RESOLUTION 1
RESOLVED, that the 124th Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of Newark deepens its commitment itself to the congregations in its urban areas, increasing its awareness of the challenges that face such congregations; and, be it further
RESOLVED, that the North Jersey Episcopal City Mission be affirmed in its efforts to develop and implement overall and intentional broad-based strategies for urban congregations that will:
and, be it further
RESOLVED, that the North Jersey Episcopal City Mission working in conjunction with the Diocesan Council and the Evangelism Commission report to the 1999 Diocesan Convention about the state of the urban congregation (s) in our diocese with appropriate recommendations and strategies for the diocese.
- Submitted by: The Rev. Tracey Lind, Mrs. Marge Christie, The Very Rev. Petero Sabune, Dr. Louie Crew, The Rev. Canon John P. Cronebeger, Mr. Michael F. Rehill, The Rev. Ed Hasse, Mr. E. Kim Byham, Mr. George Hayman (General Convention Deputies and Alternates);The Rev. Canon Elizabeth Kaeton
Supporting Information:
Although the majority [77.5%] of American people live in metropolitan areas [with half of the country's population living in 39 major US cities], the attendant provision of resources by state and church do not reflect that data. Indeed, our urban churches are primary providers of shelter and food, literacy and job training to people who have no other place of refuge. The cost of urban outreach and evangelism and the expense of building maintenance and repair extends beyond the means of most urban congregations. The 1997 General Convention urges urban dioceses to "develop broad-base strategies" for congregational development in metropolitan areas.
The Resolutions Committee recommends adoption of this resolution.
RESOLUTION 2
Resolved, That the Diocese of Newark adopt a standard of inclusive language in
the liturgies uses whenever members of the diocese gather for worship, such
inclusivity to embrace images of God and of humanity, and be it further
Resolved, That in light of the diocesan standard every congregation be encouraged to use inclusive language for at least one principal Sunday service and one weekday service per month.
- Submitted by: The Rev. Canon John P. Croneberger, Ms. Marge Christie, The Rev. Tracey Lind, Dr. Louie Crew, The Very Rev. Petero Sabune , Mr. Michael F. Rehill, The Rev. Ed Hasse, Mr. E. Kim Byham, Mr. George Hayman (General Convention Deputies and Alternates); The Rev. Canon Elizabeth Kaeton
Supporting Information:
This resolution is a logical follow-up on the affirmation of the work of the Task Force on Prayer Book Revision at last year's convention. The evaluations of the Saturday service in 1997 were overwhelmingly positive and indicate a willingness to take a next step. Diocesan " gatherings for worship" should include, but not be limited to, the Diocesan Convention, the annual stewardship service, the United Thank Offering Ingathering, the
diaconate ordinations, the weekly services in All Saints Chapel at Episcopal House. This resolution is also in accord with resolutions passed at the 1997 General Convention.
The Resolutions Committee recommends adoption of this resolution.
RESOLUTION 3
RESOLVED, That the Commission on Ministry be urged to include within its responsibilities the ministry of laity, focusing on both a discernment process and the planning of a liturgical rite which would affirm such ministries.
- Submitted by: The Rev. Canon Elizabeth Kaeton; Ms. Marge Christie, Christ Church, Ridgewood; The Rev. Canon John P. Croneberger
Supporting Information:
The Commission on Ministry is the screening body for people seeking ordination in the Episcopal Church. The Commission is made up of ten lay people and ten clergy. Several years ago Bishop Spong increased the number of members on the Commission on Ministry so that it could be a commission for ordained and lay ministry. The myriad responsibilities to aspirants, postulants, candidates and deacons continue to capture the attention of the entire Commission; a subcommittee needs to be activated for the laity.
The Resolutions Committee takes no position, pending the open hearing.
RESOLUTION 4
RESOLVED, that this 124th Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of Newark adopts "A Children's Charter for the Church" as a vision of children's ministries and urges every congregation to study the Charter and live out its concept locally.
