Diocesan Convention
Resolutions
2021
Adopted Resolutions
A Special Note Regarding Resolution 21-01
The intention is to support the EDSD Strategic Plan and our discernment that the Holy Spirit is leading us to share the good news of Christ through growing new expressions of church and new worshiping communities.
The change, attached below, will delete the current Canon 2.04, “Missions Not In Union with Convention,” in recognition that any expression of faith in our diocese should be in union with convention. The replacement language establishes two new kinds of faith expressions:
An Episcopal Missional Community is a new expression that is created by a parish or mission congregation in our diocese. It operates under the authority of the congregation, but is intended to reach a new group of people in a creative way. Examples may be a weeknight Dinner Church, a particular gathering for military personnel, or other creative expressions. We hope to encourage all congregations to start at least one Missional Community to reach new people in their neighborhood.
An Emerging Episcopal Community is a new expression of faith that is established by the diocese. A new church plant would fall into this category when it is not yet large enough to be recognized as a mission. Other faith groups such as young adult gatherings outside of a particular congregation may also fall into this category. This new category allows us to fulfill our strategic plan by starting new congregations in underserved areas, while making responsible provisions for their governance and finances during the portion of their existence before they become official mission congregations of the diocese.
RESOLUTION 21-01
Title: Emerging Communities
Proposed By: The Bishop Diocesan
Name, Address, Phone Number of Delegate: The Rt. Rev. Dr. Susan Brown Snook, 2083 Sunset Cliffs Blvd., San Diego, CA 92107 – (619) 291-5947
Date: July 21, 2021
Proposed Canonical Amendment
2.04 Missions Not in Union with Convention. Whenever and wherever, in the judgment of the Bishop, regular services need to be provided without organizing a Mission in union with the Convention, the Bishop may establish, with the consent of the Standing Committee, a Mission not in union with the Convention, appointing such officers as circumstances require, and designating its name and the manner of its financial administration and manner of choice of its Delegate to the Convention.
2.04(a)Episcopal Missional Communities
An Episcopal Missional Community may be established beyond the walls and membership of a Congregation. An Episcopal Missional Community shall organize under the auspices of a Parish or Mission Congregation. The Bishop shall report to each annual Convention the number of Episcopal Missional Communities existing in the Diocese, their location, and the means provided for their oversight. Episcopal Missional Communities do not have voice and vote at Diocesan Convention unless members are elected to Convention as delegates from the sponsoring congregation. Members of an Episcopal Missional Community may exercise all rights of membership in the sponsoring congregation if they are qualified as members under the Canons of the Diocese.
2.04 (b) Emerging Episcopal Communities
In any place where there is not a Parish or organized Mission, and where the establishment of a Mission does not appear feasible, an Emerging Episcopal Community may be established by the Bishop, or in the absence of the Bishop, by the Standing Committee, upon such terms, conditions, and limitations and with such provision for its maintenance, governance, and finances as the Bishop or the Standing Committee, as applicable, shall prescribe. Any such Emerging Episcopal Community may, at the discretion of the Ecclesiastical Authority, be recognized as a discernment community of faith for purposes of any canons relating to the discernment and ordination process, including The Episcopal Church Canons III.3.2 and IIII.5.2(c). The Bishop shall report to each annual Diocesan Convention the number of Emerging Episcopal Communities existing, their location, the means provided for their maintenance, and the terms, conditions, and limitations of their existence. Upon recommendation of the Bishop and with approval of the Executive Council, each Emerging Episcopal Community shall be entitled to one Lay Delegate to any meeting of Diocesan Convention and may be seated with voice, but without vote.
RESOLUTION 21-02
Title: St. John’s, Indio conversion to Mission
Proposed by: The Rev. Dr. Brian Johnson
Name, Address, Phone Number of Delegate: The Rev. Dr. Brian Johnson, 45319 Deglet Noor St, Indio, CA 92201 – (760) 347-3265
Date: September 30, 2021
Resolved, that the 48th Convention of the Diocese of San Diego hereby grants permission to St. John’s, Indio to immediately reorganize as a Diocesan Mission-; and be it
Further resolved, that Convention understands that the dissolution of the corporation and transfer of property will not happen immediately and may take a number of years; and be it
Further resolved, that the Standing Committee and Executive Council will provide oversight of the property until such time as the transfer of property is completed as required by Canon II.3.11; and be it
Further resolved, that the Standing Committee will review the progress of this resolution annually.
