Fall 2020 Connections

Connections learn • share

Issue 1 Vol. 7

Becoming

Beloved

Community R

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Fall 2020

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Repairing the Breach:

Further reflection on reparation The Rt. Rev. Thomas E. Breidenthal Last summer I renewed my call for a diocesan conversation about reparations — a call I first made in my address to convention last November.

Some of the feedback I’ve received moves me to repeat and amplify the substance of my desire for such a conversation.

Reparation is not primarily about money.

It is about the acknowledgement of past injustices, and the way in which those injustices (even if we have had nothing to do with perpetrating them) continue to poison our relationships, in overt or subtle ways. It is about honest and respectful sharing about what stands between us and a deeper, more effective and more joyful partnership in our mission as followers of Jesus Christ. This does not mean that reparation has nothing to do with money, but money, if it ever comes into the picture at all, is just one dimension of the way commitment to greater partnership can be demonstrated.

Reparation means repair, and this is primarily and crucially about working together to identify problem areas in our relationships with one another, individually and in larger ways, and to begin

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to talk those through. I view this work — which is first and foremost about conversation— to be our most pressing agenda as the church.

Reparation is not about making up for past injustices which we did not or could not participate in at the time. It is about owning the racial, ethnic and classist dynamics which persist as a result of the injuries those injustices continue to inflict on us; however we understand ourselves with regard to race, ethnicity, or class.

Reparation is not simply a response to the recent and ongoing unrest in our nation.

Serious work on reparation has been going on for more than a decade in numerous institutions in the Episcopal Church, including seminaries and dioceses who have been facing and addressing challenging histories, including the use of African American slave labor to build and maintain seminary buildings and places of worship. Obviously, Ohio was never a slave state, but we are part of a denomination that, as a whole, has benefited directly or indirectly from the labor of enslaved people or at crucial junctures has turned its back

on the problem. Nor can the history of slavery and its consequences be isolated from the ongoing reality of white privilege. As part of the Episcopal Church, we have a duty to involve ourselves in the soul-searching in which our branch of the body of Christ has been engaged for some time, and in which the Diocese of Southern Ohio has historically played a significant role.

Reparation is not just about relations between the black community and the white community. Of course, there is tremendous work to be done on that front in this diocese and throughout our nation. But reparation — which literally means repair — is also about the repair work needed to bring healing to every community that remains outside of the halls of privilege. What excludes Hispanic-Americans, Native Americans, and any other minority from full participation in this nation’s common life? What excludes poor whites? The work of reparation must take every dimension of exclusion seriously.

So, reparation is also about the white community itself. The geography of this diocese is largely Appalachian, including concentrations of citizens in Columbus, Dayton and Cincinnati who selfidentify as Appalachian. There is a long and painful history of oppression within the Appalachian community of exploitation of poor whites by rich whites.

Reparation means surfacing that history and making it a permissible topic for discussion. This history does not, however, negate the reality of white privilege, even in the poorest white areas of our diocese.

The reality of white privilege has been a factor in the manipulation of poor whites by powerful white forces throughout our nation’s history.

Reparation is not a new focus for this diocese. It is integrally related to the grassroots work that is happening about becoming beloved community, ongoing attempts to address the spiritual needs of our growing Hispanic population, and

continuing efforts to support disadvantaged entrepreneurs in our Appalachian region — efforts that have borne fruit in Good Shepherd’s coffee shop in Athens.

Reparation is not about quick fixes. It is about slow but deliberate efforts on the ground to acknowledge the need for repair, however that need or that call addresses us. As Isaiah puts it: “Your ancient ruins shall be rebuilt; You shall raise up the foundations of many generations; You shall be called the repairer of the breach, The restorer of streets to live in” (Isaiah 58:12).

Finally, reparation is not a topic to be put to one side because of COVID-19. This is a stressful — and for some, catastrophic — time.

I understand that for people who have lost their income or are grieving over loved one who have died, it may seem insensitive or inappropriate to invite conversation about making amends. But in fact, this is just the time for that kind of repair work. The vulnerability we all feel right now is a decision point. Either we solidify lines of division and mistrust in order to protect our individual interests, or we seize this opportunity to embrace our common frailty and our common strength. We are in a place to see and feel why repairing every breach matters so much.

I ask for your prayers as this diocese (which is all of us) continues to wrestle with these questions.

You are in my prayers as we continue to move through this difficult but spiritually abundant time.

The Rt. Rev. Thomas E. Breidenthal serves as Bishop of Southern Ohio. Connect with him at tbreidenthal@diosohio. org.

Either we solidify lines of division and mistrust in order to protect our individual interests, or we seize this opportunity to embrace our common frailty and our common strength.

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GENERAL INFORMATION The 146th Annual Convention will be held online via Zoom on Saturday, November 7, 2020, beginning at 9 a.m.

The Convention is the annual business meeting of the diocese, during which we conduct elections, hear reports, and vote on the budget, resolutions and any other actions presented. It includes the clergy of the diocese and elected lay representatives from each of the congregations in the diocese, as well as ex-officio members of convention (who are entitled to seat and voice, but not vote) and many visitors (who may observe only). Everyone is welcome to observe the convention, but you must register to do so. Information about the Zoom meeting will be sent only to individuals who are registered. Only those clergy and lay delegates certified to vote will receive log-in information for the voting app.

This 2020 "virtual" convention is a first for our diocese. However, you can still expect most of the normal facets of convention to take place within the virtual meeting, with the exception of exhibits.

Pre-convention meeting and Nominee Forum

Traditionally held before the start of convention, the nominee forum gives convention an opportunity to hear from each of the nominees for the elective positions. The nominee forum will take place in conjunction with the Pre-convention meeting on Tuesday, October 27 at 7 p.m. on Zoom. All clergy and delegates are expected to participate in the Pre-convention meeting and Nominee Forum.

Business sessions

The business sessions are subject to the Rules of Order as well as the Constitution and Canons of the diocese. You can see the agenda on page 6. The Rules of Order and the current Constitution and Canons can be found on the convention website, DSOConvention.org.

This year, the business sessions are also subject to a set of Supplemental Rules of Order for gathering online.

Adopting these rules is one of the first orders of the convention. You can find these supplemental rules on the convention website and also beginning on page 8.

Worship

A central component of convention is the opportunity to worship together as the body of Christ and meeting online will be no different. Our virtual convention will open at 9 a.m. with Morning Prayer, which will be live streamed from Christ Church Cathedral on Facebook for all to participate.

Typically, the offering taken at the convention Eucharist benefits an organization of the bishop's choosing. While there will be no celebration of the Eucharist, links to opportunities to give online to the convention offering will be shared throughout the day. This year, the offering is designated for Episcopal Community Ministries.

Bishop’s Address

This is the bishop’s opportunity to talk to both clergy and lay representatives from every congregation. The address typically includes reflection on the accomplishments of the past year as well as energy about the vision and mission for the coming year. The bishop's address will also be live streamed on Facebook so that anyone who is interested may watch live. A recording of the address will be posted on the convention website shortly after.

Elections

Delegates elect leaders for several positions. The list of available positions with a brief summary of each can be found beginning on page 14. Information about this year's nominees for several positions can be found on the convention website, DSOConvention.org.

Resolutions

Delegates may submit a resolution to diocesan convention asking for a particular stand on a public policy issue or adoption of a practice by congregations. Resolutions are canonically required be filed no later than 45 days before the start of convention for review by a resolutions committee. These resolutions are screened by the committee and then distributed to the diocese for consideration. The resolutions are listed beginning on page 27.

Resolutions also may be presented from the floor but must receive two-thirds vote to be considered by delegates.

Hearings for the resolutions are held during the pre-convention meetings. This is the time when delegates can ask resolution sponsors questions about the proposal. There also is debate on the floor of convention, but this time is more rigid, guided by Roberts Rules and the convention’s Rules of Order.

Voting on resolutions is typically done by voice vote, but in our virtual setting voting on the resolutions will be completed in our voting app.

Budget

The diocesan budget is prepared by the Budget Committee and recommended to convention by Diocesan Council. Hearings and debate on the budget are held during the pre-convention meeting. The vote to adopt the budget is completed at convention. The draft 2021 budget approved by Diocesan Council can be found on the convention website, DSOConvention.org, and also beginning on page 16.

Reports

All diocesan committees and organizations are asked to present written reports that are available online on the convention website, DSOConvention.org. A few reports may be presented orally at convention. These reports contain important information about the mission and activities of the various commissions. The reports will also be included in the official journal of convention.

Videos

Several videos will be shown throughout the online meeting, featuring our congregations and the work of Becoming Beloved Community. These videos will be posted on our YouTube channel for viewing after the convention.

146th Annual Convention of the Diocese of Southern Ohio

DRAFT AGENDA SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2020

9:00 a.m.

10:45 a.m.

1:00 p.m.

Morning Prayer

Voting opens

Bishop calls convention back to order

9:30 a.m.

Call to order

Voting closes

Opening remarks

Bishop calls convention back to order

First Credentials Report

Second credentials report

Present/approve R2020-01

Ballot results Bishop’s address

Present/approve Consent Agenda

Resolutions introduced by number

Report of the Committee on Constitution and Canons

12:00 p.m.

10:05 a.m.

Presentation of nominees and recap of Nominee Forum

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11:05 a.m.

Break for lunch 2nd ballot opens (if needed); closes at 12:20 Videos from congregations run during lunch break

2nd Ballot results (if needed) Resolutions – discussion and vote Trustees' report Treasurer’s report Budget resolutions and vote Courtesy Resolutions Bishop draws winner for Connect the Dots contest Closing prayer 3:00 p.m.

Adjourn

CONSENT AGENDA The filing of a consent agenda before a legislative body is the practice of combining routine business and reports that require action into a single agenda item as a time-saving measure. All the business on a consent agenda is then approved in one action rather than taking the time to file them separately.

It is important to note that any clergy or lay delegate may request that an item be moved off the consent agenda and placed back on to the main agenda.

1. Rules of Order The Rules of Order can be found on our convention website, DSOConvention.org. Look under the Resources tab.

2. Supplemental Rules of Order The Supplemental Rules of Order follow on pages 8-9.

3. Convention Agenda The Convention Agenda can be found on page 6.

4. Granting of Credentials In addition to those already granted seat and voice by the Constitution of the diocese, the Chair of the Committee on Credentials moves that this 146th Convention admit with seat and voice the following individuals: the Sisters of the Community of the Transfiguration; all non-canonically resident clergy licensed to officiate; representative clergy from our Presbyterian partners at the Indian Hill Church; and the lay members of diocesan staff.

Article VI, Section I of the Constitution gives seat and voice to several named people, namely Lay Members of the Standing Committee and Diocesan Council, the Lay Deputies to General Convention, the Lay Trustees of the Diocese of Southern Ohio, the Chancellor, the Treasurer of the Diocese and the members of the Executive Board of the Episcopal Church Women of the Diocese.

