Frequently Asked Questions
About ABCORI & Canonicus
About ABCORI & Canonicus
In response to the questions we frequently receive concerning ABCORI and Canonicus Camp and Conference Center, we have created this page with answers to those FAQs. We will add to the list as additional questions arise.
What has been decided about the sale of Canonicus Camp and Conference Center?
In July 2024, the ABCORI Board of Ministries voted unanimously to begin the process of selling the approximately 300-acre Canonicus Camp and Conference Center property. No determination has been made as to the buyer or the sale price. The property is not listed on the market at present.
Why was the decision made to sell?
In short, the decision to sell was made to ensure the future of ABCORI’s ministry to, with, and among its member churches.
The factors leading to the decision to sell Canonicus include a decades-old financial situation of deficit spending and endowment depletion that has reached a crisis point; a critical change in ABCORI’s ability to secure property insurance and liability insurance that does not entail significant exclusions; aging facilities that suffer from years of deferred maintenance; and a steady decline in the use of the Canonicus property, including the camping and conferencing programs offered by ABCORI, by ABCORI-related churches and their members.
While ABCORI’s board, staff, and other leaders are heartbroken by the decision concerning Canonicus, it is the only viable option if ABCORI is to continue as a vibrant regional ministry for its member churches.
ABCORI held two sharing sessions in August 2024 to provide background on the board’s decision to sell Canonicus. The board’s presentation at those sessions can be found by clicking here.
What steps were taken prior to the board's making the decision to sell?
The board’s decision followed years of serious discussion, prayerful reflection, and careful review of extensive financial data, two special task force reports, related information from a variety of other sources, and ABCORI’s challenging insurance situation.
Who owns Canonicus Camp and Conference Center?
Canonicus Camp and Conference Center is owned by ABCORI (American Baptist Churches of Rhode Island), an organization incorporated in the State of Rhode Island and recognized under section 501(c)(3) of the United States Internal Revenue Code of 1954 as exempt from taxes being a non-profit religious organization. Ownership of Canonicus does not belong to ABCORI’s constituent churches and their members.
Has ABCORI always owned Canonicus?
No. At the time of its founding in 1948, Canonicus was separate from ABCORI (which was called the Rhode Island Baptist State Convention at the time). Baptist Camps of Rhode Island owned and operated Canonicus through the 1970s. However, that organization’s ongoing financial struggles prompted a merger with ABCORI in 1980. With the merger, ABCORI assumed ownership of Canonicus, along with Baptist Camps of Rhode Island’s other assets and its debts.
Does the decision to sell Canonicus mean ABCORI will no longer have programs for children and youth?
Not at all! ABCORI’s ability to provide programming is not dependent upon the Canonicus property. The programs will take a different form than summer camping, but the focus on spiritual formation will remain.
Through its Elder Care Ministries, ABCORI currently offers Passport to the Psalms, a series of special experiences for grandparents and grandchildren that involves various “stops” to experience things featured in the psalms.
ABCORI will continue to create and expand its program offerings for all ages in response to its member churches’ needs and as resources allow.
What about children/youth/adults from ABCORI churches who want to participate in a Christian camping program?
The sale of the Canonicus property does not mean the end of camping ministry. Rather, it offers the opportunity to reimagine how that ministry might look.
Opportunities for participation in Christian camping programs exist at American Baptist camps in neighboring regions and at camps belonging to other denominations in Rhode Island. ABCORI is looking to explore closer partnerships with these programs in the coming years.
Additionally, other American Baptist regions that have sold camp properties offer examples for how a camping ministry can be reimagined without property ownership. For example, both the Rocky Mountain and Metro Chicago regions now rent space at other camp facilities for one week a year in order to hold their own camp programs.
Thanks to permanent trusts and endowed funds, ABCORI will continue to have funding available for camperships.
What about the ABCORI churches that have used Canonicus for retreats, worship services, or other events?
