The Acts of Convention

House of Bishops

The House of Bishops Committee on Social and Urban Affairs presented its Report #15 on Resolution D022 (Churchwide Response to Bullying) and moved adoption with amendment.

Original Text of Resolution

(D022)

Resolved, the House of Deputies concurring, That the 77th General Convention calls for a church wide response to the epidemic of bullying, particularly of those perceived as being “different” by virtue of economic, ethnic, racial or physical characteristics, religious status, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression; and be it further

Resolved, That the General Convention encourage new partnerships among our congregations, dioceses, campus ministries, National Association of Episcopal Schools, public schools, counseling centers, and governmental organizations in order to support and offer preventative programs addressing bullying, harassment, and other related violence, especially with higher risk populations; and be it further

Resolved, That these partnerships be encouraged to create or join with existing preventative programs which:

• utilize positive, inclusive, empowering and developmentally appropriate materials
• raise participant’s awareness about the issue
• focus on prevention
• seek to change bystander behavior into ally behavior
• create partnerships between youth and adults

Committee Amendment

Resolved, the House of Deputies concurring, That the 77th General Convention calls for a church wide response to the epidemic of bullying, particularly of those perceived as being “different” by virtue of economic, ethnic, racial or physical characteristics, religious status, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression; bullying is defined as the recurring use of single or combined written, verbal or electronic expressions or physical acts or gestures, directed at any person that: result in physical or emotional harm to the person or damage to his/her property; places the person in reasonable fear of harm to him/herself or of damage to her/his property; creates an intimidating or hostile environment for the person; impacts the rights of the victim. Bullying shall include cyber-bullying through electronic/social media, telephonic technology or other means; and be it further

Resolved, That the General Convention encourage new partnerships among our congregations, dioceses, campus ministries, National Association of Episcopal Schools, public schools, counseling centers, and governmental organizations in order to support and offer preventative programs addressing bullying, harassment, and other related violence, especially with higher risk populations; and be it further

Resolved, That these partnerships be encouraged to create or join with existing preventative required programs designed to recognize and prevent abuse, neglect, and exploitation in our church settings which:

• utilize positive, inclusive, empowering and developmentally appropriate materials
• raise participant’s awareness about the issue
• focus on prevention
• seek to change bystander behavior into ally behavior
• create partnerships between youth and adults
• provide intervention and treatment for those who exhibit bullying behavior.

Motion carried

Resolution adopted with amendment

(Communicated to the House of Deputies in HB Message # 79)