These people automatically have seat and voice. The Chair of the Committee on Credentials therefore moves the aforementioned guests be given seat and voice at this Convention.

5. Appointment of Officers of Convention Convention secretary: Ann Sabo Recording Secretary: Sherri Martin Timekeeper: Ann Sabo Parliamentarian: The Honorable Rev. Richard Schisler Chief Teller: Tammie Vanoss Committee to Approve the Minutes: President of the Trustees of the Diocese, (Jon Boss) President of the Standing Committee (The Rev. Ellen Cook), and the First Vice-Chair of Diocesan Council (David Thomson).

6. Ratification by Name of those appointments required by Canon: Treasurer: Robert Kranz Registrar: The Rev. Anne Warrington Wilson Finance Committee: Nadya Richardson (chair); Bill Forbes, Carolyn Wilmesherr, Dot Yeager, Doug Langenfeld, Ernest Thompson, Jeff Baldrige, Randy Young and John Harris. Rob Krantz (Treasurer) Commission on Congregational Life (COCL) chair: The Rev. Kevin Beesley Dispatch of Business chair: Julie Murray Provincial Synod Deputies and Alternate Deputies: The Rev. Phyllis Spiegel, Deborah Stokes-Wayne and Miriam McKenney, deputies; The Rev. Canon Scott Gunn and Harold Patrick, alternate deputies.

7. Approval of Annual Commission Reports The annual committee/commission reports can be found under the Resources tab on the convention website, DSOConvention.org.

8. Approval of Minutes of the 145th Annual Convention The Minutes of the 145th Convention can be found in the 145th Convention Journal, under the Archives tab on the convention website, DSOConvention.org.

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Diocese of Southern Ohio

SUPPLEMENTAL SPECIAL RULES OF ORDER FOR VIRTUAL ATTENDANCE AT ANNUAL CONVENTION SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2020 I. Preamble 1. Supersede Regular Rules. These Supplemental Special Rules of Order for Virtual Attendance at Annual Convention (hereinafter, "these Rules") shall supersede the regular Rules of Order and to the extent they are in conflict with the regular Rules of Order, these Rules shall prevail.

2. Purpose. The purpose of these Rules is to facilitate the calling and meeting of the Annual Convention of the Diocese of Southern Ohio in a situation where it is impractical to hold a face-to-face physical meeting of the Convention due to governmental restraints or as otherwise directed by the Ecclesiastical Authority of the diocese.

3. Interpretation of Certain Constitutional and Canonical Terms. For purposes of Conventions governed by these Rules, these terms shall have the following interpretation: "Convention": The meeting of clergy and laity of the Diocese of Southern Ohio conducted wholly or in part via remote electronic participation by its members "seat": The ability to participate in the Convention via electronic connection "voice": The right to make oral statements during the Convention "vote": The right to cast an oral voice or electronic poll vote or file an electronic ballot during the Convention 4. Convention Moderators. In order to facilitate the conduct of an electronic meeting of the Convention, the Ecclesiastical Authority shall appoint one or more Convention Moderators to assist the Chair and Secretary of the Convention.

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II. Notice of Meeting of Virtual Convention and Connection Information 1. Increased Notice Time. If the Ecclesiastical Authority shall call for a meeting of Convention by electronic means, the notice for such meeting shall be given by publication on the diocesan website and otherwise no later than four weeks prior to the date called for the opening of the meeting.

2. Members to Furnish Communication Information. No later than eight weeks before any such meeting, every member of the clergy entitled to seat, voice, or vote in Convention must notify the Ecclesiastical Authority of his or her email address in order to receive the ability to participate in a Convention held electronically. No later than such date, every rector, vicar, or a warden of any congregation entitled to representation in Convention must notify the Ecclesiastical Authority of the email address of (a) every Lay Deputy of such congregation or (b) any Alternate who pursuant to Canon 2, Section 3 will replace an elected Lay Deputy who will be unable to attend the Convention.

3. Secretary to Send Login Information. No later than three days before such meeting, the Secretary of Convention or his or her designee shall send an email to every member of Convention setting forth (a) the time of the meeting, (b) the URL and codes necessary to connect to the Internet meeting service, and, as an alternative and backup to the audio connection included within the Internet service, the phone number and access codes the member needs to participate aurally by telephone, and (c) if applicable, a Voter ID code.

III. Opening of Meeting and Quorum 1. Login Time. The Secretary shall schedule Internet meeting service (Zoom Webinar) availability to begin at least 30 minutes before the start of each meeting.

2. Signing in and out. Members shall identify themselves as required by immediately signing into the Internet Voting Service (Election Runner) and shall maintain Internet and audio access throughout the meeting whenever present but shall sign out upon any departure before adjournment.

3. Quorum. The Credentials Committee shall determine and report to the Secretary the presence of a quorum as required by the Constitution on the basis of members' login to the voting app. The members present may continue to do business until adjournment, notwithstanding the withdrawal of enough members to leave less than a quorum. Less than a quorum can adjourn.

IV. Conduct of Meeting 1. Technical requirements and malfunctions. Each member is responsible for his or her audio and Internet connections; no action shall be invalidated on the grounds that the loss of, or poor quality of, a member’s individual connection prevented participation in the meeting.

2. Forced disconnections. The Chair may cause or direct the disconnection or muting of a member’s connection if it is causing undue interference with the meeting. The Chair’s decision to do so, which is subject to an undebatable appeal that can be made by any member, shall be announced during the meeting and recorded in the minutes.

3. Assignment of the floor. To seek recognition by the Chair, a member shall use the Zoom Webinar "raise hand" request and await recognition. Once the pending action is completed, the Convention Moderator shall clear the online queue.

4. Motions submitted in writing. A member intending to make a main motion, to offer an amendment, or to propose instructions to a committee, shall, before or after being recognized, post the motion in writing to the Zoom webinar “chat” area designated by the Secretary for this purpose, preceded by the member’s name and parish affiliation. Use of the chat area designated by the Secretary for this purpose shall be restricted to posting the text of intended motions or seconding motions.

5. Seconding of motions and related posts. Members responding "so moved" to a request from the Chair for a motion, or seconding any motion that requires a second, must do so using the Zoom Webinar Chat feature without needing to be recognized by the Chair.

6. Display of motions. The Secretary shall designate an online area exclusively for the display of the immediately pending question and other relevant pending questions (such as the main motion, or the pertinent part of the main motion, when an amendment to it is immediately pending); and, to the extent feasible, the Secretary, or any moderators or assistants appointed by him or her for this purpose, shall cause such questions, or any other documents that are currently before the meeting for action or information, to be displayed therein until disposed of.

7. Broadcasting. The Chair shall arrange for broadcasting so that the public and members of the diocese other than members of the Convention may observe designated parts of the proceedings.

V. Voting Voting. Votes not requiring ballots may be taken by the Zoom Webinar polling feature. Recognizing that more than one member may be observing the Webinar from one account, if ANY member of that group desires to vote Nay, the group is instructed to vote Nay. This will then signal the Moderator to switch the voting to the Internet voting service.

Other votes, including balloting for elections and resolutions, shall be taken by the anonymous voting feature of the Internet voting service Election Runner, using members' assigned Voter ID code. Results of votes may be reported to the Chair by the chair of the Nominations Committee.

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2020 REPORT OF CONSTITUTION AND CANONS COMMITTEE The Diocesan Committee on Constitution and Canons proposes that the diocese join a regional compact (Compact) for Title IV matters. Bishop Breidenthal and the bishops of the Dioceses of Ohio, West Virginia, Northwestern Pennsylvania, Pittsburgh, and Western New York have approved and recommend the Compact for adoption by all six dioceses this year. The Regional Disciplinary Review Board would replace individual Title IV Disciplinary Boards, effective January 1, 2021 if all six dioceses approve the Compact at their 2020 conventions.

There are no cost implications to this change. It would mean greater efficiency in how Title IV matters are handled, increased unbiased attention to Title IV matters (as persons from outside a diocese are more likely not to know or prejudge matters involving members of the clergy within a diocese) and consistency with The Episcopal Church canons, which allow for inter-diocesan boards.

No other matters involving constitutional or canonical changes were referred to our Committee by the applicable deadline.

Joseph J. Dehner. Chancellor Eric Landen (Vice Chancellor) Russell Rosler, Wayne Sheppard The Rev. Anne Warrington Wilson

Proposed changes

Adding two definitions to the Preliminary Canon: Regional Disciplinary Board: The Regional Disciplinary Board established by the Regional Disciplinary Board Compact.

Regional Disciplinary Board Compact: That certain Regional Disciplinary Board Compact, effective as of January 1, 2021, by and among the Dioceses of The Episcopal Church for Northwestern Pennsylvania, Ohio, Pittsburgh, Southern Ohio, Western New York, and West Virginia, to establish and maintain the Regional Disciplinary Board, on the terms and conditions set forth in the Compact, as it may be modified, supplemented, amended and/or restated from time to time in accordance with its terms.

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Resolution to Amend the Canons of The Episcopal Church in the Diocese of Southern Ohio to Adopt the Regional Disciplinary Board Compact Whereas, representatives of the Diocese of Southern Ohio and representatives of the Dioceses of Northwestern Pennsylvania, Ohio, Pittsburgh, Western New York, and West Virginia have worked to negotiate a Regional Disciplinary Board Compact (the “Compact”) to develop and share resources necessary to implement Title IV of the Canons of the Episcopal Church governing allegations of misconduct by a clergyperson, also known as ecclesiastical discipline; Whereas, the Compact is authorized by Section 3(i) of Canon 5 of Title IV of the Canons of the Episcopal Church which states that any Diocese may agree in writing with one or more other Dioceses to implement this Title IV of the Canons of the Episcopal Church; Whereas, the Compact was negotiated by Chancellor Joseph Dehner and adoption of the Compact is supported by Bishop Thomas E. Breidenthal and the Diocesan Council; and Whereas, adoption of the Compact requires the amendment and modification of The Canons of the Episcopal Church in The Diocese of Southern Ohio (the “Diocesan Canons”) and the Committee on Constitution and Canons consisting of Chancellor Joseph Dehner, Vice Chancellor Eric Landen, Rev. Anne Warrington Wilson, Russell Rosler, Esq., and A. Wayne Sheppard, Esq. has prepared the amendments and modifications to the Diocesan Canons, as set forth below (the “Amendments”).

Therefore be it resolved, that the 146th Convention of the Diocese of Southern Ohio hereby amends the Diocesan Canons to incorporate the Amendments effective January 1, 2021 (the “Effective Date”), on the condition that the Dioceses of Northwestern Pennsylvania, Ohio, Pittsburgh, Western New York, and West Virginia have likewise adopted the Compact on or before the Effective Date, as determined by Chancellor Joseph Dehner in his reasonable discretion.

