| Resolution Number: | 1982-A069 |
|---|---|
| Title: | Encourage Dioceses to Establish Commissions on Marriage |
| Legislative Action Taken: | Concurred |
| Final Text: | |
Resolved, That the 67th General Convention of the Episcopal Church encourages each Diocese to establish a special Commission on Marriage, the responsibility of which will be to review and report on current diocesan policies and practices respecting Holy Matrimony; and be it further
Resolved, That the central theme of such reexamination shall be the redemptive and sacramental nature of Holy Matrimony; and as a point of departure for the considerations of the diocesan Commissions, the working paper attached, prepared by the Standing Commission on Human Affairs and Health, is offered for earnest consideration; and be it further
Resolved, That the charge to the diocesan Commissions shall include, but not be limited to, consideration of: means of revitalization of the sacramental and redemptive qualities of marriage; existing Canons on marriage; counseling, advice, and spiritual support for prospective partners in the sacrament; continuing education procedures and practices for clergy and laity, including children and young adults; the role of the clergy and the marriage partners in the failed marriage; prenuptial guidance and instruction; continuing parish support for the married pair; guidance in childbearing and rearing; and other appropriate matters; and be it further
Resolved, That the findings of the diocesan Commissions shall be forwarded to the Standing Commission on Human Affairs and Health in time to permit that Commission to study and review the findings during the triennium preceding the 69th General Convention and to make legislative proposals to that Convention.
| Citation: | General Convention, Journal of the General Convention of...The Episcopal Church, New Orleans, 1982 (New York: General Convention, 1983), p. C-157. |
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Legislative History
| Author: | The Standing Commission on Human Affairs and Health |
|---|---|
| Originating House: | House of Bishops |
| Originating Committee: | Committee on Ministry |
House of Bishops
Original Text of Resolution:
(A069)
Whereas, marriage in the United States as a secular and a religious institution is in a time of dramatic change and re-evaluation, it is a time for the Church to undertake a careful reexamination of both the sacramental nature of Holy Matrimony and the institutional nature of the secular relationship; therefore, be it
Resolved, the House of Deputies concurring, That the 67th General Convention of the Episcopal Church encourages each Diocese to establish a special Commission on Marriage, the responsibility of which will be to review and report on current diocesan policies and practices respecting Holy Matrimony; and be it further
Resolved, That the central theme of such reexamination shall be the redemptive and sacramental nature of Holy Matrimony; and as a point of departure for the considerations of the diocesan Commissions, the working paper attached, prepared by the Standing Commission on Human Affairs and Health, is offered for earnest consideration; and be it further
Resolved, That the charge to the diocesan Commissions shall include, but not be limited to, consideration of: means of revitalization of the sacramental and redemptive qualities of marriage; existing Canons on marriage; counseling, advice, and spiritual support for prospective partners in the sacrament; continuing education procedures and practices for clergy and laity, including children and young adults; the role of the clergy and the marriage partners in the failed marriage; prenuptial guidance and instruction; continuing parish support for the married pair; guidance in childbearing and rearing; and other appropriate matters; and be it further
Resolved, That the findings of the diocesan Commissions shall be forwarded to the Standing Commission on Human Affairs and Health in time to permit that Commission to study and review the findings during the triennium preceding the 69th General Convention and to make legislative proposals to that Convention.
The Committee moved the adoption of Resolution A-69.
Seconded by the Bishop of Alaska.
The motion carried with a vote of 65 to 63.
Motion carried
(Communicated to the House of Deputies in HB Message #36)
House of Deputies
On the ninth day, the Chairman of the Committee on Ministry presented Report #4 and recommended that the House concur with Message #36 of the House of Bishops on Resolution A-69 (Diocesan Commissions on Marriage).
Motion carried
The House concurred
(Communicated to the House of Bishops in HD Message #203)
Resolution Concurred by Both Houses, September 13.
| Report Reference: | Standing Commission on Human Affairs and Health, Reports to the 67th General Convention, 1982, pp. 117-143. |
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| Abstract: | The 67th General Convention encourages dioceses to establish commissions on marriage to study current diocesan policies and practices concerning matrimony. |