A CHILDREN'S CHARTER FOR THE CHURCH
Nurture of the child
Children are a heritage from the LORD, and the fruit of the womb is a gift. Psalm 127:4
The church is called to
Ministry to the child
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
Ministry of the child
A little child shall lead them. Isaiah 11:6
The church is called to
- Submitted by: The Rev.Tracey Lind, The Very Rev. Petero Sabune, The Rev. Ed Hasse, The Rev. Canon John P. Cronebeger, Mrs. Marge Christie, Dr. Louie Crew, Mr. Michael F. Rehill, Mr. E. Kim Byham, Mr. George Hayman (General Convention Deputies and Alternates)
Supporting Information:
This Charter was adopted by the 1997 General Convention and mandated to the several dioceses.
The Resolutions Committee recommends adoption of this resolution.
CONSENT CALENDAR
RESOLUTION 5
USAGE OF REVISED COMMON LECTIONARY
RESOLVED, That the Bishop appoint a committee to encourage the trial use of the Revised Common Lectionary by the congregations of this diocese; and, be it further
RESOLVED, that a summary of evaluations, with comments and suggestions, be submitted to the Standing Liturgical Commission of the national church so that they can be included in its report and recommendations to the 73rd General Convention.
- Submitted by: The Rev. Tracey Lind, Mrs. Marge Christie, The Very Rev. Petero Sabune, Dr. Louie Crew, The Rev. Canon John P. Croneberger, Mr. Michael F. Rehill, The Rev. Ed Hasse, Mr. E. Kim Byham, Mr. George Hayman (General Convention Deputies and Alternates)
Supporting Information:
The Revised Common Lectionary was published in 1992, in response to evaluations of The Common Lectionary which was published in 1983. It's purpose is to allow both a thematic unity of the Hebrew Scripture readings, the Psalms and the Gospel readings as well as to provide a continuous reading of the Hebrew Scriptures. In addition an emphasis has been placed on texts which highlight the role of women in the history which unfolds in the Bible. The Episcopal Church joins almost a dozen other denominations in the United States and Canada which are using the RCL. The 1996 Diocesan Convention approved a resolution submitted by the Task Force on Prayer Book Revision to urge the several congregations to "use the Revised Common Lectionary on a regular basis."
The 1997 General Convention has requested comments and suggestions from the various dioceses to inform its report to the next General Convention.
The Resolutions Committee placed this resolution on the Consent Calendar.
RESOLUTION 6
RESOLVED, that the following changes be made to the Diocese of Newark's Group Medical Insurance Plan effective February 1, 1998:
The plan shall become a contributory plan, that is all eligible participants will make a financial contribution to the plan. For 1998 the annual contribution will be $25. This amount may be adjusted from time to time by the Diocesan Council.
As a contributory plan, those eligible to participate may voluntarily choose not to have the coverage if they have coverage elsewhere, that is through a family member, spouse or domestic partner. The local church will be responsible for reimbursing the contribution from parochial clergy.
To opt out of the plan those eligible to participate must send written notice of their intention to the Diocesan Finance Office and certify annually they have adequate coverage elsewhere. Participants who opt out may re-enroll in the plan.
Upon an election to opt out of the Diocesan Plan, if any additional payments are required to qualify the clergy person under the insurance plan of another, the congregation will be responsible for such payments up to an amount equal to what would have been paid to insure that clergy person under the Diocesan Plan.
The decision on whether to stay in the diocesan plan or opt out can only be made voluntarily by the clergy person and not the wardens and vestry or executive committee of any given church, parish, aided parish, incorporated mission or mission.
- Submitted by The Rev. Geoffrey B. Curtiss, All Saints', Hoboken; The Rev. John J. Negrotto, Holy Trinity, Hillsdale; Mr. E. Kim Byham, Good Shepherd, Fort Lee; Mr. Scott Helsel, Good Shepherd, Fort Lee.
