Handbook

Vision 2018

By the year 2018, we envision a vibrant and dynamic church of caring, witnessing and mission-oriented parishes

Goals

Goal 1: All ECP congregations are full-fledged parishes

  • a. To continually challenge and enable congregations to become full-fledged parishes;
  • b. To cluster non-parish congregations into full-fledged parishes or institute other schemes for full parish-hood;
  • c. To overhaul the structures of the Church in order to reflect this particular goal;

Goal 2: All members of the ECP are participating and sharing in parish life.

  • a. To redefine parish-hood and draw up its basic entitlement;
  • b. To redefine parish obligations towards self-reliance, evangelism, and witness;
  • c. To establish matching programs and projects for parishes.

Goal 3: Clergy ministry is fully enhanced, while lay ministry is fully developed.

  • a. To re-work the clergy development scheme to correspond to the new structures;
  • b. To define fields of specialization and support continuing education of clergy towards the same;
  • c. To re-define lay ministry to cover other aspects of church work;
  • d. To establish lay formation institutes that offer training on new ministries.

Goal 4: Mission expansion works results in positive movements.

  • a. To identify mission expansion areas;
  • b. To provide outcome-driven program support to expansion work;
  • c. To organize, equip, and deploy expansion teams;
  • d. To establish a mission organization or agency within the ECP.

Five Marks of Mission

To proclaim the Good News of the Kingdom
To teach, baptize, and nurture new believers
To respond to human need by loving service
To transform unjust structures of society, to challenge violence of every kind and pursue peace and reconciliation
To strive to safeguard the integrity of creation, and sustain and renew the life of the earth

SKEP History

Young People Christian Fellowship (YPCF)
Ito ang unang organisasyon ng mga kabataan bago naging autonomous ang Philippine Episcopal Church (PEC) mula sa Episcopal Church in the USA (ECUSA)

1991
Isang taon pagkatapos humiwalay ang PEC sa ECUSA, nakita ang kahalagahan ng isang organisasyon na titingin at tututok sa mga kabataang Episcopal. Nagkaroon ng 1st Provincial Youth Assembly na ginanap sa Cathedral Heights, Quezon City at dito nabuo ang konsepto ng isang National Youth Program. Ito ay dinaluhan ng mga iba’t ibang participants mula sa iba’t ibang mga Dioceses.

1993
Nabuo at na-establish ang isang National Youth Program na may sariling office at staff (National Youth Coordinator) at nag-appoint ang mga Dioceses ng kani-kanilang Diocesan Youth Coordinators. Kaya’t mula 1993, gumawa ang National Youth Program ng mga programa upang palaganapin ang youth ministry sa local churches, deaneries, at sa mga dioceses.

1995
Pagkatapos ng mga paghahanda, naganap ang 2nd Provincial Youth Assembly sa Sagada, Mountain Province at pinagtibay ang pagbuo ng youth organization na may pangalang SAMAHAN NG KABATAANG EPISCOPAL SA PILIPINAS. Nabuo ang struktura ng organisasyon at nagtalaga ng mga tao sa iba’t ibang mga committees. Dahil dito hinikayat ng EXECUTIVE COUNCIL ng Episcopal Church in the Philippines ang mga Youth na gumawa ng Constitution and By-Laws (CBL) ng SKEP at gumawa ng mga plano at direksyon ng SKEP.

1997
Kaya’t sa 3rd National Youth Assembly na ginanap sa Kapangan, Benguet tuluyang nabuo ang Constitution and By-Laws (CBL) ng SKEP at sa kauna-unahang pagkakataon ay nag-elect ng SKEP National Officers. Dito rin lalong pinagtibay ng mga kabataan na makilahok sa buhay at sa gawaing simbahan.

Episcopal Church in the Philippines Brief History

            The Episcopal Church in the Philippines (ECP) is an autonomous Church in the One Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church.  It is one of the Church Provinces of the Anglican Communion – the global fellowship of autonomous Anglican Churches or Church Provinces in communion with the Archbishop of Canterbury and with one another. The Anglican Communion consists of some 40 autonomous, national or regional Churches spread across more than 160 countries and has a membership of over 75 million.

            The ECP virtually began with the first Episcopalian worship service conducted in the Philippines by the Rev. Charles Pierce, an Episcopal Church chaplain of the U.S. Armed Forces that occupied Manila in 1898. This service was conducted on September 4, 1898 for the Americans and other English-speaking residents in Manila.  The first Episcopal Church worship service conducted for Filipinos took place on December 25, 1898.

