Rules of Order Of the House of Deputies

I. HOLY SCRIPTURE AND PRAYERS ...... 1 II. GENERAL RULES ...... 1 III. DEPUTATIONS ...... 1 IV. FLOOR PRIVILEGES AND ARRANGEMENTS ...... 2 V. OFFICERS...... 3 VI. REGULAR SESSION SCHEDULE ...... 4 VII. RESOLUTIONS AND MEMORIALS ...... 5 VIII. LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEES ...... 6 IX. OTHER COMMITTEES ...... 11 X. SPECIAL COMMITTEES ...... 12 XI. SESSIONS OF THE HOUSE ...... 13 XII. DEBATE ...... 13 XIII. MOTIONS ...... 14 XIV. VOTING ...... 16 XV. ELECTIONS ...... 17 XVI. CONFIRMATION OF THE ELECTION OF A PRESIDING BISHOP ...... 18 XVII. PARLIAMENTARY AUTHORITY ...... 18 XVIII. SUPREMACY AND IN FORCE CLAUSE ...... 18 XIX. AMENDMENTS TO THE RULES OF ORDER ...... 18

Holy Scripture and Prayers Page 1 of 20 2. These rules apply to physical materials I. Holy Scripture and Prayers on the floor and digital materials A. Placement of Holy Scriptures distributed through official legislative 1. The President and Secretary will ensure software or devices. that a copy of the Holy Scriptures is D. Quorum reverently displayed at all meetings of 1. To transact business the Constitution, the House of Deputies. Article I Sec. 4, requires: B. Daily Prayers i. A majority of the Dioceses entitled to 1. The daily session of the House will representation in this House must begin with prayers. have at least one clerical Deputy 2. The President may call for prayers at present; and other times. ii. A majority of the Dioceses entitled to 3. Any Deputy may ask the President to representation in this House must call for prayer at other times. have at least one lay Deputy present. E. Minutes II. General Rules 1. The Minutes of the House will be kept A. Duty of Deputies by the Secretary or Assistant Secretaries and reviewed by the Committee on the 1. Deputies will prepare for and give their Certification of Minutes. attention to the business of the House. 2. Deputies will attend all sessions of the 2. The Committee on the Certification of House unless excused by the President. Minutes will review, approve, and B. Communications Devices publish the final Minutes for each day before the start of the next day’s 1. The President may allow Deputies to session. bring cell phones, computers, and other communication devices to the House, 3. The Committee on the Certification of except as provided in these rules during Minutes will report its action at the next closed sessions. scheduled session. 2. No talking on communications devices 4. The House may require that the is allowed while the House is in session. Minutes for any session be approved by 3. All communications devices will be set the House. to the silent mode. 4. Deputies will respect those around III. Deputations them as they use such devices. A. Chair of Deputation C. Distribution of Printed, Digital, and Other 1. At least one year before the first Materials legislative session of the General 1. Only official reports, papers, and Convention, each Deputation will: documents necessary for the business i. designate a Chair; and of the House may be distributed to the ii. notify the Secretary of the House of House, except with the approval of: Deputies of the name of the Chair. i. the President; or 2. The Deputation Chair will: ii. the House by a majority vote. i. serve as the primary contact for House of Deputies communications;

Holy Scripture and Prayers Page 1 of 20 ii. certify the Deputation’s votes by 1. two ordained persons and two lay orders; persons who are duly authorized iii. certify changes in the Deputation representatives of the Episcopal during General Convention; Church in Liberia; iv. perform other duties as directed by 2. members of the Official Youth the President. Presence; 3. other persons authorized by the Joint B. Certification of Alternate Deputies as Deputies Rules, the Constitution, or Canons. 1. Alternate Deputies may not sit or vote C. Platform. Only officers of the House of with their Deputations, unless and until Deputies, designated members of the certified by the Committee on Committee on Dispatch of Business, and Credentials as a substitute for a Deputy. other persons authorized or invited by 2. The Committee on Credentials will the President may be on the platform of certify Alternate Deputies as Deputies the House. before each session. D. Placement of Deputations and Others. 3. The procedures for certification will be Deputations will be seated together on those determined by the Secretary of the floor of the House in random order, the House of Deputies except that: 4. An Alternate Deputy will serve for one 1. Deputations with members serving on or more legislative sessions as Deputy the platform may be seated near the but only until the Deputy for whom he platform; or she substituted is able to resume 2. Deputations requiring language their seats. interpretation or with other needs may 5. The Committee on Credentials will be seated in proximity to one another; hear and decide any disputes on and certification of Deputies and will report 3. The President may seat deputations and their decision to the House. others as necessary to assist in the business of the House. IV. Floor Privileges and E. Seating Adjacent to the Floor Arrangements 1. The President and the Secretary will A. Floor Privileges. No one will be admitted to designate a visitor’s gallery. the floor except Deputies, officers of the 2. The President and Secretary may House, and: designate areas adjacent to the floor of 1. the Treasurer of the General the House of Deputies as seating for Convention; Alternate Deputies, members of 2. other persons authorized by the Executive Council, and others. President or Secretary to assist in the F. Revocation of Floor Privileges conduct of the business of the House; 1. Any person, including Deputies and 3. other persons invited or authorized by officers, may be excluded for good the President. cause from the floor of the House by a B. Seat and Voice. The following will have two-thirds vote. seat and voice on the floor of the House:

