House of Laity Delegate Orientation Information to assist and inform Delegates
Welcome from HOL (House of Laity) Leadership Dear Delegates, We would like to welcome you as a member of the House of Laity (HOL). We are thankful that you have accepted the responsibility to represent your community as a delegate at the National level of the ECC. We hope that this document helps you understand your role as one who represents your individual community, as well as provide you with resources, information and processes that have assisted other ECC HOL Delegates. We thank you in advance for your dedication. In Christ s love, Bonnie Pino Fraser Chair of the HOL Therese Gabriel Vice Chair of the HOL 2
Table of Contents ECC Mission House of Laity role in the ECC How is the House of Laity comprised Functions of the House of Laity Process of Legislation changes Prior to Synod Process of Legislation changes at Synod Key points leading to Synod and at Synod How is voting done at Synod What has worked in some of the Communities Other Roles within the ECC Constitutional Summaries Words from previous Delegates Definitions Resource Links 3
Ecumenical Catholic Communion (ECC) Mission Statement We are People of God baptized in Christ and professing our faith in a living catholic tradition. We are men and women, lay and ordained, joining together as a communion of communities in response to the messianic call of the Spirit to preach the Gospel of liberation and justice; to offer a refuge in Christ for those who suffer prejudice; to stand open to dialogue with others so called and, to conform our lives to the life and teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ. 4
House of Laity role in the ECC Section I: Polity of the Communion: Canon 1: The Communion is a confederation of independently incorporated faith communities, which is governed by the Synod of the Communion, comprised of the Presiding Bishop in collaboration with the House of Laity, the House of Pastors, and the Episcopal Council. The Presiding Bishop is the official convener of the Synod, and appoints a facilitator for the Synod gatherings in consultation with the Leadership Council. The Leadership Council is a group comprised of the Presiding Bishop and an equal number of representatives from each of the House of Laity and House of Pastors, who shall normally be the elected officers of those Houses. When the Synod is not in session, the Leadership Council is empowered to make those executive and administrative decisions not expressly reserved to the Presiding Bishop, the Episcopal Council, the House of Laity and/or the House In short: The House of Laity works with and has an equal voice with House of Pastors, Episcopal Council and the Presiding Bishop of Pastors. (Canon 1) 5
How is the House of Laity comprised: Canon 2 Members are least 18 years of age and cannot be ordained clergy. Each faith community has the right to send at least one (1) voting delegate to the HOL Exception: ordained clergy are not permitted to serve in the HOL An additional voting delegate for each unit of fifty (50) currently registered adult members in the faith community would also serve in the HOL The number of voting delegates shall not exceed one third of the total number of delegates of the HOL Article III; Section 1 of the HOL By-Laws House of Laity Steering Committee fully manages and controls the property, business, and affairs of the HOL. 6
House of Laity Steering Committee Steering Committee Member House of Laity President House of Laity Steering Committee House of Laity Vice President Steering Committee Member Finance Chair Steering Committee Members can be more than two. 7
Functions of the House of Laity Originate and approve legislation (canon 1.2) Finances issues originate in HOL, are affirmed by HOP and signed by the Presiding Bishop. (Canon 2.4) Participates in the election of the Presiding Bishop. (Canon 4) Affirms liturgical changes for the Communion. (Canon 7) Delegates can be part of various Committees. (Sub canon 3, Sub canon 5) Amend the By-Laws (Canon 62) 8
Process of Legislation changes Prior to Synod Delegates of either the HOP an/or HOL as well as any member of the ECC can submit proposal changes and/or amendments to the leaders of their Houses o Changes can be in regard to the ECC Constitution or the By-laws The Proposals are reviewed by the Chancellor o o The Chancellor assists the sponsor in drafting Assists in determining if the proposed legislation applies to the Constitution or the By-Laws properly All Legislation that has to be reviewed by the HOL Delegates at Synod will be provided to all the HOL Delegates for review (Canon 1.3) o A straw poll will be emailed to all HOL Delegates All Delegates will provide feed back on the Straw Poll prior to Synod Straw Poll helps determine which legislation will require more conversation and which ones will pass quickly at the Bi-Annual Synod All Straw Poll responses will be provided to all HOL Delegates prior to Synod 9
Process of Legislation changes at Synod The HOL will review all proposed Legislation o Votes will be taken to either pass the legislation as written or oppose it Majority wins (2/3 rds) o Approved as written Legislation (constitutional) Will be sent to the HOP for approval If Approved by both the HOL and HOP the Presiding Bishop may approve with his signature o Opposed Legislation: The floor will be opened for discussion Rewording will be considered o Reworded legislation will be voted on again. If approved it will be sent to the HOP for approval If opposed it will die on the house floor 10
