Most Anglicans are very familiar with the Book of Common Prayer, the order of Sunday Services, Special Holiday Services, and rituals of the Anglican tradition. In fact, most can recite, along with the Priest, those portions of the Liturgy which are familiar to all, as well as Common prayers which are recited every Sunday. Few, however, have knowledge of the governance of the Anglican Church. The purpose of this article is to generally describe the function of this governing body. To ensure consistency of belief, worship, rules, guidelines, and ritual throughout, each Diocese has one central body referred to as the Standing Committee (or Board of Directors/Vestry) of the Anglican Diocese of the South (ADOTS). The Standing Committee also handles the business of the Diocese through various committees. The Diocese consists of approximately fifty Churches and Missions. Membership on the Committee is comprised of Clergy and Lay Persons from throughout the Diocese.
Additionally, the Standing Committee asks your prayerful consideration to personally serve or to nominate a fellow church member willing to serve on this all-important Governing Body for a term of three years. All that is required is a willingness to serve. Nominated individuals must be a canonically resident Clergy or a Lay Communicant (Confirmed Communicate for Standing and Constitution and Canons committees) in good standing.
The Committees are:
. Standing Committee: Board of Directors, “Vestry” of the Diocese as described above
. Ecclesiastical Court: administers and interprets the Constitution and Canons of the Diocese and may represent the Diocese in legal matters.
. Constitution and Canons: ensures ADOTS and Provincial Anglican Church of North America (ACNA) Constitution and Canons are administered consistently and uniformly. It also reviews and recommends changes as circumstances may require.
. Nominating Committee: Solicits reviews and recommends nominees for membership.
. Finance Committee: Assists and works with Treasurer on all financial matters, including preparation of Annual Budget, Audits, and periodic financial reports and status, investments, and insurance matters.
The Standing Committee kindly asks for your help filling open seats for 2023. Please consider participating along with those who are already serving. It is a unique and rewarding experience. Also, you may wish to nominate other members of your Church. Nominating form and detailed description of each Committee’s work can be found at www.adots.org/nominations.
The term length for all Committees is three years. The Standing Committee meetings are held six (6) times per year: three in-person and three virtual meetings. All other committees meet virtually as required. Travel to and from meetings is limited. Nominees are presented to the Diocesan Synod (conference) in November. Terms begin at the close of the annual Synod.
Please refer any questions to your Rector or RC Rover, ADOTS Nominating Committee Chair.
rcrover@gmail.com
678 386 5090