Resolution Number: 1994-A045
Title: Recruit and Retain People of Color in the Ordained Ministry
Legislative Action Taken: Concurred As Amended
Final Text:

Resolved, That the 71st General Convention move one more step towards eliminating institutional racism from the Episcopal Church by strengthening the recruitment, retention, and education of people of color for the ordained ministry of the Episcopal Church:

  1. Recruitment: strongly urge dioceses, clergy and congregations to actively recruit people of color for the ordained ministry and thereafter to work for their employment throughout the church.
  2. Retention and education: encourage seminaries to establish as a top priority the retention of students of color and to develop a curriculum that will enable all students to become effective anti-racist change agents within the Episcopal Church.
  3. Urge that diocesan Commissions on Racism report to the Executive Council on the progress in these areas prior to the 72nd General Convention.
Citation: General Convention, Journal of the General Convention of...The Episcopal Church, Indianapolis, 1994 (New York: General Convention, 1995), pp. 185-86.

Legislative History

Author: The Executive Council: Commission on Racism
Originating House: House of Deputies
Originating Committee: Committee on Social and Urban Affairs

House of Deputies

Original Text of Resolution:

(A045)

Resolved, the House of Bishops concurring, That the 71st General Convention move one more step towards eliminating institutional racism from the Episcopal Church by strengthening the recruitment, retention, and education of people of color for the ordained ministry of the Episcopal Church:

  1. Recruitment: strongly urge dioceses to actively recruit people of color for the ordained ministry.
  2. Retention and education: encourage seminaries to establish as a top priority the retention of students of color and to develop a curriculum that will enable all students to become effective anti-racist change agents within the Episcopal Church.
  3. Urge that diocesan Commissions on Racism report to the Executive Council on the progress in these areas prior to the 72nd General Convention.

Proposed Amendment:

Resolved, the House of Bishops concurring, That the 71st General Convention move one more step towards eliminating institutional racism from the Episcopal Church by strengthening the recruitment, retention, and education of people of color for the ordained ministry of the Episcopal Church:

  1. Recruitment: strongly urge dioceses, rectors and vestries to actively recruit people of color for the ordained ministry and thereafter to work for their employment throughout the church.
  2. Retention and education: encourage seminaries to establish as a top priority the retention of students of color and to develop a curriculum that will enable all students to become effective anti-racist change agents within the Episcopal Church.
  3. Urge that diocesan Commissions on Racism report to the Executive Council on the progress in these areas prior to the 72nd General Convention.

Deputy Martin of Minnesota moved an amendment, which was accepted by the Committee.

Proposed Amendment:

Change "rectors and vestries" to "clergy and congregations."

The Martin amendment was accepted by the Committee.

Deputy Hitchcock of Newark moved an amendment, which was not accepted by the Committee. The amendment was withdrawn.

A vote was taken on A045, as amended.

Motion carried

Resolution adopted with amendment

(Communicated to the House of Bishops in HD Message #36)

House of Bishops

The Committee on Social and Urban Affairs presented its Report #6 on House of Deputies Message #36 on Resolution A045a (Foster Ordination of People of Color) and moved concurrence.

The House concurred

(Communicated to the House of Deputies in HB Message #57)

Resolution Concurred by Both Houses, August 28.

Report Reference:   Executive Council: Commission on Racism, Reports to the 71st General Convention, 1994, pp. 258-265.
Abstract:   The 71st General Convention urges dioceses, clergy, congregations, and seminaries to eliminate institutional racism from the Church by strengthening the recruitment, retention, and education of people of color for the ordained ministry.