Be it further resolved, that upon the Chancellor’s determination that Compact has been adopted by the Dioceses of Northwestern Pennsylvania, Ohio, Pittsburgh, Western New York, and West Virginia on or before the Effective Date, the Secretary of the Convention is hereby directed to incorporate the changes shown in the Amendments into the Diocesan Canons.

The Canons of the Episcopal Church in The Diocese of Southern Ohio Canon XVIII Discipline Section 1 Incorporation of Title IV of Episcopal Church Canons Sections 2-3 Regional Disciplinary Board Compact Section 2-5 Diocesan4 Regional Disciplinary Board Sections 5-7 Members of the Regional Disciplinary Board Designated by the Diocese Section 6 Sections 8-9 Church Attorney and other Procedural Participants Section 710 Continuation of Compensation upon Restriction Pursuant to Canon IV.7 Section 11 Ecclesiastical Authority

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Canon XVIII Ecclesiastical Discipline Incorporation of Title IV and Supplementary Provisionsof Episcopal Church Canons Section 1. Canon XVIII incorporates and supplementsThose provisions of Title IV of the Canons of the Episcopal Church as the Canon for Ecclesiastical Discipline in the Diocesewhich are applicable to the Diocese are hereby incorporated as part of this Canon XVIII. To the extent that any of the provisions of this Canon XVIII are in conflict or inconsistent with the provisions of Title IV, the provisions of Title IV shall govern.

DiocesanRegional Disciplinary Board Compact Section 2. There shall be a Diocesan Disciplinary Board to carry out the duties described in Title IV.5.1 of the Episcopal Church.

The Disciplinary Board shall consist of seven (7) persons, three (3) of whom shall be laypersons, and four (4) of whom shall be Clergy. The Convention shall elect five (5) members of the Disciplinary Board. The Bishop or Ecclesiastical Authority shall appoint two (2) members of the Disciplinary Board, one layperson and one Clergy, in consultation with the Chancellor and the Standing Committee. All members of the Disciplinary Board shall be knowledgeable in Canon or Civil Law, or both. All lay members shall be Members in Good Standing of a Congregation of the Diocese. All Clergy members shall be canonically resident in the Diocese.The Regional Disciplinary Board Compact is hereby incorporated as part of this Canon XVIII. The Regional Disciplinary Board Compact constitutes an agreement among the dioceses party to it to develop and share resources necessary to implement Title IV of the Canons of the Episcopal Church, within the meaning of Title IV.5.3(i) thereof.

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Terms Section 3. Any modification, supplement, amendment, restatement or termination of the Regional Disciplinary Board Compact shall require the approval of the Convention.

Regional Disciplinary Board Section 4. For so long as the Regional Disciplinary Board Compact remains in effect, the Regional Disciplinary Board shall constitute a Court instituted by the Diocese within the meaning of Article IX of the Constitution of the Episcopal Church, and the Regional Disciplinary Board shall constitute the "Disciplinary Board," within the meaning of Title IV of the Canons of the Episcopal Church, in respect of the Diocese.

Members of the Regional Disciplinary Board Designated by the Diocese Section 5. As provided in the Regional Disciplinary Board Compact: (a) the Diocese is entitled to elect one clergy member and one lay member of the Regional Disciplinary Board and (b) the Bishops of the dioceses party to the Regional Disciplinary Board Compact are entitled to confirm the thirteenth member of the Regional Disciplinary Board.

Section 6. The Convention is entitled to elect the members of the Regional Disciplinary Board that the Diocese is entitled to elect.

All members of the Regional Disciplinary Board elected by the Diocese shall be knowledgeable in canon law or civil law, or both.

All Clergy members of the Regional Disciplinary Board elected by the Diocese shall be canonically resident in the Diocese.

All lay members of the Regional Disciplinary Board elected by the Diocese shall be Members in Good Standing of a Congregation of the Diocese.

Section 3. Members of the Disciplinary Board shall serve for three (3) year terms. The members of the Disciplinary Board shall take office immediately upon their election or appointment and shall serve until their successors are elected or appointed. No member of the Disciplinary Board may serve more than two (2) consecutive terms. If a member of the Disciplinary Board is serving in a specific matter pending when that member's term expires, that person shall continue to serve as a member for that pending matter through and until the conclusion of the member's consideration of the pending matter.

VacanciesSection 4.7. Vacancies occurring on thein the members of the Regional Disciplinary Board that the Diocese is entitled to elect shall be filled (i) for elected members, by majority vote of the members of the Disciplinary Board from persons otherwise qualified for election from the same order as the member vacating the Disciplinary Board when first elected, and (ii) for appointed members, by appointment of the Bishop or Ecclesiastical Authority from the same order as the member vacating the Regional Disciplinary Board when first appointed. Any member elected by the Disciplinary Board or appointed by the Bishop to fill such

vacancy shall serve until the expiration of the term of the vacatingsucceeding annual session of the Convention and until such member’s successor is elected or the member’s earlier death or resignation.

Report regarding President Section 5. The Disciplinary Board shall within two months of each Convention annually elect from its members a President and shall inform the President of the Standing Committee in writing of the name of the President of the Disciplinary Board.

Church Attorney and other Procedural Participants Section 6.8. The Bishop shall appoint one or more attorneys licensed in Ohio to serve as Church Attorney. A Church Attorney may be relieved of that office by a vote of five (5) of the seven (7)the unanimous consent of the two members of the Regional Disciplinary Board that the Diocese is entitled to elect. The Bishop shall appoint a lawyer to take the place of thea Church Attorney so relieved, subject to the unanimous consent of a majoritythe two members of the Regional Disciplinary Board that the Diocese is entitled to elect.

Section 9. The Bishop is entitled to appoint such Intake Officers, Advisors, Investigators, Conciliators and other persons acting under Title IV of the Canons of the Episcopal Church as the Bishop may choose (collectively with the Church Attorney, the "Procedural Participants") with respect to matters arising in the Diocese. In matters of a Complaint that involves more than one diocese that is party to the Regional Disciplinary Board Compact, the Bishop is entitled to determine by mutual agreement with the other affected bishops which Procedural Participants shall be involved.

Continuation of Compensation upon Restriction Pursuant to Canon IV. 7 Section 7.10. (a) In the event a member of the Clergy shall be subject to the provisions of Canon IV.7 of the Episcopal Church, the full compensation due to such member of the Clergy shall continue for the duration of the Pastoral Direction, temporary restriction on ministry, or Administrative Leave ("Restriction"); provided that the period of mandatory full compensation shall not exceed ninety (90) days from the date the Restriction is imposed. (b)The determination of the amount of compensation to be continued under this Section shall be the same compensation and benefits being paid to or for the benefit of the member of the Clergy immediately prior to the imposition of the Restriction. (c) Compensation pursuant to this Section shall be paid by the Parish, Mission or other non-parochial entity employing the member of the Clergy at the time the Restriction is imposed. (d) Only a duly ordained member of the Clergy Restricted by the Bishop or Ecclesiastical Authority who is engaged in full-time, part-time, supply or interim services to a Parish, Mission or other non-parochial entity within the Diocese shall be eligible to receive compensation under this Section.

Ecclesiastical Authority Section 11. References in this Canon XVIII to the Bishop shall be deemed to mean the Ecclesiastical Authority.

Transition Provisions; Disposition of Pending Matters under Existing Canons Section 12. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Canon XVIII, the language of Canon XVIII as in effect immediately prior to January 1, 2021 shall continue to apply to any matter which is the subject of an intake report referred by the Intake Officer to the Reference Panel prior to January 1, 2021 (a "Pending Matter"), as if such language had not been amended by the amendments adopted at the 2020 Diocesan Convention. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Disciplinary Board as constituted under such prior language shall be deemed to be the "Disciplinary Board," within the meaning of Title IV of the Canons of the Episcopal Church, in respect of the Diocese with respect to any Pending Matter, and neither the Regional Disciplinary Board Compact nor the Regional Disciplinary Board shall apply to any Pending Matter.

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Diocese of Southern Ohio

2020 OFFICES FOR ELECTION Nomination to leadership in the Diocese of Southern Ohio is generally self-submitted. All nominees must fill out a nomination form to be placed into consideration. In addition to responding to the questions on the nomination form, all nominees are expected to participate in the online Nominee Forum on October 27. The absolute deadline to submit nominations is October 23.

Information about the individuals already submitted for nomination can be found on the convention website, DSOConvention.org.

Budget Committee

Budget Committee members are responsible for preparing and reviewing the annual operating budget of the diocese.

At this convention, we will elect:

• One layperson for a three-year term (Class of 2023)

• One layperson for a one-year unexpired term (Class of 2021)

Diocesan Council

Diocesan Council members play a critical role in the governance of the diocese, acting as the “convention-between-conventions”. Members review the budget and Mission Share review requests, follow implementation of convention resolutions and work with the bishop on ministry and mission decisions in the diocese.

At this convention, we will elect:

• Two clergy for a three-year term (Class of 2023)

• Three laypersons for a three-year term (Class of 2023)

Disciplinary Board

The Disciplinary Board is called to carry out the duties described in Title IV.5.1 of the Episcopal Church. They convene only when needed.

At this convention, we will elect:

• One layperson for a three-year term* (Class of 2023) *Note: This board will be dissolved January 1 if Convention approves a change to our canons.

Regional Disciplinary Board

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The Dioceses of Northwestern Pennsylvania, Ohio, Pittsburgh, Southern Ohio, Western New York, and West Virginia have agreed to maintain a joint Disciplinary Board for the purposes of implementing Title IV of the Canons of The Episcopal Church (“Compact”). The new Regional Disciplinary board would become effective January 1, 2021, if approved by all six dioceses at their annual conventions. Our current diocesan Disciplinary Board would then be dissolved.

The Regional Disciplinary Board (“RDB”) shall consist of thirteen (13) persons, seven (7) of whom are Clergy and six (6) of whom are Laity, and shall constitute a court for purposes of Article IX of the Constitution of The Episcopal Church. Each of the dioceses shall elect one clergy member and one lay member on the RDB. The thirteenth member, a clergy member, shall be nominated by the RDB and subject to the unanimous approval by the bishops of the member dioceses. Eventually, each member of the RDB will serve a three-year term, each term to begin on January 1 following appointment or election. See pages 10-13 for this proposed change to our diocesan canons.

At this convention, we will elect:

• One layperson for a term to be determined by the RDB

• One clergy for a term to be determined by the RDB

Standing Committee

Standing Committee serves as the bishop’s council of advice. It shares responsibility for the ordination process, is consulted for consent for the election and consecration of new bishops in the church and reviews requests from congregations to encumber their property. This group also carries out a mutual ministry review with the bishop.