SUPPORTING INFORMATION
This change has been sought by a number of clergy for several years. It was submitted by the Insurance Committee to the 1997 Diocesan Convention, but was defeated. This version reflects several changes intended to address concerns raised last year. The basic motivation for the resolution is that if a clergy person has insurance through a spouse, the clergy person may wish to drop the diocesan plan and save the congregation money. The Diocese's insurance carriers have indicated a willingness to permit this. To implement it, the Group Medical Insurance Plan must become contributory.
Making the plan contributory means that the insured pays a portion of the premium cost -- a "contribution." This is the norm for almost every medical insurance plan. The lack of a centralized payroll is the primary reason we have not moved to implement this in the past. To accomplish this, the "contribution" of the insured clergy person can be a nominal amount -- hence the $25 proposed for this year. It is not anticipated that this amount would need to be substantially increased, but in any case Diocesan Council must approve any changes.
The Diocese would bill the congregation for the full medical insurance premium. For those who choose to opt out of the Plan, the Diocese will bill the congregation for the annual "contribution" for clergy persons employed by it.
New Jersey law required that group medical insurance plans must admit new members, including readmission of existing members, without proof of insurability.
This provision does not apply to parochial lay employees who have a separate contribution requirement.
The Resolutions Committee takes no position, pending the open hearings.
RESOLUTION 7
ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE COVENANT CONGREGATIONS
RESOLVED, that this 124th Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of Newark endorses The Environmental Justice Covenant Congregation Program of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the USA, and urges the vestries and mission councils of the Diocese of Newark to vote their support of this national, ecumenical program; and, be it further
RESOLVED, that this Convention instructs the Environmental Commission of the Diocese of Newark to provide material on the Program to interested congregations, and to provide support for the carrying out of the Covenant Program in our Diocese.
- Submitted by: The Environmental Commission of the Diocese of Newark, the Rev. Dr. Franklin Vilas and Mr. Robert Burnett, Co-Chairs.
Supporting Information:
The National Religious Partnership on the Environment (NRPE) is a Coalition of the major faith groups of the United States, including the National Council of Churches of Christ in the U.S.A. (NCC), the National Roman Catholic Conference of Bishops, the Committee on the Environment and Jewish Life and the Evangelical Environmental Network. The Episcopal Church participates through its membership in NCC.
NCC has launched a program to involve congregations in a covenant program, "Healing and Defending God's Creation". The covenant includes a statement on awareness on environmental stewardship, and dedicates the participating congregation to the expression of that concern in worship, teaching, lifestyle and community involvement.
Material on the Covenant Program is available through NCC and its affiliates (Partner's For Environmental Quality, Inc. in New Jersey). This resolution affirms the participation of the churches of the Diocese of Newark in this program, and asks the Environmental Commission of the Diocese of Newark to act as a facilitator for parishes and missions who wish to become part of this growing spiritual movement.
The Resolutions Committee recommends adoption of this resolution.
RESOLUTION 8
RESOLVED, that a Task Force on Ministry with the Deaf be established to study the need for this ministry within the Diocese, the district convocations and the individual parishes; and, be it further
RESOLVED, that this Task Force be instructed to report to the 125th annual Diocesan Convention with information on finding interpreters, providing prayer books and Sunday School materials and providing instruction in an appropriate sign language for hearing persons, other related issues and recommendations for financial support from the Diocese, the district convocations and the individual congregations.
- Submitted by Mr. David Biesel, All Saints', Bergenfield; Mrs. Diane Biesel, All Saints', Bergenfield; Ms. Shelia Shuford, St. Peter's, Mountain Lakes; Ms. Barbara Rhodes, Ms. Karen Belisle.
Supporting Information:
The Episcopal Church was, historically, a leader in ministry with the deaf. In 1876, The Rev. Henry Winter Syle was ordained by the Episcopal Church, the first deaf person to be ordained in any church anywhere. The people of the Diocese of Newark have the spirit, the heart and the financial resources to continue and to expand this ministry. It is anticipated that membership on an appointed task force would include the deaf, the hard of hearing and the un-impaired.