            In April 1899, Hugh Nethercott and James Smiley of the Brotherhood of St. Andrew arrived to assist the American chaplains in their work.  In September 1899, Frederick R. Graves, who was then serving as the Bishop of Shanghai in China, visited Manila. Appointed to oversee American church work in the Philippines and later, bishop-in-charge, he held worship services in the home of a British couple. He confirmed five English-speaking persons and advised his congregation to build a church. He also received the first seven Filipinos into the Episcopal Church.

            The first Episcopal Church baptisms in Manila were done in 1900 by U.S. Army Chaplain John Marvine when he baptized three Amoy-speaking nationals and, 12 more by the end of the year.  These baptisms formally started Episcopalian mission work among the Chinese in Manila.

            This Church started out as an outreach chaplaincy of the Episcopal Church chaplains of the U.S. occupation armed forces in the Philippines. Temporarily placed under the oversight of Bishop Frederick Graves, it was officially created as the Missionary District of the Philippine Islands of the Protestant Episcopal Church of the U.S.A. (PECUSA) by the PECUSA General Convention held in San Francisco on October 4-11, 1901.

The same Convention elected the Rev. Charles Henry Brent as bishop. In December 1901, Brent was consecrated and became the first bishop of the Missionary District under the jurisdiction of PECUSA.

            From October 11, 1901, when this Church was officially established in the Philippines, it took the church almost 36 years to produce its first Filipino clergymen with the ordination of Eduardo Longid, Albert Masferre, and Mark Suluen to the Sacred Order of Deacons on Jan. 25, 1937. It took another 22 years to produce the first Filipino Episcopalian bishop with the consecration of Benito C. Cabanban as Suffragan Bishop on February 24, 1959.

            In October 1937, the Missionary District of the Philippine Islands was renamed Philippine Episcopal Church (PEC) through the action of the House of Bishops of PECUSA’s Cincinnati General Convention. This signified a change in status of the Philippine Church from that of a missionary district to a ‘diocese’ under PECUSA. Thirty-four years later (in Oct. 1971), PECUSA granted the PEC request to divide the lone diocese into three dioceses – the Dioceses of Central, Northern, and Southern Philippines.  Each had a Filipino diocesan bishop – Bishop Cabanban, Bishop Eduardo Longid, and Bishop Constancio Manguramas, respectively.

            With three dioceses, the PEC was organized and operated like a Church Province in the Anglican Communion. However, unlike the other Church Provinces, the PEC did not have a Metropolitan Authority because it was still under the jurisdiction of PECUSA. The three dioceses were considered dioceses of both the PEC and the Episcopal Church in the U.S.A. (ECUSA).

            As a diocese, the PEC had its own Constitution and Canons, National Council, National Biennial Convention, House of Bishops, and National Office, among others. Perhaps, ECUSA allowed the PEC to operate in such manner in anticipation of its becoming an autonomous Church.

            Indeed, on May 1, 1990, the PEC was officially weaned from its Mother Church, ECUSA. On that historic day, it was inaugurated as an Autonomous Church and took its place as a Church Province in the Anglican Communion with the name: Episcopal Church in the Philippines (ECP).

            When this Church was admitted as a Missionary District, its first missionary bishop – Charles Henry Brent – apparently considered it to be a church for the American and English-speaking expatriates,

 and later, for the unchurched in the Philippines. Bishop Brent referred to himself as chaplain to his fellow-expatriates. He wrote: “From every point of view, the most important part of our work … is among Americans and other English-speaking people.” One of the first things he did was to build a church for their spiritual needs. In concept, this was the forebear of the Church of the Holy Trinity located in the upscale ‘village’ of Forbes Park, Makati City. Holy Trinity’s priest or rector from its beginning had always been an expatriate and its congregation was and is composed mostly of expatriates. Structure-wise, this was the forerunner of the present Cathedral of St. Mary and St. John in Quezon City.

            For the physical health needs of his constituency, Brent also established St. Luke’s Hospital (initially named University Hospital, now known as St. Luke’s Medical Center). He also endorsed and supported the establishment of St. Luke’s Nursing Training School (now St. Luke’s-Trinity College of Nursing) to answer the need for well-trained nurses to serve the hospital.

            For the educational needs and in response to requests from the American parents for a boarding school for their children, Bishop Brent founded a school in Baguio City for American boys. First called the Baguio School and later Brent School, this school is now known as Brent International School-Baguio. At present, it is one of four Brent International Schools under the umbrella of a mother corporation called Brent International Schools Inc. The others are Brent International School-Manila/Laguna, BIS-Subic, and BIS-Boracay. In addition to children of expatriates, a good number, if not the majority, of enrollees in the Brent Schools are Filipinos from well-to-do families.

