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Communication
Church Locater
May 20, 2009
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
Over the last few months, it has become increasingly clear to me and Diocesan Corporation that we must trim our operating expenses. We continue to be burdened by capital expenses that have never been incorporated into our operating budget (the mortgage for St. Timothy’s, property expenses in Coachella and Imperial County to name a few). In addition, just as you have struggled with the retracting economy, our diocesan resources have been strained as well. With these realities in mind, I am implementing a major reorganization of our diocesan staff.
First, I will streamline our finance operations. Those operations will consist of a Diocesan Treasurer, as a staff position which is implied in our diocesan canons, and an Administrative Assistant to support the Diocesan Treasurer. The Diocesan Treasurer will be the chief financial officer of the diocese and handle pension, insurance and property matters. This person will report directly to me. Because financial resource development is so important to our long term vitality, I am also formally creating the position of Development Director.
This reorganization will rely on a single Canon to the Ordinary. The Canon will be my aide in assisting you in your congregational ministries. This person will maintain a regular visitation schedule and supervise missions and mission action parishes on my behalf. The Canon will be my principal aide in Episcopal ministry. This position will be supported by an Administrative Assistant who will also act as Registrar of the diocese. Effective with the implementation of these changes, I will become the deployment officer of the diocese.
The enclosed organizational chart and position summaries will give you a more complete picture of our staff configuration. As we reduce staff and redefine roles, I will make initial appointments in the next fourteen days and then post open positions so that current staff members and any other interested individuals may apply. I hope to have all positions filled by September 30, 2009.
I have reached these decisions with the consultation of an ad hoc discernment group made up of Bill Angus, Diocesan Treasurer; Gwynn Freund, Council Vice President; Barry Newman, Corporation Vice President; Steve Turnbull of the Standing Committee; Mark Demichele of Corporation; and Edward Harrison, who has provided helpful perspective as a newcomer to our community. I have also benefited from the counsel of the full Standing Committee and have received their consent to make these changes.
As you might imagine, these were not easy decisions to reach and implementation will be painful to all concerned. It is a tense and stressful time for the entire staff. I am quite sure we will drop some balls and have some learning curves. However, it is my expectation that by making these changes we will redefine ourselves and our wider diocesan ministry in a more creative and nimble way. I believe that our clergy and lay leaders have the gifts and resources to advance a vibrant Christ-centered ministry. My role and the role of the diocesan staff are to support you. In this new season, you will be invited to take more responsibility and authority. Thus, the bishop and staff will serve to connect the great resources and talents that you already possess. It is my hope that we will facilitate greater congregation to congregation connection rather than top down direction.
I am announcing this now so that these decisions will be incorporated into our budgetary process for 2010 and so that all concerned can make their plans.
I am grateful for your prayers and support as we move through this time of transition.
Faithfully,
The Rt. Rev. James R. Mathes
Bishop of San Diego