The Resolutions Committee recommends adoption of this resolution.
CONSENT CALENDAR
RESOLUTION 9
RESOLVED, that the effects of "welfare reform" especially as they have impact on the lives of women and children be a priority in the Diocese of Newark's mission outreach planning and action; and, be it further
RESOLVED, that the Diocese of Newark and the congregations of the Diocese be encouraged to collaborate with state and local government, the private sector and non-profit groups to address the negative effects of welfare reform; and, be it further
RESOLVED, that the leadership of our congregations enter into dialogue with members of our state legislature on behalf of responsible welfare reform which would aid poor people, including legal immigrants, rather than penalize them, and be it further
RESOLVED, that 124th Convention of the Diocese encourages the Episcopal Public Policy Office for the state of New Jersey to urge members of our legislature to be responsible for the passage of welfare reform legislation which would aid poor people rather than penalize them and to increase funding for welfare programs.
- Submitted by: The Rev. Tracey Lind, The Very Rev. Petero Sabune, The Rev. Canon John P. Croneberger, The Rev. Ed Hasse, Ms. Marge Christie, Dr. Louie Crew, Mr. Michael F. Rehill, Mr. E. Kim Byham, Mr. George Hayman (General Convention Deputies and Alternates), The Rev. Canon Elizabeth Kaeton, The Oasis, The Rev. Lynne Weber, Women's Commission, Mrs. Clara Horsley, Christ Church, East Orange.
The Resolutions Committee placed this resolution on the Consent Calendar.
CONSENT CALENDAR
RESOLUTION 10
RESOLVED, that the 124th Diocesan Convention urges every congregation to use the curriculum for peace prepared by the Companion Diocese Committee in its church school during the Lenten season, or as soon thereafter as practicable.
Supporting Information:
As our companion relationship with the Diocese of Lebombo in Mozambique progresses, one of the issues brought to the Committee by Bishop Sengulane was the importance of teaching children that "peace is more than just the absence of war" and that this teaching needs to begin with the children in our church schools.
- Submitted by the Companion Diocese Committee: Ms. Marge Christie, The Rev. Esar Budhu, The Rev. Stanley Morgan, The Rev. Canon Michael DuPlessis, The Rev. Jo-Ann Murphy, Ms. Karalene Gayle, The Rev. Isaac Persaud, The Rev. William Guthrie, The Rev. Canon Angela S. Ifill, The Rev. John Thompson Quartey, The Very Rev. Petero A.N. Sabune
The Resolutions Committee placed this resolution on the Consent Calendar.
RESOLUTION 11
ASSISTING THE POOR THRU FAITH BASED MINISTRY
RESOLVED, that the Diocese of Newark heed the call of the 72nd General Convention for the Church to be responsible by providing ministries to and with the poor including development of faith based ministries such as meal sharing, food distribution, clothing provision, vocational placement, shelter, housing assistance, education, and child care; and; be it further
RESOLVED, that each congregation be challenged to establish at least one direct, person-to-person ministry to and with the poor and that this ministry include the explicit sharing of the Gospel of Jesus Christ; and, be it further
RESOLVED, that this 124th Convention of the Diocese of Newark adopt the General Convention goal of every congregation having a direct ministry to and with the poor by the year 2000; and, be it further
RESOLVED, that this Convention requests the Diocesan Council to collaborate with the Diocesan Jubilee Officer and establish a Jubilee Ministry Network within our Diocese to help organize and sustain faith-based ministries that make faith in Jesus Christ's life, death and resurrection, the basis for selfless service to and with the poor who are members of our communities; and, be it further
RESOLVED, that the Diocesan Council is charged to report back to the 125th Convention of our Diocese regarding the congregations that have undertaken this work, the incorporation of our Jubilee Ministry Officer into the life of our Diocese, the creation of Jubilee Ministry Centers in our Diocese, the progress for every congregation in our Diocese to have a direct ministry to and with the poor, and an inventory of training and other resources within our Diocese as well as the larger Church for this work.