Floor Privileges and Arrangements Page 2 of 20 2. Any motion to exclude must specify the 1. The Secretary of the House of Deputies length of time, up to the final will be elected in accordance with the adjournment, that the person is Canons. excluded from the floor. 2. The Secretary may appoint Assistant 3. The motion may provide that the Secretaries with the confirmation of the person discontinues serving as a House member of a committee during the D. Parliamentarian person’s exclusion from the floor. 1. The President may appoint one or more Parliamentarians and Vice- V. Officers Parliamentarians to advise the President A. President. The President of the House of or presiding officer on parliamentary Deputies will be elected in accordance procedure. with the Canons. 2. A Parliamentarian may be a member of 1. The President will preside over all the House or another person at the meetings of the House, unless the discretion of the President. President relinquishes the Chair for a 3. The Parliamentarian may address the temporary period. House or any committee of the House 2. If the President relinquishes the Chair: at the direction of the President or presiding officer to facilitate the i. The Vice-President will preside; or business of the House. ii. If the Vice-President is unable or E. Chaplain unwilling to Preside, the President 1. The President may appoint one or may appoint any Deputy to preside. more Chaplains to the House, who 3. If the President has relinquished the may, but need not be, members of the Chair, the President may resume the House. The President will specify the Chair at any time. duties of the Chaplain. B. Vice-President. The Vice-President of the F. Sergeant-at-Arms House of Deputies will be elected in 1. The President may appoint a Sergeant- accordance with the Canons. at-Arms and necessary assistants. 1. The Vice-President will preside over all 2. The Sergeant-at-Arms and assistants meetings of the House in the absence may be members of the House or other of the President. persons at the discretion of the 2. If the Vice-President is presiding and President. wishes to relinquish the Chair, the Vice- 3. The President will specify the duties of President may appoint any Deputy to the Sergeant-at-Arms. Duties may preside. include: 3. If the Vice-President has relinquished i. locating Chairs of legislative the chair to a Deputy, the Vice- committees and escorting them to the President may resume the chair at any platform; time. ii. escorting distinguished visitors and C. Secretary and Assistant Secretaries. performing ceremonial duties;

Officers Page 3 of 20 iii. maintaining order and decorum in the update the calendar for the House; subsequent day and modify the order iv. ensuring only authorized persons are of Committee Reports and legislation seated on the floor during sessions of as necessary to consider high priority the House except when there is a legislation. Joint Session of both Houses; and iv. Once legislation is added to the v. ensuring that only authorized persons Calendar, the legislation will remain are present during Closed Sessions. on the Calendar unless removed or acted upon by the House. VI. Regular Session B. Special Order of Business Schedule 1. Priority over regular business. If the House A. Regular Order of Business adopts a Special Order of Business, it will have priority over any other item of 1. The regular Order of Business of each business, including any pending session of the House will be as follows, motions, reports, or resolutions. unless modified by the House in the schedule adopted by the House: 2. Vote. A Special Order of Business requires a two-thirds vote to be i. Opening Prayer adopted or amended. ii. Report of the Certification of the 3. Special Consideration of Business. The Minutes President at any time no other Matter is iii. Report from the Committee on being considered, may present any Credentials Matter to the House for its immediate iv. Communications from the President consideration and action. v. Messages from the House of Bishops C. Consent Calendar vi. Report of the Committee on the 1. Business placed upon the Consent Calendar. Dispatch of Business A Consent Calendar will be maintained vii. Report on Elections by the Secretary and voted upon once a viii. Committee Reports and Legislation day as the first legislative order of the day. 2. Order of Committee Reports. The order of legislation and Committee Reports will 2. Publishing the Consent Calendar. be determined as follows: i. The Consent Calendar must be i. The Committee on Dispatch will published at least twenty-four hours adopt and publish a daily legislative before the beginning of the session at calendar the day before each which the Consent Calendar is to be legislative session; voted upon. ii. During the time allotted for daily ii. The Consent Calendar must be Committee Reports and legislation, posted by the Secretary either: resolutions will be considered in the a. Online, to the General Convention order on the published calendar. web site; or iii. Following the adjournment for the day, the Committee on Dispatch will

Regular Session Schedule Page 4 of 20 b. in hard copy, at a preannounced 5. Procedure to remove items from the Consent place and distributed to the Calendar: An item may be removed by: Deputies. i. providing notice to the 3. Placing items on the Consent Calendar. Secretary; or Every Committee Report on ii. announcement on the floor of Resolutions or other matters will be the House. placed on the Consent Calendar 6. Voting on the Consent Calendar. When automatically unless: voting on the Consent Calendar, the i. the committee votes to exclude it House will vote on all items at once. A from the Consent Calendar; majority vote is required to adopt the ii. it is removed in accordance with calendar. these Rules; i. Affirmative Vote. A vote to iii. the Rules of Order, the Joint Rules of adopt the Consent Calendar is a vote Order, the Canons, or the to take the action recommended by Constitution require a different the respective Legislative Committees procedure for considering the item; for all items on the Consent Calendar iv. the item has been set by a Special ii. A Negative Vote. If the House Order of Business; or rejects the Consent Calendar, all v. the item is one of the following: items on the Consent Calendar will be placed on the Calendar by the a. a report from the Joint Standing Committee on Program, Budget and Committee on Dispatch. Finance; VII. Resolutions and b. an election; Memorials c. a resolution of privilege or courtesy; A. Resolutions. Resolutions are matters by d. the confirmation of the election of which the House or the General the Presiding Bishop. Convention speaks to a particular subject 4. Who may remove items from the Consent or concern, amends the Constitution or Calendar . An item may be removed Canons, or expresses the mind of the from the Consent Calendar any time House. before the final vote on the Calendar B. Memorials by: 1. Memorials are statements about matters i. the Legislative Committee proposing of great importance that urge General the action; Convention to take action on a ii. the Chair of the Committee on particular topic. Dispatch of Business; 2. Memorials are referred to a legislative iii. the proposer of the Resolution or committee to inform the committee’s Memorial; work and deliberation. iv. any three Deputies; 3. A committee may propose a resolution v. the President of the House. in response to a memorial.

