2008 Deans and Presidents

Canons of the Diocese

Sections relating to Deans and Presidents

CANON 24: OF CONVOCATIONS

Sec. 1 For the purpose of promoting greater unity in the diocese and the work of the church extension in its borders, the diocese adopts the system of convocations.

Sec. 2 The diocese shall be divided into convocations as follows:
(a) Augusta--Counties of Alleghany, Augusta, Bath, Highland and Rock-bridge and the cities bounded thereby.
(b) Lynchburg--Counties of Amherst, Bedford, Campbell and Nelson and the cities bounded thereby.
(c) Roanoke--Counties of Botetourt, Craig, Franklin, Henry, Patrick and Roa-noke and the cities bounded thereby.
(d) Abingdon--Counties of Buchanan, Dickenson, Lee, Russell, Scott, Smyth, Tazewell, Washington and Wise and the cities bounded thereby.
(e) New River--Counties of Bland, Carroll, Floyd, Giles, Grayson, Montgom-ery, Pulaski and Wythe and the cities bounded thereby.
(f) The Bishop, acting with the advice and consent of the Standing Commit-tee, may change membership of a congregation with reference to convoca-tions, provided that a petition is received from the vestry of the particular congregation requesting such change.

Sec. 3:
(a) In each convocation there shall be a president, who shall then serve as a lay member of the executive board from that convocation. The term of of-fice of the president shall begin at the conclusion of the annual Council following his or her election at the fall meeting of the convocation and ex-tend three years. No person who has served as president for a full three-year term shall be eligible for reelection until the fall meeting next suc-ceeding the expiration of such full term. It shall be the duty of the presi-dent within the convocation to assist in the promotion of all the common tasks of the diocese, preside over convocation meetings and perform other such duties as may be assigned by the Bishop or the executive board.
(b) In each convocation there shall be a vice president, who shall be a clergy member and also serve as dean of the convocation. The term of office of the vice president/dean shall begin at the conclusion of the annual Council following his or her election at the fall meeting of the convocation and ex-tend to the conclusion of the next succeeding annual Council. No person who has served as vice president/dean of a convocation for three consecu-tive years shall be eligible for reelection until the fall meeting next suc-ceeding the expiration of this three year period. It shall be the duty of the vice president/dean within the convocation to provide general supervision of deacons not otherwise supervised, assist deacons and vacant congrega-tions in maintaining a regular schedule of communion services, promote missionary development and education under the direction of the Bishop, institute new clergy when requested by the Bishop, preside over convoca-tion meetings in the absence of the president and perform such other duties as may be assigned by the Bishop or the executive board.

The Report of the Long Range Planning Committee

Sections relating to Deans and Presidents

Goals
Enhance and clarify the role of Deans and Presidents, both within their
convocations and in the wider diocese, to better use their gifts, talents, and
presence.

B. Convocational Structure: Enhance the structure of convocations to increase interaction among parishes, clergy, lay leadership, and diocesan staff.
   3. By 2009 – Deans plan and share diocesan-wide preaching, utilizing people from our companion dioceses as opportunities arise. Parishes are encouraged to communicate with their Deans about such sharing opportunities.

C. Convocational Leadership: Enhance and clarify the role of Deans and Presidents both within their convocations and in the wider diocese to better use their gifts, talents, and presence.
1. Beginning 2008 – Deans and Presidents process at Council Eucharists.
2. Beginning 2008 – Deans use and be addressed by the title “The Very Reverend” during their tenures.
3. Beginning 2008 – Bishop and Deans meet monthly (by conference call or in person), including pertinent staff as necessary.
4. Continuing February 2008 – Bishop will review his expectations of the roles of Deans and Presidents with them annually.

E. Communication: Strengthen areas of communication between bishop, clergy, lay leadership, and parishioners to increase our ability to engage in mission and ministry.
1. Beginning 2008 – Bishop will spend several days in each convocation annually. Deans will work with parishes to plan events, housing, office space, and worship opportunities to include convocation confirmation services.