To: Clergy and People in the Diocese of New Jersey

From: Peter Hausman peterhausman@lycos.com (St. Francis, Dunellen)

Date: September 10, 2000

Re: The Actions of the General Convention

Dear Friends,

This memorandum and the attached information are being distributed to each cleric and to each parish in the Diocese. The parish copy is provided for your Wardens, members of your Vestry and anyone else in your parish who may be interested in or have use for this information. Please make as many copies as you need.

Many of you may have followed the activity, or at least the most prominent part of it, at General Convention. General Convention is more than resolutions about sexuality and the Lutherans – we dealt with a wide range of issues that affect life in the parishes and dioceses of our church, as well as policy at the national level, in Denver. I have long been concerned that, because information about the actions of General Convention is not readily available, our parishes and dioceses do not have adequate opportunity to take advantage of that information in planning their own future.

Enclosed with this memorandum is a list of the resolutions that were adopted at our General Convention in July, which I have compiled from material provided to Deputies and material available on the Internet. I have sorted the list into sections, reflecting whether they invite or require action in our parishes and dioceses, or establish policy or make policy statements for the national church and the General Convention; I have further divided each section into the general categories to which they are addressed. The full texts of resolutions that invite or require action in parishes and dioceses are also enclosed. (If you wish to read the texts of the others, they can be found on the Internet. The texts of all of the resolutions are listed on ECUSA’s Web site, at http://www.ecusa.anglican.org/resolutions.)

I make no representation to an exhaustive or critically accurate division of the material here; I did the best that I could, from the information in the resolutions and their explanations and my experience at General Convention, to allocate them to the appropriate category. Neither do all of these resolutions reflect my position, or the position of our deputation. Like most Deputies, we voted for some of them and against others. They are the final action of the Convention, and they were approved by a majority of the Deputies and a majority of the Bishops of our church.

This information is provided so that you may have a resource that will allow you to make plans and decisions for your own parish, as we consider the impact of these resolutions on our diocesan life. The other deputies from New Jersey who served in Denver are:

Clergy	Lay
The Rev. Peter K. Stimpson (St. Matthew’s, Pennington) The Rev. Alan C. French (St. Andrew’s, New Providence) The Rev. Virginia M. Sheay, (St. Luke’s, Trenton) The Rev. Leroy A. Lyons (St. Mark’s, Plainfield) The Rev. Terrence Rosheuvel (St. Thomas’, Red Bank)	John W. Goldsack, Esq. (Holy Cross, North Plainfield) Mrs. Cora M. Gaines (St. Augustine’s, Camden) Mrs. Susan Harnischfeger (St. Mary’s, Burlington) Ms. Jane Savage (St. Thomas’, Alexandria)

I hope that you will find this information helpful. Please remember our whole church in your prayers as we make our plans for our life together.

Resolutions that invite or require action in parishes and by dioceses

i. Parish Growth and Development

A033: Mission: “20/20: A Clear Vision”

Resolved, the House of Deputies concurring, That the 73rd General Convention joyfully embrace as its priority the following domestic mission imperative:

Called to restore all people to unity with God and each other in Christ, we commit to being a healthy, dynamic, inviting church, reflective of diversity of our society, deeply rooted in faith and the gospel, so that we live out our baptismal promise to be disciples who make disciples of Jesus Christ. We will do this through:

· Creative strategies for evangelism

· Prayer and spiritual development

· Recruiting and equipping innovative leaders

· Strengthening congregational life

· Focusing on children, youth and campus ministries

In response to this commitment we intend, with God’s help, to double our baptized membership by the year 2020.

A037: Expand Ministry to Singles

Resolved, the House of Bishops concurring, That $50,000 per year over the 2001-2003 triennium be provided for planning, communications, travel, and training for diocesan and congregational personnel in singles evangelism and singles ministry, to be administered by the Congregational Ministries Cluster of the Church Center; and be it further

Resolved, That seed money of $20,000 per year over the 2001-2003 triennium be provided to expand regional conferences for singles, administered by the Congregational Ministries Cluster of the Church Center; and be it further

Resolved, That $12,000 per year over the 2001-2003 triennium be provided to the Congregational Ministries Cluster of the Church Center for development, publication, and both print and electronic distribution of a newsletter addressing needs, goals, and methods of singles evangelization and singles ministry.

D045: Children: A Church for All God’s Children

Resolved, the House of Bishops concurring, That the 73rd General Convention affirm that children are central to the mission of The Episcopal Church and asks each committee, commission, and program of The Episcopal Church, as it plans for the future, to consider how its ministry will positively impact the lives of children in the church and in the world, how it will be impacted by children, and how it will encourage children’s full participation in the worship and mission of the church; and be it further

Resolved, That the 73rd General Convention affirms and lifts up “A Children’s Charter for the Church” as a continuing vision of The Episcopal Church’s ministry in nurturing children, ministering to and advocating on behalf of children, and supporting children in their ministries, remembering that “it is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs” (Mark 10:14 NRSV); and be it further

Resolved, That the 73rd General Convention asks each diocese to continue to build awareness and increase implementation of “A Children’s Charter for the Church,” and live out its vision locally.