- Submitted by The Rev. Geoff Curtiss, Chair, JPIC New Jersey
Supporting Information:
The Jubilee Centers are the grassroots organizing principle for hands-on local community outreach; they are the place where the Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation vision is lived out. Jubilee Ministry makes a direct link between local empowerment and the prophetic role of the Church. The Jubilee Ministry, created in 1982 by General Convention, was mandated as a ministry of joint discipleship with poor and oppressed people. In addition to direct service to and with the poor, Jubilee Ministry includes: prayerful reflection and study on root causes of poverty and injustice in our communities and on the church's call to service in Christ's name; identifying and networking human resources and developing and training leadership for Jubilee work; evangelism and congregational development, especially in the formation of socially, culturally and ethnically diverse congregations; and advocacy -- speaking out on issues of peace, justice and the environment which affect our local communities, state and country.
Jubilee Ministry takes its name from the ancient idea of Jubilee year (see Leviticus 25), when all debts were forgiven and all relations of power and servitude were dissolved so that all in society could make a new start on an equal footing. As Christians, we believe that through the death and resurrection of Christ a new Reign of God and a new Creation begin and that we are all called by baptism to share Jesus' ministry to the poor and the oppressed and "to bring good news to the poor, to proclaim liberty to captives, new sight for the blind and to set the oppressed free." (Luke 4:18-19)
The Diocesan Jubilee Officer (DJO), appointed by the Bishop, is available to help any congregation which is involved with direct service or advocacy to and with the poor, to complete an application to become a Jubilee Center. The DJO is also available to assist congregations in developing the ministries necessary to become a Jubilee Center.
The Resolutions Committee recommends adoption of this resolution.
RESOLUTION 12
JUSTICE, PEACE AND INTEGRITY OF CREATION
RESOLVED, that according to the will of the 72nd General Convention the issues of social and economic justice, peace and the environment become the organizing principles around which we might organize our Diocese and that the Diocesan Council report to the 125th Diocesan Convention about ways for the work of Anti-Racism, Global Peace and Justice, Economic Justice, Environmental Stewardship, and Jubilee Ministries to become an integral part of our corporate life, and that the Council be charged with the responsibility for funding in order to organize, plan, and implement strategies which support local and regional networks corresponding to the work of each of the subcommittees; be it further
RESOLVED, that this report include ways to allocate adequate funding for staff, support, supplies, and technical assistance to maintain and nurture the ever-increasing number of Jubilee Centers within our Diocese.
- Submitted by the Rev. Geoff Curtiss, Chair, JPIC New Jersey
The Resolutions Committee takes no position on this resolution, pending the open hearings.
RESOLUTION 13
RESOLVED, that the 124th Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of Newark heed the call of the 72nd General Convention and encourage every congregation and Diocese in the Church to assess its ministry in light of God's Jubilee and seek to implement one Jubilee imperative in the local and global community during the next Triennium; and, be it further
RESOLVED, that the Diocesan Council collaborate with the Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation subcommittees of our Provincial Network and our Diocese to develop plans for the implementation of Jubilee 2000 through initiatives of publicity, preparation of educational materials, public policy networking, and development of shared approaches with Anglican and ecumenical partners reporting on the progress of implementing this resolution to the 125th Diocesan Convention; and, be it further
RESOLVED, that the Diocese of Newark joins with the Church's commitment to the Jubilee imperatives of debt forgiveness, environmental stewardship, and human liberation by proposing to the 125th Convention a minimum of five Jubilee strategies.
- Submitted by Rev. Geoff Curtiss, Chair, Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation Committee, New Jersey
Supporting Information:
The Episcopal Church is asked to prepare for Jubilee 2000 by:
- seeking to implemenet the biblical imperative of debt forgiveness by:
- seeking to implement the biblical Jubilee imperative of faithful stewardship of God's creation by:
- seeking to implement the biblical Jubilee imperative of human liberation by:
The Resolutions Committee takes no position on this resolution, pending the hearings.