In recent years, only 10 ABCORI churches have utilized the Canonicus facilities for retreats, worship services, or other events annually. This represents less than 20% of ABCORI’s member churches and aligns with a 2021 task force finding that many ABCORI churches have no firsthand experience with Canonicus or find its location a limitation.
ABCORI, however, recognizes the importance of retreats and outdoor events in the life of congregations. ABCORI staff are willing to help churches explore new venues for these activities as requested.
Other American Baptist regions have camps/conference centers that seem to be doing well. Other denominations in Rhode Island also have camps. Why have those survived?
Just as each American Baptist congregation is unique, so too is each American Baptist region. They differ in geography, staffing, financial resources, number of congregations, and many other factors.
Likewise, other denominations differ in significant ways from American Baptists. When it comes to camps/conference centers, differences in funding are particularly significant. In some denominations, member churches are required to provide a particular amount of financial support to the denomination each year. In addition, some camps/conference centers do not need to be financially self-sustaining.
To compare one camp/conference center to another, even within the same denomination, is an “apples-to-oranges” comparison.
It should not be overlooked that ABCORI is a small region in terms of geography, staffing, financial resources, number of churches, and the size of those churches’ congregations.
Couldn’t ABCORI separate Canonicus from the regional ministry operations?
This would not be feasible.
As part of its work, a 2023 task force explored the possibility of returning to a similar pre-merger scenario by separating Canonicus and ABCORI into two organizations. It was determined this would not be feasible. Simply eliminating the costs associated with running Canonicus from ABCORI’s budget will not fully address ABCORI’s financial concerns. Draws from the unrestricted endowment to cover budget deficits generated by Canonicus over several decades have resulted in the depletion of the endowment to a critical degree. ABCORI requires a significant infusion of funds into its endowment in order to secure its financial health and the future of its ministry. Creating a separate organization for the management and operation of Canonicus does not address this larger issue.
Additionally, as long as ABCORI owns the property, ABCORI will have responsibilities for it that will continue to impact its budget and finances.
Couldn’t ABCORI sell only part of the property? Why does it have to be sold in its entirety?
The task force that formed in 2023 explored the possibility of the sale of an undeveloped portion of the property or the sale of the development rights on a portion of the property. Both of these options would involve ABCORI’s retaining ownership of part or all of the property.
As already noted, as long as ABCORI owns the property, it has responsibilities that will continue to impact ABCORI’s budget and finances. A significant responsibility is insurance. ABCORI has been unable to obtain property insurance since its policy with Church Mutual was not renewed, and ABCORI’s general liability insurance carries significant restrictions that limit ABCORI’s ability to use the property.
Another responsibility is upkeep of the buildings and grounds. Although selling an undeveloped portion of the property would decrease the number of acres for which ABCORI is responsible, it would have little to no impact on the Canonicus facility costs. Facility costs, which comprise the largest portion of ABCORI’s annual budget, include utilities, insurance, maintenance, repairs, and related staff for the grounds and all buildings at Canonicus except the office building. These are generated almost entirely by the current camp and conference areas, which is the portion that would be retained if ABCORI sold only part of the property.
If ABCORI can no longer afford to own the Canonicus property, why not give it to another ministry organization?
As part of its work, the 2023 task force explored the possibility of donating the property to another ministry organization. It was determined this would not be good stewardship of ABCORI’s most valuable asset.
Eliminating the costs associated with running Canonicus from ABCORI’s budget will not fully address ABCORI’s financial concerns. Draws from the unrestricted endowment to cover budget deficits generated by Canonicus have resulted in the depletion of the endowment to a critical degree. ABCORI requires a significant infusion of funds into its endowment in order to secure its financial health and the future of its ministry. Donating the property to another ministry organization would not address this underlying need.
What arrangement does ABCORI have with DEM?
After voting to begin the process of selling Canonicus, the Board of Ministries directed its executive committee to explore options for conservation. This led to conversations between ABCORI and the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM).
