Delegates representing 93 parishes approved a significant revision to the diocese’s Canon 20, which outlines the manner in which the mission and ministries of the bishop and diocese are funded by the parishes. The measure, which provides for an assessment review board for parishes having difficulties meeting a 10-percent commitment to the diocese, passed and will take effect in 2006 for the 2007 fiscal year. Parishes unable to pay their “fair share” (10 percent, or in some cases a lesser amount as approved by the appeal board) for more than a year will lose their vote at annual council on money matters and will not be able to fill vacancies in assisting clergy positions. Inability to pay the 10 percent for one year results in reclassification as an “aided parish.”

Delegates also approved a $3.5 million budget, and in principal a proviso that parishes, if they are not already giving 10-percent to the diocese, to raise their pledges by one percent for 2006. If successful, this would ward off dramatic program and staff cuts for next year.

In his address to the council, Bishop J. Neil Alexander (download address / watch online ) commented on what he expects from the 75th General Convention next June in Columbus, Ohio, saying he has “little doubt that the greatest point of anxiety of the convention will be the creation and adoption of the Episcopal Church’s official response to the report of the Lambeth Commission on Communion, commonly known as the Windsor Report.”

He said he does not expect the convention to accept all the provisions of the report “as though we have received a new law that must be followed in every detail. The very thought of such a thing is contrary to the spirit of classical Anglicanism. The Windsor Report is not a piece of legislation passed by an authoritative body. It is a report of immense importance in the spirit of which the Anglican Communion can find a way forward together.”

Alexander also pointed to four initiatives that have extended the diocese’s strategic plan to “connect, grow and transform”:

• An expanded communications effort that includes “a constantly improving electronic newsletter, a reconceived print publication and a highly versatile web site that’s up and running but still under construction.”

• The new Fresh Start program that brings together the newly ordained as well as well-seasoned clergy from this or another diocese who are making a fresh start in a new ministry.

• Through a special arrangement with the Episcopal Church Foundation, parishes can receive training and guidance on planned giving to “leave a legacy of support for the mission and ministry of the church.”

• A well organized plan for a yearlong celebration of the diocese’s 100^th anniversary is underway. The observance begins at the Annual Council meeting next year at Christ Church, Macon.

The congenial gathering was interspersed with expressions of thanks, elections, annual reports and with singing from “Lift Every Voice and Sing II” and the Hymnal 1982, and even the bishop shared duties at the electronic keyboard with Cathedral of St. Philip Canon for Music Bruce Neswick. A challenge from Jill Hadden, a parishioner from St. Columba’s, Suwanee, raised more than $4,000 for Episcopal Relief and Development. Nearly $3,000 from the eucharistic offering will go to the diocese’s Episcopal Charities Foundation, and an additional $1,700 was added to a clergy fund to build a guest house for the Diocese of Central Tanganyika.

Elected to diocesan offices were: Ecclesiastical Court: Paul Davison, St. Christopher's, Perry; and the Rev. Jamie Stutler, St. Clement's, Canton. Camp Mikell Board: Molly McAuliffe, Holy Trinity, Decatur; and the Rev. Josh Condon, Grace, Gainesville. Standing Committee - priest: the Rev. Douglas Hahn, St. Thomas', Columbus; Standing Committee - lay: Ben Wells, St. Bartholomew's, Atlanta. Appleton Family Ministries Board: the Rev. Wesley Smith, Christ Church, Macon; and Nancy White, also of Macon. University of the South Trustee: John Evans, Cathedral of St. Philip, Atlanta.

Bishop Alexander concluded his address by reminding the gathering: “We are God's people; this is God's church. The mission is not ours, but God's alone. The wonderful thing is that God in his mercy lets us come along and see for ourselves what love and grace can do. I love this old church of ours. Sometimes it's not real pretty, but old shoes are not real pretty either, they are just comfortable, like an old friend, a familiar tune, or a special place that you return to over and over again for a lifetime. I am blessed to be an Episcopalian, because as the old saying goes, 'The Episcopal Church would have been a terrible thing to have missed.' To God be the glory!"