Resolutions and Memorials Page 5 of 20 C. Form. A Resolution or Memorial will take appoint Legislative Committees for the form prescribed by the Secretary. the work of the House of Deputies at D. Proposing. A Resolution or Memorial may General Convention. be proposed by: ii. The Legislative Committees may 1. a Deputy, if: include the following and any others that the President designates: i. two other Deputies endorse the Resolution or Memorial; and a. Rules of Order. Reviews and proposes Resolutions to revise the rules that ii. the Deputy proposes no more than a total of three Resolutions and three govern the House. Memorials. b. Constitution & Canons. Receives and proposes Resolutions that propose 2. the President of the House of Deputies; amendments to the Constitution or 3. a House of Deputies Legislative Canons. Committee; c. Governance & Structure. Receives and 4. a Message from the House of Bishops; proposes Resolutions that address 5. a Diocese; the governance and structure of the 6. a Province; Church including General 7. a Standing Commission, Task Force, or Convention, Executive Council, and body required to report to the General the Anglican Communion. Convention; or d. World Mission. Receives and 8. the Executive Council. proposes Resolutions on mission personnel, world mission strategy, E. Submission Deadline. No Resolution or and covenant relationships with Memorial may be first submitted to the other Anglican Provinces or bodies. House after the end of the second legislative day, unless it is: e. Social Justice & International Policy. Receives and proposes Resolutions 1. a Resolution of privilege or courtesy; on social justice issues in the 2. proposed by a House of Deputies Church’s extra-US dioceses and the Legislative Committee; international peace and justice work 3. proposed by the President of the of the Church, including House of Deputies; engagement with the Anglican 4. a Message from the House of Bishops; Communion. or f. Social Justice & United States Policy. 5. voted on by the House to consider it. Receives and proposes Resolutions on social justice issues facing the VIII. Legislative Committees United States, including its A. General Rules on Legislative Committees international engagement. 1. Appointment and Creation g. Congregational Vitality. Receives and proposes Resolutions on the health, i. No later than 90 days before the first development, and redevelopment of legislative day of General congregations and faith Convention, the President will communities including church

Legislative Committees Page 6 of 20 planting, college and university other religions, interchurch communities, and new and non- cooperation and unity, and traditional contexts. interreligious dialogue and action. h. Evangelism & Communications. n. Environmental Stewardship & Care of Receives and proposes Resolutions Creation. Receives and proposes on evangelism within the Church’s Resolutions on environmental jurisdictions; receives and proposes stewardship and the care of creation. Resolutions on communication o. Confirmation of the Presiding Bishop. strategies and technologies to Receives the Report from the House strengthen the Church’s of Bishops regarding the election of communication of the Gospel and a Presiding Bishop, and opportunities for information recommends action regarding management and exchange within confirmation. the Church. iii. Special Legislative Committees. The i. Prayer Book, Liturgy & Music. President will appoint the following Receives and proposes Resolutions Special Legislative Committees for on the Book of Common Prayer, the work of the House of Deputies at liturgy, and music of this Church. General Convention no later than 90 j. Formation & Education for Ministry. days before the first legislative day of Receives and proposes Resolutions General Convention. These on Christian formation and committees are not required to hold education for all the baptized, and hearings under these Rules before all matters related to ordained taking any action. ministry. a. Dispatch of Business. Proposes the k. Church Pension Fund. Receives and agenda for the House, determines proposes Resolutions on the the Calendar of the Day, proposes purpose, scope, structure, and work Special Orders of Business, and of the Church Pension Fund schedules elections. including, but not limited to, b. Certification of Minutes. Reviews the pensions, disability, health insurance, Minutes of the previous legislative other insurance and products for lay day, corrects the Minutes and and ordained employees of the reports on their completion to the Church, insurance for Church House. institutions, and publishing. c. Privilege & Courtesy. Receives and l. Stewardship & Development. Receives proposes Resolutions that commend and proposes Resolutions on individuals or organizations and stewardship, stewardship education, proposes Resolutions that express development, and planned giving. the House’s appreciation for groups or persons. m. Ecumenical & Interreligious Relations. Receives and proposes Resolutions d. Credentials. Registers Deputies and on relations between the Church reports on the number of voting and other Churches, the Church and members in the House of Deputies

Legislative Committees Page 7 of 20 at each session and acts as tellers for ii. Propose Resolutions on subjects that elections. have not been referred to it for action 2. Membership and Composition but which are within the scope of the i. The President will determine the size description of their responsibilities in of each Legislative Committee and Rule VIII.A.1.ii or as assigned by the appoint the members. President. ii. All members of Legislative iii. Hold hearings. Committees must be Deputies. iv. Prepare reports and recommend iii. The President is a member of all actions on Resolutions, Memorials, Legislative Committees, ex officio. and other matters referred to it. iv. The President will seek to balance the 6. Committee Meetings committee members across the i. The Secretary of the House will provinces of the Church, where arrange a meeting space for each feasible. Legislative Committee. 3. Committee Officers and Assistants ii. The meeting location for each i. The President will appoint the Chair, Legislative Committee will be made Vice-Chair, Secretary, and any other available to the House and the public officers deemed necessary, of each by the Secretary of the House. Legislative Committee. iii. The President may direct any ii. The President must appoint the Legislative Committee to convene officers of Legislative Committees no and consider matters referred to it later than 90 days before the first prior to the time set for legislative legislative day of General committee meetings at the General Convention. Convention site by the Joint Standing Committee on Planning and iii. The President may appoint Legislative Aides to assist Arrangements. Such meetings may Legislative Committees in the be held electronically in a way that all conduct of business prior to and members can hear all other members. during General Convention. iv. A meeting may be called by the Chair or by a majority of the members. 4. Publication of Committee Appointments v. In accordance with Canon V.3.1 a i. The Secretary of the House of Deputies will make the information quorum will be a majority of all the about Legislative Committees known members. to the Church. vi. Legislative Committees may, but are not required to, meet with a parallel 5. Role and Authority of Legislative Committees. Each Legislative Committee will have House of Bishops Legislative the following roles and responsibilities: Committee assigned to consider the same matter or matters. The House i. Consider Resolutions, Memorials, of Deputies Legislative Committee and other matters referred to it for must always vote separately on the action or information.

