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SUBJECT: RESOLUTION REGARDING THE PROPERTY AT 2600 VINCENT

ORIGINATOR: The Cathedral Study Committee: Chris Barnes, Parish Church of Christ

the King, Portage; The Rev. Gregory B.F. Brown, Trinity, Grand Ledge; Anna Cushman, St. Barnabas’, Portage; Bob Cutler, St. Albans, Muskegon; The Rev. D. Edward Emenheiser, Grace Church, Traverse City; Lynn Glahn, Emmanuel, Petoskey; The Rev. Andrew Gross, Church of the Epiphany, South Haven; Thomas Hawley, Grace Church, Ludington; Dennis Klumpp, Holy Trinity Church, Wyoming; The Rev. Cindy Nawrocki, St. Andrew’s, Grand Rapids; Laura Oliver, St. Barnabas’, Portage; Karl Sandelin, St. Luke’s, Kalamazoo; Kathryn Surprenant, St. Thomas, Battle Creek; Roger York, Church of the Holy Spirit, Sparta.

1. If it can be shown to the satisfaction of the Executive Council of the Diocese of Western Michigan prior to the 2005 convention that sufficient funds exist from contributions and pledges to operate the facility at 2600 Vincent Avenue in Portage for one year (estimated at $150,000) then no action to dispose of the facility be taken by the convention in 2005.

2. As of January 1, 2006 the Parish Church of Christ the King, or another entity recognized by canon and satisfactory to the Standing Committee of the diocese, assumes full responsibility for the upkeep and maintenance of the facility, including appropriate insurance, and shall, not later than June 30, 2006, present a viable financial plan, satisfactory to the Executive Council of the diocese, for the continued payment of upkeep and rent for, or purchase of, the facility. 

3. While awaiting this plan, the diocese will continue to receive and develop offers for the facility so that if later it becomes necessary to do so, the diocese is able to proceed rapidly with the sale, or other form of disposal, of the property. 

4. In the event that the parish church of Christ the King, or another entity recognized by canon, is unable to present a viable financial plan on or before June 30, 2006, the diocese shall proceed with preparations for the sale of the property at 2600 Vincent Avenue in Portage.

    a. In the event the property is sold, a portion of the proceeds of the sale shall be designated to help finance the relocation of the parish church of Christ the King.

5. Be it further resolved that Resurrection Garden be held, at its present location, in perpetuity by the Episcopal Diocese of Western Michigan. (see Appendix A of the report)

Rationale: The committee members believe that it is the responsibility of the diocese to promote the mission and ministry of the people of Western Michigan. The committee has worked under the assumption that after December 31, 2005, there will be no diocesan support for the maintenance and upkeep of the facility at 2600 Vincent Avenue in Portage, other than such funds that are designated as Cathedral Corporation funds or otherwise intended for use of maintaining the facility. The recommendations made by the committee are intended to be of no cost to the diocese. Responsibility for the facility is assumed by another party that is approved by the diocese and which is obligated to demonstrate to the satisfaction of the Executive Council of the diocese that it is able to perform the assumed responsibilities.

Resolution 2 failed

RESOLUTION OF THE 131st ANNUAL CONVENTION 

THE DIOCESE OF WESTERN MICHIGAN 

OCTOBER 21-22, 2005

SUBJECT: To provide continuous funding for the Cathedral —.

ORIGINATOR: Members of the Eastern Deanery in attendance at the July 14, 2005 meeting held beginning at 7:00 pm at Resurrection Church in Battle Creek.

RESOLVED: (1) The Convention shall direct Executive Council to allocate 15% of the current and future Diocesan annual operating budgets to be used for the upkeep and preservation of the Cathedral (The Cathedral is defined as: a parcel consisting of approximately 30 acres of property, a Cathedral building, a memorial garden and all other properties owned by the Diocese and located at 2600 Vincent Avenue in Portage, MI; hereinafter referred to as ‘the Cathedral’).

(1) The Cathedral has been a gift and heritage to the Diocese for more than four decades. During this time it has served as an invaluable resource for hospitality, spiritual formation, evangelism and entertainment. We believe that the Cathedral is well-suited and has strong potential to continue to serve the needs of the diocese in these, and other, areas and should be preserved.

