Loading...With the 182nd diocesan convention slightly more than month away, congregations are being reminded that four credentials documents are required by diocesan canons in order for their deputies to be seated at the annual gathering.
The credentials documents and deadlines (upcoming due dates are in red) are as follows:
1. An audit report or internal financial review. Two copies were due to the diocesan office by Sept. 1, 2009, in accordance with the diocesan canon 15.2.
2. Commitment to the diocesan budget for 2010. In addition, if the pledge is for an amount less than 15 percent of the church’s canonical income, a letter of explanation is required. Due before Jan. 25, 2010, in accordance with diocesan canon 16.4.
3. Certificate of names of deputies, alternates and youth representatives to diocesan convention. Due Jan. 26, 2010, in accordance with diocesan canon 4.6-7.
4. Annual parochial report, including the Diocese of Kentucky financial report found on page 4 of the form that was mailed to the congregations in December. Due Feb. 1, 2010, in accordance with national canons (1.6, 1.7 and 1.17) and diocesan canon 28.3. Congregations, using the instructions sent to church administrators, may complete the first three pages of the report online, the form available through our Web site. If the report is filed online, please send a copy of pages 1 and 4 to the diocesan office.
The Rev. Joan Smith, canon to the ordinary, noted that it is imperative for each congregation to insure their credentials are in order in advance of the convention. The credentials committee reviews the status of each congregation’s qualifying documents, and at convention the committee makes recommendations about seating deputations that have not met all requirements. In years past, Smith said, the convention has practiced “mercy” in seating deputations with incomplete credentials, but this year the diocese is electing a bishop and “we do not want to leave any room for a challenge to the election because credentials were in less than perfect order.”
The convention will meet Feb.26-27 at Grace Episcopal Church in Paducah.