Key points leading to Synod and at Synod o What is the HOL List Serv? This is an email service that all HOL Delegates are a part of If you are a HOL Delegate this is how you will receive communications and key information It is key that you have provided an email address that you look at regularly o What is a Straw Poll? Why do we use them? See slide 7 A straw poll assists with determining the Synod Agenda o HOL Rules of Order at Synod o The Synod meeting is facilitated by the HOL Leaders o All Delegates have to check in and be confirmed as to what community they represent o One person will speak at a time o Opinions pro and con will be heard when the floor is opened for discussion o All Votes will be counted (For, Against, Abstaining) 11
How is Voting done at Synod? We will follow Robert s Rules of Order Motions are statements that describe a proposed action or decision. Although the formality of Robert s Rules can seem cumbersome, the process of making motions ensures that no decision is accepted without the opportunity for discussion and a vote. Typically the motion making process progresses as follows: o A member of the group proposes a motion: I move that Motions require that a second member of the group agrees to consider the proposal to ensure that the proposal is meaningful to more than one person. o A member of the group chooses to second: I second or I second for discussion if you want to be clear that you are not in support but want to entertain a conversation about the proposal. Without a second the motion will die. o Once the group has had a chance to speak in favor or against the motion, the Chairman will lead a vote. Types of Motions o Main motion - A motion must be made and seconded to initiate discussion on an issue (a limited amount of discussion may be allowed at the discretion of the Chairman prior to a motion being made). Motions are projected onto a screen for all to see before being voted on. o o o o o Substitute motion - Used to propose an alternative action to the main motion. Up to one main and two substitute motions may be on the floor at one time. If a substitute motion passes, it does away with the prior motions. If it fails, the previous motion comes back up for consideration. Friendly amendments - These are editorial changes that may be allowed if nobody objects. However, any member may object and deny such requests. Call the question A motion to end debate and vote on the motion at hand. If seconded and passed, the main motion is then voted on. If no second or fails, discussion continues. (The Chair can choose to end debate.) Motion to table - Non-debatable. If seconded, discussion ends and must be voted on immediately. A subsequent motion to take from the table is required to reopen discussion. Motion to reconsider Can only be made by a member on the prevailing side of a previous vote. If seconded and passed, it rescinds the previous vote and brings the motion back for discussion. Methods of Voting o Adopt by consensus: If there is no opposition or only one or two opposed o Voice vote: Ayes vs. nays o Show of hands: Keep hands raised until Chair and staff have completed counting 12
What has worked in some of the Communities What To Do when new delegates are identified? o New Delegates meet with former delegates to share their experience attending Synod. o Assign a mentor to new delegates for information and support along the way. o If a small community has all new delegates partner with another community to share experiences. o Time for delegates to meet regularly leading up to the synod to review proposed legislation, discuss straw-poll, ask questions and get to know each other. 13
What has worked in some of the Communities What information should be shared and read as a resource at Synod? o ECC Constitution and HOL By-Laws o Overview of ECC Polity (see following slides) o Summary of Roles of HOL, HOP, etc. (see following slides) o Communications and information from steering group leading to Synod including Straw Poll results, list of Proposed Legislation etc. o How do prepare for Synod? o Read the ECC Constitution o Fully understand and review all proposed legislature o Organize information via notebook or electronic means for easy quick reference during synod 14
What has worked in some of the Communities How did Delegates gather feedback from their communities in preparation for responding to Straw Polls and proposed legislation? o Providing proposed legislation via e-mail and gathering feedback from community o Holding discussion groups at weekly socials, monthly potlucks, special meetings. o Discussing and gathering feedback from Church Council, Vestry or Board. 15
Other Roles within the ECC 16
House Of Pastors (HOP) HOP Composition: The House of Pastors is comprised of all pastors (Canon 3) o o o Pastors shall be members of the HOP for as long as they are serving in the office of pastor at a parish All other faith communities, other than parishes, have the right to two seats in the HOP Exception: Bishops are not permitted to serve in the HOP Functions of the HOP: Originate and approve legislation (canon 1.2) Participates in the election of the Presiding Bishop. (Canon 4) Affirm / Confirm liturgical changes (Canon 5.1 and Canon 7) Affirm the ECC bi-annual budget (Canon 6.1) Amend the By-Laws (Canon 62) 17
