The convention of the Diocese of Fond du Lac is scheduled to consider a resolution that seeks consent from General Convention to explore a junctioning arrangement with the Diocese of Eau Claire when it meets Oct. 18-19 in Fond du Lac, Wis.
 
Junctioning, as defined in Article V of the constitution of The Episcopal Church, means the joining of two or more dioceses to form a new diocese. In order to come before General Convention, the Diocese of Eau Claire must approve a similar resolution at its convention Nov. 7-8. Fond du Lac is 134 years old. Eau Claire is 80.
 
Canon Matthew Payne, canon administrator for the Diocese of Fond du Lac, likened General Convention consent as something less than marriage and more like getting permission to date.
 
“General Convention’s consent does not form a new diocese,” the explanation to the Fond du Lac resolution states. “It is simply a step in the process. It’s possible for consent to be given, but then nothing else happen.”
 
Canon Payne said the Rt. Rev. Russell Jacobus, Bishop of Fond du Lac, felt it was important to get a resolution before General Convention. Otherwise the two dioceses would have to wait another three years they could begin formal exploration.
 
Eau Claire has been without a bishop since last March when the Rt. Rev. Keith Whitmore accepted a call to be an assistant bishop in Atlanta. The diocese is in serious financial condition, according to a report from the financial committee to the trustees in July. Last month the Diocese of Eau Claire sponsored a series of four listening sessions on future diocesan needs.
 
“Junctioning is one of several options that have been talked about,” said the Rev. George Stamm, president of the Eau Claire standing committee. “I think this is the first time that any of the three Wisconsin dioceses have actually considered a petition to General Convention.”
 
Fr. Stamm said that Eau Claire was planning to hold two convocation meetings later this month at which deputies would have the opportunity to learn about and discuss a resolution on junctioning prior to convention next month.
 
Steve Waring
 
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