Explanation: Per Canons II.3.11 and II.3.13.04(ii), St. John’s, Indio requests that Convention permit them to reorganize as a Diocesan Mission. They are currently in the process of renovating their kitchen, which includes several permits, necessitating that the dissolution of the corporation be delayed.
RESOLUTION 21-03
Title: St. Luke’s San Diego admitted as Parish.
Proposed by: The Rev. Colin Mathewson
Name, Address, Phone Number of Delegate: The Rev. Colin Mathewson, 3725 30th St., San Diego, CA 92104 - (619) 291-5947
Date: September 30, 2021
Resolved, that the 48th Convention of the Diocese of San Diego admits St. Luke’s, San Diego as a Parish.
Explanation: Per Article XIII, Section 1 of the Constitution of the Episcopal Diocese of San Diego, St. Luke’s has presented approval from the Standing Committee (Resolution 2021-09-02), and By-Laws certified by the Wardens, in which St. Luke’s has expressly acceded to the Constitution, Canons, doctrine, discipline and worship of The Episcopal Church and to the Constitution and Canons of The Episcopal Diocese of San Diego.
RESOLUTION 21-04
Title: Becoming a Beloved Community by combatting anti-Asian/Pacific Islander American violence, bias and racism
Proposed By: Ms. Mae Chao and the Rev. Janine Schenone
Name, Address, Phone Number of Delegate: The Rev. Janine Schenone and Ms. Mae Chao, 4321 Eastgate Mall, San Diego, CA. 858-692-5524.
Date: September 30, 2021
Resolved, that the 48th Convention of the Diocese of San Diego hereby agrees to stand with the Asian American/Pacific Islander members and communities and against anti-API racism to combat the significant and continuing upsurge of anti-API violence related to COVID-19; and be it further
Resolved, to embrace our baptismal promise to respect the dignity of every person by promoting racial justice, healing and reconciliation through preaching and liturgy; and be it further
Resolved, to increase understanding of API issues, anti-API bias and histories of oppression and resistance within the United States through formation and learning; and be it further
Resolved, to foster the above, the Diocese is urged to create relevant preaching, liturgical and educational resources; and be it further
Resolved, to engage local communities as partners and participants, fostering cooperation and collaboration. Encourage intergenerational, multi-cultural and multi-racial engagement. This includes demonstrating solidarity among API and other ethnic and racial minorities; and be it further
Resolved, to reach out to and listen to the stories, concerns, and visions of Asian and Pacific Islanders in our Diocese; and be it further
Resolved to support API businesses that have been disproportionately and negatively impacted by COVID-19 and discrimination; and be it further
Resolved, to report on implementation of this resolution to the Executive Council.
Explanation of Resolution: As followers of Jesus believe that all people are made in the image of God (Gen.1:27), we seek the well-being of very human being, paying particular attention to the marginalized, oppressed and suffering (Is. 1:17, Ps. 82.3, Mk 12:31, 1 Jn 4:21).
This resolution is put forward given the significant upsurge of anti-Asian/Pacific Island rhetoric and violence linked to COVID-19 and building on a long history of anti-Asian/ Pacific Island racism in the United States. This history includes the Chinese Exclusion Act (1882-1968); the Naturalization Act of 1970 prohibiting naturalized citizenship to those not white or of African descent; the mob attack of Filipino farmworkers seen dancing with white women in Watsonville, CA (1933); the Japanese Internment (1942-1945), the murder of Vincent Chin by Detroit auto-workers (1982), the Atlanta shooting massacre (2021), and the Model Minority myth. Stop AAPI Hate, a reporting database, reported 3,795 reports of anti-Asian discrimination between March 19, 2020 and February 28, 2021 with women reporting incidents at 2.3 times the rate of men.
It is also important to recognize that at times there have been tensions and lack of understanding between communities of color. The Asian/Pacific Islander American community and other communities of color have experienced and continue to experience racism daily. Therefore there is a need for solidarity and mutual actions among all communities of color.