At this convention, we will elect:

• One clergy for a three-year term (Class of 2023)

• One layperson for a three-year term (Class of 2023)

Trustees of the Church Foundation

The Trustees of the Church Foundation are responsible for administering loans and funds for church buildings as well as some oversight over diocesan-owned properties.

At this convention, we will elect:

• One layperson OR clergy for a five-year term (Class of 2025)

Trustees of the Diocese

Trustees of the Diocese (also known as the Procter trustees) is the group responsible for management of diocesan and certain other investments and property owned by the diocese; and for serving as the board of advisors to the bishop on administration of the William Cooper Procter Memorial Fund.

At this convention, we will elect:

• One layperson OR clergy for a five-year term (Class of 2025)

Procter Center Board of Directors

Procter Center’s Board of Directors is accountable to the bishop for all aspects of the day-to-day operation of the center in coordination with the center’s three stakeholders; i.e., the Church Foundation. the Trustees of the Diocese & Diocesan Council.

At this convention, we will elect:

• One layperson or clergy for a three-year term (Class of 2023)

Deputies to General Convention

Diocesan conventions elect deputies as members of the House of Deputies of the Episcopal Church’s triennial General Convention. The General Convention sets the mission priorities, budget and policies of the Episcopal Church for the next three years. It approves changes to the Church’s Constitution and Canons, and broadly defines the standards of worship.

Deputies to the 2021 General Convention were elected in 2019. Due to changes in clergy canonical residence for some clergy deputies, the first alternate has now been changed to 4th clergy deputy, leaving us just one clergy alternate. Therefore, at this convention, we will elect three clergy as alternate deputies to General Convention.

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Diocese of Southern Ohio 2021 Budget Narrative The 2021 budget is a challenge due to the financial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the economy. It was a difficult task to build a budget when all of the churches are shut down and you don’t even know what 2021 is going to look like with no end in sight for the pandemic. The budget committee accepted this challenge by reviewing every request and reviewing every line item of the current budget. The goal was to find areas where savings could be achieved, collaboration could occur and programs could be funded fully, and to meet the strategic initiatives of Diocesan Council and the bishop.

As you read the 2021 budget, you will notice that the numbers presented are close to the actual expenses for prior years.

You might notice that things have been eliminated or greatly reduced because diocesan staff has been reviewing every area of spending, renegotiating contracts or eliminating unnecessary expenses. Diocesan staff is being paired up with parishes to reduce the staff expense to the budget for both the diocese and the parish in an effort of collaboration. Additionally, you will discover items that have not been reported in previous budgets. This year, we worked hard to find every expense the diocese incurs and put it into the budget versus directly withdrawing it from an account, thereby reflecting the true draw rate on our endowments.

The main difficulty with the 2021 Convention Budget is not knowing where the income levels will be for the parishes in 2021 and their ability to pay Mission Share. You will notice

Income side of the budget Mission Share – The 2021 mission share is $2,641,215. This is an increase of $35,420 over 2020. The Budget Committee, along with the recommendation of the diocesan Finance Committee, has reserved 5% of the 2021 mission share allotment due to the belief that income will be down in 2020.

The current thinking is that we should potentially lower the percentage to 10 – 20% however, doing so would cause major

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that we put in a 5% reserve to the Mission Share for 2021 with the belief that there is a good chance that our collection of Mission Share will be reduced. The reality is that it might be greater than 5%. The diocesan staff continues to monitor the 2020 budget and will diligently monitor the 2021 budget and make adjustments if income levels can’t sustain it.

Collaboration is a great part of this budget. Diocesan staff, both clergy and lay, have been paired with parishes or the cathedral which allows us to reduce the compensation side of the budget but also provide greater opportunity to collaborate on practical levels. As the diocese embraces new opportunities for diocesan-wide collaboration we believe it will produce a benefit to the diocese along with the parishes. Parishes that might not have been able to afford a full-time priest now can enjoy the benefit of at least a part-time priest. Clergy have been paired with parishes in Cincinnati, Circleville, Springfield and Columbus. The collaboration with Christ Church Cathedral this year and into 2021 continues with our Operations Executive, Canon for Congregational Vitality as Interim Dean, Facilities Director and Information Technology Director. We are constantly evaluating ways in which the cathedral and bishop’s office can collaborate on projects and personnel to not only benefit the two organizations, but the diocese as a whole. Just a point of clarity that in these collaborations the parish or cathedral pays directly for the cost of their personnel. There is no co-mingling of funds.

reductions of staffing. We don’t believe it is necessary to do that at this time and income/expenses will be monitored throughout the fiscal year and adjustments will be made if needed.

The Consolidated Endowment Income Transfer continues to remain at 4.3%. Revenue coming from the William Cooper Procter Fund is being drawn at 4% for 2021. We continue to have various other revenues flow into the overall combined budget for 2021.

Expense side of the budget The legislative expenses of the budget increased this year over last year. There are two reasons. First, we budgeted convention closer to actual expenses over the past three years. We will wait to see if 2021 will produce an in-person or virtual convention. If virtual, we will realize cost savings.

The second reason is that we have a General Convention expense for 2021. At this time, The Episcopal Church has not yet decided if it will be in-person or virtual. The Provincial Synod for 2021 has been changed to virtual, thus eliminating that expense from the budget.

The administrative side of the budget increased due to budgeting our retiree insurance costs closer to their actual expenses based on actuarial study. This was a $25,000 increase over what was budgeted for 2020. There were reductions in line items compared to the previous year in order to bring the budget to zero.

The bishop’s office costs have remained virtually the same with little increases or decreases over 2020. We have some costs savings due to shared administrative staff.

The Operations Executive position is a shared position with the cathedral of 50/50. The Operations Executive line item is reduced this year because she also took on the role of Chief Financial Officer of the diocese. For 2021, 30% of her cost will come from her position as Operations Executive and the other 20% will come from the Chief Financial Officer position.

The Finance Department staffing will see reduced costs due to not having to hire a full-time Chief Financial Officer since this role is being fulfilled by the Operations Executive.

The Finance Office did hire the Rev. David Getreu to be the financial liaison to parishes. They increased the role of an accountant on staff. The bookkeeper for diocese was hired through a temporary agency and that expense is now included within the finance department expenses although it will now be replaced by a staff position.

The Communication Department has gone through a change in 2020 which will be carried forward to 2021. The office will not be replacing the Director position, instead there will be consideration of additional staffing to assist the office. There is a reduction on the salary side but the expense side for operations was increased to cover the cost of the database management system the diocese utilizes.

Information Technology is a shared/collaborative position between the diocese (60%) and the cathedral (40%). Our IT

Director shares her time between the two organizations. The IT budget was increased this year due to the realization of the importance of technology, especially living in a world with a pandemic.

The Facilities Director is a new section of the budget, previously it was sub-contracted work. The diocese has properties which it must maintain. The Facilities Director is a shared/collaborative position with the cathedral. The Director spends 70% of his time with the cathedral and 30% with the diocese. We have many structures that are aging and need his expertise.

The National Church Pledge increased this year due to the better than expected 2019 year. The pledge is based upon our income minus $140,000 multiplied by 15% for a total of $471,286.

The budget supports many varied ministries. The Budget Committee worked hard this year to fund budget requests at the level asked. However, there are instances where we needed to make reductions so that the budget would be balanced. The Commission on Congregational Life will be taking the biggest budget cut again this year of over $30,000. Becoming Beloved Community will see an increase as requested. Procter will be funded close to their funding requests. Commission on Ministry will see funding at a level similar to 2020. Campus Ministry will be funded at the same level as last year.

There is another new area to the budget that was not around in 2020. This is called Parish Support. This section works directly to assist parishes in their administration. The Treasurer’s Workshop will be revamped to Parish Management Webinars which will be spread out through the year with specific topics, for example, financial, communications, facilities etc. The hope is to do them through a webinar format so they can be viewed later. There will be some support to assist parishes in setting up proper financial accounting software. This year, we will be working to do building assessments on our churches to determine the physical shape of our structures so the parishes can begin planning how best to maintain their structures. The plan is to also provide Human Resources advice for parish matters that are outside the expertise of personnel at the diocese.

The overall budget for the Convention side is $2,894,648 for 2021. The William Cooper Procter side is $2,424,293 and the CEProcter and Other Budget is $393,166 for a total of $5,712,106.

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MISSION SHARE 2021 CITY, CONGREGATION

ESTIMATED MISSION SHARE

MISSION SHARE RATE

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MISSION SHARE 2021 CITY, CONGREGATION

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ESTIMATED MISSION SHARE

MISSION SHARE RATE

MISSION SHARE 2021 CITY, CONGREGATION

ESTIMATED MISSION SHARE

MISSION SHARE RATE

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MISSION SHARE 2021 CITY, CONGREGATION

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ESTIMATED MISSION SHARE

MISSION SHARE RATE

DESCRIPTION

2021 CONVENTION BUDGET

2021 WC PROCTER BUDGET

2021 CE PROCTER AND OTHER BUDGET

2021 CONSOLIDATED BUDGET

2020 CONSOLIDATED BUDGET

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DESCRIPTION

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2021 CONVENTION BUDGET

2021 WC PROCTER BUDGET

2021 CE PROCTER AND OTHER BUDGET

2021 CONSOLIDATED BUDGET

2020 CONSOLIDATED BUDGET

DESCRIPTION

2021 CONVENTION BUDGET

2021 WC PROCTER BUDGET

2021 CE PROCTER AND OTHER BUDGET

2021 CONSOLIDATED BUDGET

2020 CONSOLIDATED BUDGET

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DESCRIPTION

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2021 CONVENTION BUDGET

2021 WC PROCTER BUDGET

2021 CE PROCTER AND OTHER BUDGET

2021 CONSOLIDATED BUDGET

2020 CONSOLIDATED BUDGET

RESOLUTIONS R2020-01: Resolution for Virtual Convention Resolved, That the Convention approves its meetings to be held either in person or by telephonic or other electronic means or a combination thereof, provided that (a) the means of communication used allow all members participating in the meeting to hear each other at the same time and give each member the ability to participate in the discussion and voting pursuant to the Convention Rules of Order; and (b) interpretation services are provided so that any member who is deaf or is not fluent in English can participate effectively.

Submitted by Diocesan Council

R2020-02: Mission Share Incentive Plan Whereas, the Diocese of Southern Ohio desires to provide concrete incentives for parishes/missions to achieve key growth and congregational vitality metrics; and Whereas, the most direct and effective way to provide those incentives is through a simple, transparent set of criteria under which a qualifying parish/mission can receive a rebate on the standard Mission Share to be paid to the diocese; and Whereas, the Mission Share Incentive Task Force, consisting of a variety of people from across the diocese, agrees that the following plan accomplishes those objectives; therefore be it Resolved, that the 146th Convention of the Diocese of Southern Ohio direct the bishop’s finance office to implement the following Mission Share Incentive Plan, beginning in 2021, and to be in place for three years.

