Delegates to convention in the Diocese of Rochester passed a resolution affirming that standing committees and bishops with jurisdiction are not bound by any extra-canonical restraints—including but not limited to the restraints set forth in Resolution B033 passed by the 75th General Convention—when considering consents to the ordination of any candidate to the episcopate. The resolution is intended to be submitted to the 76th General Convention in 2009.

Convention met Nov. 2-3 at the Hyatt Regency in Rochester.

The last convention address for Bishop Jack McKelvey took the form of a video presentation that celebrated many of the people, places and ministries he has encountered. Bishop McKelvey will retire next spring after eight years of service in Rochester and 16 as a bishop.

Bishop McKelvey, who was Bishop Suffragan of Newark prior to his 1999 election in Rochester, summed up the video saying that there was no way to count all the people he needed to thank.

“This diocese has responded to a call to build congregational vitality beyond my imaginings,” he said. “You have done remarkable, spirit-filled work. I’m grateful to have been your bishop during this time.”

Convention passed four other resolutions, including two submitted by youth. The first asked the diocese to request that the State of New York change the legal voting age in churches to 16, in accordance with the canons of The Episcopal Church. Currently New York law requires a person to be 18 years old to vote in church, whereas the legal age as defined by canon is 16. The young people also presented a resolution encouraging support for Millennium Development Goals.

Other resolutions urged the U.S. government to cease preparations for hostile action against Iran and use diplomacy to resolve disputes, and another urging that the diocese develop a plan for, and engage in, anti-racism training.

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