May neighborhoods in the Diocese of San Diego have very high populations of people from Asian and Pacific Islander backgrounds, so we have a special responsibility to combat tendencies to dismiss the realities of racism and to stand with the Asian/Pacific Islander members of our congregations and communities.
RESOLUTION 21-05
Title: Becoming a more Beloved Community through listening and reconciliation
Proposed By: Ms. Mae Chao and the Rev. Janine Schenone
Name, Address, Phone Number of Delegate:The Rev. Janine Schenone and Ms. Mae Chao , 4321 Eastgate Mall, San Diego, CA. 858-692-5524.
Date: September 30, 2021
Resolved, That the 48th Convention of The Diocese of San Diego confesses that the sin of racism continues to plague our society and our Church at great cost to human life and human dignity; we formally acknowledge our historic and contemporary participation in this evil and repent of it; and be it further
Resolved, That we affirm as a top priority of The Episcopal Church in this century to engage in the challenging and difficult work of racial reconciliation through prayer, teaching, engagement, and action; and be it further
Resolved, That the Church understands and affirms that the call to pray and act for racial truth, justice and reconciliation is integral to our witness to the gospel of Jesus Christ and to our living into the demands of our Baptismal Covenant; and be it further
Resolved, that in response to The Episcopal Church’s call to listen to diverse neighbors and to develop reconciliation relationships, the Diocese of San Diego undertake truth and reconciliation practices to bring about justice. Such options might include listening campaigns in local communities, partnerships with churches and organizations comprised predominantly of a different race or culture (especially those targeted by oppression), neighborhood prayer walks, storytelling and speak-out events designed to facilitate truth-telling, healing and restorative action; and be it further
Resolved, to report on implementation of this resolution to the Executive Council.
Explanation of Resolution: At the General Convention of The Episcopal Church in 2015, delegates passed Resolution Number 2015-A182, which urges dioceses and congregations to create vehicles for listening to diverse neighbors and developing reconciling relationships. It is the mission of the Church to reconcile ourselves to God and one another through Jesus Christ. This can only happen when those who are oppressed are able to speak their truth, are heard deeply, and then all work for justice and reconciliation.
RESOLUTION 21-06
Title: Putting into Practice Locally the Episcopal Covenant for the Care of Creation
Proposed By: Episcopal Diocese of San Diego Creation Care Taskforce (CCTF) via Diane Lopez Hughes and Deann Rios
Name, Address, Phone Number of Delegate: Diane Lopez Hughes and Deann Rios 2083 Sunset Cliffs Blvd., San Diego, CA 92107 – (619) 291-5947
Date: September 30, 2021
Resolved, the 48th Convention of the Diocese of San Diego, joining in God’s love of creation and concerned about the global climate emergency, commits to take specific actions of engagement with the Covenant for the Care of Creation. Drawing from many approaches arising out of diverse contexts, we will act as individuals, congregations/ministries and the Diocese to commit to the Covenant and join the church-wide network to implement Loving Formation, Liberating Advocacy, and Life-Giving Conservation.
Loving Formation: Resolved, for God’s sake, we will enhance our love for the Earth and all of life through preaching, teaching, storytelling and prayer. Our actions may include sharing relevant preaching, liturgical and educational resources; organizing formation and learning opportunities and events; and promoting hands-on engagement with nature, e.g. gardens, farms, tree-planting.
Liberating Advocacy: Resolved, for God’s sake, standing alongside marginalized and vulnerable peoples and frontline communities, we will advocate and act to repair Creation and seek the liberation and flourishing of all people. Our actions may include learning about nearby climate crises and vulnerable communities; increasing understanding of environmental racism, eco-justice and environmental justice; learning and supporting church policies; and promoting partnerships with marginalized and vulnerable groups and communities.
Life-Giving Conservation: Resolved, for God’s sake, we will adopt practical ways of reducing our climate impact and living more humbly and gently on Earth as individuals, households, congregations, institutions and the Diocese. Our actions may include continuing to implement Resolution 20-03, “Advancing Creation Care through Clean Renewable Energy for EDSD Churches”; increasing understanding of how to make conscious choices about food, waste and land use; highlighting the local community gardens movement; and promoting resources to further foster Life-Giving Conservation actions.
Resolved, that progress on the implementation of the Episcopal Covenant for the Care of Creation within the San Diego Diocese will be reviewed and reported by the CCTF to the Executive Council.
