Actions from the 2007 Diocesan Convention

The 222nd Diocesan Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of Massachusetts was held Nov. 2-3, 2007, in Fitchburg, Massachusetts. The full list of actions taken are listed in the attached PDF document. We summarize below the election results and actions on resolutions. Jump to attachments | Read the news article

Elections

Clerical deputies to General Convention (in order of election)

• The Rev. Ian Douglas, St. James’s Church, Cambridge
• The Rev. Jane Soyster Gould, St. Stephen’s Church, Lynn
• The Rev. Mally Ewing Lloyd, Christ Church, Plymouth
• The Rev. Gale Davis Morris , Church of the Good Shepherd, Acton

Lay deputies to General Convention (in order of election)

• The Hon. Byron Rushing, St. John St. James Church, Roxbury
• Mr. Samuel Gould, St. Stephen’s Church, Lynn
• Mr. Richard H. Vanderlippe, Trinity Church, Concord
• Ms. Rebecca A. Alden, St. David’s Church, South Yarmouth

Uncontested elections

• Lay Member of Diocesan Ecclesiastical Trial Court - Dr. Robert Parke, St. David’s Church, South Yarmouth
• Clerical Member of Standing Committee - The Rev. Stephen T. Ayres, Old North Church, Boston
• Lay Member of Standing Committee - Nicholas Carter, Esq., Christ Church, Cambridge
• Clerical Members of Diocesan Ecclesiastical Trial Court
  • The Rev. Eleanor Panasevich, St. Peter’s Church, Weston
  • The Rev. Dr. Clare Yarborough, Trinity Church, Weymouth
• Clerical Member of Cathedral Chapter - The Rev. Addison C. Hall, St. Andrew’s Church, Wellesley
• Clerical Member of Cathedral Chapter (one year unexpired term) - The Rev. Robert Trache, Parish of the Epiphany, Winchester
• Lay Member of Cathedral Chapter - Mr. Dennis Pang, Cathedral Church of St. Paul—Chinese Congregation, Boston
• Board of Directors of the Barbara C. Harris Center
  • The Rev. David Hefling, St. Chrysostom’s Church, Quincy
  • Mr. Stephen D. Immerman, St. Luke’s Church, Scituate
• Member of Trustees of Donations - The Rev. Robert G. Windsor, Christ Church, Needham
• Treasurer of the Diocese - Ms. Ella Davila Auchincloss, Church of the Redeemer, Chestnut Hill
• Secretary of the Diocese - Mr. Leon A. Brathwaite II, Church of the Good Shepherd, Waban

Resolutions

1. Resolution urging the defeat of any legislation allowing for the expansion of gambling in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
   Resolved, that the 222nd Convention of the Diocese of Massachusetts go on record in opposition to any further expansion of gambling in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts including any legislation that would legalize slot machines, casino style table games, or any other form of class three gambling.
2. Resolution on a New Geographical Reference for Bernard Mizeki, Catechist and Martyr.
   Resolved, that the 222nd Convention of the Diocese of Massachusetts submit a resolution to the 76th General Convention to change the designation in the Church Calendar for Bernard Mizeki (June 18th) to read “Zimbabwe” rather than “Rhodesia,” and be it further
   Resolved, that the 222nd Convention of the Diocese of Massachusetts submit a resolution to the 76th General Convention to instruct Church Publishing Company to change the designation in Lesser Feast and Fasts and any other publication under their control for Bernard Mizeki to read “Zimbabwe” rather than “Rhodesia.”
3. Resolution for the Adoption of the Covenant on Mutual Interdependence in Mission.
   The resolution was not adopted; the convention voted instead to recommit the resolution to the Congregational Development and Support Committee.
   Resolved, that the Covenant for mutual interdependence in mission, attached hereto, reflects the mind and commitment of this 222nd Convention of the Diocese of Massachusetts.
4. Resolution to Develop a Spanish Language Antiracism Training Program for the Diocese of Massachusetts.
   Resolved, that the 222nd Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of Massachusetts endorse the development of a Spanish Language Antiracism Training Program.
5. Resolution on the United States Military.
   The resolution was amended, as follows, but was not finally adopted. Convention voted instead to recommit this resolution to the Peace and Justice Committee.
   Resolved, the 222nd Convention of the Diocese of Massachusetts encourage members of the Episcopal Diocese of Massachusetts to engage in a comprehensive analysis and discussion of the current U.S. military system; that they engage in dialogue and debate about the morality of methods used by military recruiters, especially in impoverished neighborhoods; that they consider the moral, ethical, theological, and legal ramifications of Christian involvement in war and work toward the various things they believe God is calling them to do as a result of this analysis and dialogue.