House of Pastors Steering Committee Steering Committee Member House of Pastors President Steering Committee Member House of Pastors Steering Committee House of Pastors Vice President Steering Committee Member Steering Committee Member Steering Committee Member Steering Committee Member 18
Presiding Bishop The Presiding Bishop is the first teacher and senior bishop of the Communion, yet does not hold jurisdiction over the Diocesan bishops. Acts as official convener of the Synod, and appoints a facilitator for the Synod gatherings in consultation with the Leadership Council (Canon 1) Signs or vetoes all legislation (Canon 4.2) Receives faith communities applying for membership into the Communion, as set forth in the Guidelines for Formation of New Faith Communities, with confirmation by the Episcopal Council (Canon 4.3) Presents a pastoral plan for the Communion every two years. This plan shall be developed in dialogue with the HOP, the HOL, and the Episcopal Council. (Canon 4.6) 19
Office of the Presiding Bishop Administrator Staff: Administrator Webmaster Treasurer Advisory Team: Chancellor COR Ambassador Assistant to the Bishop Public Relations Officer Presiding Bishop Elected by combined vote of the HOL and HOP 4 year term 3 term maximum Regional Vicars Growth Team Ecumenical Team Information Management Officer (proposed) Youth Team (proposed) 20
Leadership Council The Leadership Council: Comprised of the Presiding Bishop and an equal number of representatives from the House of Laity and House of Pastors, who shall normally be the elected officers of those Houses. (Canon 1) o Empowered to make executive and administrative decisions not expressly reserved to the Presiding Bishop, the Episcopal Council, the House of Laity and/or the House of Pastors. Responsible for establishing a process receiving proposals for legislation or other action to be taken up by the Synod (Canon 1.3) 21
Leadership Council Chancellor * House of Laity Vice President House of Laity President Leadership Council House of Pastors Vice President House of Pastors President Presiding Bishop * The Leadership Council may invite the participation of non-voting members on a year to year basis. (Canon 1) The Chancellor has always been invited since the inception of the LC. 22
Episcopal Council Comprised of Bishops in good standing with the Communion (Canon 5) May initiate liturgical changes and intercommunion agreements which will be affirmed by the HOP (Canon 5.1) Serve as a Court of Appeal for the decisions of the 2 houses (Canon 5.2) Court of Review for cases of misconduct and/or incompetence and may appoint an investigating committee if deemed necessary (Canon 5.3) 23
Episcopal Council Presiding Bishop Suffragan Bishops Appointed by the Presiding Bishop Episcopal Council Diocese Bishops Elected by local communities 24
Constitutional Summaries: The following slides are a paraphrase summary of the ECC constitution The parts of the constitution that prescribe rules are called canons and are considered laws for the denomination. The order of topics does not follow the order of sections in the constitution but is arranged for orienting new delegates on the ECC and their role at the Synod Meetings. 25
What is the governing structure of the ECC? Polity (Governance) - Canons 1 9d The Ecumenical Catholic Communion (ECC) is a confederation of independent faith communities governed by the Synod of the Communion including the Offices of the Presiding Bishop (OPB), the House of Pastors (HOP) and House of Laity (HOL). The Presiding Bishop (PB) convenes the Synod (council meeting of member communities of the ECC) every two years. All legislation affecting the ECC is considered and voted upon by members of the HOP and the HOL. When the Synod in not in session the Leadership Council (LC) made of equal representatives from the HOP and HOL have decision-making authority on matters that are not expressly reserved for the Episcopal Council and the Leadership Council (EL). The ECC constitution requires that all parts of the ECC have representation and voice in matters that affect the entire communion. 26
Governing Structure of the Ecumenical Catholic Communion House of Laity Vice President House of Laity President Chancellor Leadership Council Presiding Bishop House of Pastors Vice President House of Pastors President Treasurer Office of the Presiding Bishop Presiding Bishop Advisory Team Information Management Administrator Staff Regional Vicars Teams Growth Ecumenical Youth Suffragan Bishops Presiding Bishop Episcopal Council Diocese Bishops House of Pastors Pastors and others selected by each Parish Chaplains, Religious Orders Ministry Organization Leaders Pastoral Representatives Pastors duration of pastorate Others 2 year term Legislation can originate from any ECC member. Suggestion is to submit proposals to either or both houses House of Laity Elected according to each community s constitution Age 18 and over 2 year term No ordained clergy as members 27
