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What is the Diocesan Executive Council, and what do they do?

 

The Diocesan Executive Council (or DEC as it is known as within the Diocese of Athabasca) is essentially “the gathering of Synod between Synods.” 

 

Our Diocesan Act of Incorporation states “(the diocese) may exercise all its power by and through the executive committee (DEC) (and any sub-committees or working groups within it).” This is like a Vestry in a Parish. 

 

The ideal therefore is not that the “Bishop rules by pronouncement”, but that the bishop nurtures and guides a healthy DEC who take on responsibility for the overall health and nurture of the diocese, just as the bishop nurtures and guides healthy clergy who represent the bishop in doing the same for their parishes with their wardens and vestries. 

 

DEC is divided into three working groups: the Management Committee, the Property Committee, and the Ministry and Mission Committee. Each committee has a chair, selected by the bishop.  Each September (or following Synod as appropriate) and annually thereafter, DEC members list in numerical rank (1-3) their working group preferences, with final committee member selection for the year being done by the bishop. While the bishop is an advisor to all three sub committees, the bishop is not a member of them. Items are processed within each committee and only brought to the entire DEC if any action is deemed necessary. Committees meet whenever necessary apart from the entire DEC. For instance, if the roof of a parish house is damaged, it doesn't take the entire DEC to research what needs to be done. Suitable recommendations and initial assessments by the Property Committee begin almost immediately. If the Property Committee determines that action is needed, a presentation of need and a proposed solution is added to the agenda of the upcoming DEC meeting.

 

DEC plans for one in-person meeting per year, and nine zoom meetings, with a break anticipated in July and August. The following are members of DEC: 

  • The bishop, who functions as Council Chair. 
  • The Diocesan Secretary, who is Vice-Chair. 
  • The Diocesan Chancellor 
  • The Diocesan Registrar 
  • The Executive Archdeacon 
  • The Diocesan Dean 
  • The Regional Deans 
  • The Diocesan Treasurer 
  • The Diocesan ACW Coördinator 
  • DEC Clergy Members (one voted from each deanery at the Diocesan Synod), as accepted by the bishop 
  • DEC Lay Members (three voted from each deanery at the Diocesan Synod), as accepted by the bishop
  • Up to three additional members who are appointed directly by the bishop. 

 

DEC is ultimately responsible to the bishop and functions on behalf of the immediately preceding Diocesan Synod, to govern well and achieve the objectives which Synod has set.   This includes focusing on achieving the Diocesan WHY, Parish WHYs, and the overall health, stability, and growth of the Diocese. 

 

In summary the DEC is mandated to: 

1) Support the bishop by continuing the work of Synod between synods. 

2) Diocesan resource stewardship, including property, financial, and personnel. 

3) Pursue Management and use of Property to enhance the Mission and Ministry of the diocese. 

4) Communicate with the parishes and collaborating with them on the goals and aims of the Diocese, and the Parish specifically. 

5) Ensure the diocese is appropriately governed.

 

DEC members work very hard, with considerable time involved, and make tangible differences to our diocese.  It is because of DEC members that our insurance rates have not risen higher than they are, that property has been successfully rebuilt and maintained, and that parishes are being actively assisted in their ministry endeavours.  Please join me in thanking the current DEC members for their many contributions to the health and vitality of our diocese.

 

With thanks;

 

+David