With the increasing likelihood of an online diocesan Annual Convention this year, thought has turned to the legal preparations required to enable online voting. One of the first steps is to change the corporate status of the diocese.

At a special meeting of the Diocesan Council, held outside in the courtyard of Grace and Holy Trinity Cathedral on Monday, July 6, the Diocesan Council approved a resolution to change The Diocese of West Missouri’s corporate status to a newer version of nonprofit created under Missouri Revised Statutes Chapter 355. Previously, the diocese was a not-for-profit under Chapter 352, Religious and Charitable Associations.

Bishop Marty commented on the proposed change, “The newer version allows diocesan governing bodies (the Annual Convention, the Diocesan Council, etc.) to hold meetings via electronic communication rather than always being required to meet face-to-face.” He also highlighted some additional benefits of the change, “It also takes the corporation from the jurisdiction of the courts and places it under the oversight of Missouri’s Attorney General, which makes subsequent alteration of by-laws or the amendment of the articles of incorporation much easier to accomplish.”

The final decision on whether the diocese will hold its Annual Convention online will be made at the Diocesan Council meeting scheduled to take place on August 8.