What are the core beliefs of the ECC? Affirmations of Faith (Canons 10 16) The ECC affirms Jesus of Nazareth as Jesus the Christ, the Son of God, and as the full expression of God's will to redeem all people with the whole of creation. The ECC affirms the Church as one, catholic body of believers dedicated to the proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the celebration of sacraments. The ECC recognizes Holy Scripture as the inspired testimony of human encounter with God in history. With the historic Catholic Church the ECC maintains apostolic succession and celebrates the grace-filled moments of divine encounter in the holy sacraments. Faithful to the tradition of the ancient Church, the ECC affirms the Nicene Creed as the defining profession of the Christian faith. The ECC affirms the Declaration of Utrecht (1889), rejecting both papal jurisdiction and infallibility in matters of faith. The ECC recognizes the place of conscience in becoming aware of God s will and recognizes every baptized person as an equal member and full participant in receiving the sacraments. The ministerial priesthood in the ECC is open to all, regardless of gender, gender identity, marital status or relationship, sexual orientation, or physical disability. Governance of the ECC must reflect the equal standing of all members both in the denomination and in local faith communities. 28
What is a faith community in the ECC? Faith communities - parishes and guidelines (Canons 24-32) Faith communities in the ECC are independent gatherings of believers in a specific geographical location (a parish). Each parish community in the ECC stands on its own for its governance and financial soundness. Each parish is responsible for financial support of the ECC according to guidelines established at Synod Meeting (ECC council). The ECC has no claim to the property of individual parishes. 29
How are parish communities represented in the ECC? Continuation of Faith communities - parishes and guidelines (Canons 24-32) Each parish selects lay representatives (delegates) as members of the HOL to attend the meetings of the ECC synod. Every parish pastor is a member of the HOP. Each parish is entitled to one voting representative in the HOP. The number of delegates for each parish is established in the ECC constitution. o Each faith community is entitled to at least one delegate in the HOL and an additional delegate for every fifty members. The pastor of every parish is required to attend the ECC Synod Meeting. Every parish receives a visit by a Bishop twice year. Every parish whose pastor is a Bishop is entitled to a visit by another Bishop in the ECC twice a year unless another arrangement is made. Parishes are responsible for covering costs involved in parish visits for visiting clergy. 30
Does the ECC have a code of conduct? Who is responsible for issues of misconduct? Yes, the ECC has a code of conduct o All parishes can choose to adopt the code of conduct affirmed for recommendation at the 2012 Synod. However, each parish is responsible for all its own background checks for parish employees. Each parish is the employer of record for clergy and parish staff. The OPB or the local ordinary is responsible for granting or revoking clergy faculties to function as an ECC clergy member. 31
What does it mean to be a Sacramental Faith Community? Sacramental Guidelines (Canons 10 31) Faith communities in the ECC celebrate grace filled moments (Sacraments) affirmed by the Ancient Christian Church: Rites of Baptism, Eucharist, Reconciliation, Confirmation, Marriage, Holy Orders, and Anointing of the sick. All of the sacraments are available to all who profess faith in Jesus Christ. The ECC does not exclude anyone from the sacraments. The sacrament of Marriage requires two adult consenting parties. The sacrament of Baptism is celebrated in recognition of entrance into Christian worship and service. It is a profession of faith as given to us in the Nicene Creed: belief in holy trinity, God, Christ, and the Holy Spirit. The sacrament of Eucharist is regarded as the core sacrament of a sacramental faith community, celebrating Christ s resurrection and the promise of eternal union with God in life and death. The sacrament of reconciliation is available to all who seek reconciliation with God or with one s neighbors. The sacrament of Holy Orders is one of formal ministry and service. The ministry of Deacons is service to those outside the church who are marginalized by society. The ministry of priests is proclamation of the gospel, spiritual guidance, and caring for the needs of a faith community. The ministry of bishops is to act as first shepherd, evangelize the faith and provide spiritual leadership. The Holy orders of Bishop is one of spiritual leadership, evangelism and unity to faith communities. The sacrament of anointing the sick is the ancient practice of blessing and prayer over those who are ill or otherwise in need with holy oil. 32
How does ECC recognize clergy to perform the sacraments? Self-determination (Canons 55 58) The faculties granted by the ECC can be withdrawn when a clergy member leaves the ECC. Faculties refers to activities that belong to specific roles in the Church, for example: Priests have the faculties to perform baptisms, administer the Eucharist, perform marriages, and facilitate reconciliation through penitential activities, i.e., hear confessions. 33
What happens if a Priest or faith community leaves the ECC? Continued Self-determination (Canons 55 58) The granting of and termination of faculties are performed by the local ordinary (Bishop) and reported to the Presiding Bishop. Petitions to restore faculties are reviewed by the local ordinary. 34
Can a priest s faculties to administer sacrament be suspended? Continued Self-determination (Canons 55 58) Yes. Faculties can be withdrawn by the ECC based on convictions for sexual assault on minors or convictions for homicidal attempts or threats. Following a psychiatric issue, faculties can be restored by the local ordinary based on the advice of 2 medical examiners. Faculties may be removed by the clergy person s bishop for cause. 35