         With regard to starting missionary work and establishing a church for and among the unchurched, Bishop Brent was against proselytization. Having observed the extensive work of the Roman Catholic Church in the islands, he decided not to “put up an altar over and against another altar”. He adopted a policy of “non-interference under ordinary circumstances with the adherents of other churches”. Along this line, he decided to concentrate the mission work of the newly established church on the Americans and other Caucasians in the country as well as on those geographic areas where there were non-Christians or where the unchurched were not being served by any church.

            At that time, most non-Christians in this country could only be found among the migrant Chinese in Manila and the indigenous people in the North and in the South as well the Muslims in Mindanao. The natives of the North and of the South and the Muslims, living in communities in mountain jungles, had fought against the subjugation and rule of the colonial Spanish regime and had not effectively fallen under the rule and governance of Spain. It was to these people and communities that this Church went to seek its members through conversions and baptisms.

          Bishop Brent’s policy of not putting an altar against another altar and the initial and subsequent concentration of missionary work on areas inhabited by non-Christians explains why most of the members of the ECP are predominantly from tribal communities. This also explains why the ECP’s work is concentrated in the northern and southern regions of the country. In like manner, it explains why it took almost four decades for this Church to produce its first Filipino clergymen and more than half-a-century to produce its first Filipino bishop, all of whom were from tribal communities. It was this Church that introduced literacy among these people and communities.  It was this Church that first established schools, hospitals, clinics and roads in these oft-neglected communities. In time, the government was able to establish public schools, hospitals, and rural health centers for these communities. As a result, this Church phased out some of its schools and clinics in favor of the government providing such basic services needed by these communities.

            In 1997, this Church went into visioning and crafted its VISION 2007 (which is to be attained by the year 2007 and beyond) – The Episcopal Church in the Philippines shall be a renewed church, fully self-supporting and reaching out to proclaim God’s love throughout the nation. With this vision, the ECP can no longer be satisfied with confining its work among the “unchurched” and tribal people or only in particular regions where these people live. This Church needs to reach out to all Filipinos and to all regions in the country.

            Towards the attainment of its vision, the ECP held a national Church Summit Conference in November 2002. The Summit aimed to review, evaluate, and assess the ECP’s performance since it became an Autonomous Church in 1990 and determine WHAT ARE TO BE DONE in terms of fresh strategies, concrete targets, and doable measures to accelerate the attainment of the vision. Toward this end, the Church Summit adopted a COVENANT OF ACTION based on the assessment. A National Clergy Conference followed in September 2003 for the continuing and concerted implementation and attainment of the three-fold elements of the ECP VISION, namely RENEWAL, REACHING OUT, and SELF-RELIANCE.

*From the Episcopal Church in the Philippines official website and The Philippine Episcopal Church Biennial National Convention Journal, “Journey Towards Autonomy: The Philippines Episcopal Church; A Brief History” (1984)

Basic Structures of the Church

Lambeth Conference

            The Lambeth Conference is an avenue for all the bishops of the Episcopal community in the world to share stories about their respective dioceses including their problems and their activities. Thus, the saying “Bring your diocese in Lambeth” was shared. It is held once every ten years wherein the first conference was held at the Lambeth Palace, London. However, it was recently held in Kent University, London for the succeeding years due the increasing number of bishops and that their wives and coadjutors were also included. In addition, the conference always starts and ends with a Holy Eucharist. Moreover, the sharing were done from smaller groups of bishops and then summarized for the whole conference to discuss.

ECP Synod

            The Synod is the highest law making body of the whole Episcopal community in the country. It legislates laws and policies of the Episcopal Church at the same time a gathering for sharing of stories for the whole synod to discuss. It is held once every three years and is composed of all the bishops, elected clergy, lay people, and representatives from the three Lay Organizations from their respective Dioceses.

Executive Council

            The Executive council is a law or policy making body in place of the Synod wherein it is held quarterly. It is composed of Bishops, and smaller representation of clergy, lay people, and representatives from the three lay organizations.

Council of Bishops

            This council is composed of bishops from their respective Dioceses wherein they discuss the life and works of their diocese, and they make sure to help each other about their problems in their Diocese. Furthermore, they make resolutions for the executive council to discuss and is held quarterly during the day before the executive council. It is however not a law making body.

Diocesan Conventions

             The Diocesan Convention is a miniature version of the Synod wherein it is the highest law making body of each Diocese and is comprised of various member churches of the diocese. Same with the synod, it is composed the clergy, lay people, and representative from the three lay organizations to discuss some matters, and the life and works of their church to the Diocese.

 *From the interview with The Most Rev. Edward P. Malecdan

SKEP National Constitution and By-Laws

PREAMBLE

We, the members of the Samahan ng Kabataang Episkopal sa Pilipinas (SKEP), exist in order to enhance our spiritual, physical, mental and social well-being, develop skills and attitudes and cultivate interests in these fields through involvement and participation in the affairs of the church and society; this organization hereby submits itself to be governed by this Constitution and By-Laws.