Legislative Committees Page 8 of 20 final action on any matter referred to i. Legislative Committees must hold a it. hearing on every Resolution, vii. Only members of the Legislative Memorial, and other matter referred Committee may speak during to them for action or proposed by meetings, unless the Chair invites them before taking final action. other persons to speak. ii. Legislative Committees should try to viii. All meetings of Legislative schedule all Resolutions, Memorials, Committees will be open to the or other matters on the same subject public unless the Committee votes to for hearing at the same time. hold a closed meeting. iii. Hearings may be held by Legislative ix. A Legislative Committee may hold a Committees as early as two (2) days closed meeting upon a two-thirds before the first legislative day of vote of the members present. Any General Convention. motion to enter a closed session must 2. Notice of Hearings specify the topic to be discussed. No i. Two Days before the First Legislative Day. final action on a matter referred to For hearings to be held two days the Committee may be taken during a prior to the first legislative day of closed meeting. General Convention, a Legislative x. Before entering a closed session to Committee will deliver a Notice of discuss a resolution, the Committee Hearing to the Secretary of the must first hold a public hearing on House of Deputies at least seven (7) the resolution. days before the hearing. Upon 7. The Secretary of the Legislative receipt the Notice of Hearing will be Committee will keep (or cause to be posted by the Secretary on the kept) a record of: General Convention website. a. time and place of each meeting; ii. During General Convention and One Day before the First Legislative Day. For b. attendance of Committee members at each meeting; hearings to be during or not more than one day before the first c. Resolutions and other matters legislative day of General considered at each meeting and all Convention, a Legislative Committee actions taken on them; and will deliver the Notice of Hearing to d. all other motions and actions of the the Secretary of the House of Committee. Deputies so that it can be posted by 8. The Secretary of the Legislative the Secretary on the General Committee will file the record of each Convention website at least eight (8) Legislative Committee meeting with the hours before the hearing. For Secretary of the House. The record will hearings scheduled before 10:00 a.m., be delivered by the deadline set by the the Notice of Hearing must be Secretary of the House. posted by the Secretary by 6:00 p.m. B. Legislative Committee Hearings of the day before the hearing. 1. Hearings Required

Legislative Committees Page 9 of 20 iii. The Secretary of the House of C. Legislative Committee Reports Deputies will specify the form for the 1. Each Legislative Committee must take Notice of Hearing. final action on every Resolution and 3. Testimony at Hearings other matter referred to it for action to i. Any person may testify at a hearing recommend that the House takes one before the Legislative Committee. of the following actions: ii. All persons who wish to testify at a i. adopt as proposed; hearing before the Legislative ii. adopt as amended by the Committee must register by signing a Committee. All amendments made by witness sheet. a Committee will apply automatically iii. Persons testifying must identify to the Resolution and the matter themselves by name, status (Deputy, before the House when the Bishop, Alternate, or Visitor), resolution is considered will be the Diocese, organization represented, if Resolution as amended by the any, and the Resolution or matter on Committee; which they wish to testify. iii. adopt a substitute Resolution iv. The Chair may limit the number of a. A substitute Resolution must be on persons who may testify, set time the same subject as the Resolution limits, alternate pro and con, give referred to the Legislative preference to Deputies or other Committee for action. groups of persons and otherwise b. A substitute Resolution may only regulate the hearing. cover one Resolution referred to the 4. Record of Hearings. Legislative Committee for action. i. The Secretary of the Legislative c. If the House declines to adopt a Committee will keep (or cause to be substitute, the original resolution kept) a record of the: will be automatically referred back a. time and place of each hearing; to the Committee for additional consideration. b. attendance of Committee members at each hearing; iv. adopt a consolidated substitute

c. Resolutions and other matters Resolution considered at each hearing; and a. A consolidated substitute Resolution must be on the same subject as the d. name and identifying information of each person testifying before the Resolutions referred to the Legislative Committee and the Legislative Committee for action. Resolution or matter upon which b. Its report on the final action on that each spoke. Resolution must identify all the other Resolutions the substitute is ii. The Secretary of the Legislative Committee will file the record of each intended to cover. Legislative Committee hearing with c. A vote by the Legislative Committee the Secretary of the House at the to recommend adoption of a conclusion of each hearing. consolidated substitute Resolution