[Note: “A Children’s Charter or the Church” follows:

“Caring for Children – Children are a gift from the Lord –Psalm 127:4 (adapted)

The Church is Called:

· to treasure each child as a gift from God

· to tell and show children that God is love

· to make working with children one of the most important things the church does

· to include children in everything the church does – from Sunday worshiping to helping others

Ministry to Children – Then Jesus took the children in his arms, placed his hands on each of them and blessed them. – Mark 10:16

The Church is Called:

· to love and protect children, in the church and in the world, especially children who are in danger

· to support families so that their children know their own special gifts as children of God

· to welcome all children who come to us, including those who come alone

· to stand up for children’s rights in our churches, communities and the world

Ministry by Children – A child shall lead them – Isaiah 11:6

The Church is Called:

· to receive children’s special gifts as signs of the grace of God

· to be a community where children and adults know one another by name, care about one another, and work together to follow Jesus’ teachings and do God’s work

· to encourage children’s ability to show and share God’s love and grace in the church and in the world.”]

D057: Education: Biblical Literacy Resolution

Resolved, the House of Bishops concurring, That this 73rd General Convention of the Episcopal Church urges every congregation to offer programs of Bible Study for adults and youth as a means of empowering the baptized to live out their Baptismal promise to “continue in the apostles” teaching and fellowship.”

ii. Sexuality and Personal Issues

D039: Human Sexuality: Issues Related to Sexuality and Relationships

Resolved, the House of Bishops concurring, That the members of the 73rd General Convention intend for this Church to provide a safe and just structure in which all can utilize their gifts and creative energies for mission, and be it further

Resolved, We acknowledge that while the issues of human sexuality are not yet resolved, there are currently couples in the Body of Christ and in this Church who are living in marriage and couples in the Body of Christ and in this Church who are living in other life-long committed relationships, and be it further

Resolved, We expect such relationships will be characterized by fidelity, monogamy, mutual affection and respect, careful, honest communication, and the holy love which enables those in such relationships to see in each other the image of God, and be it further

Resolved, We denounce promiscuity, exploitation and abusiveness in the relationships of any of our members, and be it further

Resolved, This Church intends to hold all its members accountable to these values, and will provide for them the prayerful support, encouragement and pastoral care necessary to live faithfully by them, and be it further

Resolved, We acknowledge that some, acting in good conscience, who disagree with the traditional teaching of the Church on human sexuality, will act in contradiction to that position, and be it further

Resolved, That in continuity with previous actions of the General Convention of this Church, and in response to the call for dialogue by the Lambeth Conference, we affirm that those on various sides of controversial issues have a place in the Church, and we reaffirm the imperative to promote conversation between persons of differing experiences and perspectives, while acknowledging the Church’s teaching on the sanctity of marriage.

A009: Homosexuality: Identifications of “Safe Spaces”

Resolved, the House of Bishops concurring, That the Executive Council establish a formal process for congregations to identify themselves as “safe spaces” for lesbians and gays and others who understand themselves to be part of a sexual minority to tell their stories and be heard with love, care, and assurance of appropriate confidentiality; and be it further

Resolved, That the Presiding Bishop’s staff work with counterparts within the Anglican Communion to encourage similar “safe spaces” within the Communion.

A080: Human Affairs: Promote Dialogue on Fidelity in Human Relationships

Resolved, the House of Bishops concurring, That the 73rd General Convention commends dialogue on fidelity in human relationships, as well as conversation and study of related issues, such as promise-keeping, truth-telling, trust, forgiveness, the nature of friendship, intimacy, loyalty, and integrity, as a way to open new windows on the nature of human relationships in a way that will transcend present polarities and build up community within society and our church.

A046: Conversation with Youth & Young Adults about Sexuality

Resolved, the House of Bishops concurring, That the 73rd General Convention of the Episcopal Church strongly urges dioceses and congregations to provide a safe, hospitable environment for frank conversation with youth and young adults about human sexuality, to share and teach accurate information, and to promote dialogue, within the context of the Baptismal Covenant and be it further

Resolved, That the Episcopal Church Center’s Ministries with Young People Cluster, in consultation with provincial networks, identify and recommend comprehensive guidelines and resources for these conversations.

C025: Violence: Sexual and Domestic Violence Awareness

Resolved, the House of Bishops concurring, That this 73rd General Convention calls upon every congregation within the church to designate at least one Sunday each year during one of the following months:

April (National Sexual Abuse Prevention and Sexual Assault Awareness Month) or

May (Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Month) or

October (National Domestic Violence Awareness Month)

for special prayers for all whose lives have been affected by any form of sexual, domestic, or family violence, remembering in particular those who have been violated by sexual misconduct within the church; and be it further

Resolved, That this General Convention calls upon the National Church Center to make available to every congregation within the church educational opportunities for its members about practical, pastoral, spiritual, and/or theological issues related to the problems of sexual or domestic violence and calls upon congregations to make an active and ongoing active response to these problems in their local community.

C030: Disabled Persons: Adopt “National Council of Churches Policy Statement on Disabilities, the Body of Christ, and the Wholeness of Society”

Resolved, the House of Deputies concurring, That the 73rd General Convention adopt the “National Council of Churches Policy Statement on Disabilities, the Body of Christ, and the Wholeness of Society”; and be it further

Resolved, That every Diocese study this document and implement its points in their life.