ARTICLE I
Name, Nature and Domicile

Section 1. Name – The organization shall be called the Samahan ng Kabataang Episcopal sa Pilipinas, otherwise known as SKEP.

Section 2. Nature – the SKEP is the National Youth Organization of the ECP which seeks to take an active part in the historical and proactive process of the Youth in the Episcopal Church of the Philippines in particular, and in the transformation of church and society in general.

Section 3. Domicile – The SKEP office shall be domiciled at the National Office of the Episcopal Church of the Philippines, 275 E. Rodriguez Sr. Blvd., Quezon City.

Section 4. Logo

Fish – represents our Lord and also the Eucharist

Candle – symbolizes our Lord as the LIGHT of the world

Olive Branch – represents the TREE of LIFE

Colors: (red, white and blue) – represents the colors of the Philippine Flag

Seven rays – represents the six dioceses and the National Cathedral

ARTICLE II
Statement of Principles

Section 1. The SKEP believes in the centrality of Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior of humankind. It upholds worship and service as the focal point of Christian fellowship and activity.

Section 2. Cooperation and unity are fundamental and necessary in fellowship. They are vital towards strengthening and making organizations dynamic and functional.

Section 3. The spiritual development of members is the primary objective of fellowship. It necessitates self-discovery and self-determination through involvement and participation in Church and community undertakings.

Section 4. Ecumenical approach to community undertakings and organizational building is basic and important in order to forge a community-wide cooperation among the youth.

Section 5. Education is a must; healthy fellowship permits continuous learning and dialogue.

ARTICLE III
Statement of Objectives

Section 1. General Objectives. The SKEP has the following general objectives:

  1. Unite and strengthen Christian fellowship among members of the SKEP from the local churches, deaneries, dioceses and the national level in order to establish full recognition and representation in the wider Anglican Community; and
  2. Take part in the mission and work of the church towards development and transformation.

Section 2. Specific Objectives. The SKEP has the following specific objectives:

  1. To serve as a channel in organizing and coordinating programs for local stations; and
  2. To help strengthen the unity, organization and membership of the local organizations, to carry out and implement the task effectively.

ARTICLE IV
Organizational Structure

SKEP

ARTICLE V
Membership

Section 1. The SKEP shall be open to all youth of the ECP ages – 13 to 35.

Section 2. Single parents, if not married, are qualified to be members so long as they fall under the specified age bracket.

Section 3. Duties – Members shall have the following functions as bonafide members of the SKEP:

  1. to participate in all activities of the organization;
  2. to present resolutions, actions and recommendations;
  3. to challenge decisions of the Council; and
  4. to participate during the assessment/evaluation of an organization in case of any violation to the CBL.

Section 4. Responsibilities – all members are required to:

  1. to abide by the CBL;
  2. to attend all SKEP activities; and
  3. to come up with directives/models of organizational discipline.

Section 3. Dues. One thousand pesos (Php1,000) shall be collected per diocese as an annual due.

Section 4. Budget. The amount collected under Section 1 shall be utilized for the programs of the organization as a whole.

Section 5. Approval of use of fund.

Section 6. Disbursements. The National Treasurer and the National President are the only persons authorized to withdraw and sign papers regarding finances.

ARTICLE VII
The SKEP Council

Section 1. Composition – The SKEP Council shall be composed of the Executive Committee, Diocesan Youth Organization Representatives and the National Youth Coordinator as ex-officio member.

The Executive Committee is composed of the President, Secretary, Treasurer, Auditor, Chaplain and Adviser who are elected during the General Assembly by the members.

Section 2. The SKEP Council shall have the following functions:

  1. To act in behalf of the General Assembly when the Assembly is not in session;
  2. To particularize programs and ensure effective and efficient implementation of programs and plans;
  3. To plan and evaluate succeeding General Assembly; and
  4. To elect council members for vacated offices.

Section 3. Functions – The Elected Officers of the SKEP EXECOM shall have the following functions:

The President shall:

  1. Act as the legitimate representative of the SKEP to the Executive Council of the ECP and to other organizational bodies inside and outside ECP;
  2. Preside over all meetings of the SKEP Council and the General Assembly; and

iii. Sign all official documents and communications of the SKEP.

The Secretary shall:

  1. Take down minutes of the SKEP EXECOM meetings and the General Assembly;
  2. Safe keeps all records and documents of the SKEP;

iii. Prepare and send out notices of all meetings of the SKEP;

  1. Provide minutes of previous meetings;
  2. Submit to his/her successors documents and records of the organization before the 1st meeting of the new SKEP Council.