Legislative Committees Page 10 of 20 will be an automatic e. not concur; recommendation to take no further ix. A House of Bishops Message to action on all other Resolutions the discharge will be treated as take no consolidated substitute Resolution is further action. intended to cover. 2. Minority Report d. If the House declines to adopt a i. If there is a minority position on a consolidated substitute Resolution, final action on a Resolution or other the original Resolutions will be matter and the minority requests to automatically referred back to the make a minority report to the House, Committee for additional the Chair will include the minority consideration. report in the Legislative Committee’s v. reject report on the final action on the vi. refer to a specified Standing Resolution or other matter. Commission, General Convention ii. A minority position consists of at Task Force, Executive Council or least one-quarter (1/4) of the other body of the Church for study, members of the Legislative action, or to make recommendations Committee present and voting on the on the subject to the next General Resolution, Memorial, or other Convention matter. vii. take no further action because a. the matter has already been dealt IX. Other Committees with by action of the House of A. General Rules on Other Committees Deputies at this meeting of General 1. Appointment and Creation Convention; a. The President may designate other b. the matter is covered by a Committees for the work of the Resolution of a prior General House of Deputies at General Convention; Convention no later than 90 days c. for other reasons; before the first legislative day of viii. If the Resolution or matter has General Convention except that been acted on by the House of Conference Committees will be Bishops: appointed during General a. concur with the action of the House Convention as needed. of Bishops; b. The Committees may include the b. concur as proposed to be amended following and any others that the by the House of Deputies President designates: Legislative Committee; ii. Resolution Review. c. concur with substitute as proposed a. The Resolution Review Committee by the House of Deputies will review all Resolutions submitted Legislative Committee; prior to General Convention to d. not concur and take a different review that they are consistent with action; the polity of this Church, that they

Other Committees Page 11 of 20 are in the form required by the Bishops to a Conference Committee; canons, and to assess whether they or have funding implications. ii. When the House of Bishops has b. The Committee will prepare an concurred, with amendment, on the advisory report on each Resolution legislation already acted on by the and provide it to the chair of the House, and the House does not Legislative Committee to which the concur with the House of Bishops’ Resolution is referred for action. amendment. The Committee will continue the 2. Appointment. The President will appoint review process while General a Chair and all members of a Convention is in session. Conference Committee from the House of Deputies. c. The Committee may draft or redraft 3. When a Committee of any matter in the proper language Final Action. Conference has been formed, the final upon request by the President, a action upon the matter under Legislative Committee, a Deputy, or consideration will be deferred until the the House. Conference Committee has reported to 2. Membership and Composition this House. i. The President will determine the size of each other Committee and appoint X. Special Committees the members. ii. Members of other Committees need A. The President may designate Special not be Deputies. Committees for the work of the House iii. The President is a member of all of Deputies at or between sessions of the other Committees, ex officio. General Convention. 3. Committee Officers B. Membership and Composition i. The President will appoint the Chair, 1. The President will determine the size of Vice-Chair, Secretary, and any other each Special Committee and appoint officers deemed necessary, of each the members. other Committee. 2. Members of Special Committees need ii. The Secretary of the House of not be Deputies. Deputies will make the information 3. The President will be a member of all about other Committees known to Special Committees, ex officio. the Church. C. Committee Officers B. Committee Meetings 1. The President will appoint the Chair, 1. The Secretary of the House of Deputies Vice-Chair, Secretary, and any other will arrange a meeting space for each officers deemed necessary, of each Committee. Special Committee. C. Conference Committees 2. The Secretary of the House of Deputies 1. Creation. A Conference Committee will will make the information about Special be created: Committees known to the Church. i. By a vote by the House to refer legislation passed by the House of

Special Committees Page 12 of 20 XI. Sessions of the House i. Minutes will be kept by the Secretary for all Closed Sessions. Minutes taken A. Legislative Sessions during a closed session may only be 1. Purpose. A Legislative Session is a reviewed and revealed in a closed regular session of the House of session. Deputies where the House considers ii. Personal electronic devices may not Resolutions, hears reports from be used to communicate or record committees, and provides Deputies an during a closed session. opportunity to debate. B. Special Order Sessions iii. Members are honor bound to keep the proceedings of a closed session 1. Purpose. A Special Order Session is a confidential. session set by the House to consider a particular Resolution or other matter XII. Debate under special rules for deliberation and debate. Sessions can be used to A. Deputies may debate. consider important or strategic matters 1. Any Deputy or person given seat and in an informal manner for conversation voice on the floor of the House may and connection. participate in debate, unless a Rule of 2. How Brought. A Special Order Session the House specifies otherwise. may be scheduled by a two-thirds vote 2. Any Deputy or person participating in of the House. debate will provide their name and the C. Closed Sessions Diocese they represent. 1. Purpose. A closed session of the House B. Definitions has limited attendance and is used to i. Debate. Debates are an opportunity discuss sensitive or pastoral matters. for Deputies to engage in discussion No action may be taken by the House on any matter. in a closed session. ii. Matter. A matter includes any 2. How brought. The Deputies may vote to Resolution, Memorial, motion, enter a closed session by a majority message from the House of Bishops, vote. or Committee report, that is 3. Who may attend. Only the following may presented to the House to consider attend a closed session: and act upon. i. Deputies; C. Deputies may engage in debate on any matter except when: ii. Officers of the House of Deputies; 1. debate has been ended by a vote of the iii. persons given seat on the floor of the House; House; iv. other persons authorized by the 2. debate is not allowed due to a Rule of House; the House, a Joint Rule, a Canon, or the Constitution. v. other persons authorized by the President. D. Time Limits 4. Special Rules regarding Closed Sessions 1. A total of 30 minutes is the maximum time allowed to debate on:

Sessions of the House Page 13 of 20 i. any matter; and ii. acknowledge his or her intent to ii. all motions related to that matter. make a motion in any queuing system; and 2. If a person rises to speak during the first six minutes of debate on a matter, iii. be recognized by the President or no member may move the following presiding officer. unless no person seeks to debate on the B. Types of Motion. Any Deputy may make matter: one of the following motions and no i. amend the motion or resolution; other motions may be made on the floor of the House, except as otherwise ii. move a substitute; provided by these Rules iii. end debate. 1. Motions that affect the general 3. During a Debate on any motion or business of the House: other matter, a member may: i. Adjourn or Recess: i. speak up to two (2) minutes, or up to four (4) minutes if translation is a. Is used to end (adjourn) a session or required, after being recognized by take a short recess. the Chair; b. Has the following characteristics: ii. speak twice. (1) No debate is allowed. 4. Debate will end following: (2) No amendments may be made. i. a successful vote to end debate; (3) A majority vote is required. ii. the end of the time allowed for ii. Adjourn and reconvene at a specific time: debate by a Rule or Special Order; or a. Is used to end a session and set a iii. by ruling of the President if time to reconvene. a. at least three Deputies have spoken b. Has the following characteristics: in favor of the matter and no one (1) Debate is only allowed on the rises to speak against it; or time. b. at least three Deputies have spoken (2) Amendments are only allowed on against the matter and no one rises the time. to speak in favor of it; or iii. Appeal the ruling of the President or c. no one rises to speak on the matter. presiding officer: a. Is used to appeal any decision of the XIII. Motions President or presiding officer on any A. How Made question of procedure; 1. Motions may be made by any Deputy b. Has the following characteristics: or other person authorized to make a (1) Debate is allowed. motion by the Rules of the House; (2) Amendments are not allowed. 2. A Deputy wishing to make a motion (3) A majority vote is required. must: (4) Must be made immediately after i. provide their name and the Diocese the Presiding Officer’s ruling they represent.

Motions Page 14 of 20 iv. To Create a Special Order of Business or time has elapsed, or after an event Change the Order of Business has occurred. It cannot be used to a. Is used to create a Special Order of postpone action until after General Business that is not included in the Convention has adjourned. Convention schedule or change an b. Has the following characteristics: existing Order of Business. It may (1) Debate is allowed. also include special rules to govern (2) Amendments are allowed. how the order is to be carried out. (3) A majority vote is required. b. Has the following characteristics: iii. To Recall from a Committee (1) Amendments are allowed. a. Is used to bring something out of a (2) Debate is allowed. legislative committee and (3) A two-thirds vote is required. immediately to the floor of the v. To Suspend the Rules House. a. Is used to suspend or modify the b. Has the following characteristics: Rules of the House that interfere (1) May not be brought until the with a particular goal of the House. fourth legislative day. b. Has the following characteristics: (2) Debate is allowed. (1) Amendments are allowed. (3) No amendments are allowed. (2) Debate is allowed. (4) A two-thirds vote is required. (3) A two-thirds vote is required. 3. Motions that affect what is done 2. Motions that affect debate on a with a matter. Resolution or other matter: i. To Refer to Back to the Originating i. End Debate and Vote Immediately: Committee, a Different Committee, a a. Is used to end the debate on a Standing Commission, or Other Body motion, Resolution, report, or other a. Is used to refer a matter to a action item and force a vote. It is legislative committee or group to also sometimes known as “moving study the matter and report back the previous question.” suggested amendments or actions. b. Has the following characteristics: b. Has the following characteristics: (1) Affects only the matter being (1) May be debated. debated. (2) May be amended as to the body (2) No debate is allowed; referred. (3) A two-thirds majority vote is (3) A majority vote is required. required. ii. Take No Further Action ii. Postpone Debating a Motion or Resolution a. Is used to stop considering a until a Specific Time particular Resolution or Memorial a. Is used to postpone debating and and remove it from further considering a motion or Resolution consideration at the current meeting until a certain time, after a certain of the House.

Motions Page 15 of 20 b. Has the following characteristics: (2) The President then rules on (1) Debate is allowed. whether the question is divisible or not. (2) No amendments are allowed. (3) If the question is divisible, the (3) A majority vote is required. House proceeds to debate and act iii. To Amend or Substitute on the divided parts of the a. Is used to modify or change a question. Resolution or motion. This would (4) If the President rules the question include a technical change or a is not divisible, any Deputy may substantive change that would alter appeal the ruling. the meaning or the intent of a Resolution or motion. Amendments v. To Reconsider Something Previously Acted must be related to the item in the Upon resolution or motion that they are a. Is used to reconsider a Matter which trying to change. was previously voted upon by the House at the current meeting of the b. Secondary Amendments are: General Convention. (1) proposed changes to an amendment. Secondary b. Has the following characteristics: Amendments must relate to the (1) Any Deputy may move to specific subject of an amendment reconsider a Matter. and may not be used to alter other (2) No amendments are allowed. parts of a Resolution or parts not (3) Debate is allowed if the Matter affected by an amendment. being reconsidered is debatable. c. Has the following characteristics: (4) A majority vote is required. (1) Debate is allowed. (5) A Matter may only be reconsidered (2) Only Secondary Amendments are once. allowed. (6) If the motion for reconsideration (3) A majority vote is required. is adopted, the Resolution is iv. To Divide the Matter restored to where it was immediately before the previous a. Is used to divide a matter, Resolution into separate parts and action being reconsidered was vote separately. If the matter is easily taken by the House. divisible into separate subjects, it may be divided by the Chair at a XIV. Voting request of a member. A. Every Deputy must vote when a matter b. Process to use this matter: is put to a vote. (1) First make the request to divide B. The President may excuse a Deputy from the question and explain where the voting on a matter, if: question should be divided. 1. the Deputy has a conflict of interest; or 2. for other good cause.