At this time, both parties are actively working toward the goal of conserving the Canonicus property through DEM acquisition. DEM has applied for federal funding assistance from the U.S. Forest Service through the Forest Legacy Program, which provides funding assistance to state agencies for the purpose of conserving environmentally important forest areas threatened by conversion to non-forest uses. DEM is also exploring other avenues of funding that would enable DEM to purchase the property.
If acquired by DEM, the property would become state-owned land and would be open to the public. Some of the structures on the property would need to be removed, but DEM anticipates a subset of structures and the outdoor chapel would remain.
ABCORI’s and DEM’s work toward conservation of the Canonicus property continues on a good-faith basis. There is no formal arrangement as of yet as DEM awaits the outcome of it application for federal funding assistance to acquire the Canonicus property.
Finances seem to have played a big part in the decision to sell Canonicus. How is ABCORI funded?
Just as a church relies on its members to provide the financial support for the church’s operations and ministries, ABCORI relies on the financial support of its member churches to fund its operations and ministries.
The majority of ABCORI’s support from its member churches comes through United Mission giving. United Mission is the stewardship program that funds all American Baptist ministry organizations and programs. Sixty-five percent of the monies given to United Mission by ABCORI’s member churches is allocated to ABCORI. The remaining 35% is allocated to American Baptist Churches USA (ABCUSA) and its mission partners, including American Baptist Women’s Ministries, American Baptist Historical Society, ABMen, and so on. This means that if an ABCORI church gives $1,000 to United Mission, ABCORI receives $650.
A second source of ABCORI’s support from its member churches comes from the America for Christ Offering. This offering, which churches typically receive in the spring, supports both American Baptist Home Mission Societies and the 33 American Baptist regions (of which ABCORI is one). Following the deduction of a 12% administrative cost, one-third of the monies given to the America for Christ Offering by ABCORI’s member churches is allocated to ABCORI and two-thirds is allocated to American Baptist Home Mission Societies to support its ministry and mission in the United States and Puerto Rico. This means that if a church gives $100 to the America for Christ Offering, ABCORI receives $29.33.
ABCORI also receives contributions from its member churches by way of regional support and unrestricted gifts. These are donations given directly to ABCORI by its member churches or by individual contributors. It also includes contributions given to ABCUSA and designated for ABCORI. One hundred percent of these funds are allocated to ABCORI. This means that if a church gives $100 to ABCUSA and designates it for regional support, ABCORI receives $100.
From time to time, ABCORI will raise funds for a specific project. The most recent example was the effort to raise funds for the Lake Adams Dam Repair Project. Any donations given to ABCORI for a specific project are used exclusively for that purpose. This means that if an individual or church donated $100 to ABCORI and specified it was for the Lake Adams Dam Repair Project, $100 was directed to that project’s expenses.
Like other nonprofit organizations and many ABCORI-member churches, ABCORI has experienced a steady decline in donations and overall financial support over the years. As a result, ABCORI’s income has been insufficient to fund its operational budget. To cover this deficit, ABCORI has relied on draws from its endowment.
Do ABCORI churches receive reports on ABCORI’s finances?
Yes. ABCORI’s financial reports are provided to member churches each year as part of ABCORI’s annual report yearbook, which is available at the annual business meeting. Yearbooks dating from 2007 to 2023 are available on ABCORI’s website.
What will ABCORI do with the proceeds from the sale of Canonicus?
Some proceeds from the sale of Canonicus will be used to cover costs associated with that sale. The majority of the proceeds, however, will be added to ABCORI’s endowment.
With overall donations trending downward, income on the endowment becomes a critical source of financial support for ABCORI’s operations and ministries. A larger endowment earns more income and yields a larger yearly dividend. For example, ABCORI’s fully unrestricted endowment, currently valued at approximately $537,000, yields a yearly dividend of approximately $26,000. An endowment of $4 million, however, would yield a yearly dividend of approximately $190,000, depending on market condition.