RESOLUTION 14
RESOLVED, that the 124th Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of Newark heed the call of the 72nd General Convention to urge all congregations, missions and diocesan organizations to become actively involved in promoting the enactment of a "living wage" plus family health benefits, in cities and communities in which they live, as the minimum acceptable norm for all working people - "living wage" being defined as $7.50/hr. or $16,000/yr., the federal poverty line for a family of four; and, be it further
RESOLVED, hat the above standard be likewise urged upon all Parishes, Missions, and Diocesan institutions of this Church as the minimum acceptable norm in the compensation of their employees; and, be it further
RESOLVED, Ttat this convention commends the work of the Interfaith Community Organization (a broad based community organization in Hudson County composed of some 20 faith communities) that has introduced the "living wage" to Jersey City and is now introducing "living wage" legislation to the State of New Jersey through State Senator Bernard Kenny and therefore calls upon all congregations in our Diocese to actively support this legislation as it moves through the State Legislature this year; and, be it further
RESOLVED, that the Secretary of Convention be instructed to send this resolution to members of the New Jersey legislature and the governor.
- Submitted by The Rev. Geoff Curtiss, Chair, Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation, New Jersey
The Resolutions Committee recommends adoption of this resolution.
CONSENT CALENDAR
RESOLUTION 15
RESOLVED, That the Diocesan Council establish a process to monitor the progress our Diocese is making in implementing resolutions on racism adopted by previous General Conventions and Executive Councils and that the Council report to the 125th Diocesan Convention and annually thereafter on the results of this Diocese's efforts to fulfill the 72nd General Convention's request that Executive Council receive this information from all Dioceses throughout the Church.
- Submitted by The Rev. Geoff Curtiss, Chair, Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation, New Jersey
The Resolutions Committee placed this resolution on the Consent Calendar.
RESOLUTION 16
COMMENDING THE WORK OF JPIC NEW JERSEY
RESOLVED, that the Diocesan Council explore ways to financially support within our Diocesan budget the work of the Episcopal Public Policy Office in our state for the calendar year 1999; and, be it further
RESOLVED, that local congregations explore membership in the New Jersey JPIC association - a statewide network of Episcopal congregations - that pay annual dues based upon $1.00 per month for each pledging member of their congregation; and, be it further
RESOLVED, that the Diocese of Newark encourages congregations and their leaders to participate in the organizing efforts of the Provincial JPIC Network Conference which will hold its third annual assembly on October 23rd and 24th, 1998.
- Submitted by The Rev. Geoff Curtiss, Chair, Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation, New Jersey
The Resolutions Committee takes no position, pending open hearings.
RESOLUTION 17
COMMENDING THE WORK OF EPISCOPAL PUBLIC POLICY OFFICER
RESOLVED, that the 124th Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of Newark celebrates the work of the Episcopal Public Policy Officer, Martha Gardner, and commends her for establishing a relationship whereby every congregation in New Jersey is a temporary member of the National Episcopal Public Policy Office in Washington, D.C.
- Submitted by Resolutions Committee
The Resolutions Committee recommends adoption of this resolution.
RESOLUTION 18
RESOLVED, that the 124th Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of Newark affirms the 72rd General Convention's recognition of the racially based nature of the judicial and penal systems within the United States; and, be it further
RESOLVED, that this Convention urges all congregations within our diocese to join in the witness currently being undertaken by the Quaker community in the state of New Jersey who are visiting all local assemblymen/women and state senators to express their opposition to capital punishment; and, be it further
Resolved, That this Diocese collaborate with all human rights organizations who are seeking to correct this injustice within our legal system.
- Submitted by The Rev. Geoff Curtiss, Chair, Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation, New Jersey
Supporting Information:
The 66th General Convention reaffirmed its opposition to capital punishment and called on the Dioceses and Members of the Church to work actively to abolish the death penalty in their states.
The Resolutions Committee recommends adoption of this resolution.