Voting Page 16 of 20 C. Vote necessary to adopt a matter. The amount 2. No Vote. A no vote (i.e., not in the of votes necessary to pass a Resolution affirmative) occurs when the majority or other matter is; of a Clerical or a Lay deputation’s vote 1. A majority vote consists of more than is against a matter or is tied. half of the votes. 3. Two-Thirds Vote. If a motion under the Rules requires a two-thirds vote, and a 2. A two-thirds vote consists of at least two-thirds of the votes. Vote by Orders is duly called, the motion will pass if there is concurrence 3. A majority Vote by Orders consists of a in the affirmative by a two-thirds vote more than half of the lay deputations in both orders. and more than half of the clergy 4. Counting. The count on a Vote by deputations. Orders will be by either electronic D. Counting the votes. The amount necessary and/or written means as required by to pass a matter will be determined by the President or presiding officer. those present and voting. 5. Publishing the results. The results of all E. Vote by Orders under Art. 1 Sec 5 of the Votes by Orders will be posted Constitution promptly in a manner that is readily 1. Procedure: accessible to the House and the public i. A vote by Orders will be taken on and includes how each order in each any matter at the request of the diocese voted. clerical or lay deputations of at least 6. Polling. The vote of the individual three separate dioceses or as required Deputies of a Diocese must be stated by the Constitution or Canons; and recorded when requested by a ii. the vote of each order, Clerical and member of the Deputation. Lay, will be counted separately and each order in each Diocese will have XV. Elections one vote; A. Nominations iii. to carry in the affirmative any 1. Nominations by any two Deputies are question being voted on by orders permitted before any election by the requires concurrence in the House. affirmative by both orders; 2. Each nomination is submitted in iv. concurrence in the affirmative by an writing, in a form adopted by the Joint order requires the affirmative vote in Standing Committee on Nominations, that order by a majority of the to the Secretary, no later than the third Dioceses present in that order unless legislative day. a greater vote is required by the 3. There are no nominating speeches for Constitution or by the Canons; any office or position, except for the v. an affirmative vote of a Clerical or President and Vice-President of the Lay order requires a majority of the House. Deputies present in that order in that B. Voting Requirements Diocese. 1. All elections will be by individual secret ballot, paper or electronic, except

Elections Page 17 of 20 where there are no more nominees than continue in a closed session for the open seats, in which case the vote may purpose of debate. be by voice. E. Following the end of debate, the House 2. A majority vote is required to elect. will move out of closed session. The Committee will repeat its C. Balloting Procedures recommendation and the House will 1. In all elections in which there are eight immediately vote on the or fewer nominees, after the third ballot recommendation. there will be only two more nominees F. The House will vote by individual secret than the number of vacancies to be ballot, paper or electronic, unless a Vote filled on the ballot. After the fifth ballot by Orders is requested. only one more nominee than the G. A majority vote is required to confirm. number of vacancies to be filled will be on the ballot. XVII. Parliamentary Authority 2. In all elections in which there are more A. The latest edition of Robert’s Rules of than eight nominees, after the third Order, Newly Revised will govern the ballot there will be only four more interpretation of these Rules and nominees than the number of vacancies Procedures to the extent that Roberts is to be filled on the ballot. not inconsistent with these Rules. 3. After the fifth ballot there will be only B. The Constitution, Canons, Joint Rules, one more nominee than the number of and Rules of this House take precedence vacancies to be filled on the ballot. when there is a conflict with Robert’s Rules of Order. XVI. Confirmation of the Election of a Presiding Bishop XVIII. Supremacy and In A. When the President receives the name of Force Clause the bishop elected by the House of A. These Rules are subordinate to the Bishops to serve as Presiding Bishop, the Constitution, Canons, and Joint Rules of President will refer the name to the Order of the General Convention. Legislative Committee on the Confirmation of the Presiding Bishop. B. These Rules remain in force at each B. The Legislative Committee on the meeting until amended, revoked, or Confirmation of the Presiding Bishop replaced by the House. will make a recommendation to the House on whether to confirm or not to XIX. Amendments to the confirm the choice of the House of Rules of Order Bishops A. The House may amend these Rules at C. The House may choose to receive the any time by a two-thirds vote of the Committee’s report to the House in a members present. closed session. B. The Legislative Committee on Rules of D. If the House chooses to receive the Order will consider all proposed report in a closed session, the House may

Confirmation of the Election of a Presiding Bishop Page 18 of 20 amendments to the Rules and make recommendations to the House. C. All amendments to these Rules take effect immediately unless expressly provided otherwise.

Amendments to the Rules of Order Page 19 of 20

Index to the House of Deputies Rules of Order

Amendments to the Rules, 18-19 [XIX] Assistant Secretaries appointment of, 3 [V.C.2] minutes kept by, 1 [II.E.1] Attendance at Sessions, 1 [II.A.2] Balloting procedures, 18 [XV.C] Bible, 1 [1.A] Cell phones, 1 [II.b.1] Certification of Minutes Special Legislative Committee, 7 [VIII.A.1.iii.b] Chaplain, 3 [V.E] Church Pension Fund Legislative Committee, 7 [VIII.A.1.ii.k] Committee on Credentials, 2 [III.B.5] Committees Legislative, 6-11 [VIII] Other, 11-12 [IX] Special, 12 [X] Communications devices, 1 [II.B] Computers, 1 [II.B.1] Confirmation of a Presiding Bishop Legislative Committee, 7 [VIII.A.1.ii.o] Congregational Vitality Legislative Committee, 6 [VIII.A.1.ii.g] Consent Calendar exceptions, 5 [VI.C.3.iii-v] first legislative order, 4 [VI.C.1] placing items on, 5 [VI.C.3] procedure to remove, 5 [VI.C.5] publication of, 4 [VI.C.2] removal of items, 5 [VI.C.3.i-ii] who may remove, 5 [VI.C.4] voting on, 5 [VI.C.6] Constitution & Canons, Legislative Committee, 6 [VIII.A.1.ii.b] Credentials Special Legislative Committee, 7 [VIII.A.1.iii.d] Debate, rules on, 13-14 [XII.A-D] Decorum, 4 [V.F.3.iii] Deputations Certification of, 2 [III.B] Chair of, 1 [III.A.1-2] placement of, 2 [IV.D] Deputies Alternates, 2 [III.B.1-2, 4] Certification procedures, 2 [III.B.3, 5] Duties of, 1 [II.A] Digital materials, distribution of, 1 [II.C.2] Dispatch of Business Special Legislative Committee, 7 [VIII.A.1.iii.a] Distribution of materials, 1 [II.C] Ecumenical & Interreligious Relations Legislative Committee, 7 [VIII.A.1.ii.m] Elections, 17-18 [XV.A-C]