Explanation of Resolution: As we daily witness the devastation of the created order around us, this resolution responds to the call of a global climate emergency by our church’s presiding bishop, the Most Rev. Michael B. Curry. Presiding Bishop Curry has placed creation care as one of his three top priorities. This resolution commits the EDSD to actively embrace the Episcopal Covenant for the Care of Creation.
There is strong Biblical support for the work of creation care. The scope of God’s love embraces not only humanity but also the rest of creation (Genesis 9:8-17), and we recognize that Jesus gave his life for the whole world so that all things could be reconciled (Colossians 1:15-20; Ephesians 1:10; 2 Corinthians 2:19).
The EDSD Creation Care Task Force, established by the EDSD at the recommendation of the Advocacy Committee, will facilitate and track implementation of this Resolution and support a commitment to put into action the Episcopal Covenant for the Care of Creation. The CCTF comprises representatives from congregations and ministries throughout the Diocese. Its mission is “to empower individuals and churches within the Diocese to love the Earth and all God’s creation, promote climate justice for all through advocacy and action, and reduce our footprint by living more humbly upon our common home.”
2020
Adopted Resolutions
A SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING RESOLUTION 20-01
We would like to point out specifically Resolution 20-01, the proposed change to the canons to accommodate issues surrounding the pandemic. It seeks to allow certain activities that are unique to the extraordinary circumstances in which we find ourselves. Examples include permission to hold a virtual convention, and calculation of number of delegates for convention 2021.
RESOLUTION 20-01
Title: That Diocesan Convention Adopt Certain Pandemic-Related Changes to Canons
Proposed By: The Executive Council, through Ms. Judith Brown
Name, Address, Phone Number of Delegate: Ms. Judith Brown, 2083 Sunset Cliffs Blvd., San Diego, CA 92107 – (619) 291-5947
Date: July 11, 2020
Resolved: That the Executive Council proposes that the Canons of the Episcopal Diocese of San Diego be amended to modify existing Canons I.4.03 and IV.2.03 and to adopt new Canon V.1.10 as reflected on the attached Exhibit A, and directs that the attached exhibit be submitted to the Secretary of Convention, as a proposed amendment of and addition to the Canons, prior to the deadline established in Canon V.1.01.
Explanation: The current pandemic and governmental restrictions imposed in response to it have made apparent that the existing Canons do not provide adequate flexibility to deal with changed circumstances. Proposed new Canon V.1.10 would allow for promulgation by the Bishop, with the consent of both Executive Council and Standing Committee, of a Declaration of Extraordinary Circumstances which would allow the Executive Council, with consent of the Bishop, to take actions in response to the extraordinary circumstances that would not otherwise be consistent with the Canons—e.g., suspension of Canon I.1.04’s requirement that the Diocesan Convention include a celebration of Holy Eucharist. This new Canon would also recognize that the 2020 coronavirus pandemic constitutes Extraordinary Circumstances, without any need for a Declaration or further action by Executive Council or Standing Committee. Two specific examples of response to Extraordinary Circumstances are in Canons I.1.04 and IV.2.03: the first would authorize use of prior year parochial report ASA in determining a congregation’s number of lay delegates to congregations; the second would allow Executive Council adjustment of a congregation’s Minimum Diocesan Contribution that would otherwise be set by the existing and unmodified portions of Canon IV.2.03. The resolution directs that the proposed amendments be submitted to the Secretary of Convention prior to the 90-day pre-Convention deadline.
Resolution 20-01 was amended as follows:
Resolved: That the Resolution 20-01 be amended to add the following language at the end of the proposed new Canon at Section 1.10.2: “and (ii) waiver, relaxation or other adjustment of the mandates of bylaws or other governing documents that would otherwise be applicable to a congregation.”
EXHIBIT A TO RESOLUTION 20-01
Proposed Canonical Changes
Note: Canons I.4.03 and IV.2.03 are existing canons, with proposed new language indicated in bold, underlined text. Proposed Canon V.1.10 does not now exist and is entirely new.
