Shelly Banner
I have served as an elected member of the Diocese of Central New York's Disciplinary Board for 6 years, serving two different bishops. At present, I am the president of this committee. As a member, I have actively served on reference panels, a conference panel, and I was selected to serve on a hearing panel. Each of the outcomes have, of course, ended differently; some ended with the decision of the reference panel, some have ended with an accord, either prior to the conference panel convening, or an accord reached after the convening of a hearing panel. The structure of Canon IV is such that the over-arching principals of compassion, mercy and fairness are upheld within each procedure. The measured steps of the process create space for understanding, reflection, and consideration. I find great beauty within the structure.