The Treasurer shall:

  1. Keep all the books of accounts of the SKEP;
  2. Transact requisitions and prepare financial statements covering expenditures of organizational funds;

The Auditor shall:

  1. Account expenses incurred as reported by the SKEP treasurer.
  2. Submit to his/her successor the organization bank account and financial documents before the 1st Meeting of the New SKEP Council.

iii. To make public reports within two (2) weeks from the conclusion of every activity through Diocesan representatives and/or informal notices.

The Chaplain shall:

  1. Provide pastoral and scriptural guidance of the organization;
  2. Help in the Preparation of the Liturgical Guides; and

iii. Attend meetings but shall have no voting power.

The Adviser shall:

  1. Provide guidance and enlightenment to the organization;
  2. Be supportive of the youth’s cause;

iii. Attend meetings but have no voting power.

ARTICLE VIII
Qualification of Officers and Term of Office

Section 1. No member shall be elected as President, Secretary, Treasurer, Auditor unless said person is: at least eighteen (18) years old and not more than twenty-eight (28) years old at the time of election; single; and a bonafide member of a local church youth organization.

Section 2. Chaplain and Adviser:

Qualification – the Chaplain and the Adviser must be one (1) clergy and one (1) lay member respectively from any diocese of the ECP including Cathedral of St. Mary and St. John. They must be committed to youth work and ministry. They must likewise be present during the assembly where the elections are taking place.

Section 3. Term of Office – all elected officers shall hold office for a period of three (3) years commencing from the National Youth Assembly from which they were elected until the election of new sets of officers during the immediately preceding National Youth Assembly.

Section 4. Vacancy in the above offices shall be filled by nomination and plurality vote of the SKEP National Council. The person assuming the office vacated shall serve during the unexpired term of his/her predecessor.

Section 5. Limitation – no elected officer shall serve for more than two non consecutive terms for the same office.

ARTICLE IX
Elections

Section 1. Election – Election of members of the National EXECOM shall be held every three (3) years during the National Youth Assembly.

Section 2. Number of Votes – A plurality of votes from the delegates of the General Assembly shall be necessary to elect a member into any office.

Section 3. Manner – The manner of elections shall be through secret ballot.

Section 4. Only voting members can be nominated for office except for the position of Chaplain and Adviser.

Section 5. Procedure. The election of members of the EXECOM shall be conducted as follows:

  1. A list of candidates shall be endorsed by at least 3 official delegates and submitted to the COMELEC;
  2. The COMELEC shall screen the candidates in accordance with the criteria and qualifications laid down by the organization;
  3. The Committee formally presents the candidates to the assembly together;
  4. The Committee then conducts the election by secret ballot at a scheduled time, canvasses, the results and proclaims the winners. Winning candidates are those obtaining a plurality of votes of all accredited delegates;
  5. The Committee shall submit a written report of the results of the election to the General Assembly for record purposes;
  6. Electoral protests as to manner of election and qualification of candidates shall be made immediately after proclamation of winning candidates.

ARTICLE X
COMELEC

Section 1. Composition – There shall be a COMELEC to assist during the election of SKEP National officers composed of the following:

  1. Representatives from six the (6) Dioceses
  2. A presentative from the NCSMSJ
  3. National SKEP Adviser

ARTICLE XI
Grievance Machinery

Section 1. The members of the SKEP shall have the right to challenge any decision made or implemented by the SKEP National Council.

Section 2. Any grievance shall be coursed through the Diocesan President or Diocesan Youth Representative, made in writing and duly signed by its author.

Section 3. Any Grievance shall state specifically the decision or act challenged and the reasons for such grievance.

Section 4. The grievance may include any suggestion so as to improve the act or decision challenged.

ARTICLE XII
General Assembly

Section 1. Definition – The General Assembly refers to the delegates of the National Youth Assembly.

Section 2. Quorum – A simple majority of the voting members of the General Assembly shall constitute a quorum.

Section 3. Composition. The General Assembly shall be attended by:

  1. Voting Members
  2. Ten (10) Official Delegates from each diocese
  3. Five (5) from the NCSMSJ, and
  4. Non – Voting Delegates/Observers

Section 4. Conduct – A simple majority vote of the voting members of the Assembly and the officers present will be necessary to pass a resolution or to decide matters at hand.

Section 5. Functions – The General Assembly shall be the highest policy making and governing body of the SKEP. It shall have the following functions:

  1. to define the thrust and general policies of the organization;
  2. to identify and create organizational bodies/committees;
  3. to confirm and over-rule actions of the SKEP Council;
  4. to ensure effective implementation of the Constitution and By-Laws (CBL); and
  5. to confirm applications for diocesan memberships to the National SKEP

Section 6. General Assembly – The General Assembly shall convene every three (3) years in such place and date as decided upon by the preceding Assembly.

