A report of the Consultation with representatives of the Church Army held 13th February, 1985, was distributed. Bishop Payne explained that the main purpose of the meeting was to discuss an "Episcopal Visitor" to the Church Army.
Following discussion of the proposed guidelines, it was agreed that they be accepted as follows:
GUIDELINES RE EPISCOPAL VISITOR
1. To make at least one official visit each year to Church Army Headquarters in Toronto to meet with staff and students.
2. To convey any concerns, suggestions or observations expressed by members of the House of Bishops to the Director and the Board of the Church Army.
3. To be available for consultation with the Board of Directors and/or the Director of the Church Army.
4. To consult with the Director and Training Officer in developing and reviewing the curriculum.
5. To be an ex-officio member of the Progress and Professional Development Committee.
It was suggested at the meeting that the process for the appointment of an Episcopal Visitor be for the House to nominate three Bishops and the Church Army to select one.
At the meeting it was agreed to recommend that the appointment be for two years, with the possibility of extending it by mutual agreement; and that the procedure be the nomination of three Bishops by the House, from which the Church Army would select one.
Text
That all words following "mutual agreement" be deleted and the words "and that the appointment of the Episcopal Visitor be made by the House of Bishops from a list of names presented by the Board of the Church Army" be inserted in their place. CARRIED #5-2-85
The process of appointment will now read:
"Recommend that the appointment be for two years, with the possibility of extending it by mutual agreement; and that the appointment of the Episcopal Visitor be made by the House of Bishops from a list of names presented by the Board of the Church Army."
A report on the Consultation which was held between representatives of the Church Army and representatives of the Anglican Church of Canada was distributed and Bishop Payne added comments as a participant in the Consultation.
Grave concern was expressed regarding the remuneration level as, often, salaries are below the poverty level, and Church Army spokesmen have indicated that they do not wish Dioceses to raise the salary levels. Discrimination between male and female Church Army Officers was recognized. The morale of Church Army personnel is at a low ebb and ways of improving the situation were discussed.
It was agreed that consultations should be held with Church Army representatives once a year or every two years.
In discussing the training of Church Army personnel, it was recognized that it is evangelicaly oriented and the suggestions was made that, at this time, the training methods are not equipping the officers for the work they will be called upon to do in the Church. It was requested that a report be prepared and distributed to the Bishops regarding `leave of absence'.
Clarification regarding the 'Court of Appeal' was requested. It was agreed that it would be appropriate to have an Episcopal Visitor to the Church Army and that the Visitor should be involved in the 'Court of Appeal'.
Resolution #9-10-84
Moved by: Bishop Hannen
Seconded by: Bishop Conlin
That this House of Bishops submit three names to the Church Army for choice as Episcopal Visitor.
Text
That the Motion be tabled until the Bishops who are currently part of the Consultation with the Church Army, Bishops Payne and Hunt, along with the General Secretary, continue to deal with issues pertaining to the role of the Episcopal Visitor. CARRIED #10-10-84
Bishop Payne reviewed the Guidelines as approved at the February, 1986 meeting of the House. He shared a letter from Mr. Charles Fenton, Chairman of the Board of the Church Army, written following a meeting of the Board in June. The Board requested that guidelines number 4 and 5 be revised, and suggested the names of Bishop Sperry and Bishop Lawrence as a possible Visitor.
The House agreed that the suggested revisions to the guidelines are not acceptable. Concern was expressed regarding the future of the Church Army in Canada and the relationship between the Church Army and the Bishops.
It was:
Text
That the Primate arrange for a meeting of the whole Board of the Church Army with representatives of the House of Bishops. CARRIED #5-9-85
Notes
It was agreed that Bishop Lawrence should be one of the episcopal representatives, plus the original members of the House of Bishops in the Consultation.
The bishops reviewed the membership on the Standing Committees of the House of Bishops as well as the episcopal representation on General Synod Committees and Boards.
Text
That Archbishop Buckle be appointed as Episcopal Visitor to the Church Army. CARRIED HB Res. 01-10-08
That according to the process outlined in the September 1985 Minutes of the House (Section 6. Appendix A), and upon receipt of a submission of three names from the Church Army, the Primate be authorized to make the appointment of an Episcopal Visitor in name of the House. CARRIED