RESOLUTION 19
RESOLVED, that the 124th Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of Newark urges every congregation to engage actively in programs aimed at dismantling racism by:
Supporting Information
This resolution comes out of the experience of a day-long conference on combating racism held in early November 1997 and is submitted by the constituent groups which participated in the conference.
Submitted by: Black Clergy Caucus; Commission on Racism; Department of Missions; Diocesan Council; Episcopal Church Women; General Convention Deputies; Isaiah Team; Justice, Peace and the Integrity of Creation Committee; Newark Clergy Association; Union of Black Episcopalians; Women's Commission; Youth Commission
The Resolutions Committee recommends adoption of this resolution.
RESOLUTION 20
RESOLVED, that the Bible is not a club with which to beat people, but a book of life, bearing witness to the Word of God, who is not a book but a person, Jesus; and, be it further
RESOLVED, that God is living and continues to be revealed in new and life-giving ways not limited to and sometimes not adequately described by those to whom God has spoken in the past; and, be it further
RESOLVED, that our faithfulness to the past is best measured by our willingness to be guided as God continues to inspire us to do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly.
- Submitted by Dr. Louie Crew, Grace, Newark;' The Rev. Dwight Neglia; The Rev. Margaret Gat; Mrs. Glenda deKruif, St. James', Ridgefield; Ms. Bea Kota, Good Shepherd, Wantage; Mr. Richard Horsley, St. Peter's, Morristown; Mr. E. Kim Byham, Good Shepherd, Fort Lee
The Resolutions Committee recommends adoption of this resolution.
RESOLUTION 21
RESOLVED, that since the policy of saying to lesbians and gays "Don't Ask; Don't Tell" is spiritually damaging to a person's wholeness and does not assure equal and fair treatment to all persons, the Diocese of Newark opposes the policy in all its manifestations; and, be it further
RESOLVED, that the Secretary of Convention communicate to congressional and state elected officials and to the leadership of our armed forces our call for the removal of this policy in the military and all other forms of public life.
- Submitted by Dr. Louie Crew, Grace, Newark; Mrs. Glenda deKruif, St. James', Ridgefield; The. Rev. Dwight Neglia; Ms. Bea Kota, Good Shepherd, Wantage; Mr. E. Kim Byham, Good Shepherd, Fort Lee; The Rev. Margaret Gat
The Resolutions Committee recommends adoption of this resolution.
RESOLUTION 22
INTERCONNECTEDNESS OF PREJUDICE AND INTOLERANCE
RESOLVED, that the Episcopal Diocese of Newark, understanding that we live in a culture which seeks to 'divide and conquer', reaffirms our scriptural heritage and Baptismal vows which make us one in Christ; and, be it further
RESOLVED, that the Episcopal Diocese of Newark, recognizing the 'whole cloth' of prejudice which tears at the fiber of our community, seeks to understand the connections between racism, sexism and homophobia/heterosexism, and begin to untangle the web of prejudice and intolerance; and, be it further
RESOLVED, that this Convention calls upon the Commission on Racism, The Oasis and the Women's Commission to collaboratively develop programs which will encourage congregations to explore, examine and study the connections between racism, sexism and homophobia/heterosexism.
- Submitted by The Rev. Elizabeth Kaeton; Mr. E. Kim Byham, Good Shepherd, Fort Lee; Dr. Louie Crew, Grace, Newark; The Rev. Margaret Gat; Mrs. Glenda deKruif, St. James', Ridgefield; Mr. Richard Horsley, St. Peter's, Morristown; The Rev. Dwight Neglia; Ms. Bea Kota, Good Shepherd, Wantage; The Rev. Ray Harbort
The Resolutions Committee recommends adoption of this resolution.