Section 7. Assembly Committees – The General Assembly shall appoint members that will compose the following Committees:

  1. Resolution Committee; and
  2. other Committees as may be deemed necessary by the Assembly.

ARTICLE XIII
Amendments

Section 1. Manner – Any amendments or revisions to the Constitution and By-Laws may be proposed by any member of the organization through the delegates of the General Assembly.

Section 2. Any amendment or revision to this Constitution shall take effect upon the approval of seventy-five percent (75%) of the total-voting members of the General Assembly.

Section 3. Effectivity – Any amendments or revisions of this Constitution and By-Laws shall immediately take effect upon the approval of seventy-five percent (75%) of the total-voting members of the National Youth Assembly.

ARTICLE XIV
Accession

Section 1. The SKEP acknowledges and accepts the Faith, Doctrine, Discipline and Worship of the Episcopal Church in the Philippines and accedes to the Constitution and By-Laws.

*As Approved on April 17, 2012 during the 8th National Youth Assembly held at Benguet State University, Loo, Buguias, Benguet.

Parliamentary Procedures

 BASIC FLOW

  1. Basic Parliamentary Procedure will be used to facilitate the amendment of our Constitution and By-laws.
  2. Only Basic Principles and not necessarily the Procedure will be adopted as will be outlined later in this paper. Thus, application of some rules and principles such as “privileged motions” and “laying a motion on the table” will not be applied.
  3. There are three parties in the amendment process:
    • The Presiding Chair
    • The CBL Committee
    • The Official delegates and observers

*Official delegates shall have VOICE AND VOTE
*Observers shall have only VOICE but NO VOTE

  1. The President calls the Assembly into order.
  2. All motions for presentation of Amendments shall be done by representatives of the CBL Committee. A brief rationale for the motion shall also be done by the committee member raising the motion.

*No new amendment on the floor will be accepted except for extreme circumstances. (Move for suspension of the rules on this matter)

  1. Discussions may now be had on the floor by the delegates of the Assembly vis-à-vis each other and the CBL Committee.
  2. After discussion, the acceptance or rejection of the motion shall be voted upon. An Amendment to the motion may also be done.

*the acceptance or rejection of the motion shall first be voted upon.
*the proposed amendment shall not be raised and discussed
*Vote shall be done on the acceptance or rejection of the amendment to the motion

BASIC PARLIAMENTARY PRINCIPLES

 1. ALLOW FREE DISCUSSION OF EACH IDEA PRESENTED

Each individual is entitled to his right of opinion. Considering the importance of amending our Constitution and By-laws, members should be free to express their thoughts.

2. TREAT ALL MEMBERS WITH JUSTICE AND COURTESY.

We are all young leaders. We are all Christian youth. It is but necessary that basic traits of courtesy are possessed. Respect those speaking and the Presiding Chair. Foul or offensive language or behavior will not be tolerated.

3. CARRY OUT THE RULE OF THE MAJORITY, AND RESPECT THE RIGHTS OF THE MINORITY

The majority rules but we have to listen to the minority. They too have their opinion and thoughts.

4. THE MAJORITY RULES

This rule is basic to the democratic process. The minority has the right to be heard, but once a decision has been reached by a majority of the members present and voting, the minority must then respect and abide by the decision. 

5. SILENCE IS CONSENT

Those members who do not vote agree to go along with the decision of the majority by their silence.

6. TWO-THIRDS VOTE RULE

A two-thirds vote is necessary whenever you are limiting or taking away the rights of members or whenever you are changing something that has already been decided.

7. ONE QUESTION AT A TIME AND ONE SPEAKER AT A TIME

No motion is in order which does not directly relate to the question under consideration. In addition, once a member has been recognized, he has been granted “the floor” and another member may not interrupt him.

8. ONCE A QUESTION IS DECIDED, IT IS NOT IN ORDER TO BRING UP THE SAME MOTION OR ONE ESSENTIALLY LIKE IT AT THE SAME MEETING –

 Such motions should be ruled out of order.

9. PERSONAL REMARKS IN DEBATE ARE ALWAYS OUT OF ORDER –

The presiding officer must rule all personal remarks out of order.

Debate must be directed to motions and not motives; principles and not personalities.

BASIC PARLIAMENTARY PROCEDURE PROPER

  1. President calls meeting to order (“this meeting will come to order”).
  2. You cannot speak unless recognized by the chair.
  3. In order to even discuss a motion, someone has to “second” it (“I second the motion”).

If there is no second, the motion dies (will not be discussed).

If there is a second, the president calls on people to speak for or against the motion (giving reasons to vote for or against).

  1. Once a vote is taken by eligible voting members, the secretary announces the numbers and the president announces whether it “passed” or not.
  2. APPEAL FROM A DECISION OF THE CHAIR.

