Brief Description and Mandate
Diocesan Council is elected by Synod to work closely with the Bishop in managing and administering the temporal affairs of the diocese. Council has the power of Synod when Synod is not in session. It seeks and takes the direction of Synod, and implements Synod's decisions. Council has an inter-dependent, supportive and harmonious relationship with the Bishop in all things. Council's focus is in four main areas: providing support and advice to the bishop, playing a leadership and coordination role in the ministry, mission and programs of the diocese, encouraging and communicating with parishes, and supporting the work of the Anglican Church in Canada and around the world.
On-going Responsibilities and Reporting
- to take a Christian approach to council's whole ministry
- to be accountable to synod
- to guide and evaluate the ministry in the diocese
- to develop and approve the diocesan budget, and live within that budget
- to make regulations and set guidelines as needed
- to appoint individuals and committees as called for in the canons (eg treasurer, archivist, executive committee, etc.)
- to receive reports from diocesan committees and take appropriate action/make decisions based on recommendations
- to delegate issues and challenges to diocesan council committees
- to help ensure coordination of diocesan events, thus avoiding duplication
- to regularly communicate with the parishes and seek their support
- to guide and support the parishes
- to help strengthen the sense of community within the diocese
- to be proactive (not reactive)
- to listen, think, plan and act strategically (have a "big picture," long-term focus)
- to be intentionally aware of what's going on in the Anglican church and in the world
- to ensure access to demographic and other information in order to establish appropriate plans
Membership
Archdeaconry lay and clergy representatives, Archdeacons and other standing members as defined by the Constitution s11.
Budget
Diocesan Council oversees the Diocesan Budget in seven areas of ministry seeking input from the area groups. The overall goal is a ministry driven budget expressed annually in a narrative format for use in annual regional consultations in order that the work of the Diocese may be communicated clearly, accurately and effectively.
Expectations of Diocesan Council Members
Diocesan Council fulfills a senior governance role in our diocese functioning as the "Synod between Synods." It is a significant commitment of time for members to prepare, attend and participate in the work of the Council. Members are asked to meet the following expectations:
- Prepare
- Read the premeeting material.
- Review, and reflect on issues and proposals.
- Identify topics or issues for discussion at meetings.
- Attend
- Attend all Diocesan Council meetings and relevant committee meetings.
- Attend Archdeaconry Greater Chapter meetings.
- Participate
- Contribute to the work of the Council, both at meetings and between meetings.
- Provide information to and gather information from parish clergy and lay leaders regarding diocesan affairs.
- Act in the best interests of the Diocesan Synod and avoid conflict of interest.
- Respect Council's decisions and promote understanding of those decisions.
- Follow Diocesan Council norms.