[Note: the Policy Statement follows:

“’Indeed, the body does not consist of one member, but of many.” (I Corinthians 12:14)

One in five Americans lives with an impairment that significantly limits one or more major life activities. Virtually everyone will live with a disability at some time in life. Concepts of justice for people with disabilities have evolved beyond paternalism toward the ideals of full participation and inclusion in all aspects of life. Disability rights and self-advocacy movements have emerged. At the national level, landmark laws such as the Rehabilitation Act, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) seek to assure the same rights to people with disabilities that are guaranteed to all other people in our society.

The religious community also has taken a number of initiatives. Beginning in 1958 and as recently as 1995, the NCCC has affirmed its belief in the dignity and worth of all people, including those of us with disabilities.

Most NCCC member communions have issued statements calling for the full inclusion of people with disabilities in all aspects of church life. In spite of these efforts, attitudinal, communication and architectural barriers remain. The church has served as a point of entry for many marginalized individuals into the mainstream of society. Now the time has come for the NCCC to reaffirm and broaden its commitment to people with disabilities.

This policy rests on four theological principles:

1. All people are created in the image of God. “Then God said, ‘Let us make humankind in our image...’” (Genesis 1:26) God creates all human beings in the divine image or likeness. The image is not a measurable characteristic or set of characteristics. God’s image is reflected uniquely in each person.

2. All people are called by God. “For we are what [God] has made us, created in Jesus Christ for good works, which God prepared beforehand to be our way of life.” (Ephesians 2:10) God calls all human beings to express the divine image through their unique characteristics. Each person’s characteristics, including disabilities, are inseparable and valuable features of the unique, individual person.

3. All people have special gifts. “Now there are varieties of gifts but the same spirit...” (I Corinthians 12:4) God supplies all human beings with the unique gifts needed to obey the divine call. The gifts God has given to each person are needed by all other people, and no one is indispensable or unnecessary.

4. All people are invited to participate in God’s ministry. “To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.” (I Corinthians 12:7) God invites all human beings to rely on and participate in the ministry of the church. God continually empowers each member of the Body of Christ to reflect the divine image in ways that will serve and benefit the church and the broader community.

Implications

In the light of these theological principles, it is the witness of the NCCC that all human beings, including those among us with disabilities, are entitled to rights in church and society. A life of dignity and respect includes such rights as access to education, health care, useful work, recreation, as well as the right to friendship, spiritual nurture, freedom and self‑expression. The rights of each person, including people with disabilities, are equal to and balanced by the rights of others.

We believe the human community in all its forms is accountable to God to protect these civil and human rights. God requires each church to give spiritual and moral leadership to society in protecting these rights. The church must exercise its leadership by its public preaching and teaching, but even more by its example as an inclusive community of faith, using the gifts of all its members.

“Now there are varieties of gifts but the same spirit; and varieties of services, but the same Lord...” (I Corinthians 12:4)]

C032: Health Issues: Understanding Mental Illness and response to Family Members of the Mentally Ill

Resolved, the House of Deputies concurring, That the 73rd General Convention urge all congregations of The Episcopal Church to seek out and commend local members of the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill and other mental health support groups for their valiant struggle of many years to support and educate the general public, that many mental illnesses are brain disorders that may be treatable with new medications and other forms of treatment; and be it further

Resolved, That congregations be encouraged to read, study, and implement relevant portions of Resolution D088, entitled “Encourage Understanding of Mental Illness and Respond to the Needs of the Mentally Ill” (see explanation) adopted by the 1991 General Convention; and be it further

Resolved, That congregations offer their facilities to local members of the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill, and other mental health support groups, for the purpose of educating and supporting family members of the mentally ill.

[Note: Resolution D088 (1991) reads, in relevant part:

“Resolved: That the church encourage the development of specific programs to equip the clergy and laity for ministry to the mentally ill and their families and that clergy and lay ministers seek out training and opportunities to minister to the spiritual needs of those who are affected by mental illness; and be it further

Resolved: That dioceses and congregations work with existing agencies and organizations to assist with and initiate programs, such as support groups, drop‑in centers, housing and employment opportunities, which lead to an improved quality of life for people who have a mental illness, with specific attention to those who become homeless.”]

D008: Suicide Prevention

Resolved, the House of Bishops concurring, That the 73rd General Convention adopts and affirms the resolution on Suicide Prevention by the Diocese of West Tennessee at its 19th convention, March 25, 2000:

1. We affirm our belief that, as St. Paul teaches (Romans 8:39), “Nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

2. We pledge ourselves to collaborate with other religious bodies and secular agencies in educating ourselves to recognize and minister more appropriately to those among us who are especially at risk of suicide as well as those who are impacted by the suicide of others; and

3. We urge that all levels of the Episcopal Church, parochial, diocesan, and national, accord high priority to the prevention of suicide in prayers and programming.