At times in organizational work, there are individuals elected to preside who fail to meet all of the characteristics of the ideal presiding officer, who occasionally may attempt to force their will upon the group by rulings that support their wishes.

The purpose of the appeal is to safeguard majority rule and to prevent the chair from controlling the action of the body.

  1. ONE MOTION AT A TIME: If a motion is properly made and seconded, the group must decide that motion before it can deal with any other matter. This helps keep the discussion focused. There is one exception to this rule….
  2. THE MOTION MAY BE AMENDED.

If any member wishes to add or delete something from the original motion, he may suggest it by proposing an amendment. For example: “I move to amend the amount of the required number of votes to 2/3.” 

The motion to amend is now treated like any other motion. It must be seconded, discussed and decided before any other matter can be discussed, including the original motion. Motions to amend can be tricky because the amendment is separate from the original motion.

  1. If a person violates the rules herein laid, any person may move for a point of order and emphasize the violation. Points of order need no vote.
  2. ABSTENTIONS ARE NEVER COUNTED.

They are neither a “yes” or a “no” vote. Basis of computation of required number of votes will be those who actually voted.

BASIC PRINCIPLES FOR THE PRESIDING CHAIR

  1. The presiding officer cannot vote. He/she can only vote in case of a tie.
  2. The presiding officer should be or at least should show neutrality or impartiality.
  3. The presiding officer should facilitate the discussion and limit debates and statements from the delegates.
  4. Present the agenda or order of business.
  5. She/He is a LEADER. She/He has a positive attitude, and she/he is willing to accept the responsibility and assume the initiative.
  6. SHE/He is FAIR. Difficult decisions in recognition, appointing committees, etc., demand that the chair be fair to retain their position.
  7. She/He exhibits GOOD JUDGEMENT. Planning, organization, and management are his trademark.
  8. She/He is TACTFUL. Courteous treatment of all members is always a desirable trait.
  9. She/He MANIFESTS POISE. She/He is alert, erect in posture, calm, and reassuring.
  10. She/He has a STRONG CLEAR VOICE. A strong clear voice evokes the image of a forceful presence.
  11. She/He is REASONABLY DELIBERATE. She/He is methodical, direct, and concise; means of going through the procedure exude dependability.
  12. She/He demonstrates MASTERY OF THE RULES of parliamentary procedure. Certainly it is much easier to be fair and to exhibit good judgment.
  13. And to have the confidence that contributes to your poise, if you have a ready working knowledge of the procedure you will administer.

*Thomas Jefferson puts it, “The presiding officer or chairman be forced to become an arbitrator to the advantage of one side or the other, thereby exerting an undue influence on the outcome.” The chair’s obligation is to speak on matters of order and with the assembly’s deference may state matters of fact but participation in discussion from the chair is an absolute no no. The chair may then state, “Are there any remarks to the motion,” or, “ The question is open for discussion,” or, “ The motion is open for debate.”

* MAINTAINING ORDER – Occasionally a member will intentionally or unintentionally violate accepted rules, such as gaining recognition before speaking. The desirable course for the chair to take is to call the member to order by:

  1. identifying the individual
  2. identifying the problem
  3. stating what the proper procedure is

*ANNOUNCING THE RESULT OF THE VOTE – In announcing the vote the chair may simply say, “The motion is carried,” or, “The motion is lost.”

In announcing the vote by a procedure so votes can be counted, the chair would announce, “8 votes for, 3 votes against, the motion is carried.” 

**Compiled by Charlotte Cariño as used during the 8th National Youth Assembly, April 2012, at Benguet State University, Loo, Buguias, Benguet

SKEP National Activities 

National Youth Assembly

          The National Youth Assembly, held every three years, is the highest-policy making body of the SKEP. It is attended by delegates from the different Dioceses of ECP and mainly consists of worships, lectures, inputs and exposures. It also highlights business sessions wherein young leaders formulate their own projects, programs, and laws for the development of the organization. Another highlight of the National Youth Assembly is the election of the National SKEP Officers who will serve for the next three years.

National Youth Peace Camp

               The National Youth Peace Camp, held every three years, features a specific theme in relation to the pursuit of genuine peace and justice in the context of Jesus’ and the Bible’s teachings. It highlights exposures to communities and in-depth lectures depending on the camp’s theme. The National Youth Peace Camp also has workshops that trains and hones the talents and skills of attending young people. The workshops of past Peace Camps are Theatre, Dance & Movement, Musical Instruments, Chorale Singing, Recycling, Visual Arts, Creative Writing, Public Speaking, and Video & Documentation.