RESOLUTION 23
AWARENESS OF LESBIAN & GAY YOUNG PEOPLE AT RISK
RESOLVED, that the Episcopal Diocese of Newark seeks to protect the well-being of all of God's children, including lesbian and gay teens for whom society's condemnation of their sexual orientation exposes them to violent acts of hatred and leads them to desperate acts of suicide; and, be it further
RESOLVED, that the Episcopal Diocese of Newark condemns all acts of violence to children, including lesbian and gay teens, and mourns the loss of our children to suicide; and, be it further
RESOLVED, that this Convention asks the Director of Youth Ministries and the Canon Missioner to The Oasis to work with appropriate community and religious organizations to develop a strategy of early intervention and prevention with this at-risk population; and, be it further
RESOLVED, that the Secretary of Convention is directed to communicate this resolution to the Governor of New Jersey, members of the New Jersey State Legislature, New Jersey's congressional representatives and senators, and appropriate community and religious agencies.
- Submitted by: The Oasis; The Office of Youth Ministries; Dr. Louie Crew, Grace, Newark; Mr. E. Kim Byham, Good Shepherd, Fort Lee; Mrs. Glenda deKruif, St. James', Ridgefield
Supporting Information
"Nationwide, gay and lesbian youth are four times more likely that their straight peers to attempt suicide." - US Department of Health and Human Services.
"Jacob Orozco, a gay teen, President of the Gay-Straight Student Alliance and student at East High School, Salt Lake City, Utah, took his own life, September 5, 1997." - e-mail from Jeff Dupre, independent film maker, NYC
"High School students hear anti-gay epithets like "Faggot" and "Dyke" an average of nearly thirty times a day." - from a study by the Massachusetts Department of Education, 1994
"One in six gay and lesbian teenagers is beaten up so badly during high school that they require medical attention." - Centers for Disease Control
"The Church is called to
* love, shelter, protect and defend children within its own community and in the world, especially those who are abused, neglected or in danger
* advocate for the integrity of childhood and the dignity of all children at every level of our religious, civic and political structures."
- The Children's Charter for the Church, 72nd General Convention Resolution B005
The Resolutions Committee recommends adoption of this resolution.
RESOLUTION 24
RESOLVED, that the 124th Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of Newark call upon all churches and missions within this diocese to recognize that the laws and criminal justice procedures which exist within the State of New Jersey often have underlying political elements which may be in direct conflict with Christian teachings and the United States Bill of Rights; and, be it further
RESOLVED, that all churches and missions within this diocese join together in an on-going symposium to study the morality of these criminal justice laws and procedures, so that our worshiping communities can have greater understanding of the issues in question and may thus exert greater influence on the course of justice within the criminal justice system; and, be it further
RESOLVED, that the Diocese convene an ecumenical commission to study traditional Christian teaching as it relates to the purposes of imprisonment and to decide whether the purposes as they relate to the general public have eclipsed the purposes as they relate to those actually incarcerated; and, be it further
RESOLVED, that given the wide differences in the gravity and intentionality of criminal behavior, the Justice Peace and Integrity of Creation Committee urges the diocese to propose and sponsor legislation whereby a sentencing review board of private citizens could act as an adjunct to the courts in cases where mandatory sentencing guidelines produce results which are disproportionate to the crime committed and therefore unjust to those found guilty; and, be it further
RESOLVED, that the 124th Convention call upon the Bishops of the diocese to have enquiry made of persons to be received, confirmed or ordained within the Episcopal Church as to whether they have interpreted the baptismal covenants so as not deliberately to exclude any particular category of persons; and, be it further
RESOLVED, that the Diocese call upon the New Jersey Department of Corrections to allow all prisoners the opportunity to worship with and receive one-on-one supportive and neighborly counseling and teaching in basic life skills.
- Submitted by the Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation Committee
Supporting Information:
The 71st General Convention declared its support of ministry to prisoners and called for the "support of ministry to the incarcerated as a ministry priority" and encouraged "individual parishes to establish a relationship with an inmate through their Parish Visitation Program and to seriously consider adopting an initiative expanding their mission to include the support of a newly discharged inmate through the time necessary for that person to become self-sufficient in society" so that the essential and inevitable place of these ministries within the full meaning of the baptismal covenant can no longer be left in doubt.
The Resolutions committee takes no position, pending the open hearings.