February 11, 2014 Meeting Summary

Episcopal Diocese of Rhode Island
Minutes of the Standing Committee Meeting
February 11, 2014 

The regular monthly meeting of the Standing Committee (SC) was called to order by The Rev. Anita Schell at 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, February 11, 2014 in the Higgins Room at Diocesan House.

In attendance: The Right Reverend Nicholas Knisely, The Rev. Anita Schell, President of the Standing Committee, The Reverend James Bocchino, The Rev., Michael Coburn, Mrs. Lora MacFall, Mr. William Plumb, Mr. F. Leon Sibielski, and Mr. Dennis E. Stark.

Absent:  The Rev. Kevin Lloyd.

Bishop Knisely led the SC in opening prayer.

A motion was made, seconded, and approved to accept the following items:
·       the Summary of the Minutes of the Meeting of November 12, 2013
·       the Minutes of the Meeting of January 14, 2014
·       the Summary of the Minutes of the Meeting of January 14, 2014

A motion was made, seconded, and approved by the SC to table until its March meeting a request by St. Thomas to approve the adoption of their amended bylaws pending further corrections to the copy received.

A motion was made, seconded, and approved by the SC to table until its March meeting a request by the Vestry and Rector of Grace Church to transfer ownership of Grace Church Cemetery (intersection of Broad Street and Elmwood Avenue) to the Gateway Cemetery Company.

A motion was made, seconded, and approved by the SC to assign to St. Augustine’s the status of Mission Congregation in the Diocese of Rhode Island, and to introduce them to the resources available in the Diocese to support their congregation’s mission and ministry to the students, faculty, and staff of the University of Rhode Island.

A motion was made, seconded, and approved by the SC to approve the Lease Agreement between the Diocese of Rhode Island and Hallworth Outpatient Rehabilitation Center.

Discussion took place about a Bylaw Template and Bylaw Checklist
·       The template being an attempt by the former Chancellor at providing congregations with a format that was compliant with RI corporate law and the National Canons
·       The checklist being an attempt by the present Chancellor at providing congregations with a list of the necessary items to be contained in their by-laws
·       The need to encourage congregations to review their by-laws

Bishop Knisely then entered into conversation with the SC presenting several informational items to them for their input.

The Rev. James Bocchino led the SC in closing prayer.

Meeting adjourned at 6:10 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

F. Leon Sibielski, Secretary