The General Convention of the Episcopal Church has made major revisions to the disciplinary system for members of the clergy. There is no longer a diocesan Ecclesiastical Court. Instead there is now a Diocesan Disciplinary Board.

    If someone has knowledge of conduct unbecoming a member of the clergy, a report is to be made to the Intake Officer, who reviews the complaint and decides whether the allegations, if true, would be conduct unbecoming a member of the clergy. If so, the matter is referred to the President of the Disciplinary Board.  If the Intake Officer decides that the matters alleged do not constitute conduct unbecoming a member of the clergy, a notice of dismissal is sent to the Diocesan Bishop and the President of the Disciplinary Board.

    If the complainant, the Diocesan Bishop or President agrees with dismissal, that ends the matter. If one disagrees with dismissal, the matter is referred to a conference panel consisting of members of the Disciplinary Board chosen by the President.  If after conciliation by the Conference Panel, there is agreement by all parties, an accord is prepared.  If there is no agreement, the matter is referred to a hearing panel consisting of members of the Disciplinary Board chosen by lot. The Hearing Panel shall conduct a proceeding that is in effect a trial.

    If any party disagrees with the finding of the Hearing Panel, an appeal may be taken to the Provincial Court of Review.  It consists of one bishop, two clergy, of whom one may be a deacon, and two lay persons.

    In this diocese the intake officer is Britt Landrum of Landrum Staffing, 6723 Plantation Road, Pensacola, 32504, telephone 850-476-5100.  The Disciplinary Board consists of  The Revs. Christopher V. Coats, Tommy Dwyer, Martha Harris and Harry Hill as well as lay members Robert P. Gaines, President of the Board, James B. Newman and Beth Wilson.

Submitted by,

Robert P. Gaines

President of the Disciplinary Board

Episcopal Diocese of the Central Gulf Coast