Parishes and / or other ministerial organizations of the Episcopal Diocese of Atlanta who are contemplating new construction, renovation or the new financing of such projects; or are contemplating refinancing of any existing debt; and/or who are considering to grant encumbrances to real property of any kind need diocesan approval . “Encumbrances” include but are not limited to leases to schools or other entities, rental agreements for use of property or equipment, the granting of easements or air rights, allowing encroachments on church owned land, installing solar panels, or cell towers or antennas, etc.).

All sale of property must also have diocesan approval. This means that real estate listing agreements may not be signed until diocesan approval is received.

The process to proceed with Diocesan approval is to contact Barbara Villaescusa Schroeder, Canon for Administration and Finance, who will inturn work with the Rev Lang Lowery, Canon for Christian Enterprise.

Rev. Canon Lang Lowrey will work with parishes and organizations to submit a package to the Standing Committee to seek approval, and will be asked to recommend or not recommend the project. Ultimately, the parish or organization will present before the standing committee and after review and consultation will decide to approve, or not approve the proposed Project, proposed contract or encumbrance.

All of these matters are included by local and national Canons of The Episcopal Church.