How to Submit Legislation

Proposed resolutions and amendments to the Constitution and Canons may be presented by Convocations or Diocesan Departments and Commissions or any Lay Delegate or Clerical Member.

A proposed resolution must be submitted by November 1, if it is to be published on the Diocesan Council website. After that date, a resolution may only be considered at Council if submitted by email MS Word attachment to the Council Secretary, the Very Rev. P. Richard Game at Fr.Dick@stpat.net. by midday break on November 11.

Amendments to the diocesan constitution or canons must be submitted to the Council Standing Committee on Constitution and Canons no later than October 13 (Canon 45 Sec.2[a]). Send them to the Council Secretary, The Very Rev. P. Richard Game, by e-mail MS Word attachment to: Fr.Dick@stpat.net

 

Formats

1. A resolution must require specific action. The resolution should be phrased so that it will result in some action by the Council or by an identified person or agency of the Church.

2. Use the subjunctive verb tense: Examples: “That the 115th Council adopt the following statement…”(instead of adopts); “That the 115th Council confirm” (instead of confirms).

3. If a resolution contains more than one resolve clause, the two or more are joined together with a semicolon followed by the words “and be it further”. (for resolutions amending the Constitution or Canons, see below).

4. If you reference a report, study or other document that is not generally known by members of Council or readily available, you must provide a pdf attachment with the resolution by email at Fr.Dick@stpat.org.

5. If the resolution calls for the creation of an Interim Body, it should state the composition of the proposed body, and, unless otherwise provided for in the Canons or Constitution of the Diocese or of the Episcopal Church, how it is to be constituted.

6. Do not include web references in your resolution. Websites come and go and may not be relevant in the future to the legislation passed.

7. Do not refer to or attach Georgia General Assembly or congressional legislation or bills. They often change and may have “riders” attached that do not refer to the intent of the resolution being proposed.

8. Do not use “whereas” clauses. Instead, include an “Explanation” that focuses attention of the Council on the substance of the resolution.

 

A Model Resolution
Resolved, that resolutions submitted to any Council shall not include a preamble (“whereas” clauses); and be it further

Resolved, that any resolution or proposed Constitution or Canon change shall be followed by an explanation of the matter to be acted on by the Council.

 

EXPLANATION

Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised recommends that reasons for a motion not be in the motion or in a preamble, but be included in an attached explanation. This makes it clear that only the substance of the resolution is being acted on. A statement of the effect of the resolution can be included.

 

A Model Canonical Change of Some Complexity
Resolved, that Section 1 of Canon 23 Of Church Debt be amended to read as follows:

Section 1. No long term indebtedness shall be incurred by an Aided Parish or congregation without the prior approval of (a)both the Bishop and the Board of Officers, or (b) the Bishop and Department of  Finance Committee.

 

EXPLANATION

Words to be deleted are lined through. Words to be added are underlined (or in italics if desired). The explanation should show the intent of and the effect of the proposed amendment. This format is followed also for proposed amendments to the Constitution or the Council Rules of Order.