The Very Rev. Gloria Payne Carter was elected dean of Central Erie following the departure of former dean, the Rev. David Selzer, who after thirteen years of service as rector of Good Shepherd, Buffalo, accepted a call to the Anglican Diocese of Ottawa in Ontario, Canada. The Very Rev. Phil Houghton of St. Stephen’s, Olean is now dean of  Cattaraugus. The Very Rev. Susan Anslow Williams, Dean of Chautauqua, had served as pro temp dean of Cattaraugus since the retirement of the Rev. James Snodgrass.

In other business, the Committee Governance Committee received a preliminary credentials report. The credentials report details which congregations have met the canonical requirements necessary to insure seat, voice and vote at Diocesan Convention. The preliminary report indicated that seven congregations have not completed their parochial reports due last March 1. The report also noted that well in advance of October 1 deadlines, 26 congregations have submitted acceptable audits, and two of the three churches required to provide proof of insurance have already done so. Council will take action on the final credentials report at their October meeting.

The latest diocesan financial report was reviewed, and a recommendation from the insurance committee that the diocese continue with Utica National Insurance was received.

The Committee on Relations with Deaneries & Congregations received a report on a diocesan stewardship training event being planned for the spying of 2009. Plans to reconnect with people throughout the diocese who are working with congregational legacy giving programs were also discussed. Council members were asked to help identify individuals to serve on a diocesan steering committee to help support such congregational programs.

Youth Missioner Jay Phillippi reported on the recent diocesan camps, which attracted just a few more children and teens than last year. The 2008 totals per camp were:

• Sleep Away Camp: 47
• Junior High Camp: 20
• Senior High Conference: 26

Youth Commission, he said, is trying to figure out why attendance at the camps is down, and the group will spend the next several months studying the program needs and possible re-vamping of the camps. Jay also reported that the Rev. Gary Schindler is stepping down as Sleep Away Camp Director.

The Council Mission Committee explored micro-financing organizations that raise funds to provide small loans to disadvantaged people, especially those in the developing nations, who wish to start their own small business. Two such organizations are Oikocredit, and the Foundation for International Community Assistance. This committee also learned of several other mission trips and conferences in which various diocesan individuals and groups hope to be involved. 

Council meets next at 6 p.m. on Thursday, October 9 at the Diocesan Office.