ABCORI’s financial health will be better secured if it can depend on income on the endowment for its operating costs and direct donations and other financial support toward ministry/program costs.
When Canonicus is sold, will there still be an ABCORI? What does ABCORI do besides run the camp and conference center?
Yes, ABCORI will continue to exist beyond the sale of Canonicus.
Camping and conferencing have been only a small portion of ABCORI’s ministry. ABCORI’s primary purpose, as stated in its by-laws, is to establish, maintain, and assist its member congregations. ABCORI does this through programs, initiatives, and expertise that resource churches, equip congregational leaders, and promote shared ministry. Here are just some of the ways ABCORI accomplishes that:
ABCORI’s ministry to, with, and among its member churches will continue beyond the sale of Canonicus. And ABCORI will continue to expand its offerings for member churches as resources allow.
Where will ABCORI set up its office when Canonicus is sold?
ABCORI's office will move to rented space. Proximity to staff and accessibility by member churches are two factors that would be taken into consideration in determining a location.
What will happen to the staff whose jobs are related to Canonicus?
With the planned suspension of camping and conferencing operations in October 2024, as outlined in the FY 2024-2025 budget approved by delegates to the ABCORI annual business meeting in March 2024, two staff positions came to an end in November. Three other staff positions related to Canonicus continue for the time being.
The ABCORI Board of Ministries has approved separation packages for all staff members whose positions are impacted by the sale of Canonicus. Details of those packages, like all personnel matters, are confidential.
Where can I find more information or updates about the decision to sell Canonicus?
Your best sources for information are Connections, the e-newsletter published by ABCORI on the first and third Fridays of each month; the ABCORI website, especially the FAQs, ABCORI Updates, and Board of Ministries pages; and ABCORI business meetings.
To ask a question you may have, send it to [email protected].
In July 2024, the ABCORI Board of Ministries voted unanimously to begin the process of selling the approximately 300-acre Canonicus Camp and Conference Center property. No determination has been made as to the buyer or the sale price. The property is not listed on the market at present.
Why was the decision made to sell?
In short, the decision to sell was made to ensure the future of ABCORI’s ministry to, with, and among its member churches.
The factors leading to the decision to sell Canonicus include a decades-old financial situation of deficit spending and endowment depletion that has reached a crisis point; a critical change in ABCORI’s ability to secure property insurance and liability insurance that does not entail significant exclusions; aging facilities that suffer from years of deferred maintenance; and a steady decline in the use of the Canonicus property, including the camping and conferencing programs offered by ABCORI, by ABCORI-related churches and their members.
While ABCORI’s board, staff, and other leaders are heartbroken by the decision concerning Canonicus, it is the only viable option if ABCORI is to continue as a vibrant regional ministry for its member churches.
ABCORI held two sharing sessions in August 2024 to provide background on the board’s decision to sell Canonicus. The board’s presentation at those sessions can be found by clicking here.
What steps were taken prior to the board's making the decision to sell?
The board’s decision followed years of serious discussion, prayerful reflection, and careful review of extensive financial data, two special task force reports, related information from a variety of other sources, and ABCORI’s challenging insurance situation.
Who owns Canonicus Camp and Conference Center?
Canonicus Camp and Conference Center is owned by ABCORI (American Baptist Churches of Rhode Island), an organization incorporated in the State of Rhode Island and recognized under section 501(c)(3) of the United States Internal Revenue Code of 1954 as exempt from taxes being a non-profit religious organization. Ownership of Canonicus does not belong to ABCORI’s constituent churches and their members.
Has ABCORI always owned Canonicus?
No. At the time of its founding in 1948, Canonicus was separate from ABCORI (which was called the Rhode Island Baptist State Convention at the time). Baptist Camps of Rhode Island owned and operated Canonicus through the 1970s. However, that organization’s ongoing financial struggles prompted a merger with ABCORI in 1980. With the merger, ABCORI assumed ownership of Canonicus, along with Baptist Camps of Rhode Island’s other assets and its debts.
