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Resolution Number: 2000-D052
Title: Reaffirm Commitment to Urban Mission and Ministry
Legislative Action Taken: Concurred as Amended
Final Text:

Resolved, That the 73rd General Convention re-affirm the commitment of the Episcopal Church to urban mission by:

1.Urging every diocese in the Episcopal Church to establish a Diocesan Urban Mission Commission, which would be charged with the task of:
  • deployment, retention, and training of parish clergy, laity, and non-parochial clergy committed to urban mission as community visionaries;
  • providing support and encouragement of faith-based community and neighborhood organizing in the city;
  • providing support for ecumenical mission, rethinking models of ministry which are most appropriate for urban missions, including partnerships and venture philanthropy;
  • providing advocacy and support of youth employment programs, with emphasis on the role of the church to provide motivational support;
  • promoting a thorough analysis of institutional forms of racism, sexism, and classism, as well as prejudice and oppression based on ethnicity, age, physical ability, sexual orientation, and educational and economic background and provide [sic] diocesan wide diversity training with respect to such issues; and
  • developing specific strategies for evangelism and stewardship in urban areas.
2.Urging all bishops to appoint a trained Diocesan Urban Missioner, either paid or volunteer, to the diocesan staff to mobilize networks of presence, including the inter-Anglican Urban Network and deepen understanding, and motivate advocacy for urban justice issues.
3.Encouraging the Congregational Ministries Cluster, the Peace and Justice Cluster, including Jubilee Ministries and the Ministries Development offices of the Episcopal Church Center to coordinate efforts with Diocesan Urban Mission commissions, Diocesan Urban Missioners, and the Episcopal Urban Caucus to develop educational efforts for clergy and laity that advance strategies which address issues of urban mission; and to support a national Conference on Urban Mission.
4.Urging the House of Bishops to renew its commitment to active leadership and presence in urban mission.
5.Commending the Joint Standing Committee on Planning and Arrangements to give an intentional focus to urban mission at the 74th General Convention of the Episcopal Church.
Citation: General Convention, Journal of the General Convention of...The Episcopal Church, Denver, 2000 (New York: General Convention, 2001), p. 678f.