San Joaquin Earmarks All Assessments for Legal Fees

November 5, 2008

All of the $260,000 the reorganizing Episcopal Diocese of San Joaquin expects to collect next year in assessment income will be allocated to its ongoing court battle with the leadership of the Anglican Diocese of San Joaquin. Delegates approved the measure during the diocese’s Oct. 24-26 convention.

The diocese, one of several that are reorganizing or expected to reorganize after a majority of their diocesan conventions vote to leave The Episcopal Church, will receive financial assistance from the national Executive Council. Resolution A&F075, approved during council’s meeting in Helena, Mont., Oct. 21-24, authorized up to $700,000 in 2009 for clergy salaries and other expenses in San Joaquin and other similarly situated dioceses. The budget approved by San Joaquin delegates assumes receiving $597,611 in funding from the program budget of General Convention.

The diocesan synod in Quincy (Nov. 7-8) and diocesan convention in Fort Worth (Nov. 14-15) are scheduled to hold referendums on their denominational affiliation. The Diocese of Pittsburgh voted Oct. 4 to realign with the Church of the Southern Cone. The Living Church