ELIGIBILITY This plan is open to all parishes/missions of the diocese. To be considered eligible to participate a parish/mission must meet all the following requirements: •Be current on its annual Mission Share payments, according to Canon XIII, Section 6, by making regular monthly Mission Share payments for the current year per its assigned percentage rate or calculated 1/12th rate amount; if a parish/mission prefers to make an annual payment (lump sum) the total estimated payment must be received by January 15 of the current year.

•File its Parochial Report online and a copy mailed/emailed into the diocesan office, all by the March 1 deadline. The signed, vestry approved paper/scanned copy of the Parochial Report must also include the unaudited Statement of Activities (YTD Income/Expense Statement) and Statement of Financial Position (Balance Sheet) for the year filed.

•File its Annual Reporting Form online with the diocese by the April 1 deadline.

•File its Audit by the September 1 deadline along with all required supporting documentation.

If a parish/mission fails to fulfill all of the above requirements, it is ineligible for the incentive plan.

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PLAN GUIDELINES • Eligible parishes/missions which meet any of the Growth Criteria outlined below obtain a specific percent rebate to be applied as a credit to its annual Mission Share for the subsequent year.

• For each growth criterion met, a percent amount of rebate will be obtained, per the Growth Criteria schedule below. If a parish/mission meets multiple criteria those percentages obtained are added to determine the total obtained percent rebate.

The maximum percentage rebate that a parish/mission can obtain for the current year is 5% if the parish/mission meets all the growth criteria.

• The total percent rebate obtained by meeting the growth criteria is then applied to the total amount of Mission Share paid for the current year to calculate the dollar amount of the rebate. That dollar amount rebate is then credited towards the parish/ mission’s subsequent year’s Mission Share.

• Meeting the Growth Criteria is determined and calculated each year during the diocesan end-of-year review of Mission Share, Parochial Report, and Annual Reporting data.

• If a parish/mission still owes monies determined by the end-of-year true up, any rebate credit will be held until such owed payments are made. If owed payments are not made in full by the June 30 deadline the credit shall be forfeited.

GROWTH CRITERIA Below are the growth criteria for eligible parishes/missions. Each criterion has a percent amount assigned which is used in calculating the rebate dollar amount.

• Parish/mission meets all four Eligibility Requirements = 2% rebate • Parish/mission increases Operating Income from the previous year by either 3% or $10,000 (Parochial Report, Box A) = 1.5% rebate • Parish/mission increases budgeted Outreach spending by 10% from the previous year (Parochial Report Line 13) = 1.5% rebate o Examples of qualified outreach spending: contributions to charitable non-profit organizations, benevolence assistance, support of overseas missionaries, donations to Episcopal Communities Ministries, assuming expenses of a Twelve Step program meeting at the church, a community outreach ministry, or other outreach ministry guided by the diocesan Becoming Beloved Community initiative. o Mission Share payments to the diocese do not qualify as an outreach expense for this plan.

EXAMPLE In 2020, St. Swithen’s makes all its monthly Mission Share payments, for an annual total of $50,000. In 2020 St. Swithen’s files its Parochial Report, diocesan annual report, and parish audit on time. St. Swithen’s also increased its budgeted outreach spending by 15%. St. Swithen’s meets the eligibility requirements to participate in the incentive plan. Based on the Growth Criteria schedule, at the end of 2020 St. Swithen’s will receive a total 3.5% rebate (2% for meeting all the eligibility requirements, plus 1.5% for the increased budgeted outreach spending). This total rebate percent is then applied to the Mission Share amount that was paid in 2020, thus 3.5% of $50,000, which is $1,750. St. Swithen’s will have $1,750 credited towards its 2021 Mission Share payments.

BUDGET IMPACT The goal of this resolution is to promote parish growth, to provide clear criteria for such growth, and provide a clearly defined incentive or benefit for growth. As our churches grow, diocesan income would also grow. This resolution would provide a rebate on Mission Share to congregations, which would potentially reduce diocesan income, but in the long-term parish growth would offset the rebate.

SUBMITTED BY The Rev. Ben Phillips Diocesan Mission Share Task Force

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R2020-03: Political Change through Nonviolence

Whereas, Jesus Christ in the Gospel of Matthew acknowledged that his teachings would create conflict [10:34-36] but insisted that his disciples not resort to violence [26:52], and Whereas, the General Conventions of 1994, 2000, and 2003 approved resolutions calling upon “the Church at every level to oppose violence and the means by which violence is perpetrated in all areas of our common life” [1994-D005, 2000-D022, 2000A058, 2003-D031], and Whereas, both the U.S. and Ohio Constitutions protect the rights of petition, instruction of representatives, and assembly, which are fundamental rights needed to bring about political change [U.S. Constitution, 1st Amendment; Ohio Constitution, Article 1: Section 3], and Whereas, the United States is in the midst of a political awakening, with a number of political and social movements making historic progress, and Whereas, many Episcopalians throughout the Diocese of Southern Ohio have been active in the aforementioned movements, and even more Southern Ohio Episcopalians may become similarly engaged politically in the coming years, and Whereas, even the most necessary and moral political movements carry with them a risk of violence, coming not only from opponents, but sometimes even from supporters of such movements, and Whereas, violence has unfortunately broken out sporadically during some of the rallies, marches, and protests that have taken place so far this year, and Whereas, Martin Luther King Jr., in his famous letter from the Birmingham Jail, spoke of an arduous process of “self-purification” that his followers underwent, committing themselves resolutely to nonviolence, before launching into direct action to expose the evils of segregation; therefore be it Resolved, that we, the Episcopalians of Southern Ohio, in the spirit of Martin Luther King Jr., commit ourselves to nonviolence in the exercise of our constitutional rights to petition and instruct our government and to assemble publicly to express our concerns; and be it further Resolved, that we make all our various allies in political change, regardless of their backgrounds or beliefs, aware of our own prior commitment to nonviolence and make clear that, for us, nonviolence is the only acceptable means to effect political change; and be it further Resolved, that we (re-)affirm our support for General Convention resolutions 1994-D005, 2000-D022, 2000-A058, 2003-D031; and be it further Resolved, that we affirm that our commitment to nonviolence flows out of our awareness that the Gospel message calls for significant social and political transformation; and be it further Resolved, that we affirm our conviction that nonviolent means are the most effective in bringing about deep, enduring social and political change.

Explanation The clearest precedents for this resolution are the four General Convention resolutions 1994-D005, 2000-D022, 2000-A058, and 2003-D031. Three of these resolutions -- 1994-D005, 2000-D022, and 2003-D031 -- call, generally and comprehensively, for a rejection of violence and for the promotion of a culture of nonviolence.

2000-A058 most closely resembles this resolution, however, because it is a statement of the Episcopal Church committing itself to nonviolence. Its title is “Encourage Congregations to Adopt a ‘Pledge of Nonviolence’”. 2000-A058 includes this language: “RESOLVED, that each congregation of the Episcopal Church become a model for peacemaking in our violent society by encouraging its members to commit themselves to nonviolent and peaceable behavior in their relationships with others at home, at school, at work, at church, in the community, and wherever they find themselves...”

2000-A058 also instructs every Episcopal congregation to “encourage its members to adopt a ‘Pledge of Nonviolence’ as it comes from the Institute for Peace and Justice, St. Louis, Missouri”. This pledge can be found online here: https://ipj-ppj.org/ pledge-of-non-violence/about/pledge-of-non-violence.

None of these four General Convention resolutions specifically addresses political nonviolence, however.

Matthew 10:34-36 reads thus: “Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. For I have come to turn a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law – a man’s enemies will be the members of his own household.” [NIV] Matthew 26:50-52 reads thus: “Then the men stepped forward, seized Jesus and arrested him. With that, one of Jesus’ com-

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panions reached for his sword, drew it out and struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his ear. ‘Put your sword back in its place,’ Jesus said to him, ‘for all who draw the sword will die by the sword.’” [NIV] The first amendment to the U.S. Constitution reads thus: “Congress shall make no law...abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.”

Article 1, Section 3 of the Ohio Constitution reads thus: “The people have the right to assemble together, in a peaceable manner, to consult for the common good; to instruct their representatives, and to petition the General Assembly for the redress of grievances.”

Martin Luther King discusses the process of self-purification that he and his followers went through on page 3 of his letter: “We were not unmindful of the difficulties involved. So we decided to go through a process of self-purification. We started having workshops on nonviolence and repeatedly asked ourselves the questions, “Are you able to accept blows without retaliating?” “Are you able to endure the ordeals of jail?”

Budgetary Impact No budgetary impact.

Submitted by Edward Joseph Lasseigne, St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, Columbus

Rae Fellows St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, Columbus

R2020-04: A Resolution Authorizing Diocesan Council to Respond to the Standing Committee’s Episcopal Transition Plans.

Resolved, that the 146th Annual Convention of the Diocese of Southern Ohio designate Diocesan Council to respond as may be necessary between the 146th and 147th Annual Conventions to Episcopal Transition plans as may be developed by the Standing Committee; and be it further Resolved, that both the Standing Committee and Diocesan Council keep the Diocese informed of such plans and commitments, and report accordingly to the 147th Annual Convention.

Explanation: Diocesan Council was informed by the Standing Committee on September 29, 2020 of the resignation of the Right Reverend Thomas E. Breidenthal as the IX Bishop of the Diocese of Southern Ohio effective Sunday, November 29, 2020, the 1st Sunday of Advent. In their notice, the Standing Committee indicated that: “Eventually, we will lay out the process of discernment, search, nomination, and election leading to our next bishop. It will take time to set up this process, and we want to take stock of our diocese before we commit to a particular path. It is too soon to give a timeline or any other details.”

Because it can be anticipated that some elements of the timeline will require a commitment of resources and activities not currently scheduled, but can expected to be undertaken prior to the 147th Annual Convention, it is prudent to formally authorize Diocesan Council, as provided for in Canon XII, Section 2, (b) to act “between session of the Diocesan Convention.”

Impact on formation and mission in the Diocese of Southern Ohio: Our diocese has always been blessed by bishops with vision and commitment to formation and mission. As the Standing Committee observed in their September 29 notice to Diocesan Council, “Bishop Breidenthal has served well. We are blessed with gifted lay leaders and clergy throughout our diocese.” The purpose of this resolution is to ensure that those activities and resources needed to conduct the Episcopal Transition “between sessions” can be scheduled in a timely manner.

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Presented by: Dave Thomson, 1st Vice President, Diocesan Council

The Rev. Dr. Ellen Cook, President, The Standing Committee

Bishop Breidenthal announces retirement In a letter addressed to the diocese, Bishop Breidenthal announced September 18 that he would retire effective the First Sunday of Advent, November 29, 2020. The text of the letter is included below: Dear Friends in Christ, As many of you know, I have been spending time in a skilled nursing facility to regain my ability to walk after a long hospitalization. I am regaining my strength and am beginning to walk unaided. For that I am very grateful to God and to all who have been praying for me. I am confident that I will be able to return to normal life sooner than later.

