How to participate in your diocesean governance

Church governance concerns everyone in the church body, not just those in the various offices of leadership.

Institutional structures and processes directly impact how abuse comes to light (or doesn’t), how the laity are empowered to respond (or aren’t), and ultimately how the virtues of justice and truth-telling are practiced within the Christian community. Keeping an eye on the laws of our church is part of our duty to the most vulnerable in our midst. 

As the Diocese of the Upper Midwest (UMD) prepares to deliberate on the new Constitution and Canons, it is essential that lay people in the diocese participate in the process. Yesterday was the first day of the UMD’s scheduled two-week window (November 13-27) for collecting public feedback about the proposed Canons.

The UMD indicated that the Canons would be shared with the entire diocese on November 13, but the document is not publicly posted as of 9:00 am on November 14. Click the button below to access a draft version of the Canons. 

For those who have not taken part in your diocesan governance before, we’ve assembled some advice for the thoughtful exercise of your responsibility. What follows is tailored to the UMD, but all ACNA members can benefit from considering these action items.  

  1. Identify your Representatives. Each congregation in the UMD is represented at the Diocesan Assembly by their clergy and at least two lay people. The most basic question comes first: who are the Representatives heading to the Diocesan Assembly meeting on December 16 to represent your congregation? 

    Your clergy (priests and deacons) are Representatives by default and should know who else will be representing your church. Ask your priest to publicly inform your congregation who will be going to the Assembly on your behalf. 

  2. Gather your feedback. Review the proposed changes to the UMD Constitution and Canons and make a list of any questions or concerns. We’ve laid out some of our initial concerns about the draft UMD Constitution here

  3. Contact your Representatives. Reach out to your Representatives and ask them if they have reviewed the proposed Constitution and Canons. If they have not, encourage them to do so. Share your feedback with them so that it can be raised at the Assembly on your and others’ behalf.

  4. Encourage others to participate. Spread the word to other parishioners that their participation is also important. Share your feedback with them and start a discussion. Circulate the names of your Representatives so that all who want to raise a concern can do so.

Two weeks is not adequate time to process and prayerfully reflect on these significant changes UMD is proposing. ACNAtoo will be providing analysis and commentary on the proposed changes, but we encourage everyone to dedicate time, energy, and attention to understanding the proposed Canons and asking critical questions of leaders.

  • How is power and representation distributed between the bishop, clergy, and laity?

  • Will the proposed changes enact accountability and trauma-informed processes for victims of abuse?

  • Does the bishop have adequate checks on his power, especially his power to internally investigate misconduct in the diocese?

  • Who has the power to change the Canons, and what does that process look like?

Please note that at this time we are only linking to the draft canons without comment. More analysis and advocacy will be forthcoming from ACNAtoo.

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Loose Canons: The Devil in the Details

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Loose Canons: Unsure Foundations