Does the decision to sell Canonicus mean ABCORI will no longer have programs for children and youth?
Not at all! ABCORI’s ability to provide programming is not dependent upon the Canonicus property. The programs will take a different form than summer camping, but the focus on spiritual formation will remain.
Through its Elder Care Ministries, ABCORI currently offers Passport to the Psalms, a series of special experiences for grandparents and grandchildren that involves various “stops” to experience things featured in the psalms.
ABCORI will continue to create and expand its program offerings for all ages in response to its member churches’ needs and as resources allow.
What about children/youth/adults from ABCORI churches who want to participate in a Christian camping program?
The sale of the Canonicus property does not mean the end of camping ministry. Rather, it offers the opportunity to reimagine how that ministry might look.
Opportunities for participation in Christian camping programs exist at American Baptist camps in neighboring regions and at camps belonging to other denominations in Rhode Island. ABCORI is looking to explore closer partnerships with these programs in the coming years.
Additionally, other American Baptist regions that have sold camp properties offer examples for how a camping ministry can be reimagined without property ownership. For example, both the Rocky Mountain and Metro Chicago regions now rent space at other camp facilities for one week a year in order to hold their own camp programs.
Thanks to permanent trusts and endowed funds, ABCORI will continue to have funding available for camperships.
What about the ABCORI churches that have used Canonicus for retreats, worship services, or other events?
In recent years, only 10 ABCORI churches have utilized the Canonicus facilities for retreats, worship services, or other events annually. This represents less than 20% of ABCORI’s member churches and aligns with a 2021 task force finding that many ABCORI churches have no firsthand experience with Canonicus or find its location a limitation.
ABCORI, however, recognizes the importance of retreats and outdoor events in the life of congregations. ABCORI staff are willing to help churches explore new venues for these activities as requested.
Other American Baptist regions have camps/conference centers that seem to be doing well. Other denominations in Rhode Island also have camps. Why have those survived?
Just as each American Baptist congregation is unique, so too is each American Baptist region. They differ in geography, staffing, financial resources, number of congregations, and many other factors.
Likewise, other denominations differ in significant ways from American Baptists. When it comes to camps/conference centers, differences in funding are particularly significant. In some denominations, member churches are required to provide a particular amount of financial support to the denomination each year. In addition, some camps/conference centers do not need to be financially self-sustaining.
To compare one camp/conference center to another, even within the same denomination, is an “apples-to-oranges” comparison.
It should not be overlooked that ABCORI is a small region in terms of geography, staffing, financial resources, number of churches, and the size of those churches’ congregations.
Couldn’t ABCORI separate Canonicus from the regional ministry operations?
This would not be feasible.
As part of its work, a 2023 task force explored the possibility of returning to a similar pre-merger scenario by separating Canonicus and ABCORI into two organizations. It was determined this would not be feasible. Simply eliminating the costs associated with running Canonicus from ABCORI’s budget will not fully address ABCORI’s financial concerns. Draws from the unrestricted endowment to cover budget deficits generated by Canonicus over several decades have resulted in the depletion of the endowment to a critical degree. ABCORI requires a significant infusion of funds into its endowment in order to secure its financial health and the future of its ministry. Creating a separate organization for the management and operation of Canonicus does not address this larger issue.
Additionally, as long as ABCORI owns the property, ABCORI will have responsibilities for it that will continue to impact its budget and finances.
Couldn’t ABCORI sell only part of the property? Why does it have to be sold in its entirety?
The task force that formed in 2023 explored the possibility of the sale of an undeveloped portion of the property or the sale of the development rights on a portion of the property. Both of these options would involve ABCORI’s retaining ownership of part or all of the property.
As already noted, as long as ABCORI owns the property, it has responsibilities that will continue to impact ABCORI’s budget and finances. A significant responsibility is insurance. ABCORI has been unable to obtain property insurance since its policy with Church Mutual was not renewed, and ABCORI’s general liability insurance carries significant restrictions that limit ABCORI’s ability to use the property.