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Environmental Stewardship & Care of Creation Legislative Committee, 7 [VIII.A.1.ii.n] Evangelism & Communications Legislative Committee, 7 [VIII.A.1.ii.h] Floor of the House privileges and arrangements, 2 [IV] revocation of privilege, 2 [IV.F] Formation & Education for Mission Legislative Committee, 7 [VIII.A.1.ii.j] General Rules, 1 [II] Governance & Structure Legislative Committee, 6 [VIII.A.1.ii.c] Legislative Committees (see also specific committees by name) action to recommend, 10 [VIII.C.1] appointment and creation, 6 [VIII.A.1.i] publication of, 8 [VIII.A.4] hearings notice of, 9 [VIII.B.2] record of, 10 [VIII.B.4] required, 9 [VIII.B.1] testimony at, 10 [VIII.B.3] listed, 6 [VIII.A.1.ii] meetings of generally, 8 [VIII.A.6] open unless closed, 9 [VIII.A.6.vii-x] Minority Reports of, 11 [VIII.C.2] membership and composition, 8 [VIII.A.2] officers and assistants, 8 [VIII.A.3] parallel committees in House of Bishops, 8 [VIII.A.6.vi] reports and recommendations of, 10 [VIII.C] role and authority, 8 [VIII.A.5] Secretary to keep a record of, 9 [VIII.A.7-8] Special Legislative Committees, 7 [VIII.A.1.iii] Liberia, Episcopal Church in, 2 [IV.B.1] Memorials (see also Resolutions) form of, 5 [VII.C] nature of, 5 [VII.B] proposing, 6 [VII.D] submission deadline, 6 [VII.E] Minority Reports, 11 [VIII.C.2] Minutes approval of, 1 [II.E.4] Certification Committee, 1 [II.E.1-3] Secretaries to keep, 1 [II.E.1] Motions, how made and types, 14-16 [XIII.A-B] Nominations, 17 [XV.A] Officers Chaplain, 3 [V.E] Parliamentarian, 3 [V.D] President, 3 [V.A] Secretary and Assistants, 3 [V.C] Sergeant-at-Arms, 3 [V.F] Vice-President, 3 [V.B] Official Youth Presence, 2 [IV.B.2]

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Parliamentarians, 3 [V.D] Parliamentary Authority, 18 [XVII] Platform admittance, 2 [IV.C] Prayer Book, Liturgy & Music Legislative Committee, 7 [VIII.A.1.ii.i] Prayers, 1 [I.B] President to approve distribution of materials, 1 [II.C.1] to authorize floor privileges, 2 [IV.A.2-3] Legislative Committee and Officer appointments, 8 [VIII.A.2-3] to preside, 3 [V.A.1] may seat deputations, 2 [IV.D.3] Presiding Bishop, confirmation of election of, 18 [XVI] Privilege & Courtesy Special Legislative Committee, 7 [VIII.A.1.iii.c] Quorum, 1 [II.D] Resolutions (see also Memorials) nature of, 5 [VII.A] Robert’s Rules of Order, 18, [XVII.A] Rules of Order Legislative Committee, 6 [VIII.A.1.ii.a] Schedule, regular Scriptures, Holy, 1 [I.A] Seat and Voice, 2 [IV.B] Secretary appoints Assistants, 3 [V.C.2] election of, 3 [V.C.1] to keep minutes, 1 [II.E.1] Sergeant-at-Arms, 3 [V.F] Sessions, Closed, 4 [V.F.3.v]; 13 [XI.C] Sessions, Regular and Consent Calendar, 4 [VI.C] debate, 13-14 [XII.A-D] elections, 17-18 [XV.A-C] motions, how made and types, 14-16 [XIII.A-B] purpose, 13 [XI.A.1] Regular Order of Business, 4 [VI.A] Special Order of Business, 4 [VI.B]; 13 [XI.B] Social Justice & International Policy Legislative Committee, 6 [VIII.A.1.ii.e] Social Justice & United States Policy Legislative Committee, 6 [VIII.A.1.ii.f] Special Legislative Committees, 12 [X] Stewardship & Development Legislative Committee, 7 [VIII.A.1.ii.l] Supremacy and In Force Clause, 18 [XVII] Treasurer of the General Convention, 2 [IV.A.1] Vice-Parliamentarians, 3 [V.D.1] Vice-President, 3 [V.B] Visitors, seating of, 2 [IV.E] Voting, 16-17 [XIV] requirements for elections, 17 [XV.B] Vote by Orders (Art. 1, Sec. 5), 17 [XIV.E] World Mission Legislative Committee, 6 [VIII.A.1.ii.d] Youth Presence, Official, see Official Youth Presence

Index provided by The Archives of the Episcopal Church 3