Resolution Number: 2000-A079
Title: Create an Association of Episcopal Health Care Groups and Individuals
Legislative Action Taken: Concurred as Substituted
Final Text:

Resolved, That the Executive Council direct the Office of the Bishop for the Armed Services, Healthcare and Prison Ministries to convene representatives of the Episcopal healthcare groups (including the Association of Episcopal Healthcare Chaplains and the National Episcopal Healthcare Ministries) and individuals representing various professions in healthcare and in healthcare policy (recognizing the need for advice on the financial challenges inherent in this area), as well as those engaged in the teaching of, and research on medical ethics and end-of-life issues; and be it further

Resolved, That this Office and group work in cooperation with the Office of Government Relations, as well as appropriate interfaith and ecumenical organizations to articulate and communicate to public policy makers and the public, the positions of the Episcopal Church with regard to healthcare policy. This will include: advocacy for a healthcare system in which all may be guaranteed decent and appropriate primary healthcare during their lives and as they approach death; keeping abreast of the rapidly changing healthcare market and developments in biomedical research as they affect health-related public policies; collecting, collating, and developing resources and teaching materials related to access to healthcare for the use of dioceses, congregations, and individuals; and be it further

Resolved, That this Office develop structures which will further useful cooperation and support among the institutions, organizations, and individuals engaged in healthcare; and be it further

Resolved, That the Office of the Bishop for Armed Services, Healthcare and Prison Ministries report to the 74th General Convention the results of this action.

Citation: General Convention, Journal of the General Convention of...The Episcopal Church, Denver, 2000 (New York: General Convention, 2001), p. 218.

Legislative History

Author: The Standing Commission on National Concerns
Originating House: House of Deputies
Originating Committee: Committee on National and International Concerns

House of Deputies

Original Text of Resolution:

(A079)

Resolved, the House of Bishops concurring, That the Executive Council, at its first meeting of the next triennium, be directed to create a means for developing an association of Episcopal health care groups and individuals, including Episcopal health care organizations, the National Episcopal Health Ministries, the Assembly of Episcopal Health Care Chaplains, and individual Episcopalians who are health care professionals, those who are engaged in or teaching about medical ethics and health care policy, and those who are otherwise working in areas related to health care policy; and be it further

Resolved, That the 73rd General Convention direct this association of Episcopal health care groups and individuals to work in cooperation with the Office of Government Relations to articulate and communicate to public policy makers and the public the positions of the Episcopal Church with regard to health care policy, especially as these affect those near death; advocate for a health care system in which all may be guaranteed decent and appropriate primary health care during their lives and as they approach death; and keep abreast of the rapidly changing health care market and developments in biomedical research as they affect health-related public policy; collect, collate, and develop resources and teaching materials related to access to health care for the use of dioceses, congregations, and individuals; and be it further

Resolved, That the 73rd General Convention direct the Executive Council to report back to the 74th General Convention about the means they have created and about its progress in developing an association of Episcopal health care groups.

Committee Substitute:

Resolved, the House of Bishops concurring, That the Executive Council direct the Office of the Bishop for the Armed Services, Healthcare and Prison Ministries to convene representatives of the Episcopal healthcare groups (including the Association of Episcopal Healthcare Chaplains and the National Episcopal Healthcare Ministries) and individuals representing various professions in healthcare and in healthcare policy (recognizing the need for advice on the financial challenges inherent in this area), as well as those engaged in the teaching of, and research on medical ethics and end-of-life issues; and be it further

Resolved, That this Office and group work in cooperation with the Office of Government Relations, as well as appropriate interfaith and ecumenical organizations to articulate and communicate to public policy makers and the public, the positions of the Episcopal Church with regard to healthcare policy. This will include: advocacy for a healthcare system in which all may be guaranteed decent and appropriate primary healthcare during their lives and as they approach death; keeping abreast of the rapidly changing healthcare market and developments in biomedical research as they affect health-related public policies; collecting, collating, and developing resources and teaching materials related to access to healthcare for the use of dioceses, congregations, and individuals; and be it further

Resolved, That this Office develop structures which will further useful cooperation and support among the institutions, organizations, and individuals engaged in healthcare; and be it further

Resolved, That the Office of the Bishop for Armed Services, Healthcare and Prison Ministries report to the 74th General Convention the results of this action.

Motion carried

Substitute resolution adopted

(Communicated to the House of Bishops in HD Message #76)

House of Bishops

The House of Bishops Committee on National and International Concerns presented its Report #13 on HD Message #76 on Resolution A079 (Create an Association of Episcopal Healthcare Groups and Individuals) and moved concurrence.

The House concurred

(Communicated to the House of Deputies in HB Message #110)

Resolution Concurred by Both Houses, July 10.

Report Reference:   Standing Commission on National Concerns, Reports to the 73rd General Convention, 2000, pp. 333-367.
Abstract:   The 73rd General Convention directs the Office of the Bishop for the Armed Services, Healthcare and Prison Ministries to work with Episcopal health care groups, individuals, and the Office of Government Relations to communicate the Church's positions on health-related public policies.