the ELCA and Methodists those with whom we have shared ministries, visions, etc. (#97) Expand relationships with Lutherans and Methodists (and other mainline churches) to avoid duplication of effort and work toward eventual full reunion. (#169) Read/research widely! Don t just read or listen to Episcopalians and Anglicans. Read those outside our stream who are writing from experience about the missional church and the emergent church. Visit successful practitioners of multicultural, multiethnic congregations again outside the denomination. (#277) Please, please, think outside of the ECUSA box. Consult deeply with other denominations like the Methodists, who seem to be a bit more inventive in many ways as they face the same kind of decline, and with innovative evangelical institutions like Fuller Seminary. (#381) I think it would be important to reach out to other denominations, e.g. the Church of the Nazarene. There is a growing emerging church movement in their denomination and many Nazarenes are peripherally involved with the TEC through the Book of Common Prayer and other aspects of Anglican spirituality. (#318) Focus on Christian unity and joint efforts across denominational lines, downplay denominational labels. Collaboration among Episcopal congregations- too! (#174) I would like to see more innovation in yoking parishes and other ways in which parishes can cooperate in life and mission. I hear about this at times, but usually in the context of rural ministries shouldn t it be happening in urban settings as well? 27

29 B. ALLIEVIATING POVERTY AND INJUSTICE 1. Millennium Development goals, Advocacy & Social Justice Estimated Percentage of Total # Reviewed = 11 % Examples: (#754) Churches should not be simply clubs with pretty music. When members are committed to peace and justice, they take care of stewardship, teaching, outreach. Those actions begat evangelism a purpose, a mission. (#745) We need a well planned program to address social issues and improve justice and ethics in today s society. Some of our problems today are due to greed, irresponsibility, and selfishness People are suffering from lack of direction, lack of good jobs, a poor attitude and understanding of good nutrition and health habits. Seeking to make a serious commitment would help not only to follow the teachings of Jesus Christ more fully, but could attract others to doing something worthwhile. (#1765) Stop worrying about sex and concentrate on advocacy and social justice issues. The Bible says much more about social justice than it does about sex.stop discriminating on age, gender, and sexual orientation. Concentrate on empowering the most capable people to be Christ s arms and legs. (#3691) I believe a major issue with accentuating an intense social gospel e.g. ending unjust social structures is that there is widespread disagreement in many cases over what an unjust social structure is. Church s intensely partisan liberal attitude toward all issues has alienated many moderates. (#298) In transforming unjust social structures if you are talking about slavery in Africa, then great. If you are pushing a standard left-wing political agenda than no Does establishing a churchwide fundraising mission mean sending our money to 815 in order to transform unjust social structures, or is it for some other purpose? (#3171) Less focus on organizational issues and more on actually doing the work that God has given us to do. Now that the right wing has left the church, let us get past the issues that have handcuffed us and spend that energy in social justice and outreach (#476) The Gospel mission of mission, caring for the poor, the hungry, the vulnerable especially the children and youth and Achieving the MDG s should be the primary message and effort of the church. (#3703) Communicate the Episcopal story in positive terms with great joy at our level of inclusiveness and our leadership s focus on addressing injustice through work on the Millennium Development goals. We have a great story to tell! 28

30 2. Political involvement in regard to MDG s and Social Issues Estimated Percentage of Total # Reviewed = 6 % Examples: Comments were mainly on the theme of keep church & state separate. (#105) The church needs to sustain its prophetic voice on behalf of social and economic justice, but it makes a huge mistake blurring the separation of church and state by being seen or actually becoming a political advocate and by proclaiming a God s eye view on specific matters of public policy. (#189) We need to stay out of national politics as an entity. Preach the good news and let the people decide how to vote. (#86) Get out of the political sphere. Close the Washington office. It is not necessary for the PB to make a press release on every newsworthy issue. Stick to church business and stay focused on that mission. (#304) Cease the current involvement in secular politics to the extent that those holding differing political views feel estranged from the church. I believe this is a much greater cause of the current turmoil than the sexual orientation of a bishop. (#421) Stop trying to be a political party Yes, the diversity of the people of God is important, yes young people are important (I am one of them), but please be a church, be inclusive of all political styles and beliefs.jesus also said rend unto Caesar that which is Caesar s. Leave the governing to the government. Please. C. CLAIMING OUR IDENTITY 1. Identity of TEC now Estimated Percentage of Total # Reviewed = 13% Examples: a. (2%)) Mishmash - Clarity needed b. (1%) Church which is conflict-ridden c. (1%) Church which has declining membership d. (1%) Church which is very liberal, gay bishop, pro LGBT e. (1%) Church for intellectuals and thinking people f. (2%) Church which is involved in mission outreach& justice 29

31 (#472) It is essential to identify your vision first. Currently it seems that the Episcopal Church has no vision (or at least one that is articulated well). (#291) We need strong support Why Episcopalian? We all believe that we offer much that other churches don t offer, yet we do little or nothing to differentiate ourselves. That must be a key priority if we are able to survive and grow. (#1505) There is a crying need for an Episcopal identity that which strongly separates us (TEC) from other Christians, but yet what it is that identifies us with other Christians. (#573) One of the big problems of our Church is that from one diocese to another one can experience a diametric shift in theology.... This often creates significant confusion for Episcopalians and other Christians. Theological cohesion (at least on the basics) will help present an identity which is understandable and not bogged down with nuance and theological esoterica. (#2448) Speaking as someone who has left the Roman Catholic faith, I think you have great potential with marketing your message to an increasingly disgruntled Roman Catholic community. Having said that, as a new member, I am still confused by whatever division there is within the Episcopal Church. The one I attend seems to be more liberal, which is what drew me to this church. I was advised to stay away from the others, so it would help newcomers to fully understand what the distinctions are. (#538) Being a hierarchical church in an organic culture creates a real disconnect for young adults and even later boomers who are anti-establishment types. (#292) We should have better ways of talking about why we are structured the way we are structured. The hierarchy for right or for wrong, can be very off-putting to visitors and converts from other traditions who are often accustomed to a somewhat more democratic, congregational mode of operation. Please don t misunderstand me: there are certain things I find very beneficial about our hierarchical structure, but we do ourselves a disservice by not clearly articulating what those benefits are. (#414) I believe the political publicity the Church get in the news, especially with gay marriage issues, is hurting the Church s image the most and therefore limiting its viability in the future. (#847) The perceived image of the Episcopal Church is that we are filled with discord. Until that is healed, we will continue to have major evangelism problems. People do not want to be part of an organization which is falling apart. (#500) The Episcopal Church, as a descendant of the Anglican Church, has a long tradition of being a learned church...it offers its members a form of worship that is old and new, emotional and logical, respectful of the past but ready for the future. 30