(2) The Cathedral, and its approximately 30 acres of prime real estate, is located in the center of one of the fastest growing communities in Western Michigan. Its prominence along the 1-94 corridor has made it a local landmark. What’s more, studies have concluded that a sell-off of the property would yield only a modest gain; one estimate puts the gain at less than one-fourth of the original (1969) construction cost. To sell off such a valuable holding would be fiscally irresponsible and nearsighted to succeeding generations. 

(3) If the Cathedral is liquidated there is little reason to believe the Diocese will ever have a cathedral center of this size, stature and prime location again. Lost will be the witness, prestige and history of this unique Episcopal presence in our Diocese not to mention the deep pain, hurt, and even alienation caused to current and future generations at the loss of this historic structure.

(4) At present the Diocese takes in more than three-quarters of a million dollars in pledge income each year. That 15% of this should be allocated to the upkeep and expansion of the Cathedral’s ministry is not unreasonable.

(5) In recent years, discussion of the future of the Cathedral has drawn untold time, attention and resources from our leadership, both lay and clergy with little result. We believe a firm resolve of support (or not) is needed by the whole of convention to move forward; if the Cathedral is kept or liquidated it should be at the decision of the people of the Diocese.

Resolution 3 failed

SUBJECT: Cathedral of Christ the King

ORIGINATOR: Clergy & Lay Delegates, St Mark’s Church, Paw Paw

Be it resolved that the Executive Council and the Cathedral Corporation, working cooperatively, undertake the following:

a) Build an administrative wing onto the Cathedral located at 2600 Vincent, Portage, Michigan with a minimum of 5,000 square feet to a maximum of 8,000 square feet. This could be a two- story structure.

b) Continue negotiations to sell property in divided lots to the north of the Cathedral. to garner the best possible return

c) Retain the property to the east of the Cathedral for future development to build a cottage nursing borne complex of 4 to 5 “cottages” that would house 6 to 10 elderly persons per cottage with appropriate staffing.

d) Retain Resurrection Garden and set appropriate guidelines for future internment to be implemented within one year’s time from the 2005 Diocesan Convention. 

e) Retain the Labyrinth Garden.

Those recommendations are based on the First and Second Great Commandments given to us by Jesus (Mack [2:28-31 NRSV). And it is especially based in the belief of what Jesus said about prayer. trust and believing.

"Very truly, I tell you, the one who believes in me will also do the works that I do and, in fact, will do greater works then these, because I am going to the Father, 1 will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If in my name you ask me for anything. I Will do it,” (John 14:12—13 NRSV)

In these teachings from Jesus we can find answers for how to host implement. works using the tools currently available within the diocese at this time. 

1. The idea of renting office space for the diocesan staff and the Bishop cost the diocese continued increased dollars as rents rise with inflation over an extended period of time, Building an office wing would be considered expansion of the Cathedral itself and offer a two-fold advantage:

    a. A negotiated loan to build the structure working with several banks that would bid for the opportunity to offer a 20-year amatorized loan not to exceed $750,000. which would result in approximately a $5,450 per month payment at the current interest rates (approximately. $65,400 per year).

    b. Building an office structure larger than what the diocesan staff requires for its use allows space for rental to the “Cottage Retirement Home” administration staff (similar to the current idea that the diocese pays rent to the Cathedral Corporation).

2. Selling the property north of the Cathedral allows for further neighborhood development around the Cathedral and prevents ii from becoming commercial property at sonic future date. (Even though the City of Portage is reluctant at this time to rezone the property, it could change in the future.)

    a. This limits the number of homes that could be built and decreases the demand for more classroom space in the Portage school system, requires fewer utilities, less services from the city, and limits traffic flow with a cul-de-sac neighborhood.

    b. The property sold would become a cash asset that would assist in the building of the administrative wing and reduce the amount of cash that would be loaned, thereby reducing the loan payment and possibly shorten the timeframe of the building loan.

3. The diocese has the Opportunity to create a long—term outreach ministry to the community by lot selling the property to the east of the Cathedral. This already has access with the current parking lot and therefore allows access to “cottage” structures. This type of nursing home facility will be the 21st century’s answer to elder care, Already the institutional facilities are becoming obsolete, Current nursing home facilities are impersonal; many have 2 persons crowded into a small space about the size of an average bedroom and also offer too much Opportunity for abuse to residents. The Western Michigan Diocese would become a leader in this much needed service, as well as creating a source of limited income that would assist in expenses to expand ministries, attend conferences and assist with a host of appeals by local parishes. (This type of care is funded by Medicare, secondary insurance and Medicaid, The Cathedral Corporation would have the opportunity to review funding options as well as setting criteria to govern the extent of disability acceptable for residence within the facility.)

