Explanation

This resolution recognizes that the canonically required duties of the President of the House of Deputies, who serves as Vice President of the DFMS and Vice-Chair of Executive Council, require appropriate compensation. In the polity of The Episcopal Church (TEC), the Presiding Bishop leads on behalf of the whole Episcopal Church. The duties and responsibilities of the Presiding Bishop have expanded since the eighteenth century from presiding over the House of Bishops, and at episcopal consecrations, to being designated as Primate and Chief Pastor of the Church and Chair of the Executive Council and Chief Executive Officer. The canons are clear that the role of the Presiding Bishop is to speak to the world on behalf of TEC and speak to TEC on behalf of the world. The duties and responsibilities of the President of the House of Deputies have similarly expanded in the 20th and 21st centuries to include serving as the Vice President of DFMS, a member of the board, and other specific governance functions; all of these outlined by the Constitution and Canons and other governance documents of the Church. A reasonable case can be made that the required duties of the President of the House of Deputies warrant a consideration of director's fees. The calculation of these fees should take into consideration that the position has a set of responsibilities that are beyond that of board members and also encompass those of an officer. Providing fees for service for these duties may allow for greater diversity in the position and does not alter the governing documents of The Episcopal Church or the scope and responsibilities of the position.