The Acts of Convention

House of Deputies

The House of Deputies Special Legislative Committee on Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse presented its Report #2 on Resolution A158 (Task Force to Review and Revise Policy on Substance Abuse, Addiction, and Recovery) and moved adoption of a substitute.

Original Text of Resolution:

(A158)

Resolved, the House of Bishops concurring, That the 78th General Convention establish a Task Force to review and revise policy on substance abuse, addiction and recovery in order that The Episcopal Church will take a proactive stance regarding addiction prevention, intervention, treatment and recovery; and be it further

Resolved, That the Task Force will collaborate with recovery ministries of The Episcopal Church to create model policies for dioceses, congregations, worshiping communities and other Episcopal Church organizations, suggest best practices for policy implementation and education using culturally-competent curriculum offered in multiple languages. These policies and curriculum will be made available online to the entire church and in a template that can be easily adapted to the local contexts in which it will be implemented; and be it further

Resolved, That the Task Force will include no more than eighteen members. It is expected that it will include at least two bishops, two sitting diocesan chancellors, representatives from the other two clerical orders, two Canons to the Ordinary or senior diocesan officers, four laity amongst whom will be represented qualified mental health, healthcare, public health and/or addiction professionals, and a representative from the Church Medical Trust. This Task Force will do its work in consultation with Recovery Ministries of The Episcopal Church; and be it further

Resolved, That the Joint Standing Committee on Program, Budget and Finance consider a budget allocation of $75,000 to implement this resolution. That this Task Force will complete its work within one year of its formation; and be it further

Resolved, That the work of the Task Force take into account, incorporate, but not be limited to the following:

1. the baptismal life of wholeness and holiness;
2. that the Church’s responsibility spans the spectrum of prevention, intervention, treatment and recovery in terms of theology, pastoral care and accountability;
3. take into account church polity and governance;
4. that diocese and congregations are meant to be places of healing and safety;
5. addiction is a disease that has mental, physical, and spiritual aspects;
6. the Church’s role in providing lifelong formation & resources for clergy and laity;
7. the Church benefits from partnerships with community-based organizations;
8. The use of alcoholic beverages and other controlled substances in the local context must be addressed; and be it further

Resolved, That all dioceses, congregations, worshiping communities and other Episcopal Church organizations will immediately review and update existing policies utilizing the resources of Recovery Ministries of The Episcopal Church as needed while this task force is conducting its work.

Committee Substitute:

Resolved, the House of Bishops concurring, That the 78th General Convention acknowledge The Episcopal Church’s long-standing tolerance for the use of alcohol which, in some cases, has contributed to its misuse, and has undermined a climate of wholeness and holiness for all; that our Church culture too often avoids hard conversations about alcohol use, and the role of forgiveness and compassion in healing and recovery; and that The Episcopal Church now commits to create a new normal in our relationship with alcohol. We aspire to be a place in which conversations about alcohol, substance misuse, or addiction are not simply about treatment but about renewal, justice, wholeness, and healing. We affirm that Recovery Ministries of The Episcopal Church has long been and continues to be a valuable resource for this work; and be it further

Resolved, That the 78th Convention adopt the following policy on alcohol and other substance misuse and encourage dioceses, congregations, seminaries, schools, young adult ministries, and affiliated institutions to update their policies on the use of alcohol and other substances with the potential for misuse. These policies should consider the following:

1. The Church must provide a safe and welcoming environment for all people, including people in recovery.
2. All applicable federal, state and local laws should be obeyed, including those governing the serving of alcoholic beverages to minors.
3. Some dioceses and congregations may decide not to serve alcohol at events or gatherings. Others may decide to permit a limited use of alcoholic beverages at church-sponsored events. Both can be appropriate if approached mindfully.
4. When alcohol is served, it must be monitored and those showing signs of intoxication must not be served. Whenever alcohol is served, the rector, vicar, or priest-in-charge must appoint an adult to oversee its serving. That adult must not drink alcoholic beverages during the time of his or her execution of his or her responsibilities. If hard liquor is served, a certified server is required.
5. Serving alcoholic beverages at congregational events where minors are present is strongly discouraged. If minors are present, alcohol must be served at a separate station that is monitored at all times to prevent underage drinking.
6. Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages must be clearly labeled as such. Food prepared with alcohol does not need to be labeled provided the alcohol is completely evaporated by the cooking process; however, it is recommended that even in this case the use of alcohol in cooking be noted on a label.
7. Whenever alcohol is served, appealing non-alcoholic alternatives must always be offered with equal prominence and accessibility.
8. The serving of alcoholic beverages at church events should not be publicized as an attraction of the event, e.g. “wine and cheese reception,” “cocktail party,” “theology on tap,” and “beer and wine tasting.”
9. Food must be served when alcohol is present.
10. The groups or organizations sponsoring the activity or event at which alcoholic beverages are served must have permission from the clergy and the vestry. Such groups or organizations must also assume responsibility for those persons who might become intoxicated and must provide alternative transportation for anyone whose capacity to drive may be impaired. Consulting with liability insurance carriers is advised.
11. Recognizing the effects of alcohol as a mood-altering drug, alcoholic beverages shall not be served when the business of the Church is being conducted.
12. Clergy shall consecrate an appropriate amount of wine when celebrating the Eucharist and perform ablutions in a way that does not foster or model misuse.
13. We encourage clergy to acknowledge the efficacy of receiving the sacrament in one kind and consider providing a non-alcoholic alternative.; and be it further

Resolved, That, mindful of the emerging legalization of other addictive substances and the increasing rise of addiction, the Executive Council of The Episcopal Church provide for the ready availability, implementation, and continuing development of this policy church-wide, in consultation and coordination with Recovery Ministries of The Episcopal Church.

