Policy Number:  24

Title:  Sale of Diocesan Property

1.  It is Diocesan policy that each congregation or other entity using property owned by the Diocese (The Chapter of Calvary Cathedral) has the primary responsibility for the repair and maintenance of the buildings and grounds which they are utilizing.

2.  In addition, in accordance with Canon 19, Section 4 of the Constitutions and Canons of The Diocese of South Dakota, the congregation, through the Bishop's Committee, will raise such sums as are sufficient for the payment of repairs, maintenance, insurance, and utilities of the church property used by the congregation together with its equitable share, considering its available income, for the support of the Diocese and its programs.

3.  The Property Committee of the Diocesan Council may inspect any and all property owned by the Diocese. Following this inspection and reviewing the supporting financial data on pledge payments, “South Dakota Episcopal ChurchNews” subscription payments and property insurance coverage, it may be the recommendation of the Property Committee to sell a specific piece of property. In event of such a recommendation, the Diocesan Council may bring the noted deficiencies to the attention of the regional dean, the congregation, the mission council and the Priest-in-Charge of the mission.

4.  The Council may require the congregation to report to the Council by a specific date, the remedy of the deficiencies.

5.  If the congregation is unable to meet its responsibilities to the Diocese, and it is ascertained that the congregation is not viable, the following process shall be followed:

a.       Written notification shall be sent to the regional dean, the congregation, the mission council and the Priest-in-Charge, that the property will be closed to the local congregation on a specific date, not less than 30 days from the date of notice.

b.      Subsequent to the vacation of the property, if the buildings have been consecrated as a place of worship, the Bishop will direct that the buildings be de‑consecrated.

c.       After the de‑consecration of any building, the Diocesan Council, acting as the board of directors of The Chapter of Calvary Cathedral, may sell, lease, rent, loan or otherwise dispose of said property as it deems to be in the best interest of The Diocese of South Dakota and The Chapter of Calvary Cathedral.

6.  Proceeds from the sale of said property shall be placed into the trust fund of The Chapter of Calvary Cathedral, thus remaining an asset. This shall maintain the integrity of the asset by exchanging one permanent asset (property) for another permanent asset (investments in the trust fund).

7.  Sale proceeds shall not be used for operating expenses of the Diocese. Operating expenses for the Diocese or the Chapter shall be paid from their respective budgets.