By Kirk Petersen Executive Council concluded its busy four-day meeting January 27, having passed a two-year budget, a statement of support for Ukraine, and, as reported separately, significant changes to the annual parochial report. Also the council learned that a committee is studying fallback alternatives in the event General Convention cannot be held in person in … [Read more...] about Council Roundup: Budget, Russia-Ukraine, LGBTQ+
budget
What to Do With a Multi-Million Dollar Surplus?
By Kirk Petersen The Episcopal Church has the kind of problem you like to have: a huge budget surplus. At its four-day meeting in Linthicum Heights, Maryland, the Executive Council learned that the church expects to end the year, and thus the 2019-2021 triennium, with a surplus of just under $16 million. The problem is the optics. More than 80 percent of the church's revenue … [Read more...] about What to Do With a Multi-Million Dollar Surplus?
Executive Council Focuses on Race and Budget
By Kirk Petersen "Something's different about this one." When Presiding Bishop Michael B. Curry thundered these words in his opening address to the Executive Council, he was referring to the public response to the death of George Floyd from the actions of Minnesota police. But he could have been referring to the meeting itself. The Executive Council, which is the … [Read more...] about Executive Council Focuses on Race and Budget
Convention Adopts $133.8M Budget
By Matthew Townsend General Convention has adopted a $133.8 million budget for the Episcopal Church’s 2019-21 triennium. The House of Deputies approved the budget July 12, and the House of Bishops concurred without discussion the next day. The budget, presented by the Joint Standing Committee on Program, Budget and Finance, was summarized in Resolution A295. As A295 states, … [Read more...] about Convention Adopts $133.8M Budget
Budget Priority: Evangelism
In response to “a clarion call” of comments on the proposed budget that was posted in November (TLC, 12/3/2017), the Executive Council of the Episcopal Church added more than $1.8 million to the church’s planned spending for evangelism. At the same time, thanks in large part to the booming stock market, the budget committee was able to close a $4.5 million projected deficit … [Read more...] about Budget Priority: Evangelism
Council Mulls $8M Budget Gap
LINTHICUM HEIGHTS, Md. — Executive Council discussed possible changes to its committee structure and sought ways to close a $12 million shortfall in the proposed budget for the next triennium. Even while faced with a shortfall, as TLC previously reported, the council voted unanimously to forgive nearly $6 million in debt owed by the Diocese of San Joaquin, one of five … [Read more...] about Council Mulls $8M Budget Gap
Living on Past Generosity
By G. Jeffrey MacDonaldWhen deputies and bishops debate a proposed $120 million budget this week, they will weigh what the budget committee calls “bold new initiatives,” especially in racial justice, church planting, and evangelism.But they will likely hear less about the financial health of the Episcopal Church, which currently receives only 61 percent of its income from … [Read more...] about Living on Past Generosity
ERD Sends Chocolate Love
By G. Jeffrey MacDonaldAs members of a General Convention budget subcommittee began making program funding decisions Sunday afternoon, they received a sweet treat from one of the organizations vying for millions in funding.Episcopal Relief & Development (ERD) brought smiles to the faces of committee members by providing each committee member with a 3.5-ounce bar of Equal … [Read more...] about ERD Sends Chocolate Love