I.4.03 Election and Number of Lay Delegates. Lay Delegates to the Convention shall be elected according to the Bylaws of each congregation. The same number of Alternate Delegates shall be elected in like manner. Delegates and Alternates shall be confirmed communicants in good standing, entitled to vote in congregational meetings. In the Primary Convention, congregations in union with the Convention shall have the number of Delegates allowed under the Canons of the Diocese of Los Angeles, and congregations not in union with the Convention shall have a like number. In subsequent Conventions, all congregations shall be entitled to the following representation, based upon the average annual Sunday attendance as reported in the latest available annual parochial report, except that (i) in the case of a new mission where no annual parochial report has been filed by the time of Convention, such mission shall be entitled to the number of Delegates based on the average annual Sunday attendance as of the date of the establishment of such new mission, and (ii) following a Declaration of Extraordinary Circumstances (as defined in and established in accordance with Canon V.1.10), the Executive Council may, if appropriate, by resolution adopted with the written consent of the Bishop no later than fourteen (14) days before the Convention, restore the lay Delegate representation to the numbers based on the most recent parochial report before the Declaration of Extraordinary Circumstances:
1-75 attendants two delegates
76-175 attendants three delegates
176-275 attendants four delegates
276-375 attendants five delegates
376-500 attendants six delegates
501-625 attendants seven delegates
626 or more attendants eight delegates
*As used herein, the term "attendants" shall mean all attendants of Sunday services as reported on the Parochial Report.
All Delegates elected shall serve until their successors are elected. Delegates to the Diocesan Convention shall serve from the date of the Convention to which they were elected until the date of the next Annual Meeting of the Diocesan Convention, and shall serve at any Special Meetings of Convention occurring in the interim, including a Special Meeting of Convention for the Election of a Bishop, and until their successors are elected.
IV.2.03 Pledge and Payment of Diocesan Contribution. Each congregation is expected to pledge and contribute to The Diocesan Fund, as the minimum mandatory level of giving, ten and one half percent (10.5%) of its Net Disposable Income. Congregations are encouraged to contribute greater than ten and one half percent (10.5%) to the Diocesan Fund. Each congregation contributing greater than the minimum mandatory pledge can, in consultation with a subcommittee of executive council, designate a destination of their contribution above the mandatory minimum. Any congregation proposing to pledge less than the mandatory ten and one half percent (10.5%) of Net Disposable Income may, before submitting its pledge, seek a waiver from the Committee on Financial Review, as approved by the Bishop, of the minimum required pledge amount. Unless another payment schedule is arranged with the approval of the Bishop, the congregation shall pay its Diocesan contribution to the Treasurer of the Diocese in 12 equal installments, remittance to be made no later than the 15th of each month. For purposes of representation at Convention, a congregation will be deemed to have met its "Minimum Diocesan Contribution" only when the congregation has both (i) actually paid to the Diocesan Fund at least ten and one half percent (10.5%) of its Net Disposable Income for the second year immediately preceding the year in which the Convention is held, and (ii) pledged at least ten and one half percent (10.5%) of its Net Disposable Income as reported in its parochial report for the year immediately preceding the year in which the Convention is held; provided, however, that following a Declaration of Extraordinary Circumstances (as defined in and established in accordance with Canon V.1.10), the Executive Council may, by resolution adopted with the written consent of the Bishop, adjust the Minimum Diocesan Contribution for one or more congregations for the calendar year(s) during which the Declaration of Extraordinary Circumstances remains in effect. "Net Disposable Income," for purposes of this Canon, means a congregation's unrestricted income, as determined in accordance with guidelines from time to time by the Diocesan Executive Council.
[Proposed New Canon] V.1.10 Declaration of Extraordinary Circumstances.
This Canon recognizes that in Extraordinary Circumstances (as that term is defined below), it may not be advisable or even possible to observe or implement certain provisions of these Canons. By way of illustration only, if live in-person worship has been suspended for a number of months, average annual Sunday attendance as reported in an annual parochial report may not be a meaningful figure for determining lay Delegates to Convention using the table in Canon I.4.03, and it may be advisable to carry forward the same level of Delegate representation as in a prior year. Similarly, unemployment caused by the Extraordinary Circumstances coupled with the suspension of in-person worship may produce substantial adverse impacts on congregational income, making it advisable to lower a congregation’s Minimum Diocesan Contribution from the level that would be required under Canon IV.2.03. These two examples are not meant to be a complete list; there may be other consequences of either the Extraordinary Circumstances themselves, or of a governmental response thereto, that make waiver, relaxation or other adjustment of the mandates of one or more other Canons necessary or advisable, including (by way of example but without limitation) requirements for celebration of Holy Eucharist at each Convention, or for in-person meetings at specific locations.