Basic Leadership Training Formation

          The Basic Leadership Training Formation is a national activity done in the respective Dioceses every three years. This activity features trainings and inputs to train second liners of young leaders and to ensure that they are fully equiped with the basics and concepts of youth leadership, on organizing in the local church unit levels, and with the structures and history of our church.

Local and International Invitation Guidelines

Local Invitations

  1. Each Diocese including the NCSMSJ will be given the chance to participate in every Local Invitation in a
    rotational system. (EDCP, EDSP, EDNP, EDNL, EDS, EDNCP, EDD).
  2. In case the Diocese who is in its turn to send participants fails to do so, or if the invitation is not geographically feasible to the Diocese that is in turn, the invitation will be given to the Diocese near the invitation venue.
  3. The SKEP National will shoulder the expense/s of the participant/s if funds are available. In case of budget
    constraint, the Diocese/the Participant will shoulder his/her own expense/s to the said invitation.
  4. In the event that the invitation is open for all. Other Dioceses who are capable of sending their own participant to the invitation will be allowed even it does not follow the rotational system.
  5. All participants should:
    • 5.a. Be a bonafide member of SKEP;
    • 5.b. Be recommended by his/her Priest in charge, Diocesan SKEP President and/or the Diocesan Bishop;
    • 5.c. Submit a written report to the National SKEP Council and to his/her Diocesan SKEP Organization after the invitation.
  6. In case the invitation needs immediate participation the EXECOM shall coordinate it to the Diocese accessible to the venue of the invitation.

International Invitations

The President should always represent the SKEP in international invitations who seek organization representation such as meetings. Otherwise, the succeeding guidelines shall apply:

  1. Each Diocese including the NCSMSJ will be given the chance to participate in every invitation in a rotational system. (EDCP, EDSP, EDNP, EDNL, EDS, EDNCP, EDD). SKEP National Council Members will be prioritized.
  2. Interested member should give his/her intention to the SKEP National Council through an application with the following requirements:
    • a. Must be an active youth leader in his/her Local Church Unit up to the Diocesan level and must possess deep understanding about the organizational structure and principles.
    • b. He/She must have the capability to submit a written report after the invitation and also be competent to re-echo his/her learning and experiences upon returning.
    • c. He/She must be recommended by the SKEP Diocesan Council where he/she belongs.
    • d. He/She must be recommended by his/her Diocesan Bishop and his/her Priest-in-charge.
    • e. He/She must have a passport (expiration date should be 6 months after the activity)
    • f. An agreement (terms of commitment) will be drafted by the Council depending on the nature of the invitation.
  3. All applicants will be screened and approved by the SKEP Executive Council.
  4. In case of budget constraints, the SKEP National shall find ways and means to finance the participant to the invitation.

* Submitted by:  Jay Roy Tipayan and CS Gideon Bustamante as approved by the 8th SKEP National Council during its 3rd SKEP National Council Meeting

The Dioceses of the Episcopal Church in the Philippines

Episcopal Diocese of Northern Luzon
Kalinga, Apayao, parts of Abra and Ilocos Sur, Ilocos Norte, Cagayan, Northern Isabela

Episcopal Diocese of North Central Philippines
Baguio City, Benguet, La Union, Pangasinan, Tarlac, Southern Nueva Vizcaya, Zambales

Episcopal Diocese of Northern Philippines
Parts of Mountain Province, Ilocos Sur, Abra  and Kalinga

Episcopal Diocese of Santiago
Santiago City, Isabela, Aurora, parts of Mountain Province,  Ifugao

Episcopal Diocese of Central Philippines
Metro Manila, Rizal,  Bulacan, Laguna, Cavite, Quezon, Palawan, Batangas, Bataan,  Occidental Mindoro, Nueva Ecija

Episcopal Diocese of Davao
Davao City, Bukidnon, Gen. San. City, South Cotabato, Davao del Norte, North Cotabato, Compostela Valley, Cebu

Episcopal Diocese of Southern Philippines
Cotabato City, Zamboanga Peninsula, Maguindanao, Sultan Kudarat

Important Dates of the Church

DateEvent
January 18 – 25Week of Prayer for Christian Unity
January 23 – 29National Bible Week
February 17IFI-ECP Signing Concordat of Full Communication
6th Sunday after EasterAnglican Communion Sunday
May 1Anniversary of the ECP as an Autonomous Province of the Anglican Communion
2nd Sunday of May Sunday (SKEP)National Youth
Last Sunday of JulyNational Health Week
August 10Tribal Filipino Week
October 10ECP Foundation Day as a Missionary District of the ECUSA
2nd Sunday of OctoberECP Endowment Fund Sunday
3rd Sunday of OctoberIndigenous People’s Sunday/Week
Last Sunday of NovemberBSA “Peso a Day Sunday”
3rd Sunday of AdventECW Pasasalamat Sunday