Smaller “cottages” would not be disruptive to traffic flow, become a burden to city utilities, nor would it be an imposition upon the neighborhood adjacent to the Cathedral. A section of land could he left undeveloped between the “cottages” and the first neighborhood home to create a buffer as well as a privacy fence being placed to the north of the “cottages.” (Jobs speak to any city council -- especially ones that are not disruptive to the current status quo and allow cit council members to be a benefactor to their constituents.)

4. Retaining the Resurrection Garden and implementing guidelines for future internments removes the stress of moving loved ones to another location (some from unmarked graves that are not fully retrievable) as well as not incurring anger by family members. A final resting place is a sacred decision that is discussed and often prayed about over a long period of time before that decision is made. Though the body is but the house our soul resides in for a time, there is a great deal of  emotion attached to the final resting place to await Christ’s return, Retaining Resurrection Garden ensures that peace.

6. While it is necessary and correct for the parish membership of Christ the King to fund a realistic percentage of the building costs through their general budget, it is also realistic for the diocese to retain a viable ownership of the building for use as a center for events and celebrations, and as a focal point to the diocesan membership,

    a The parish church would need to negotiate with the Cathedral Corporation what percentage of the building costs it would be expected to support,

    b. The diocese would need to work with the Cathedral Corporation and the parish church to decide what portion of expenses would he appropriate for the diocese to pay.

Resolution 6 passed

SUBJECT: Litany for becoming an Anti-Racist Church and the Birmingham Pledge

ORIGINATOR: EDWM Anti-Racism Team

That all congregations in the Diocese of Western Michigan are called to include prayers such as the attached litany ( #1) during the penitential seasons of Advent and/or Lent. 

Be it further resolved, that as a sign of amendment of life and renewed commitment to overcome racism as individuals and as an institution, all congregations make available to and encourage their members to sign the attached Birmingham Pledge. ( # 2)

Our Diocesan Mission and Vision Statement calls us to “work for the elimination of all biases that separate us one from another, especially that of racism.” This work of eliminating racism must be grounded in the prayer and worship life of the people of God.

The sin of racism is addressed in prayer and worship through penitence, confession, absolution and amendment of life. This resolution calls for the People of God to live into our Diocesan Vision statement through prayer that confesses the sin of racism in our individual and corporate lives, asks for God’s renewing grace and begins to act in a new way in response to God’s call In our lives.

Gracious God of all, we give thanks this day for the richness and diversity of your creation and for all people even as we confess the sin of racism both in our individual lives and as a community.

Leader: Lord, we have not loved all your children as ourselves.

People: Forgive us, Lord

Leader: Gracious God, give us to a new awareness of our thoughts, our words and our actions that we might turn away from the sin of racism in our lives.

Leader: Change our hearts and renew us with your life giving Spirit that we might know and serve all people as your children.

Leader: Open our eyes, ears, and hearts to speak and work for justice and equality in your world.

O God, you made us in your own image and redeemed us through Jesus your Son: Look with compassion on the whole human family; take away the arrogance and hatred which infect our hearts; break down the walls that separate us; unite us in bonds of love; and work through our struggle and confusion to accomplish your purposes on earth; that, in your good time, all nations and races may serve you in harmony around your heavenly throne; through Jesus Christ our Lord. AMEN.

Attachment # 3 The Birmingham Pledge

I believe that every person has worth as an individual.

I believe that every person is entitled to dignity and respect, regardless of race or color.

I believe that every thought and every act of racial prejudice is harmful; if it is my thought or act, then it is harmful to me as well as to others.

Therefore, from this day forward I will strive daily to eliminate racial prejudice from my thoughts and actions.

I will discourage racial prejudice by others at every opportunity.

I will treat all people with dignity and respect; and I will strive daily to honor this pledge, knowing that the world will be a better place because of my effort.

Resolution 7 passed as amended

SUBJECT: Maintaining the Unity of the Church

ORIGINATOR: The Rev. J. Ralph Patston and the Western Michigan Chapter of the American Anglican Council

RESOLVED, that this 131st Convention of the Diocese of Western Michigan accepts “The Windsor Report 2004” as a guide  for our Bishop and deputies to the 2006 General Convention as they seek to uphold the Episcopal Church as “a constituent member of the Anglican Communion, a fellowship within the One Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church.” “What touches all should be approved by all.”