Search the Acts of Convention

Resolution Number: 2009-A166
Title: Urge Dioceses and Parishes to Adopt Parental Leave Policies
Legislative Action Taken: Concurred as Amended
Final Text:

Resolved, That the 76th General Convention of The Episcopal Church recognizes the importance of family in the life of clergy and laity employed by the Church, and urges all dioceses and congregations to establish policies for employee parental leave equally for parent(s) – clergy and laity, both in cases of birth and adoption – consistent with local employment laws and generous industry standards.

Citation: General Convention, Journal of the General Convention of...The Episcopal Church, Anaheim, 2009 (New York: General Convention, 2009), p. 649.

Legislative History

Author: The Executive Council: Committee on the Status of Women
Originating House: House of Bishops
Originating Committee: Committee on Social and Urban Affairs

House of Bishops

The House of Bishops Committee on Social and Urban Affairs presented its Report #23 on Resolution A166 (Parental Leave) and moved adoption with amendment.

Original Text of Resolution:

(A166)

Resolved, the House of Deputies concurring, That the 76th General Convention of The Episcopal Church recognizes the importance of family in the life of clergy and laity employed by the Church, and enacts the following policy for employee parental leave for both clergy and laity:

  1. An employee of the Church for a full year is entitled to leave for the birth or adoption of a child for a minimum of twelve weeks with pay. In addition, up to four weeks may be taken without pay. Vacation leave or sick leave may be used during this latter period.
  2. An employee who has not worked for a full year is entitled to the same number of weeks of leave, with pay, if any, being negotiated between the employer and the employee.

Committee Amendment:

Resolved, the House of Deputies concurring, That the 76th General Convention of The Episcopal Church recognizes the importance of family in the life of clergy and laity employed by the Church, and enacts the following policy for employee parental leave for both clergy and laity:

  1. An employee of the Church for a full year is entitled to leave for the birth or adoption of a child for a minimum of twelve weeks with pay. In addition, up to four weeks may be taken without pay. Vacation leave or sick leave may be used during this latter period.
  2. An employee who has not worked for a full year is entitled to the same number of weeks of leave, with pay, if any, being negotiated between the employer and the employee.

and urges all dioceses and congregations to establish policies for employee parental leave equally for parent(s) – clergy and laity, both in cases of birth and adoption – consistent with local employment laws and generous industry standards.

Motion carried

Resolution adopted with amendment

(Communicated to the House of Deputies in HB Message #125)

House of Deputies

The House of Deputies Committee on Social and Urban Affairs presented its Report #23 on Resolution A166 (Parental Leave) and moved concurrence.

The House concurred

(Communicated to the House of Bishops in HD Message #180)

Resolution Concurred by Both Houses, July 15.

Report Reference:   Executive Council: Committee on the Status of Women, Reports to the 76th General Convention, 2009, pp. 688-698.
Abstract:   The 76th General Convention urges dioceses and congregations to establish policies for employee parental leave consistent with local employment laws and generous industry standards.