D083: Abortion: Ministry to Men and Women Suffering From Post Abortive Stress

Resolved, the House of Deputies concurring, That the 73rd General Convention of the Episcopal Church acknowledges that some men and women suffer from post-abortion stress; and be it further

Resolved, That the General Convention of the Episcopal Church calls for the Church to embrace and minister to men and women who have participated in an abortion and who may feel the need for pastoral and sacramental ministries of this church; and be it further

Resolved, That the General Convention of the Episcopal Church urges parishes to become safe communities for women and men to talk about their abortion experience and to receive pastoral care directed at the healing process; and be it further

Resolved, That the General Convention of the Episcopal Church encourages its clergy to become informed about the symptoms and behaviors associated with post-abortion stress; and be it further

Resolved, That the General Convention of the Episcopal Church directs parishes to make available contact information for counseling agencies that offer programs to address post-abortion stress for all seeking help.

iii. Social Issues and Concerns

B049: Racism: Required Anti-Racism Training

Resolved, the House of Deputies concurring, That beginning on September 1, 2000 the lay and ordained leadership of the Episcopal Church, including all ordained persons, professional staff, and those elected or appointed to positions of leadership on committees, commissions, agencies, and boards be required to take anti-racism training and receive certification of such training; and be it further

Resolved, That the Executive Council select and authorize appropriate programs that will be used at the national level; that each province select and authorize appropriate programs that will be used at the provincial level; and that each diocese select and authorize appropriate programs that will be used at the diocesan and parochial levels with the Council, each province and diocese to determine those lay and clergy leaders who are to take the training; and be it further

Resolved, That the Standing Commission on National Concerns continue to develop a list of such appropriate resources; and be it further

Resolved, That each national committee, commission, agency and board, and each province and diocese maintain a register of those who are trainers and those who have been trained, and forward this information to the Executive Council by January 1, 2003, and every two years thereafter, and the Council to report on this information to the 74th and 75th General Conventions.

B006: Racism: Endorse Birmingham Pledge on Racism

Resolved, the House of Bishops concurring, That this 73rd General Convention endorse the Birmingham Pledge as a witness to our church’s commitment to fight racism and challenge each member of the Episcopal Church to sign and live this pledge:

· I believe every person has worth as an individual.

· I believe every person is entitled to dignity and respect, regardless of race or color.

· I believe every thought and every act of racial prejudice is harmful.

· I believe if it is my thought or act, then it is harmful to me as well as to others

Therefore, from this day forward,

· I will strive daily to eliminate racial prejudice from my thoughts and actions.

· I will discourage racial prejudice by others at every opportunity.

· I will treat all people with dignity and respect.

· I will strive daily to honor this pledge, knowing that the world will be a better place because of my effort.

A048: Environment: Consider Environment When Choosing Electric Energy Supplier

Resolved, the House of Bishops concurring, That the 73rd General Convention encourages all members, congregations, dioceses, and other church institutions, in choosing electric energy suppliers, to examine the choices of energy generation, and to use environmentally safe and sustainable energy sources, especially those deriving from sun and wind; and be it further

Resolved, That the church at every level seek out expertise in selecting an energy provider through such resources as Episcopal Power and Light.

A058: Peace: “A Pledge of Nonviolence”

Resolved, the House of Bishops concurring, That each congregation of the Episcopal Church become a model for peacemaking in our violent society by encouraging its members to commit themselves to non-violent and peaceable behavior in their relationships with others at home, at school, at work, at church, in the community, and wherever they find themselves; and be it further

Resolved, That every congregation also encourages its members to adopt The Pledge of Nonviolence as it comes from the Institute for Peace and Justice, St. Louis, Missouri:

· Making peace must start within ourselves. I commit myself to become, with God’s help, a nonviolent and peaceable person.

· To respect myself, to affirm others and to avoid uncaring criticism, hateful words, physical attacks and self-destructive behavior.

· To share my feelings honestly, to look for safe ways to express my anger and to work at solving problems peacefully.

· To listen carefully to one another, especially those who disagree with me, and to consider others’ feelings and needs rather than insisting on having my own way.

· To apologize and make amends when I have hurt another, to forgive others and to keep from holding grudges.

· To treat the environment and all living things, including our pets, with respect and care.

· To select entertainment and toys that support healthy values and to avoid entertainment that makes violence look exciting, funny or acceptable.

· To challenge violence in all its forms whenever I encounter it, whether at home, at school, at work, at church or in the community and to stand with others who are treated unfairly.

This is my pledge. These are my goals. I will check myself on what I have pledged once a month for the next twelve months so that I can help myself and others become more peaceable people.

A077: Commend Diocesan and Congregational Study of End-of-Life Issues

Resolved, the House of Deputies concurring, That this 73rd General Convention accept with thanks the work of the End‑of‑Life Task Force and its publication, Faithful Living, Faithful Dying: Anglican Perspectives on Care at the End‑of‑Life; and be it further

Resolved, That this 73rd General Convention urges every diocese and congregation, as well as seminaries and clergy, to study the theological and ethical issues that arise near the end-of-life, giving strong consideration to the use of Faithful Living, Faithful Dying: Anglican Perspectives on Care at the End-of-Life (Morehouse), the book developed by the End‑of‑Life Task Force for this purpose.

A083: Commend the Promotion of Educational Materials related to the Death Penalty within Dioceses and Parishes

Resolved, the House of Bishops concurring, That as the Episcopal Church continues its opposition to the death penalty, parishes and dioceses be urged to study the death penalty and explore the reasons for our opposition: the inequity as applied to minorities, the poor and those who cannot afford adequate legal representation, the contribution to continued violence and the violation of our Baptismal Covenant.

