ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1997, Roanoke Times
DATE: Saturday, January 25, 1997 TAG: 9701270056
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: C-3 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: CODY LOWE
Southwest Virginia Episcopalians began their first Annual Council under Bishop Neff Powell on a harmonious note Friday, adopting changes to church law and an $800,000 budget for the year.
Powell, who succeeded retiring Bishop Heath Light last year, opened the three-day meeting Friday afternoon at the Hotel Roanoke. It marked the first time in two decades that the Diocese of Southwestern Virginia, based in Roanoke, has held its meetings here rather than in Blacksburg.
Delegates went to work immediately, allowing non-Episcopal clergy who lead ecumenical congregations - those that include members of more than one denomination - to be voting members of their council. The change is part of a continuing emphasis on ecumenical relations between Episcopalians and other Christian denominations.
Delegates also changed church law to provide for the immediate dismissal of any member of a congregation's governing board, called a vestry, if the member misses six consecutive meetings.
The rule provides a "clear and nondiscretionary method of replacing a chronically absent member," said the committee that recommended the change.
Although there are times when a vestry member is repeatedly absent without excuse, sponsors of the change pointed out that this provision also allows a vestry to replace a member who may be incapacitated by illness or absent for other justified reasons. Vestries could re-appoint the same member, however.
The diocesan budget was approved Friday, a day earlier than scheduled, when it became apparent that no amendments to the proposal were going to be offered. The $808,681 budget is up less than 1 percent from last year.
LENGTH: Short : 37 linesby CNB