However, this experience has also given me much opportunity for reflection. It has become clear that it is time for me to retire, so that I can see to my own longterm health, and more importantly so that I can devote my attention to my family. To that end, I will officially retire as your Bishop on the First Sunday of Advent (November 29). There are many details to address but rest assured that the Presiding Bishop’s office in conjunction with the Standing Committee will ensure a timely and smooth transition.

Please know that it has been such an honor to serve with you these past 13 years. Our journey has been filled with many accomplishments and our fair share of disappointments. In all this, I firmly believe, that our faith in the Lord has been strong and sincere, and that He will continue to make all things new. You are a wonderful diocese and I look forward to hearing about the good news from the Diocese of Southern Ohio for many years to come.

Faithfully, (The Rt. Rev.) Thomas E. Breidenthal, D. Phil Bishop of Southern Ohio

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Honoring our ninth bishop Bishop Breidenthal will retire on the First Sunday of Advent, November 29. Ways for us to safely say our goodbyes to Bishop Tom and his wife, Margaret, are still in the planning stages, but we offer here a few snapshots to look back on his 13 years with us as our chief pastor, leader and friend.

Thomas Edward Breidenthal is consecrated as ninth bishop of Southern Ohio on April 28, 2007.

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Chief Pastor: Bishop Breidenthal censes the altar at Christ Church Cathedral during celebration of the Eucharist at the 143rd annual convention.

r young hing some of ou ac te l ha nt de ei Br er.

Teacher: Bishop ation Camp at Procter Cent irm nf Co at le op pe

Preacher: Bishop Breidenthal is well known for his animated preaching style.

A theologian (Walter Bruegemann), a bishop and a priest (the Rev. Jane Gerdsen) walked into a bar in 2013 ... and had a great conversation.

bles to newly ents presents bi dinations in June es pr l ha nt de Bishop Brei s earliest or ons in one of hi ordained deac 2007.

Bishop Breidenthal gathered the diocese in a "tent of meeting" at Procter Center for the Exodus Convocation in 2017.

Bishop Breident ha leaders, cuts the l, alongside city and Avondale ribbon at the gr co and opening of mmunity Gabriel's Place.

Servant leader: Bishop Breidenthal often volunteered at the cathedral's Maundy Thursday Sole Clinic, washing the feet of God's children among us.

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S ories

from the Episcopal Church in Southern Ohio

You never know what another person will take away from a story you tell Share your story or learn from others at EpiscopaliansInConnection.org/Stories

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ECM: Episcopalians addressing needs through connection Andrea Owens Can one person make a difference when issues are so challenging, and the need is so great? Every single person can have a significant impact on many lives by having faith in the goodness of God and the goodness of people. We all “can do” when the one becomes many.

For several years the Episcopal Community Services Foundation (ECSF), a 501c non-profit, was a major source of grants for southern Ohio congregational outreach ministries.

In January 2020 ECSF transitioned to Episcopal Community Ministries (ECM), eliminating the financial burden of operating as a To donate, visit separate foundation. Organizational the ECM website: and administrative services are now ECMSouthernOhio. handled by the ECM committee with org. You can find the support from the bishop’s operations tab to donate online staff. As a result, every dollar of right at the top of contributions to ECM go to assisting the page. Checks people in need. may also be sent to While reconfigured structurally, the Episcopal Community Ministries, c/o Diocese core mission remains the same: “to of Southern Ohio, inspire and support each other in the 412 Sycamore Street, living out of our Baptismal Covenant Cincinnati, OH 45202. through active, generous, and committed congregations and their outward-looking ministries.” Using the power of our collective community, ECM funds local outreach ministries who are in the best position to assess and respond to community needs. Each grant awarded is administered by the recipient church.

The Rev. Joanna Leiserson, who serves on the ECM committee and the Diocesan Council, has a unique perspective of serving as interim rector or transitional priest in five different churches in the diocese. She has personally witnessed ECM’s expansive influence. “ECSF, now ECM, has provided critical outreach assistance to all of the churches I have served, big and small, depending on their needs. It fills an important role in helping parishes to lift up their communities in the ways that they are able and that their budgets allow. This means that the help for smaller parishes may consist of money to keep alive the only food pantry in the

Volunteers load food into a neighbor's car at Church of the Good Samaritan's food pantry to-go. neighborhood.”

She adds, “But for larger churches with more resources, ECM has funded ministries with more long-term goals such as emergency rental and utility assistance for struggling neighbors. So, every donation to ECM contributes to the wellbeing of communities all over Southern Ohio, at every level of human need from food and clothing to jobs and homes. Its wide-ranging reach, to churches and communities large and small, is why I so strongly support ECM.” In many of the ECM applications and reports, parishioners write that their outreach ministries are the literal and figurative embodiment of Jesus’ call to ‘love your neighbor.’ Kris Sexton, director of Christ Church, Dayton’s City Heart ministry, observed that their emergency relief ministry has become the face of the Episcopal Church in their beleaguered community. The Rev. Seth Wymer describes St. Paul’s Logan’s feeding ministry, as “a beacon of hope” for over thirty years, giving them a sense of relevance and purpose in the community, blessed to share what they have with those in need.

The Rev. Dr. Ellen Cook, ECM chair, uses her experience on the ECSF board to nurture ECM’s evolution. She values the spiritual growth and fulfillment parishioners get from sharing their blessings with others. “I have seen first-hand how ministries funded with ECM's help have transformed lives – both those participating as people receiving the ser-

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Volunteers socially distance while distributing the food at Church of Our Saviour/La Iglesia de Nuestro Salvadore.

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vices, and those offering the services to others.”

Peter Tennant, who shepherds the ever-expanding food ministry at Good Samaritan, Amelia, is a testament to the joy of giving. The community meal program volunteers adapted to meet COVID-19 safety protocols by creating a food pantry to-go. The inspiration that got them moving came from Senior Warden Nancy St. Clair, who refused to accept the idea that they had to shut down their food ministry because they could not hold community dinners during the pandemic. Her determination got them all thinking a bit outside the box and led to their drive-up pantry.

They started in March filling 20 bags, somewhat disappointed by the sparse turnout compared to their previous community meals. As news of the pantry grew in their community, so did the numbers of families that showed up the last Friday of every month. The number of volunteers also grew with the need. Members of this small congregation share news of store sales to fill in gaps in the communal shopping list as they gather food, cleaning products and personal care items for their guests. These intrepid problem solvers have formed coalitions with other ministries in the area, sharing know-how and resources. Peter sent this reflection after their last distribution in August:

Early this morning I took time to think about our food distribution last night and all that made it possible. We served over 50 families, by far the largest number for our monthly distributions. We were able to do this because of the efforts of many, but also because we heard that another church was distributing food, and we were led to reach out to them. We met some wonderful Christians at Pierce Point Community Church; they shared some of their bounty and told us about Master Provisions. We contacted Master Provisions and met another group of wonderful Christians. They provided us with meat and produce at a cost of 12 cents a pound. When we brought the food back to our church, we had a large turnout of our members to help prepare the food for distribution – and, on Friday evening, seven of us worked non-stop for two hours to distribute the food. I can see and feel God's hand in all of this – but just to make sure I know who is in charge, the following readings and meditation came up for today: Matthew 25:31-46.

God is good all the time.

Emails fly back and forth daily as the growing team reports progress building each month’s inventory. Their collaboration with Master Provisions has empowered them to expand beyond the non-perishables they originally distributed, includ-

ing produce, frozen meats, juice and bread. The growth of their program necessitated adding additional shelving to their storeroom and purchasing a bigger freezer (on sale, naturally), using restricted church funds earmarked for their outreach ministry.

ECM grant money cannot be used for capital improvements or equipment, and Good Samaritan uses their ECM funds to purchase food and containers. These good Samaritans are already planning to top 50 family boxes this month and on September 16 they were excited to prepare lunch for the volunteers at Master Provisions. The opportunity to serve, and to exemplify their faith in action, has been a transformative experience for this congregation, energized by finding resourceful ways to deal with food scarcity issues in their community. Deacon Barb Schmitt, when learning the food pantry team was adding inspirational readings to the care bags, summed up the contagious joy of generosity. “I thank you all for being a part of Good Samaritan but more importantly a part of Christ's ministry. I am so blessed to have you all in my life!”

Many congregations depend on ECM to hearten their lifechanging work. The Rev. Paula Jackson, rector of Church of Our Saviour, Cincinnati, responded to news of grants awarded to their Food Ministry and Transformación CDC with great joy and relief. “Thank you so much for your confidence in our ministry.” When Church of the Advent, Cincinnati, received a grant for their Open Door ministry, their now retired Priest in Charge, the Rev. Stacy Salles said, “You have showed us one of the ways that God still is with us in these very crazy times.”

Funds provided by ECM grants are not only a financial lifeline, but crucial psychological and spiritual support for people serving on the front lines in some of our most economically devastated neighborhoods. These grants are made possible because of donations from Episcopalians from all over the diocese, a tangible demonstration to marginalized communities that they are not alone, and that their work is seen and valued.

To receive an ECM grant during the annual grant cycle, ministries must address a community issue, working to help our southern Ohio neighbors overcome life’s challenges; projects that address systemic issues are prioritized. The outreach ministry must demonstrate congregational commitment through direct financial support and active participation by church members.

This year the COVID-19 pandemic created unprecedented need, especially in communities who struggle in the best of times. Although many outreach ministries found innovative ways to safely continue serving their neighbors, their limited resources were stretched to the breaking point. The diocese responded quickly to the medical and economic crisis by providing emergency COVID-19 funding, establishing an

emergency fund administered by ECM to help congregations continue their ministries as the crisis escalated. Every contribution to ECM was matched by the William Cooper Procter Fund. Outreach ministries that focus on food insecurity, housing and emergency assistance can still apply for an emergency grant. The application process was streamlined to make it easier and faster for ministries to apply.

Most of our donations are from a small group of individual benefactors and congregations who continue to generously support the organization’s mission since the beginning of ECSF. Jerome Stein, a frequent contributor for nearly a decade wrote, “I am humbled to be a part of this most Christlike campaign that addresses so many of the dire needs in our community.” One anonymous donor commented, “God has blessed me and my family. I hope this gift will pass these blessings on to others." Jon Boss, president of the Trustees of the Diocese, observed, “This is part of our being connected with one another as members of the Diocese of Southern Ohio – 'connecting the dots' by sharing our blessings.” Together, our donors make a real difference as their gifts are funneled to outreach ministries big and small all over Southern Ohio.

