Brief Description and Mandate
The Constitution of the Diocese of Fredericton creates the Constitution and Canons Committee as one of two constitutionally guaranteed standing committees of the Diocesan Council (Constitution, s. 11(7)). Canon Four, s. 19 confirms the Committee, sets its minimum number at 13 and prescribes its membership to include both clergy and laity- the latter to "be qualified to be elected as members of the Synod" (s. 19(2) and 19(3)). The Committee's duties are summarized in Canon Four, s.19:
19(6) The Constitution and Canons Committee shall
(a) advise the Synod, the Bishop and the Diocesan Council with respect to legal matters related to the Church and the Diocese, and
(b) make recommendations to the Synod and to the Diocesan Council with respect to the adoption of Canons or the amendment of the Act, the Constitution and the Canons.
On-going Responsibilities and Reporting
- To assist in providing legal advice to the Bishop and the Synod; and
- To assist in the development of Diocesan legislation and policy.
As a Standing Committee, the Constitution and Canons Committee may report directly to Diocesan Council.
Membership
The members are an approximately equal number of clergy and lay appointments. The clergy members should possess a knowledge of (expertise in) and interest in legal, policy and administrative issues. Typically, the lay members are lawyers.
Links
The Committee has links with:
- the offices of Chancellor and Vice-Chancellor;
- the Diocesan Solicitor;
- the Ecclesiastical Court of the Diocese;
- the Provincial Court of the Ecclesiastical Province of Canada (diocesan appointments only); and,
- the Diocesan Misconduct Committee and the Panels of Investigators and Mediators appointed under the Policy.