Another responsibility is upkeep of the buildings and grounds. Although selling an undeveloped portion of the property would decrease the number of acres for which ABCORI is responsible, it would have little to no impact on the Canonicus facility costs. Facility costs, which comprise the largest portion of ABCORI’s annual budget, include utilities, insurance, maintenance, repairs, and related staff for the grounds and all buildings at Canonicus except the office building. These are generated almost entirely by the current camp and conference areas, which is the portion that would be retained if ABCORI sold only part of the property.
If ABCORI can no longer afford to own the Canonicus property, why not give it to another ministry organization?
As part of its work, the 2023 task force explored the possibility of donating the property to another ministry organization. It was determined this would not be good stewardship of ABCORI’s most valuable asset.
Eliminating the costs associated with running Canonicus from ABCORI’s budget will not fully address ABCORI’s financial concerns. Draws from the unrestricted endowment to cover budget deficits generated by Canonicus have resulted in the depletion of the endowment to a critical degree. ABCORI requires a significant infusion of funds into its endowment in order to secure its financial health and the future of its ministry. Donating the property to another ministry organization would not address this underlying need.
What arrangement does ABCORI have with DEM?
After voting to begin the process of selling Canonicus, the Board of Ministries directed its executive committee to explore options for conservation. This led to conversations between ABCORI and the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM).
At this time, both parties are actively working toward the goal of conserving the Canonicus property through DEM acquisition. DEM has applied for federal funding assistance from the U.S. Forest Service through the Forest Legacy Program, which provides funding assistance to state agencies for the purpose of conserving environmentally important forest areas threatened by conversion to non-forest uses. DEM is also exploring other avenues of funding that would enable DEM to purchase the property.
If acquired by DEM, the property would become state-owned land and would be open to the public. Some of the structures on the property would need to be removed, but DEM anticipates a subset of structures and the outdoor chapel would remain.
ABCORI’s and DEM’s work toward conservation of the Canonicus property continues on a good-faith basis. There is no formal arrangement as of yet as DEM awaits the outcome of it application for federal funding assistance to acquire the Canonicus property.
Finances seem to have played a big part in the decision to sell Canonicus. How is ABCORI funded?
Just as a church relies on its members to provide the financial support for the church’s operations and ministries, ABCORI relies on the financial support of its member churches to fund its operations and ministries.
The majority of ABCORI’s support from its member churches comes through United Mission giving. United Mission is the stewardship program that funds all American Baptist ministry organizations and programs. Sixty-five percent of the monies given to United Mission by ABCORI’s member churches is allocated to ABCORI. The remaining 35% is allocated to American Baptist Churches USA (ABCUSA) and its mission partners, including American Baptist Women’s Ministries, American Baptist Historical Society, ABMen, and so on. This means that if an ABCORI church gives $1,000 to United Mission, ABCORI receives $650.
A second source of ABCORI’s support from its member churches comes from the America for Christ Offering. This offering, which churches typically receive in the spring, supports both American Baptist Home Mission Societies and the 33 American Baptist regions (of which ABCORI is one). Following the deduction of a 12% administrative cost, one-third of the monies given to the America for Christ Offering by ABCORI’s member churches is allocated to ABCORI and two-thirds is allocated to American Baptist Home Mission Societies to support its ministry and mission in the United States and Puerto Rico. This means that if a church gives $100 to the America for Christ Offering, ABCORI receives $29.33.
ABCORI also receives contributions from its member churches by way of regional support and unrestricted gifts. These are donations given directly to ABCORI by its member churches or by individual contributors. It also includes contributions given to ABCUSA and designated for ABCORI. One hundred percent of these funds are allocated to ABCORI. This means that if a church gives $100 to ABCUSA and designates it for regional support, ABCORI receives $100.
