Resolution Number: 2006-A153
Title: Create a New Title IV Task Force
Legislative Action Taken: Concurred as Substituted
Final Text:

Resolved, That the 75th General Convention express its sincere and abiding appreciation and gratitude for the diligent, intensive, and dedicated work and leadership of the Task Force on Disciplinary Policies and Procedures (“Task Force I”) since 2001, in the research, drafting, listening, and communicating of and about its work to develop a comprehensive revision to Title IV of the Church Canons, so that our Canons on discipline reflect our ecclesiology and theology; and be it further

Resolved, That the 75th General Convention endorse the principles and values expressed in Task Force I’s proposed new Canon IV.1:

By virtue of our Baptismal Covenant, all members of this Church are called to holiness of life and accountability to one another. The Church and each Diocese shall support their members in their life in Christ and shall hold one another accountable as provided in this Title; and be it further

Resolved, That the 75th General Convention acknowledge that the work of Task Force I requires further work, reflection, and perfection; and be it further

Resolved, That Resolution A153 and the work of and documents from Task Force I be referred to a new Title IV Task Force (“Task Force II”) of twelve persons comprising: three members appointed by the Standing Commission on Constitution and Canons, three members appointed by the Standing Commission on Ministry Development, and six other members, to include three members of Task Force I, jointly appointed by the President of the House of Deputies and the Presiding Bishop. Task Force II shall be charged to complete and perfect this vital work, continuing the focus on the following critical goals, concerns, and values:

  1. Reflect the values, ecclesiology, and theology of the Church;
  2. Move Title IV towards a reconciliation model for all appropriate circumstances;
  3. Encourage the prompt resolution of conflicts in the Church and the reconciliation of persons involved in those conflicts at the earliest appropriate time and the lowest appropriate level of the Church;
  4. Consider the possible inclusion of certain Lay Persons in Title IV whose office or other leadership role makes inclusion appropriate, provided the treatment of their accountability and discipline is commensurate with their lay status, responsibilities, and commitments;
  5. Maintain the historic pastoral role and canonical authority of Bishops; and
  6. Respect the roles, rights, and integrity of those persons subject to Title IV, and of injured persons, communities, Parishes, Missions, Congregations, and the Church;and be it further

Resolved, That Task Force II meet during the next triennium, giving the Church due notice of its meetings; that it make available such periodic reports of its work as will best inform the Church of its activities; and that it make a final report, with a proposed Title IV revision along with explanatory and educational materials, to the 76th General Convention not later than January 1, 2009; and be it further

Resolved, That the 75th General Convention consider a budget allocation of $60,000 for the implementation of this resolution.

Citation: General Convention, Journal of the General Convention of...The Episcopal Church, Columbus, 2006 (New York: General Convention, 2007), pp. 341-343.

Legislative History

Author: Task Force on Disciplinary Policy & Procedures
Originating House: House of Deputies
Originating Committee: Committee on Canons

House of Deputies

The House of Deputies Committee on Canons presented its Report #16 on Resolution A153 (Proposed Title IV Revisions) and moved adoption of a substitute.

Original Text of Resolution:

(A153)

[Editor's Note: See The Blue Book Report of the Task Force on Disciplinary Policies and Procedures, pp. 410-438.]

Committee Substitute:

Resolved, the House of Bishops concurring, That the 75th General Convention express its sincere and abiding appreciation and gratitude for the diligent, intensive, and dedicated work and leadership of the Task Force on Disciplinary Policies and Procedures (“Task Force I”) since 2001, in the research, drafting, listening, and communicating of and about its work to develop a comprehensive revision to Title IV of the Church Canons, so that our Canons on discipline reflect our ecclesiology and theology; and be it further

Resolved, That the 75th General Convention endorse the principles and values expressed in Task Force I’s proposed new Canon IV.1:

By virtue of our Baptismal Covenant, all members of this Church are called to holiness of life and accountability to one another. The Church and each Diocese shall support their members in their life in Christ and shall hold one another accountable as provided in this Title.

And be it further

Resolved, That the 75th General Convention acknowledge that the work of Task Force I requires further work, reflection, and perfection; and be it further

Resolved, That Resolution A153 and the work of and documents from Task Force I be referred to a new Title IV Task Force (“Task Force II”) of twelve persons comprising: three members appointed by the Standing Commission on Constitution and Canons, three members appointed by the Standing Commission on Ministry Development, and six other members, to include three members of Task Force I, jointly appointed by the President of the House of Deputies and the Presiding Bishop. Task Force II shall be charged to complete and perfect this vital work, continuing the focus on the following critical goals, concerns, and values:

  1. Reflect the values, ecclesiology, and theology of the Church;
  2. Move Title IV towards a reconciliation model for all appropriate circumstances;
  3. Encourage the prompt resolution of conflicts in the Church and the reconciliation of persons involved in those conflicts at the earliest appropriate time and the lowest appropriate level of the Church;
  4. Consider the possible inclusion of certain Lay Persons in Title IV whose office or other leadership role makes inclusion appropriate, provided the treatment of their accountability and discipline is commensurate with their lay status, responsibilities, and commitments;
  5. Maintain the historic pastoral role and canonical authority of Bishops; and
  6. Respect the roles, rights, and integrity of those persons subject to Title IV, and of injured persons, communities, Parishes, Missions, Congregations, and the Church; and be it further

Resolved, That Task Force II meet during the next triennium, giving the Church due notice of its meetings; that it make available such periodic reports of its work as will best inform the Church of its activities; and that it make a final report, with a proposed Title IV revision along with explanatory and educational materials, to the 76th General Convention not later than January 1, 2009; and be it further

Resolved, That the 75th General Convention consider a budget allocation of $60,000 for the implementation of this resolution.

Motion carried

Substitute resolution adopted

(Communicated to the House of Bishops in HD Message #182)

House of Bishops

The House of Bishops Committee on Canons presented its Report #12 on HD Message #182 on Resolution A153 (Proposed Title IV Revisions) and moved concurrence.

The House concurred

(Communicated to the House of Deputies in HB Message #266)

Resolution Concurred by Both Houses, June 21.

Report Reference:   Task Force on Disciplinary Policies and Procedures, Reports to the 75th General Convention, 2006, pp. 408-438.
Abstract:   The 75th General Convention endorses the principles adopted by the first Task Force on Disciplinary Policies and Procedures and creates a new Title IV Task Force to continue its work.
Notes:  

This resolution was concurred without an appropriation of funds.