But they cannot continue to do it alone. ECM needs your help to help our churches help their neighbors. These generous and heartful donations cannot keep pace with escalating needs. In 2019 ECM received applications totaling $86,000 in 2020 funding requests from outreach ministries, yet was only able to award $47,000 to 25 outreach ministries in early 2020 due to the limited funds. The ECM committee made some very difficult decisions about how to stretch available money as far as possible, and many ministries received only partial funding.

During the pandemic crisis, ECM has focused efforts on emergency relief funding, awarding $17,200 in emergency grants to six outreach ministries in April. An additional three grants totaling $7,000 will be awarded in September.

The grant application process for 2021 opened in September and grants will be distributed in February 2021. ECM needs your help to increase funding in order to assist these outreach programs, many of those who are affected financially by the pandemic but who continue to do the good work that they do.

Together we can make a difference.

Andrea Owens serves as the staff administrative assistant to ECM. Connect with her at aowens@diosohio.org.

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2020 Society of St. Simeon and St. Anna Julie Murray, Connections editor Six of the “more seasoned” members of our diocese were inducted into the Society of St. Simeon and St. Anna in an online ceremony on September 15. Each year, the diocese recognizes and honors the exemplary ministries of our older members through induction into the Society, which celebrates the wisdom, experience, maturity, and achievements of persons who are at least 60 years of age and Episcopalians for 15 or more years.

Plans for the annual spring induction ceremony and luncheon were thwarted by the COVID-19 pandemic, but diocesan Affirmative Aging liaisons, the Revs. Greg and Margaret Sammons and Bishop Breidenthal’s executive assistant, Ann Sabo, were determined to give the 2020 honorees some sort of special celebration of the recognition. The honorees, Society members, friends and family gathered in a Zoom meeting that began with a slide show compiled by diocesan IT Director Tammie Vanoss, followed

by Morning Prayer led by Bishop Price. The Revs. Sammons then introduced each inductee and shared a bit of their nominations, submitted by people from their congregations or elsewhere in the diocese. Official certificates and Society pins were mailed to each recipient.

The newest members of the Society of St. Simeon and St. Anna (Class of 2020) are Cathy Bagot of Trinity, Newark; Lissa Barker and Roy Barker of St. Patrick’s, Dublin; Joanne Earley and Ruth Hazel of Christ Church, Xenia; and Randy Young of St. Paul’s, Dayton. Congratulations to all of the inductees, and a heartfelt thank you for your years of ministry among us!

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The Society of Saint simeon and Saint Anna of the Diocese of Southern Ohio

To All toWhom These Presents Come:

Ruth Hazel is inducted into the Society of Saint Simeon and Saint Anna + Like Saint Simeon this person has offered us the consolation of God through difficult times. + Like Saint Anna this person has inspired us to believe in a liberation that is always fresh and alive with new hope. + As a member of the Society, the Diocese recognizes, honors and celebrates the wisdom, experience, maturity and achievement demonstrated in faithful witness to Christ and through ministry as an Episcopalian to family, church, community, nation and the world.

InWitness to the positive image of aging, I have set my hand this 15th day of September in the Year of our Lord 2020, and in the 14th year of my consecration.

The Rt. Rev. Thomas E. Breidenthal Bishop of Southern Ohio

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Food for the Soul A love story The Rev. Anne Reed

Once upon a time in the land of Glendale, in a place called the Transfiguration Spirituality Center, there worked a gentle group of people who cooked while others retreated. These kind people enjoyed their work enormously and delighted in creating delicious meals for the guests who visited.

One day in March an ogre called COVID (now known as COgre) came to the land, and the retreat house had to be closed to guests and the kitchen was shut down for all but ‘carry out’ meals. The amazing kitchen staff was bereft of their regular duties.

There was also in the land of Glendale the Community of the Transfiguration, a group of Sisters who loved all the people who worked for them. When the COgre appeared, they spent hours in meetings discovering ways to keep their beloved staff from being furloughed. The kind Sisters arranged for the gentle people from the Spirituality Center to work in the Sisters’ kitchen a few days a week. As time went on, however, the longing for the Spirituality Center staff to be back in their own kitchen never went away.

The COgre had spread its terror far and wide.

In the nearby land of Lincoln Heights, in a place called St. Monica’s, a loving group of people (who were also connected with the Sisters) began handing out meals to the neighbors. One day, two angels named Mary and Michael, (Mary Lewis Knight, TSC Operations Manager and Michael Pearl, Executive Director of St. Monica’s Recreation Center in Lincoln Heights) visited the Sisters and suggested that the TSC workers who longed to prepare food could be invited to provide meals once a week to the people in nearby Lincoln Heights, who needed the food.

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The Spirituality Center Kitchen staff, Matthew McGuire, Codi Jackson, LaShawnda Cofield, Liza Wilford and Cecil Williams, are joined by the Rev. Anne Reed in boxing up meals to go.

The Sisters agreed to support this effort, and Food for the Soul was born. Soon, the workers who created wonderful meals were doing so for 250 people every Tuesday.

News of the delicious food being available from TSC spread throughout the surrounding countryside, and others began to ask if meals could be provided for them too. At every turn, the generous Sisters supported the requests for meals. And the TSC workers have been busy every day with meal preparation for one group or another.

With the COgre still in the area, it is impossible to know when the gentle, kind people of the TSC kitchen will be able to prepare meals for those who come on retreats…not until January 2021 at the earliest. But in the meantime, Food for the Soul is operating at full steam*, and the gentle people are again enjoying preparing meals for happy eaters.

The End

*Groups being served as of August 3: St. Monica’s Recreation Center (weekly), Lower Price Hill United Methodist Ministry Group (twice a month), Tender Mercies (once a month), Fairfield Food Pantry (weekly), and City Gospel Mission [Cincinnati] (once a month).

HOPE in the midst of a pandemic The Rev. Anne Reed So much of daily life has been put on ‘hold’ during the COVID-19 crisis. Even those who were looking forward to taking possession of a new home through Habitat for Humanity found their dreams deferred for a time because building had to cease. Volunteers who spent their free Saturdays working on rehabilitating old houses or building new ones alongside prospective Habitat homebuyers were sidelined by the pandemic.

In the midst of it all, the Habitat for Humanity of Greater Cincinnati affiliate has stayed connected with expectant homeowners and coalition volunteers, so that when the building could resume, we could all come together to finish and dedicate new homes for families.

The HOPE Coalition in Cincinnati was the vision of the Rev. Jason Leo, then Rector of Calvary Church, Clifton. As a long-time volunteer with Habitat, Jason met with leaders from several Cincinnati churches to create a coalition of volunteers to work with the local Habitat affiliate. At its inception, it included both Episcopal and Presbyterian churches.

One of the unique things about the HOPE Coalition is that it is one of only a few coalition partners that is willing to go where the work is; many coalitions focus on specific neighborhoods or sections of town. HOPE Coalition volunteers have helped build houses in several Cincinnati communities over the years: Northside, Price Hill, Hartwell, Lower Price Hill, and Lincoln Heights. Some of our volunteers have ventured into Erlanger in Northern Kentucky.

As a coalition, we are not only versatile in our location, but we are versatile in how we extend a helping hand.

From the beginning of our collaboration, not only do we provide builders, but knowing that every church couldn’t always provide volunteers to pound a hammer or lift a paint brush, we asked each church to take a weekend several times during the build season and provide lunch for the workers on site. In many cases, going out to find lunch can stall the momentum of a build, and our churches have provided amazing lunches to the volunteers who were present on any given Saturday. This has provided an opportunity to volunteers who do not feel physically up to being on the build site to provide support to their Habitat builders.

All the participating congregations* not only provide volunteer hours through a variety of means, they also provide financial support to Habitat for Humanity of Greater Cincinnati.

We are still experiencing the pandemic, and many volunteer

opportunities have ‘dried up’ during this season. Because the people of HOPE Coalition are eager and willing to serve, as a coalition partner, we have been able to get back to building. It is strange to wear a face mask all the time, but we do it. It is strange to wear gloves all the time, but we do it. It is strange to have to limit our numbers on a site, but we do it. And we miss our lunch crews terribly, but we know providing lunches isn’t part of the protocols either.

So, although we may not be able to live into the fullest expression of who we are as HOPE Coalition, we are back to bringing a house to life, and working alongside homeowners who have a dream. *Current HOPE Coalition partner churches: Ascension and Holy Trinity, Wyoming; Church of the Advent, Walnut Hills; Calvary, Clifton; Christ Church Cathedral, Cincinnati; Christ Church, Glendale; St. Andrew’s, Evanston The Rev. Anne Reed is a deacon serving Christ Church, Glendale, and St. Andrew’s, Evanston, and is also the executive director of the Transfiguration Spirituality Center. She somehow finds time in her schedule to be a frequent volunteer at HOPE Coalition builds for Habitat for Humanity.

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The former St. Simon's Elementary School building now houses the St. Monica's Recreation Center, a ministry of the Community of the Transfiguration.

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Inspired by a nun, teacher returns home and gives back

Mike Eck “Where there is no vision, the people perish.”

Proverbs 29:18 This is the story about a woman taught and mentored as a child by a nun, returning home and giving back to her home community of Lincoln Heights. Following a distinguished career in the academic world, Pat Leigh decided to move back to greater Cincinnati to live closer to her mother. Her move from Ames, Iowa is now complete. The next chapter in her journey through life is just beginning.

In the late summer of 2019, a friend of a friend, both fellow alumni of Princeton High School, told me about a book called Fly in the Ointment. Stunned by the reality of the story of segregation in the 1950s and desegregation in the 1970s within the communities that make up my high school, I was inspired to find the author. I googled “Patricia Randolph Leigh” and found her on the faculty page of Iowa State University. We exchanged emails and talked by phone in November 2019.

I met Pat in person pre-pandemic and we have become friends virtually and spiritually. Pat and I are now collaborating on a reprint of Fly in the Ointment, as we reach

Sister Althea Augustine the 50-year anniversary of the story told. I have learned about her advocacy of Critical Race Theory (CRT) and how it can be used to see unknown truths of society and culture. CRT explains through counter-storytelling experiences of racial oppression, and suggests “win – win” scenarios become reality when the interests of the dominate race are met.

Patricia Randolph Leigh grew up in Lincoln Heights, a suburb of Cincinnati. She attended St. Simon's Elementary School in the 1950s, an elementary school then affiliated with St. Simon of Cyrene Episcopal Church and a mission of the Community of the Transfiguration in Glendale.

Sister Althea Augustine of the Community of the Transfiguration was one of Pat's teachers, her mentor and her godmother.

Pat graduated from Our Lady of Angels High School (now Roger Bacon High School) in 1963. She eventually received her doctorate in curriculum and instructional technology from Iowa State University.

Now retired after over 20 years as a professor at Iowa State, she brings home to southwest Ohio a gentle demeanor, many accomplishments and passionate intentions.

