The 213th Annual Council - Diocese of Virginia

Proceedings
Clergy Formation, and is covered in line F1h, and this is more of a name change than
anything else. Category G, non-administrative expenses of Mayo House, was adjusted
downward by $525, as most of these are fixed, or nearly fixed, expenses. Category H,
bishops, communications, staff and support, was adjusted downward by $20,455, and
most of that adjustment was in professional fees. We will be rolling this adjustment into
the line of credit expenses already in place. This $20,000 is not a great addition to the line
of credit used, but it makes a greater impact to the programmatic work, and this offset
will allow us to continue funding other line items.
Total adjustments to expenses were $66,001, which results in a balanced budget for 2008
of $4,794,764. I want to point out the adjustments made were not due to bad news, but to
the fact that back in December we neglected to add that $70,000 of interest expense to the
total for expenses. The good news is that this year’s budget represents an increase over
2007 of $278,957. That’s just over 6 percent. Thank you all for your support of our common
life and our common missions and ministries.
Bishop, the Committee moves for adoption of the 2008 budget as presented.
The president called for discussion.
The president recognized the Rev. Laura Lockey, Harrisonburg, Episcopal Campus
ministries, who voiced disappointment in line item C3, which called for a reduction of
the Shrine Mont Camps scholarship budget. Ms. Lockey asked how many people had
been to or been involved with a church camp, and noted that the 5.7 percent decrease was
a huge hit, and that the youth must have camp as part of their spiritual formation. In her
capacity as director for St. Elizabeth’s Camp, she noted that we cannot afford to let those
special needs campers loose a full, complete, normal camping experience. She said that
Council needs to reassess the cut.
The president recognized the Rev. Ben Campbell, Richmond Hill, who spoke to line item
B4 regarding the Virginia Interfaith Center for Public Policy. He indicated that money
is needed, even though the request for increase was not honored. He also commented
on the VICPP’s work with the General Assembly, recognizing a decrease in the quality
of what is going on in the legislative process. He commended the work of VICPP and
encouraged Council’s support of the Center.
The president recognized Mr. Joe Paxton, Emmanuel, Harrisonburg, vice president
Shrine Mont Board. He respectfully disagreed with the Budget Committee’s decisions
regarding decreases to the Shrine Mont Scholarship Fund, which he noted is the only
direct funding of Shrine Mont programs by the Diocese. He noted that while camp
tuition has increased, diocesan financial support has remained the same for the past four
years. He also pointed out that camp staff had been reduced. He requested that it be the
sense of this Council that every congregation and vestry of the Diocese be informed that
their pledge has resulted in the reductions that are being made, and the impact that these
reductions have on the level of service that the Diocese can provide. He also urged the
Executive Board to consider that any new funds pledged to the Diocese be returned to
restore the amount of funding for Shrine Mont youth.
The president reminded the Council that all speeches from the floor must be limited to
two minutes.
The Diocese of Virginia t Journal of the the 213 th Annual Council 117