B001: Prison Ministry: Prison Task Force

Resolved, the House of Deputies concurring, That the 73rd General Convention activate the Task Force on Reform of the Criminal Justice System mandated by the 1985 General Convention (C043) as a joint committee of the House of Bishops and House of Deputies staff support under the direction of the Bishop for the Armed Services, Health and Prison Ministries, and the Director of Prison Ministries, recognizing the unique character of the pastoral and program needs of this mission area with an expanded mandate, and that any residual, appropriate and unresolved issues resulting from the actions of subsequent Conventions, viz. D062 (1988), D056 (1991), D087 (1994) and D035 (1994) be handled by this Committee. The expanded mandate of the Committee will include implementation and oversight of the following:

· Development and provision of information, networking resources, funding, recruitment, training, support and encouragement by parishes and diocesan means for prison ministers at the Federal, State, County and local levels.

· Liaison and interaction with government agencies, organizations involved with the Justice system, Federal and State representatives on the one hand, and Bishops, appropriate diocesan sources and organized prison ministries already in place, on the other.

· Provision of proclamation, advocacy, leadership and materials for the advancement, awareness and implementation of effective prison ministry throughout the Episcopal Church; and be it further

Resolved, That the 73rd General Convention, request and require that each Diocese of the Episcopal Church include in Diocesan Cycles of Prayer intercession for prison ministries, and for all incarcerated persons and their families; and be it further

Resolved, that the new committee shall be named the Committee on Criminal Justice Issues, and be allocated funding to enable the deliberations of the Committee in the amount of $90,000 for the triennium.

B036: Public Education: Support for Public School System

Resolved, the House of Deputies concurring, That the 73rd General Convention of the Episcopal Church commend those committed to and involved in public school education within our communities; and be it further

Resolved, That the dioceses and congregations of the Episcopal Church work with the governmental and civic institutions of their communities to strengthen and encourage creative initiatives in the public school system such as, congregations adopting and mentoring in a local school; and be it further

Resolved, That the 73rd General Convention of the Episcopal Church go on record opposing private school vouchers plans that weaken the public school systems; and be it further

Resolved, That these actions be communicated to our Washington office for distribution to the public policy network.

B050: Stewardship: A Call to promote congregational based Public Policy Groups

Resolved, the House of Deputies concurring, That this 73rd General Convention of The Episcopal Church acknowledges the use of the political process as one aspect of stewardship, and encourages congregations to engage in conversations and theological reflection on public policy issues; and be it further

Resolved, That the Convention recommends that each congregation establish a group to discuss and act upon public policy issues as an expression of Christian stewardship.

C031: Homosexuality: Boy Scouts of America Policy of Homosexuals

Resolved, the House of Bishops concurring, That the 73rd General Convention recommends that all clergy in charge of congregations and vestries

1. Inform the local Boy Scouts of America council and other organizations of The Episcopal Church’s policy adopted at the 65th General Convention (1976) that “homosexual persons are children of God who have a full and equal claim with all other persons upon the love, acceptance, and pastoral concern and care of the Church;”

2. Encourage the Boy Scouts of America to allow membership to youth and adult leaders irrespective of their sexual orientation

3. Strongly encourage individual churches which charter or host scout units to open a dialogue with the unit leaders, scouts and their parents regarding discrimination against youth and leaders on the basis of sexual orientation;

4. Engage in educational programs within their churches to inform members and others about these issues; and be it further

Resolved, That the 73rd General Convention recommends Office of the General Convention send a copy of this resolution to the National Office of the Boy Scouts of America.

C044 Miscellaneous: Gambling

Resolved, the House of Bishops concurring, That the 73rd General Convention: notes with dismay the increase of gambling and gaming in our society and

1. Encourages the clergy and pastoral caregivers of this Church to become familiar with the resources of Gamblers Anonymous (www.gamblersanonymous.org) and other organizations which provide service to problem and addicted gamblers and their families.

2. Encourages parishes and church-related organizations to be aware of the inappropriateness of using gambling for fundraising purposes.

3. Endorses the recommendations of the bipartisan National Gambling Impact Study Commission for a moratorium on the expansion of gambling in states and localities, and for a gambling impact study to be conducted in each state and locality prior to the introduction or expansion of gambling.

4. Asks Executive Council to establish a Task Force on Gambling and Gaming to study the effects of this activity on persons and communities and to report back to the 74th General Convention: and

5. Urges members, congregations, dioceses, provinces and The National Church Center to work to end state-sponsored gambling and gaming.

6. Encourage parishes, missions, and church related organizations to be inclusive and minister to those persons related to and employed in the gambling industry.

D052: Urban Mission: Urban Ministry

Resolved, the House of Deputies concurring, That the 73rd General Convention re-affirm the commitment of The Episcopal Church to urban mission by:

1. Urging every diocese in The Episcopal Church to establish a Diocesan Urban Mission Commission, which would be charged with the task of:

· deployment, retention and training of parish clergy, laity and non-parochial clergy committed to urban mission as community visionaries;

· providing support and encouragement of faith-based community and neighborhood organizing in the city;

· providing support for ecumenical mission, rethinking models of ministry which are most appropriate for urban missions, including partnerships and venture philanthropy;

· providing advocacy and support of youth employment programs, with emphasis on the role of the church to provide motivational support;

· promoting a thorough analysis of institutional forms of racism, sexism, and classism, as well as prejudice and oppression based on ethnicity, age, physical ability, sexual orientation and educational and economic background and provide diocesan wide diversity training with respect to such issues; and

· developing specific strategies for evangelism and stewardship in urban areas.