“Sister Althea was the only African/ Black American nun in the Glendale Episcopalian Community and was one of the nuns who taught in the St. Simon’s School. (She was) my fifth-grade science teacher,” said Pat. “After the closing of the school, she continued to be committed to the children of Lincoln Heights and the St. Monica projects that served them from those original buildings and properties.

She was also interested in the latest computer technologies, which were often gifted to her by friends of the Community. Each time I would visit my family in Lincoln Heights, we would

lthea ister A S g n u A yo Patricia Randolph Leigh, while a student at St. Simon's School. make efforts to meet for lunch and then have tutorial sessions at the convent. I would share my knowledge on laptops, iPads, and various applications.

Because of her love of technology and appreciation of how it can enrich and change lives in positive ways, and her love of the people in the Lincoln Heights community, (I have established) a new technology center that bears her name.”

The Althea Augustine Technology Learning Center (AATLC), Inc. was incorporated as a nonprofit organization in the state of Ohio in February 2018 and in March 2019 was declared as tax exempt by the IRS under section 501(c)(3). The AATLC was established to implement a vision for a 21st century technology center for children, adults and seniors in the community of Lincoln

Heights.

Lincoln Heights is a historically African American community and nearly 42% of its residents live in poverty.

Lincoln Heights struggles to overcome the effects of the well-documented segregation and racial discrimination that spawned the village, when valuable industrial property on which Black residents lived was denied to the village of Lincoln Heights and given to adjacent white communities.

Without a strong tax base, this disenfranchised community has historically been under-served and economically oppressed, and its population is still predominantly Black.

The vision of the Center is simple: to close gaps and disparities in educational resources and opportunities for Lincoln Heights residents of all ages. This vision is very close to becoming a reality and could use some help to equip the Center for Phase 1 of implementation at the St. Monica’s Recreation Center (formerly St. Simon’s School). The AATLC is registered to solicit contributions in Ohio and can receive unsolicited contributions from anywhere in the United States. For more information contact: Patricia R. Leigh, President Althea Augustine Technology Learning Center 10022 Chester Road Lincoln Heights, Ohio 45215-1505 patleigh@altheatlc.com 515.520.0775 Mike Eck graduated from Princeton High School in 1972. Following a 40+ year career in Information Technology sales, he is active in the food justice movement and volunteers at VITALITY Cincinnati and Gorman Heritage Farm.

Mike and his wife Denise are members of Christ Church, Glendale.

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Solar panels and the path to Becoming Beloved Community Catherine Duffy

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Justin Kale of Energility on the flat roof of Ascension and Holy Trinity, in Wyoming’s Victorian historic district. Panels on this flat roof would be invisible from the street.

The way of Becoming Beloved Community is a path toward racial justice – one where historical wrongs against a group of people, based solely on their race, are made right. It is a path along which healing and reconciliation can occur so that all people can live in the full dignity and abundance of God. The difficult work of creating Beloved Community is done for and by all people, even those who have not been harmed by historical systemic racial injustice, for they forsake true abundance when others of different races suffer needlessly.

The term “environmental racism” was coined in the 1980s as faith leaders in the United Church of Christ began to say out loud, publicly, that toxic waste burial sites were more likely to be in poor, minority neighborhoods. As global climate change has accelerated over the last several decades, the two issues have intersected into one of Climate Injustice – the burden of environmental degradation that is disproportionately borne by those in poor and minority communities.

Traditional sources of electricity (from which our region gets approximately 60% of its power) release fine particulate matter into the air, increasing pollution. African Americans, both middle class and poor, are far more likely to live in areas with high

levels of air pollution than whites of the same economic status.

Additionally, other byproducts from the burning of fossil fuels contribute to global warming and lead to rising sea levels.

Currently, more than 600 million people globally, (around 10% of the world’s population) live within 10 meters of sea level. As oceans rise and storms get stronger, we create a potential tsunami of climate refugees who, through little fault of their own, will find their homelands to be uninhabitable.

A group of seven Episcopalians from across the diocese first met in July 2019 as a response to the call of Beloved Community to heal creation so all people may live abundantly.

We began to explore the possibility of linking the congregations in our diocese together into a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) that would allow for the installation and bulk purchase of solar power at no cost to the participating churches. More likely than not, participating churches will see a decrease in their electric bills for the life of the agreement. More important, however, is that the churches commit to using power that is generated from a renewable resource, decreasing dependence on fossil fuels as well as the development of greenhouse gases, pollution and related health issues.

Decreasing our participation in environmentally destructive systems will at minimum limit the harm we do to the most vulnerable among us and take us a step closer to fulfilling God’s call to Beloved Community. Currently, 31 congregations and the Procter Center have stepped forward with a desire to be evaluated for participation in this project. Not all sites will be feasible for solar power, yet we are deeply encouraged about the resounding “yes” we have heard to this call, affirming our desire to stand against environmental injustice.

As we consider the day where we might begin installation of solar panels on church properties across the diocese, we remember the way that Beloved Community announces itself in our liturgies. The Lord’s Prayer, taught to us by our Savior Jesus Christ, tells us that God’s true vision is for that of abundance now, here, before we arrive at the final feast of eternal life: “Thy Kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” God wants us to have a Beloved Community here, now. God’s vision is one where we all have clean water, fresh air, and access to the abounding beauty of this earth.

God wants this vision to become reality, beginning with the buildings that we created as houses for worship – they must be reflections of God’s most beautiful kingdom.

The power we consume should be renewable, clean, and do the least possible harm to those around us. Solar panels on our church buildings will reflect to the world that the Beloved Community is coming to the Episcopal Church and that we are making a commitment to use our resources for those who have for too long been harmed by environmental injustice.

All Saints, Pleasant Ridge, Senior Warden Tom Carter and Justin Kale of Energility, evaluate the building for solar panel placement. All Saints has replaced its ancient gas-fired furnace with several electric heating-cooling units. After severe storm damage earlier this year, the parish is using insurance money to replace this flat roof, over the education wing. Large trees which shaded the roof were also damaged in the storm and were cut down.

Catherine Duffy is a member of Solarize Ohio, a project led by a dedicated team of Episcopalians united around a vision of bringing an affordable renewable energy source to Episcopal properties across Ohio through a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA). Connect with them at solardiosoh@gmail.com.

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With no idea that a global pandemic was looming on the horizon, the diocese in November 2019 kicked off the Connect the Dots initiative as a way to encourage Episcopalians around the diocese to connect, share stories and learn from each other. A monetary “prize” was included to sweeten the deal - $1,000 for the outreach ministries of the congregation with the winning entry, plus the chance to designate $1,000 to the outreach ministry of a congregation visited. Originally scheduled to end in May, the enterprise was extended to November 2020 since so many of our opportunities to connect were thwarted by COVID-19. The bishop will now draw the winning entry for the Connect the Dots initiative at our annual convention on Nov. 7.

Here are just a few of the “virtual postcards” we received during the past months of Connect the Dots. Thank you to all who participated in this fun little endeavor and good luck to all the entries!

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There is still time to share your connection stories and enter for a chance to win some money for your congregation! Visit DSOConnectthedots.org to submit your story. Entries will be accepted until Nov. 1.

While “Connect the Dots, the contest” may be coming to an end, hopefully an eagerness and desire to come together from one place to another to learn and share will continue long into our future.

One way that we can share so that others may learn is through Stories, a new section of the diocesan website devoted to telling the stories of our ministries in this part of God’s Kingdom. Several recent entries were reprinted here in this issue of Connections. But you don’t have to wait until the next issue of Connections for more; you can read others’ stories as well as submit your own 24/7/365. Check it out at EpiscopaliansInConnection. org/stories.

Members o f Ascensio n & Holy T St. Barnab rinity, Chris as joined th t Church G e p eople of St. January 19 lendale, and Simon of C and stayed yrene for w for lunch an session. Th orship on d a Becom e St. Simon ing Beloved Gospel Cho service and Community ir provided we all enjoy moving mus ed having lu Patrick Br ic during the nch togethe idges and D r. Guest sp erek Peeble I think we g e a s k ers Cherie facilitated s ained a sen mall group se of conn space, sittin c o n e c v t ersations. io g in the pew n. I felt that s, confirme meeting in conversatio th d the sense ns. It also fe of God’s pre e church lt that shar breaking do s ence in our ing a meal wn barriers together fir and making s t fa cilitated people feel more conne cted.

PEGGY S ST. SIMO ANCHEZ N OF CYR , ENE, LIN COLN HE IGHTS

In the age of Covid-19 distancing, it was terrific to visit with and be comforted by the Vespers service conducted online by ta Fr. Seth at St. John’s in Lancaster. Wha blessing this service is, and it is so encouraging to see this congregation branching out with technology to continue connecting r. dots with Ohioans and others from all ove RON DOWLING, CHRIST CHURCH, SPRINGFIELD

I attended th e Our Lady Albany – c of Guadalu o-sponsore pe Celebrat d b y ion at All S S It began wit t. Andrew’s aints, New h ethnic da , P ic k e r in gton. What ncers dress cally for the a e jo d yful worship in colorful c celebration. ! ostumes de The service Even thoug s , ig in n c ed specifih my smatt luding music ering of hig , was prima interesting h school Sp rily in Span to note how a ish. nish is long familiar the Fr. Jason P fo c rg adence and otten it was rati’s sermo movement n was deliv for the larg of the liturg ered in Eng e number o y was. lish and tra f Spanish-s n excellent – s la te p e d a in k ing participa to Spanish every bit as nts. The inte good as th The service r p re e ter was P was followe residing Bis rant with m d by a won h o p ’s in te rpreter! usical acco derful meal mpaniment provided by by a Maria a lo all of us to cal restauchi band an visit and de d an opport epen the de unity for veloping co mmunity.

CATHY B AGOT, TRINITY, NEWARK

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ion & with Ascens We partner lpming with he o y W , y it n ri Holy T pitality terfaith Hos In e th h it w ing Church, N) at Christ H (I rk o tw e N c. 11. elped on De Glendale. I h humeless was a m o h e th g Feedin nce. bling experie S, L THOMA L E N R O C NE, OF CYRE N O IM S .

ST HEIGHTS LINCOLN

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CONNECTIONS The official publication of the Diocese of Southern Ohio www.diosohio.org

The Rt. Rev. Thomas E. Breidenthal, Publisher Julie Murray, Editor Amy Svihlik, Designer Dave Caudill, Copy editor

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Send submissions to jmurray@ diosohio.org.

CONNECTIONS is published two times per year by the Diocese of Southern Ohio, 412 Sycamore Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202-4179.

This publication is funded by mission share payments to the diocesan operating budget and is available at no charge to all members of Episcopal congregations in the Diocese of Southern Ohio. Other subscriptions are $10 annually.

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