Explanation

This resolution was originally adopted by the Executive Council Joint Standing Committee on World Mission on February 7, 2017, and submitted to the Standing Commission on Structure, Governance, Constitution and Canons. It was our understanding that the Standing Commission would give this proposal serious consideration. However, it was their decision not to recommend this to General Convention and neglected to inform the ECJSCWM of their decision. The absence of a positive recommendation was discovered on April 19, 2018. There are two major issues on the ecumenical and interreligious horizon: a) a proposal for full communion with the United Methodist Church, and b) a formal response to the 2013 statement issued by the World Council of Churches: The Church: Towards a Common Vision (TCTCV), a convergence statement that has been developed over the last thirty years by the WCC’s Commission on Faith and Order. Both issues require, and again I say, require, a careful response from the highest authority in the Episcopal Church, i.e. our General Convention. This amendment to our Canons, if adopted, will reestablish this essential Standing Commission, comprised of Episcopalians with knowledge, experience, and expertise in the area of ecumenical and interreligious relations, and qualified to prepare recommendations on these two very significant upcoming issues as well as other matters of importance to the 80th and subsequent General Conventions. I served on the ECJSCWM for the past four years. After the Standing Commission on Ecumenical Relations and Interreligious Affairs was abolished by the 2015 General Convention (on the recommendation of TREC), all ecumenical issues have been referred to the ECJSCWM whose members have had virtually no prior experience with ecumenical issues. I urge your support. Submitted by The Rev. Nathaniel W. Pierce