2. Urging all bishops to appoint a trained Diocesan Urban Missioner, either paid or volunteer, to the diocesan staff to:

· mobilize networks of presence, including the inter-Anglican Urban Network and deepen understanding; and

· motivate advocacy for urban justice issues.

3. Encouraging the Congregational Ministries Cluster, the Peace and Justice Cluster, including Jubilee Ministries and the Ministries Development offices of the Episcopal Church Center to coordinate efforts with Diocesan Urban Mission commissions, Diocesan Urban Missioners, and the Episcopal Urban Caucus to develop educational efforts for clergy and laity that advance strategies which address issues of urban mission; and to support a national Conference on Urban mission.

4. Urging the House of Bishops to renew its commitment to active leadership and presence in urban mission.

5. Commending the joint Standing Committee on Planning and Arrangements to give an intentional focus to urban mission at the 74th General Convention of the Episcopal Church.

A001: Diocesan International Education, Advocacy, and Development Programs

Resolved, the House of Deputies concurring, That all dioceses be encouraged to accept the challenge affirmed in the 1998 Lambeth Resolution I.1.15(j) “to cooperate with other people of faith in programs of education and advocacy so that we may help raise public awareness of vital economic issues that impact deeply on the daily lives of the poor”; and be it further

Resolved, That all dioceses be encouraged to accept the challenge affirmed in the 1998 Lambeth Resolution I.1.15(k) “to fund international development programs, in consultation with other Anglican Provinces, at a level of at least 0.7% of net disposable budgeted diocesan income”; and be it further

Resolved, That Executive Council develop a process for dioceses to give an annual account of their progress toward living into these goals.

D033: Economic Development: Recognition of Micro-Credit Programs

Resolved, the House of Deputies concurring, That this 73rd General Convention challenges all dioceses and congregations to set aside 0.7% of their annual budgets to contribute to international development programs that address the root causes of poverty, ill health, illiteracy, and economic justice; and be it further

Resolved, That this 73rd General Convention welcomes and commends micro-credit initiatives, as one way to enable the world-wide Anglican Communion to serve the neediest nations through micro-loan and small business training programs.

iv. Ecumenical Issues

A040: Acceptance of “Called to Common Mission”

Resolved, the House of Deputies concurring, That this 73rd General Convention of the Episcopal Church accepts “Called to Common Mission: A Lutheran Proposal for a Revision of the Concordat of Agreement” as set forth below as the basis for a relationship of full communion to be established between the Episcopal Church and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America; and be it further

Resolved, That this 73rd General Convention of the Episcopal Church requests that The Most Rev. Frank T. Griswold, Presiding Bishop and Primate of the Episcopal Church, convey this action to Presiding Bishop H. George Anderson of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.

[Note: “Called to Common Mission” is a separate document that was provided with General Convention materials, and made available to dioceses and parishes.]

A042: Amend Constitution Article VIII: Requests for Ordination, Second Reading (A020)

Resolved, the House of Deputies concurring, That this 73rd General Convention of the Episcopal Church adds a paragraph to the Constitution, Article VIII, as follows:

A bishop may permit a minister ordained in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America or its predecessor bodies who has made the promise of conformity required by that Church in place of the foregoing declaration to officiate on a temporary basis as an ordained minister of this church; and be it further

Resolved, That this resolution shall take effect on January 1, 2001.

B051: Canons: Amend Canon III.19 - Implementation of “Called to Common Mission” (C&C p. 93)

Resolved, the House of Deputies concurring, That Canon III.19 is amended by adding anew subsection (b)(4) to read as follows:

(4) To a Member of the Clergy of this Church or the Wardens, in case of clergy vacancy or absence, to invite Clergy ordained in another Church in communion with this Church to officiate on an occasional basis, provided that such clergy shall teach and act in a manner consistent with the Doctrine, Discipline, and Worship of this Church.

v. Financial Issues

A036: Stewardship: Creation of New Fund for Ministry and Mission

Resolved, the House of Bishops concurring, That this 73rd General Convention approve creation of “The Alleluia Fund: Build my Church” proposed by the Standing Commission on Stewardship and Development as follows:

“The Alleluia Fund: Build My Church” is a new initiative in planning, giving, and spiritual transformation throughout the dioceses of the Episcopal Church, centered in the Easter season.

The national Office of Stewardship will provide leadership for this initiative. By September 1, 2001, the office will provide materials and resources to each diocese to assist the diocese with the visioning process and with the reception of the offerings. These materials shall be grounded in the teaching of Christian stewardship, mission, and in the meaning of the Easter season.

Using the materials provided, each diocese will identify mission possibilities that are not presently funded, but which, if funded, would assist with:

· New church development

· Revitalization of existing congregations

· Reaching children and youth

· Ministering to those in need

During the Season of Epiphany 2002, each diocese that chooses to participate in this program will announce and publicize the goals that have been identified and commit to complete those goals as money is provided. At the same time, the diocese will announce the creation of “The Alleluia Fund: Build My Church” to be the recipient of offerings received during the Great Fifty Days of Easter and presented on the Day of Pentecost 2002. This fund shall continue annually for a period of ten years throughout the dioceses of this church; and be it further

Resolved, That $100,000.00 per year during the next triennium is appropriated through the Office of Stewardship to provide staff leadership and materials for this fund.

