Resolution Number: 2003-D041
Title: Welcome Service Animals in the Church
Legislative Action Taken: Concurred
Final Text:

Resolved, That the 74th General Convention of The Episcopal Church support congregations working toward becoming welcoming and safe places for all people; and be it further

Resolved, That as some people need the assistance of trained, certified service animals to function in daily life, all congregations and institutions of The Episcopal Church open their buildings and facilities to trained, certified service animals, so that no one is excluded from worshiping and otherwise participating in the life of the church.

Citation: General Convention, Journal of the General Convention of...The Episcopal Church, Minneapolis, 2003 (New York: General Convention, 2004), p. 681f.

Legislative History

Author: Dr. Margo E. McMahon (Western Massachusetts)
Originating House: House of Bishops
Originating Committee: Committee on Miscellaneous Resolutions

House of Bishops

The House of Bishops Committee on Miscellaneous Resolutions presented its Report #3 on Resolution D041 (Service Animals Welcome) and moved adoption.

Original Text of Resolution:

(D041)

Resolved, the House of Deputies concurring, That the 74th General Convention of The Episcopal Church support congregations working toward becoming welcoming and safe places for all people; and be it further

Resolved, That, as some people need the assistance of trained, certified service animals to function in daily life, all congregations and institutions of The Episcopal Church open their buildings and facilities to trained, certified service animals, so that no one is excluded from worshiping and otherwise participating in the life of the church.

Motion carried

Resolution adopted

(Communicated to the House of Deputies in HB Message #122)

House of Deputies

The House of Deputies Committee on Miscellaneous Resolutions presented its Report #13 on HB Message #122 on Resolution D041 (Service Animals Welcome) and moved concurrence.

The House concurred

(Communicated to the House of Bishops in HD Message #272)

Resolution Concurred by Both Houses, August 8.

Abstract:   The 74th General Convention calls the whole Church to open its buildings and facilities to trained, certified service animals.