From time to time, ABCORI will raise funds for a specific project. The most recent example was the effort to raise funds for the Lake Adams Dam Repair Project. Any donations given to ABCORI for a specific project are used exclusively for that purpose. This means that if an individual or church donated $100 to ABCORI and specified it was for the Lake Adams Dam Repair Project, $100 was directed to that project’s expenses.
Like other nonprofit organizations and many ABCORI-member churches, ABCORI has experienced a steady decline in donations and overall financial support over the years. As a result, ABCORI’s income has been insufficient to fund its operational budget. To cover this deficit, ABCORI has relied on draws from its endowment.
Do ABCORI churches receive reports on ABCORI’s finances?
Yes. ABCORI’s financial reports are provided to member churches each year as part of ABCORI’s annual report yearbook, which is available at the annual business meeting. Yearbooks dating from 2007 to 2023 are available on ABCORI’s website.
What will ABCORI do with the proceeds from the sale of Canonicus?
Some proceeds from the sale of Canonicus will be used to cover costs associated with that sale. The majority of the proceeds, however, will be added to ABCORI’s endowment.
With overall donations trending downward, income on the endowment becomes a critical source of financial support for ABCORI’s operations and ministries. A larger endowment earns more income and yields a larger yearly dividend. For example, ABCORI’s fully unrestricted endowment, currently valued at approximately $537,000, yields a yearly dividend of approximately $26,000. An endowment of $4 million, however, would yield a yearly dividend of approximately $190,000, depending on market condition.
ABCORI’s financial health will be better secured if it can depend on income on the endowment for its operating costs and direct donations and other financial support toward ministry/program costs.
When Canonicus is sold, will there still be an ABCORI? What does ABCORI do besides run the camp and conference center?
Yes, ABCORI will continue to exist beyond the sale of Canonicus.
Camping and conferencing have been only a small portion of ABCORI’s ministry. ABCORI’s primary purpose, as stated in its by-laws, is to establish, maintain, and assist its member congregations. ABCORI does this through programs, initiatives, and expertise that resource churches, equip congregational leaders, and promote shared ministry. Here are just some of the ways ABCORI accomplishes that:
- ABCORI offers original programs, such as the weekly Elder Care Ministries coffee chat series and the September 2024 Gathering by Still Waters events for pastors.
- ABCORI staff create and facilitate congregational workshops on specific topics of interest or concern, such as loss, congregational care, and envisioning the future.
- ABCORI hosts fellowship opportunities, such as last year’s summer gathering.
- ABCORI staff regularly field questions from church leaders on topics ranging from church sales-tax exemption to ordination criteria to personnel policies to education resources to concluding a church’s ministry.
- ABCORI maintains a list of available pulpit supply preachers, and its staff preach in a number of churches.
- ABCORI is available as a guide through pastoral searches, congregational conflict, or other times of transition or crisis.
ABCORI’s ministry to, with, and among its member churches will continue beyond the sale of Canonicus. And ABCORI will continue to expand its offerings for member churches as resources allow.
Where will ABCORI set up its office when Canonicus is sold?
ABCORI's office will move to rented space. Proximity to staff and accessibility by member churches are two factors that would be taken into consideration in determining a location.
What will happen to the staff whose jobs are related to Canonicus?
With the planned suspension of camping and conferencing operations in October 2024, as outlined in the FY 2024-2025 budget approved by delegates to the ABCORI annual business meeting in March 2024, two staff positions came to an end in November. Three other staff positions related to Canonicus continue for the time being.
The ABCORI Board of Ministries has approved separation packages for all staff members whose positions are impacted by the sale of Canonicus. Details of those packages, like all personnel matters, are confidential.
Where can I find more information or updates about the decision to sell Canonicus?
Your best sources for information are Connections, the e-newsletter published by ABCORI on the first and third Fridays of each month; the ABCORI website, especially the FAQs, ABCORI Updates, and Board of Ministries pages; and ABCORI business meetings.
To ask a question you may have, send it to [email protected].
Updated on January 23, 2025