A106: Affirmation of Stewardship Statement and the Tithe

Resolved, the House of Deputies concurring, That this 73rd General Convention of the Episcopal Church adopts the following Stewardship Statement of the Standing Commission on Stewardship and Development to be its own:

Stewardship Statement

We believe: We are the children of God, and we need to give. In every aspect of our lives, we are entrusted to be stewards of God’s creation. God invites us to give freely and to exercise joyfully our gifts through mission and ministry.

We commit ourselves: To boldly claim God’s abundant provision in our lives; to offer extravagantly our time, talent, and money to do God’s work; and to practice tithing as a minimum standard of giving.

We challenge members of the Episcopal Church: To confront our fears of scarcity; to embrace a new vision of stewardship through a joyful response to God’s extravagant gifts; and to empower the mission of Christ through generous giving.

We invite: Leadership groups in dioceses and congregations to develop their own stewardship statements in order to promote response to the gospel; and be it further

Resolved, That we, the Deputies and Bishops of this convention, give thanks to God for those who embrace tithing as a faithful individual response to the grace of God; and do hereby affirm through our signatures these professed beliefs and practices; and be it further

Resolved, That the Secretary be directed to collect the signatures with this resolution and publish the list of signatures in the Journal.

A111: Stewardship: Planned Giving

Resolved, the House of Deputies concurring, That all dioceses and congregations of the church be encouraged to use the rubric on page 445 of the Book of Common Prayer as a basis for the teaching of Legacy Stewardship. The rubric states:

“The Minister of the Congregation is directed to instruct the People from time to time, about the duty of Christian parents to make prudent provision for the well-being of their families, and of all persons to make wills, while they are in health, arranging for the disposal of their temporal goods, not neglecting if they are able, to leave bequests for religious and charitable uses”; and be it further

Resolved, That all dioceses and congregations of the church be encouraged to promote the practice of “Planned Giving” as a regular part of Legacy Stewardship; and be it further

Resolved, That all dioceses, congregations, and agencies of the church be encouraged to develop policies for the receipt, management and use of planned gifts.

A113: Stewardship: Seminary Financial Support

Resolved, the House of Deputies concurring, That the 73rd General Convention of the Episcopal Church affirm its commitment to the seminaries of the church and encourages all congregations to share our abundance by continuing or initiating a minimum contribution of 1% of their annual budget income to one or more of the eleven accredited seminaries of the church.

D014: Seminaries: Funding on Seminaries by the One Percent Support Formula

Resolved, the House of Deputies concurring, That this 73rd General Convention reaffirms the commitment of the Episcopal Church to the policy for the funding of the Seminaries of the Church in that each congregation of the several dioceses within the fifty states of the United States and the Convocation of the American Churches in Europe shall give annually at least 1% of their net disposable budgeted income to one or more of these Seminaries as selected by each donor; and be it further

Resolved, That each such diocese shall be encouraged to develop a procedure by which that each congregation of that diocese participates in this funding commitment; and be it further

Resolved, That at least annually, the Presiding Bishop and each diocesan Ecclesiastical Authority are respectfully requested jointly to inform every congregation of the respective dioceses of this policy and encourage generous participation in the support of the Seminaries; and be it further

Resolved, That in addition to the above, this General Convention respectfully requests that the Presiding Bishop continue to designate one Sunday each year as Theological Education Sunday to be observed at the time by all such congregations as an occasion for informing and sharing the work of the Seminaries in the mission and ministry of this Church; and be it further

Resolved, That the Seminaries shall strive diligently to strengthen the partnership with the several dioceses, and congregations through dialogue and by sharing their unique relationships with this Church and their joint and several roles in providing theological education for both the ordained and lay in support of the Church’s mission to restore all people to unity with God and each other in Christ through its ministry of worship, forgiveness, proclamation, service and securing justice; and be it further

Resolved, That each Seminary shall submit an annual report as to receipts from this support and application thereof to the Standing Commission on Ministry Development, which the Commission shall report to the 74th General Convention.

vi. Liturgy

Resolution A063: Book of Common Prayer: The Revised Common Lectionary

Resolved, the House of Deputies concurring, That the readings and psalms of the Revised Common Lectionary, as distinct from the rubrics, be authorized for continued trial use during the 2001-2003 triennium; and be it further

Resolved, That, for purposes of trial use, the Revised Common Lectionary be adapted in the following ways:

III Advent Year B: Add Canticle 3 or 15 as an alternative to the psalm appointed.

III Advent Year C: Add Canticle 9 as an alternative to the psalm appointed.

First Sunday after Christmas Day: Substitute readings from the lectionary in the Book of Common Prayer.

Second Sunday after Christmas: Substitute readings from the lectionary in the Book of Common Prayer

Ash Wednesday: Substitute Psalm 103 or 103:8-14 (Psalm 51 is used as part of the liturgy for Ash Wednesday in the BCP.)

II Lent Year A: Omit the option of Matthew 17:1-9.

II Lent Year B: Omit the option of Mark 9:2-9.

II Lent Year C: Omit the option of Luke 9:28-36.

