C024 Diocesan Assessments to the Wider Church
Resolved, the House of Bishops concurring,
That the 81st General Convention approve an assessment formula (Canon I.4.6.b) for the of period January 1, 2025 through December 31, 2027 based on a single assessment of each diocese. In each year, 2025-2027, the diocesan total adjusted operating income, as reported in the annual diocesan financial report (Canon I.4.6.i and Canon I.6.4) for the year two years prior to the year to which the assessment is applied [e.g., 2025 assessments are to be based on 2023-2024 actual income figures], shall be reduced by a $200,000 exemption. A single assessment shall be applied to the remaining amount (balance) at a flat rate of 13.5%; and be it further
Resolved, That the 2025-2027 Episcopal Church budget shall be adjusted and managed as set forth in the Canons, Rules of Order, and Executive Council policies and procedures; and be it further
Resolved, That the 81st General Convention of the Episcopal Church ask Executive Council to set a plan for lowering the diocesan assessment to 10% by 2033.”
Explanation
Whereas, in our post-COVID and ever-changing world, more and more congregations’ budgets are feeling the strains of ministry – from building maintenance to appropriate ministry staff to rising healthcare costs;
And Whereas, now more than ever, it is crucial to keep more resources within localities so that ministry can thrive on the congregational and diocesan level;
Be it resolved, that the 202nd meeting of the Convention of the Diocese of Georgia submit the following resolution to the 81st General Convention of the Episcopal Church;