Does the ECC recognize religious orders? Religious Orders (Canons 33-42) Yes The constitution states that a religious order is a community of individuals united for an evangelical mission of the pursuit of the spiritual life and/or social service. Religious orders must be incorporated organizations responsible for their own financial independence. The process of admission and recognition of a religious order is administered by the Office of Presiding Bishop (OPB). All religious orders are responsible for meeting their financial obligations to the communion. Religious orders are represented at Synod meetings in both the House of Pastors (HOP) and House of Laity (HOL). The Episcopal council reviews administration and the ministries of religious orders every two years. 36
What are considered specialized ministries in the ECC? Specialized Ministries (Canons 43 54) Specialized ministries are a faith community independent from a parish devoted to: o Education such as a seminary, or other religious educational program o Chaplaincy such as ministry in an hospital or other care facility o An organization created by members of the communion to meet spiritual development or social need. o All specialized ministries must receive the endorsement of the Communion and be administered by an appropriate member of the Episcopal Council (EC) of the Office of Presiding Bishop (OPB). All specialized ministries, including institutions, such as hospitals and other care organization or facilities, are financially independent from the ECC and responsible for their own employee actions. All specialized ministries shall be incorporated with the exception of Chaplaincy programs that operate under the administration of the concerned residential or institutional home. 37
Summary of Amendments to the Constitution: ECC Bill of Rights (61-61.1.1.4 completed o Both basic human rights and responsibilities to others are recognized by the ECC. Some rights and responsibilities are obvious and some that require description are included. o Rights and responsibilities belong to all Catholics regardless of age, disability, sexual orientation, gender or gender preference, economic circumstances or state of life. o Among the rights affirmed by the ECC and published by the ARCC Association for Rights in the Catholic Church are (a right to): Action Conscience Opinion and Expression Association Due Process Reputation Privacy Self-governance Marriage Education 38
Summary of Amendments to the Constitution: Consequences or responsibilities that come from rights: o Freedom of action by all Catholics is governed by the responsibility to do no harm to others (to infringe on the integrity of others as selfsame human beings with the corresponding rights and dignities). o From the basic right of human beings to receive and share information with others, the Church has the responsibility to share information necessary for the spiritual and material wellbeing of Catholics and all human beings as circumstances of need arise. 39
Words from previous Delegates 40
Words from previous Delegates A new Synod attendee/participant can expect three main benefits from participating: 1) a strong sense of being part of a new and exciting religious movement; 2) a feeling that an individual's voice counts; and 3) opportunities for making/renewing new friendships. Let me break these down a little bit. Part of What's New & Exciting Talks/speeches by ECC HOP/HOL leadership are usually "eye popping". Both the leaders from the HOL and HOP will address the entire group (and also in respective HOL and HOP meetings) with historical context, past accomplishments, and future vision. These speeches were particularly good at the last 2012 Synod. Also, Synod agendas outline certain business items which need to be addressed and acted upon. There is usually a very lively give-and-take on the business "issues" presented for discussion and action. Participation There is a strong sense that an individual, personally, is part of a new and exciting religious movement where everyone has a "voice" in the direction the movement is going. The break-out sessions (focusing on specific topics/issues) have been particularly well done with excellent presenters and lots of opportunity for questions. Friendships I've met some amazing people at these gatherings; and it's always nice to see how other ECC communities are doing and the issues they are facing. And it's always nice to see old friends." Jack Coyne (Church of the Holy Family, Aurora, CO) 41
Definitions Chancellor: Legal Advisor Ecumenical: Aimed at achieving Christian Unity (FAQ link explains the ECC Definition) HOL: House of Laity HOP: House of Pastors Messianic: Jesus Christ, regarded by Christians as fulfilling this promise and expectation. John 4:25, 26. Polity: The form of government of a nation, state, church, or organization Synod: Council Meeting of the member communities to decide an issue of doctrine, administration or application and to celebrate and nurture its life together, primarily through the Eucharist 42
Resource Links o Ecumenical Catholic Communion Website o Link to the ECC Constitution o Link to FAQ for the ECC o Questions about this document please email Bonnie Pino Fraser: bjfrase@icloud.com 43