(These RCL options are stories of the Transfiguration, which would not be appropriate to use in II Lent after we have celebrated the Transfiguration on last Epiphany.)

III Lent Year C: Substitute Exodus 3:1-15 (Isaiah 55:1-9 is used at the Easter Vigil.)

Weekdays in Easter Week: Insert lections for Weekdays in Easter from the Book of Common Prayer.

Vigil of Pentecost: Insert lections from the Book of Common Prayer.

Trinity Sunday: Add Canticle 2 or 13 as an alternative to the psalm appointed.

The Annunciation: Add Canticle 3 or 15 as an alternative to the psalm appointed.

Holy Cross Day: Substitute lections from the lectionary in the Book of Common Prayer

Proper 8, Year B: Add verses 21 and 22 to the reading from Lamentations. (The Revised Common Lectionary begins at verse 23, which is in middle of a sentence and is out of context.); and be it further

Resolved, That Bishops be encouraged to designate several congregations in their dioceses to use the Sunday readings in Cycle C (Advent 2000- Advent 2001) contained in the Revised Common Lectionary in order to enhance the effectiveness of trial use; and be further

Resolved, That the Standing Commission on Liturgy and Music develop a simple form to enable dioceses to make available to the Standing Commission the results of this trail use, and that these results be reported to the 74th General Convention.

A068: Church Calendar: Authorization of Trial Use of Commemorations

Resolved, the House of Deputies concurring, That this 73rd General Convention authorize, for trial use until the General Convention of 2003, the commemorations proposed by this Convention, with the following propers:

August 12: Florence Nightingale, Nurse, Social Reformer, 1910

I. [A Rite I version of the collect will be provided.]

II. Life-giving God, you alone have power over life and death, over health and sickness, Give power, wisdom, and gentleness to those who follow the lead of Florence Nightingale, that they, bearing with them your presence, may not only heal but bless, and shine as lanterns of hope in the darkest hours of pain and fear; through Jesus Christ, the healer of body and soul, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Psalm - 73:23-29

Lesson - Isaiah 58:6-11

Gospel - Matthew 25:31-46

Preface of a Saint I

June 12: Enmegahbowh, Priest and Missionary, 1902

I. Almighty God, thou didst lead thy pilgrim people of old with fire and cloud; grant that the ministers of thy church, following the example of blessed Enmegahbowh, may stand before thy holy people, leading them with fiery zeal and gentle humility. This we ask through Jesus, the Christ, who liveth and reigneth with thee in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God now and forever. Amen.

II. Almighty God, you led your pilgrim people of old with fire and cloud; grant that the ministers of your church, following the example of blessed Enmegahbowh, may stand before your holy people, leading them with fiery zeal and gentle humility. This we ask through Jesus, the Christ, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God now and forever. Amen.

Psalm - 129

Lesson - Isaiah 52:7-10 or 1 Peter 5:1-4

Gospel - Luke 6:17-23

Preface of a Saint I

October 11: Philip, Deacon and Evangelist

I. [A Rite I version of the collect will be provided.]

II. Holy God, no one is excluded from your love; and your truth transforms the minds of all who seek you: as your servant Philip was led to embrace the fullness of your salvation and to bring the stranger to Baptism, so give us all the grace to be heralds of the Gospel, proclaiming your love in Jesus Christ our Savior, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Psalm - 67

Lesson - Isaiah 53:7-11 or Acts 8:26-40

Gospel - Matthew 28:18-20

Preface of Apostles and Ordinations

A069: Liturgy: Additions to Supplemental Liturgical Materials

Resolved, the House of Deputies concurring, That this 73rd General Convention authorize the following supplemental liturgical materials for “Ministry with the Sick and Dying, and Burial of a Child” (Blue Book pp. 246‑289) for use during the next triennium; such use always under the direction of the diocesan bishop or ecclesiastical authority; and be it further

Resolved, That the Standing Commission on Liturgy and Music is directed to publish these materials under separate cover, bearing the title Enriching Our Worship II: Ministry with the Sick and Dying, and Burial of a Child; and be it further

Resolved, That the authorization by the 72nd General Convention of Enriching our Worship; Supplemental Liturgical Materials be continued for the next triennium; and that future editions of these texts be retitled Enriching our Worship I: The Daily Office, Great Litany and Eucharist.

Changes in the supplemental material in the Blue Book pp. 246-289:

§ p 246 In title change “and” to “or,” to read Ministry with Sick or Dying

§ p 251 4 lines from the bottom the line should be in italics

§ 8 lines from the bottom add “with these or similar words” after the words “the leader continues”

§ p 255 Continue last sentence with words “which is especially appropriate when Communion has been received in one kind.”

§ p 259 Add the word “we” to the ninth line from the top between “where” and “may”

§ pp. 263, 275, and 282 Reverse the order of the prayers that begin “God of infinite mercy” and “faithful God”

§ In prayer that begins “God of infinite mercy,” in all three changes lines 2 and 3 to read: “we thank you for Jesus our Savior, our true mother who feeds us and gives us eternal life”

§ pp. 264 and 277 in Prayer for Release:

§ In both change “following rock” to “solid rock”

§ In both omit the words “by your strong arm”

§ p 270 Replace prayer “in loss of memory” with the following

§  &n