The Acts of Convention

House of Deputies

The House of Deputies Committee on Canons presented its Report #2 on Resolution C049 (Study and Revise Title IV) and moved adoption of a substitute.

Original Text of Resolution

(C049)

Resolved, the House of Bishops concurring, That the 77th General Convention of the Episcopal Church direct the Standing Commission on Constitution and Canons to make recommendations for the revision of Title IV (Accountability and Ecclesiastical Discipline) of the Canons of the General Convention of The Episcopal Church (cf. Article IX) and to simplify disciplinary procedures mandated by Title IV. The Standing Commission on Constitution and Canons shall make its recommendations no later than the 78th General Convention.

Committee Substitute

Resolved, the House of Bishops concurring, That the 77th General Convention of the Episcopal Church direct the Standing Commission on Constitution and Canons to undertake a comprehensive review of the implementation of Title IV (Accountability and Ecclesiastical Discipline), seeking information from all dioceses of The Episcopal Church and the Convocation of Episcopal Churches in Europe. The SCCC shall gather information for the purpose of determining the extent to which the elements of safety, truth-telling, healing, and reconciliation are being effected as intended by 2006-A153; and be it further

Resolved, That the SCCC shall pay particular attention to issues related to the timing and content of required notices; of confidentiality and the obligation of bishops and other clergy to report; the role of various orders on different types and levels of courts; alternative processes for cases where reconciliation is not possible; whether the use of alternative dispute resolution mechanisms, such as mediation, is appropriate in some cases or at some stages of the proceedings; statutes of limitations and sanctions for failure to report suspected sexual abuse; voting by bishops when a bishop is deposed; and waiting periods for remission of renunciation or abandonment; and be it further

Resolved, That on the basis of such information, the SCCC shall make recommendations to the 78th General Convention about the need for additional training and/or further canonical changes required to implement the values, ecclesiology, and theology of the Church as it relates to Accountability and Ecclesiastical Discipline.

Motion carried

Substitute resolution adopted

(Communicated to the House of Bishops in HD Message #234)