1.10.1 From time to time, the Bishop, with the consent of the Standing Committee and Executive Council, may make a Declaration of Extraordinary Circumstances that specifies that Extraordinary Circumstances have been in existence since a date specified in the Declaration, and authorizing further action in accordance with this Canon. The Declaration shall be in force for an initial duration of one year from the date of Declaration of Extraordinary Circumstances and may be renewed or extended one or more times by the Bishop with the consent of the Standing Committee and Executive Council. Upon cessation or termination of the Extraordinary Circumstances that gave rise to the Declaration, the Bishop, after resolutions adopted by both the Standing Committee and the Executive Council, shall promulgate to the Diocese that for purposes of this Canon, the Extraordinary Circumstances are no longer in existence and (unless the Declaration has already expired without renewal) that the Declaration of Extraordinary Circumstances is therefore withdrawn. As used herein, the term “Extraordinary Circumstances” means a pandemic or epidemic, a natural disaster (including fire, earthquake or other severe act of weather or nature), an act or state of war or terrorism, or other comparable event, circumstance, or condition, or governmental action in response to any of the foregoing.
1.10.2 Following promulgation and for the duration of a Declaration of Extraordinary Circumstances, the Executive Council may, by resolutions adopted with the written consent of the Bishop, take such actions as are appropriate in response to the Extraordinary Circumstances, including but not limited to the relief already authorized under Canons I.4.03 and IV.2.03 and (ii) waiver, relaxation or other adjustment of the mandates of bylaws or other governing documents that would otherwise be applicable to a congregation.
1.10.3 By adoption of this Canon, and without the need for further action by Standing Committee, Executive Council or Bishop, a Declaration of Extraordinary Circumstances is deemed to have been promulgated with respect to the novel coronavirus pandemic of 2020, with Extraordinary Circumstances deemed to have been in existence since March 17, 2020, and with the Declaration to remain in force indefinitely until withdrawn as set forth above.
RESOLUTION 20-02
Title: Replace Canon 9 Regarding The Historiographer
Proposed By: The Nominating Committee, through Mr. Lawrence Salvadori
Name, Address, Phone Number of Delegate: Mr. Lawrence Salvadori, 2083 Sunset Cliffs Blvd., San Diego, CA 92107, 858-485-5434
Date: July 3, 2020
Resolved, That Canon 9 be replaced in its entirety with the following:
CANON 9. THE ARCHIVIST/HISTORIOGRAPHER (A/H)
9.00 Job Description. The Archivist/Historiographer (“A/H”) serves as the custodian of the diocesan and other institutional records vital to the Church’s mission and operation. The A/H supports the goals of the Diocese by managing and auditing the archiving of permanent records in compliance with legal requirements, historical use, and standard archiving professional practices. The A/H works with diocesan staff and appropriate committees to establish standard retention practices for the management of temporary and permanent records. The A/H assists Parishes in finding appropriate solutions for keeping their archives secure and carrying out effective records management. As diocesan Historiographer, the A/H shall preserve and archive those artifacts, gifts, and objects of historical significance to the Diocese, and write the official histories of groups, periods of time, and diocesan institutions, as requested.
9.01 Audit Responsibility (Limited). The A/H shall have auditing and reporting responsibility for diocesan and parish archiving of required records including sacramental, legal, financial, and historical. Audit responsibility for required financial records shall be limited to records retention and accessibility only.
9.02 Required records. The A/H shall maintain a listing of required records, and an approved retention schedule.
9.03 Appointment of an Assistant. The A/H shall, with the approval of the Bishop, have the authority to appoint a qualified Assistant A/H to assist in carrying out the objectives of the A/H job description embodied in 9.00. The authority may also include forming an A/H Records Audit Group of 2-6 members.
9.04 Report to Convention. The A/H shall present a report to each annual Convention of the Diocese including, but not limited to, newly donated or acquired historical materials and conformances to archival standards.
9.05 Term of Serving. The A/H shall be elected at annual convention to serve a 4-year term. The A/H can serve consecutive terms.
