Strategic Planning Committee discusses involving broader Church in process
Members of the Strategic Planning Committee [SPC] of the Orthodox Church in America considered ways to involve the Church’s dioceses and parishes into their ongoing work during a meeting held at the Chancery here June 1-2, 2010.
“We are considering the most effective ways to involve the broader Church in the strategic planning process,” said Priest John Vitko, SPC member. “We hope to actively solicit input from every level of the Church as the plan evolves.”
SPC members offered a presentation to members of the Preconciliar Commission in an effort to facilitate integration of the strategic planning work into the 16th All-American Council, slated to be held in 2011. They also reviewed feedback received to date from the Metropolitan Council and OCA department chairs, much of which will be incorporated in the next revision of the Working Draft of the Strategic Plan.
“The next major step is to engage the broader Church through internet based, electronic and print materials that will be accessible to all parishes and parishioners,” Father John added. “The format for this broader outreach will typically involve a short overview of the strategic planning thinking to date, followed by a much more extended period for input from all those present, and concluding with a summary of that input and a discussion of desired next steps.”
Presentations will be offered at individual diocesan assemblies, the first of which will be held in the Diocese of the South and the Archdiocese of Canada in July 2010.
In addition to Father John, SPC members participating in the meeting included Archpriest Alexis Vinogradov, chair; Archpriests Theodore Boback and Michael Oleksa; and Dr. Dimitri Solodow and Eleana Silk. Particpating by teleconference were Protodeacon Peter Danilchick and David Grier. His Beatitude, Metropolitan Jonah and Archpriest Eric Tosi participated as the Episcopal and Chancery liaisons respectively. Archpriest Alexander Garklavs, OCA Chancellor, also attended much of the meeting.