The Acts of Convention

House of Bishops

The House of Bishops Committee on Ministry presented its Report #25 on Resolution D025 (Amend Canons III.6.5(g), III.7.5, III.8.5(b), III.9.1, III.10.1(c), III.12.1, III.12.2) and moved adoption of a substitute.

Original Text of Resolution:

(D025)

Resolved, the House of Deputies concurring, That the Canon III.6.5(g) be amended to read as follows:

(g) Preparation for ordination shall include training regarding

(1) prevention of sexual misconduct.

(2) civil requirements for reporting and pastoral opportunities for responding to evidence of abuse.

(3) the Constitution and Canons of the Episcopal Church, particularly Title IV thereof.

(4) the Church’s teaching on racism.

(5) research-based understandings of gender identity and expression and human sexuality.

And be it further

Resolved, That Canon III.7.5 be amended to read as follows:

Sec. 5. The Bishop and Commission shall require and provide for the continuing education of Deacons and keep a record of such education. Such continuing education shall include the theological foundations for the Church’s teaching on non-discrimination as found in Canons I.17.5 and III.1.2 at least once every five years.

and be it further

Resolved, That Canon III.8.5(h) be amended to read as follows:

(h) Preparation for ordination shall include training regarding

(1) prevention of sexual misconduct.

(2) civil requirements for reporting and pastoral opportunities for responding to evidence of abuse.

(3) the Constitution and Canons of the Episcopal Church, particularly Title IV thereof.

(4) the Church’s teaching on racism.

(5) research-based understandings of gender identity and expression and human sexuality.

And be it further,

Resolved, That Canon III.9.1 be amended to read as follows:

Sec.1. The Bishop and Commission shall require and provide for the continuing education of Priests and keep a record of such education. Such continuing education shall include the theological foundations for the Church’s teaching on non-discrimination as found in Canons I.17.5 and III.1.2 at least once every five years.

And be it further

Resolved, That Canon III.10.1(c) be amended to read as follows:

(c) evidence of training regarding

(1) prevention of sexual misconduct.

(2) civil requirements for reporting and pastoral opportunities for responding to evidence of abuse.

(3) the Constitution and Canons of the Episcopal Church, particularly Title IV thereof.

(4) training regarding the Church’s teaching on racism.

(5) research-based understandings of gender identity and expression and human sexuality.

And be it further

Resolved, That Canon III.12.1 be amended to read as follows:

Sec. 1. Formation

Following election and continuing for three years following ordination, new Bishops shall pursue the process of formation authorized by the House of Bishops. This process of formation shall provide a mentor for each newly ordained Bishop. The process of formation shall include training regarding

(1) prevention of sexual misconduct.

(2) civil requirements for reporting and pastoral opportunities for responding to evidence of abuse.

(3) the Constitution and Canons of the Episcopal Church, particularly Title IV thereof.

(4) the Church’s teaching on racism.

(5) research-based understandings of gender identity and expression and human sexuality.

(6) the theological foundations for the Church’s teaching on non-discrimination as found in Canons I.17.5 and III.1.2.

And be it further

Resolved, That Canon III.12.2 be amended to read as follows:

Sec. 2. Continuing Education

The House of Bishops shall require and provide for the continuing education of Bishops and shall keep a record of such education. Such education shall include

(1) prevention of sexual misconduct.

(2) civil requirements for reporting and pastoral opportunities for responding to evidence of abuse.

(3) the Constitution and Canons of the Episcopal Church, particularly Title IV thereof.

(4) the Church’s teaching on racism.

(5) research-based understandings of gender identity and expression and human sexuality.

(6) the theological foundations for the Church’s teaching on non-discrimination as found in Canons I.17.5 and III.1.2.

Committee Substitute:

Resolved, the House of Deputies concurring, That the 79th General Convention direct the President of the House of Deputies and the Presiding Bishop of The Episcopal Church to appoint a Task Force on Clergy Formation and Continuing Education, including members experienced in theological formation and education, and consisting of a minimum of two (2) bishops, three (3) presbyters or deacons, to include both orders, and five (5) lay persons, who represent the diversity of the Church; and be it further

Resolved, That the Task Force be directed to study the required subjects for the preparation for ordination, including those listed in Canons III.6.5(g) and III.8.5(h); and the continuing education of members of the clergy, including Canons III.7.5 and III.9.1; and to study Resolution D025 as originally presented to the 79th General Convention; and to report to the 80th General Convention any proposals for alterations to or consolidation of canons concerning preparation for ordination and continuing education; and be it further

Resolved, That the General Convention request the Joint Standing Committee on Program, Budget, and Finance to consider a budget allocation of $10,000 for the implementation of this resolution.

Motion carried

Substitute resolution adopted

(Communicated to the House of Deputies in HB Message #243)