Resolved, That the effective date of this Resolution is immediate upon adoption of this Resolution by the voting members of this Convention.
RESOLUTION 20-03
Title: Advancing Creation Care through Clean Renewable Energy for EDSD Churches
Proposed By: The Property Committee via the Rev. Bob Nelson
Name, Address, Phone Number of Delegate: The Rev. Bob Nelson, 2083 Sunset Cliffs Blvd., San Diego, CA 92107, 619-291-5947
Date: October 1, 2020
Resolved: Resolved, that the 47th Convention of the Diocese of San Diego hereby agrees to elevate our aspirations toward Creation Care by moving the Diocese's properties toward “net zero energy ” by the end of 2022. We commit ourselves to the global, regional and local mission of passionate Creation Care through participation in this ”Future Bound Solar Initiative”.
Through the following steps, we demonstrate that our Climate Care concerns extend to all the physical properties under our stewardship, to ensure that each of these can move into the decades ahead making as positive an impact on our beloved Creation as possible. To begin down the path toward responsible energy use, we look forward to participating in the Diocesan-offered Future Bound Solar Initiative through the following steps:
Conducting energy assessments of church properties to identify opportunities to ensure maximum efficient use of purchased electricity;
Facilitating a three-step church-driven process to complete the necessary homework prerequisite to undertaking, procuring and financing solar- and energy efficiency actions, all of which reduce climate-damaging carbon emissions;
Offering an industry-leading financing package to enable EDSD churches to maximize financial savings while improving their emissions reductions efforts substantially;
[In 2021] Introducing a “carbon dashboard” to participating churches, to enable their tracking and continuous improvement in carbon reduction through future efforts toward “net zero energy” and continuous improvement in Creation Care; and Standing as an example to other Dioceses to move dramatically forward together in solidarity in the face of racial and climate injustice.
Resolved, that progress on this agreement’s implementation will be reported at regular intervals to the Diocese of San Diego. This agreement will also be reviewed yearly with an eye toward evaluating the potential of successor actions to catalyze deeper levels of Creation Care through congregational actions as well as property stewardship;
Resolved, that as part of this ”Future Bound Solar Initiative”, progress will be monitored through regular updates to the Diocesan Property and Executive Committees.
Explanation of Resolution: Explanation of Resolution: The Episcopal Diocese of San Diego stands strong in its concern for the health of the biosphere on which we depend. This concern deepens with each passing year of higher average temperatures throughout our region, wider wildfire damage and worsening water shortages. As the natural systems on which we depend reach their breaking points, and as growing populations draw on those same limited resources, we must turn our buildings and practices toward better, more efficient and less harmful technologies to meet our needs. Maximizing efficient use of electricity, replacing purchased electricity with solar electricity generated on our properties, these are the first steps along a path of responsibly improving our impact on the environment. By using cleaner, lower-impact forms of energy, tracking and mitigating those uses as technologies continue to improve, we work toward ensuring that Creation's incredible natural diversity in species and habitat can survive for generations to come.
In 2019 - 2020, the Episcopal Diocese of San Diego:
Conducted exploratory research, outreach and interviews with six providers of solar development services, refining in the process our criteria for project success with EDSD properties;
Selected Fellowship Energy Finance LLC (FEF) as the exclusive provider of solar development services to EDSD, under a Memorandum of Understanding. Under this agreement FEF provides 100% of its services without cost to EDSD;
Developed a three-stage initiative for all EDSD churches wishing to consider the potential of energy efficiency, advanced energy controls and solar electricity to offset their greenhouse gas emissions while also providing financial savings to the church;
Offered all EDSD churches the opportunity to apply for a state-funded incentive program to install electricity storage systems on their campuses. 25 churches stepped forward to apply for these grants; three grants were awarded;
Offered 25 EDSD churches free energy audits in 2020, including evaluation of advanced energy management systems for potential application in appropriate settings. 12 audits have been completed to date.
Developed a financing package for solar and energy efficiency measures that requires no capital contribution by the church or EDSD; ensures immediate savings on church electricity bills, the opportunity for system ownership after five years and generates significant reduction in carbon emissions over the project life;
Conducted competitive requests for proposals on behalf of nine EDSD churches, resulting in finalized contracts and 2020 construction for two projects to date.