Sampling of General Convention Resolutions
Many of the values of the Episcopal Church are expressed through specific resolutions, which are proposed, debated, and voted on every three years at our national General Convention. Here is a sampling of resolutions that were passed at our last General Convention, in June 2009.
Liturgies for Same-Sex Blessings (C056)
Acknowledges the changing circumstances as legislation authorizing or forbidding marriage, civil unions or domestic partnerships for gay and lesbian persons is passed that call forth a renewed pastoral response from this church; asks for an open process for the consideration of theological and liturgical resources for the blessing of same gender relationships and that the theological diversity of this church in regard to matters of human sexuality is honored.
Recommit to Millennium Development Goals as a Mission Priority (D019)
Reaffirms the church’s commitment to the Millennium Development Goals as a primary mission priority through 2015.
Regulation and the Financial Crisis (B009)
Supports government regulations over economic transactions in the financial and banking sectors—particularly to prevent practices that negatively impact moderate and low income people.
Racism in the Discernment, Seminary, Ordination and Deployment Process (A145)
Urges that a study be conducted to research and analyze docesan processes to recruit persons of color to pursue ordination and analyze how persons of color are deployed to parishes.
Restricting use of Bottled Water, Energy and Water Conservation (A045)
Asks the church to restrict the use of bottled water at church-sponsored events and encourages baptized Christians to practice energy and water conservation.
Environmental Justice (D014)
Encourages the church to support an environmentally just treatment of all in God’s Creation and encourages each congregation to refer this Resolution to their
outreach committee to ensure the education of their members and to encourage environmentally just actions.
Condemnation of Torture (C020)
Condemns the use of torture by any government, individual or organization; asks that Episcopalians not engage or assist in the torture of any human being; asks that pro bono legal counsel be provided to help defend any Episcopalian who faces discharge or disciplinary action for refusing to order, engage or assist in torture.
Renew and Strengthen Economic Justice Ministry (C049)
Directs Executive Council to develop a strategic plan to address issues of domestic economic justice and report back to the 77th General Convention; urges congregations to build relationships with their community and that they engage in the traditional acts of mercy: food pantries, clothing closets, soup kitchens, etc.,; urges dioceses and congregations to support and participate in various models through which low income people and their co-workers can take control of their own lives and meet their own needs.
Multicultural Leadership Development (A104)
Asks that The Episcopal Church recognize the importance of cultural diversity in the dioceses; affirms the importance of cultural diversity and multicultural leadership development; requests that dioceses consider a specific yearly budget allocation for the implementation of multicultural leadership development.
For a complete list of General Convention Resolutions, go to http://generalconvention.org/gc/legislation
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