Deputy Smith of the Convocation of Churches in Europe moved to amend the resolution.

Proposed Amendment:

To amend the resolution to read:

Resolved, the House of Bishops concurring, That the 78th General Convention acknowledge The Episcopal Church’s long-standing tolerance for the use of alcohol which, in some cases, has contributed to its misuse, and has undermined a climate of wholeness and holiness for all; that our Church culture too often avoids hard conversations about alcohol use, and the role of forgiveness and compassion in healing and recovery; and that The Episcopal Church now commits to create a new normal in our relationship with alcohol. We aspire to be a place in which conversations about alcohol, substance misuse, or addiction are not simply about treatment but about renewal, justice, wholeness, and healing. We affirm that Recovery Ministries of The Episcopal Church has long been and continues to be a valuable resource for this work; and be it further

Resolved, That the 78th Convention adopt the following policy on alcohol and other substance misuse and encourage dioceses, congregations, seminaries, schools, young adult ministries, and affiliated institutions to update their policies on the use of alcohol and other substances with the potential for misuse. These policies should consider the following:

• 1. The Churchmustshould provide a safe and welcoming environment for all people, including people in recovery.
• 2. All applicable federal, state and local laws should be obeyed, including those governing the serving of alcoholic beverages to minors.
• 3. Some dioceses and congregations may decide not to serve alcohol at events or gatherings. Others may decide to permit a limited use of alcoholic beverages at church-sponsored events. Both can be appropriate if approached mindfully.
• 4. When alcohol is served, it must should be monitored and those showing signs of intoxication must not be served. Whenever alcohol is served, the rector, vicar, or priest-in-charge must should appoint an adult to oversee its serving. That adult must should not drink alcoholic beverages during the time of his or her execution of his or her responsibilities. If hard liquor is served, a certified server is required.
• 5. Serving alcoholic beverages at congregational events where minors are present is strongly discouraged. If minors are present, alcohol must shouldbe served at a separate station that is monitored at all times to prevent underage drinking.
• 6. Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages mustshould be clearly labeled as such. Food prepared with alcohol does not need to be labeled provided the alcohol is completely evaporated by the cooking process; however, it is recommended that even in this case the use of alcohol in cooking be noted on a label.
• 7. Whenever alcohol is served, appealing non-alcoholic alternatives must should always be offered with equal prominence and accessibility.
• 8. The serving of alcoholic beverages at church events should not be publicized as an attraction of the event, e.g. “wine and cheese reception,” “cocktail party,” “theology on tap,” and “beer and wine tasting.”
• 9. Foodmust should be served when alcohol is present.
• 10. The groups or organizations sponsoring the activity or event at which alcoholic beverages are served must should have permission from the clergy and the vestry. Such groups or organizations must also assume responsibility for those persons who might become intoxicated and mustshould provide alternative transportation for anyone whose capacity to drive may be impaired. Consulting with liability insurance carriers is advised.
• 11. Recognizing the effects of alcohol as a mood-altering drug, alcoholic beverages shallshould not be served when the business of the Church is being conducted.
• 12. Clergyshallshould consecrate an appropriate amount of wine when celebrating the Eucharist and perform ablutions in a way that does not foster or model misuse.
• 13. We encourage clergy to acknowledge the efficacy of receiving the sacrament in one kind and consider providing a non-alcoholic alternative.; and be it further

Resolved, that, mindful of the emerging legalization of other addictive substances and the increasing rise of addiction, the Executive Council of The Episcopal Church provide for the ready availability, implementation, and continuing development of this policy church-wide, in consultation and coordination with Recovery Ministries of The Episcopal Church.

Deputy Seitz of West Virginia moved to end debate on the amendment.

Motion carried

Debate terminated

A vote was taken on the amendment.

Motion defeated

Amendment defeated

Deputy Berlenbach of Pennsylvania moved to amend the resolution.

Proposed Amendment:

Amend section 8 and add a new section 9:

8. The serving of alcoholic beverages at church events should not be publicized as an attraction of the event, e.g. “wine and cheese reception,” “cocktail party,” “theology on tap," and “beer and wine tasting.”

9. Ministries inside or outside of congregations will make certain that alcohol consumption is not the focus of the ministry and that drinking alcohol is not an exclusively normative activity.

Deputy King of Western New York moved to end debate on the amendment.

Motion carried

Debate terminated

A vote was taken on the amendment.

Motion carried

Amendment adopted

Point of Order

Deputy Anderson of Michigan inquired as to the appropriateness of a deputy asking a certain group of deputies to stand to make the deputy's point without first acquiring the group of deputies' permission. The President took the point in advisement.

Deputy Garner of Alabama moved to amend the resolution.

Proposed Amendment:

In number 10, strike "and" and replace it with "or" to read, "...must have permission from the clergy or the vestry."

Motion carried

Amendment adopted

The President announced that the time for debate on Resolution A158 had ended. A vote was taken on the resolution.

Motion carried

Substitute resolution adopted with amendment

(Communicated to the House of Bishops in HD Message #148)

House of Deputies

The House of Deputies Special Legislative Committee on Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse presented its Report #4 on HB Message #166 on Resolution A158 (Task Force to Review and Revise Policy on Substance Abuse, Addiction, and Recovery) and moved concurrence.

Motion carried

The House concurred

(Communicated to the House of Bishops in HD Message #362)