D025 Amend Canons III.6.5(g), III.7.5, III.8.5(b), III.9.1, III.10.1(c), III.12.1, III.12.2
Resolved, the House of ________________ concurring,
That the Canon III.6.5(g) be amended to read as follows:
(g) Preparation for ordination shall include training regarding
(1) prevention of sexual misconduct.
(2) civil requirements for reporting and pastoral opportunities for responding to evidence of abuse.
(3) the Constitution and Canons of the Episcopal Church, particularly Title IV thereof.
(4) the Church’s teaching on racism.
(5) research-based understandings of gender identity and expression and human sexuality.
And be it further
Resolved, That Canon III.7.5 be amended to read as follows:
Sec. 5. The Bishop and Commission shall require and provide for the continuing education of Deacons and keep a record of such education. Such continuing education shall include the theological foundations for the Church’s teaching on non-discrimination as found in Canons I.17.5 and III.1.2 at least once every five years.
and be it further
Resolved, That Canon III.8.5(h) be amended to read as follows:
(h) Preparation for ordination shall include training regarding
(1) prevention of sexual misconduct.
(2) civil requirements for reporting and pastoral opportunities for responding to evidence of abuse.
(3) the Constitution and Canons of the Episcopal Church, particularly Title IV thereof.
(4) the Church’s teaching on racism.
(5) research-based understandings of gender identity and expression and human sexuality.
And be it further,
Resolved, That Canon III.9.1 be amended to read as follows:
Sec.1. The Bishop and Commission shall require and provide for the continuing education of Priests and keep a record of such education. Such continuing education shall include the theological foundations for the Church’s teaching on non-discrimination as found in Canons I.17.5 and III.1.2 at least once every five years.
And be it further
Resolved, That Canon III.10.1(c) be amended to read as follows:
(c) evidence of training regarding
(1) prevention of sexual misconduct.
(2) civil requirements for reporting and pastoral opportunities for responding to evidence of abuse.
(3) the Constitution and Canons of the Episcopal Church, particularly Title IV thereof.
(4) the Church’s teaching on racism.
(5) research-based understandings of gender identity and expression and human sexuality.
And be it further
Resolved, That Canon III.12.1 be amended to read as follows:
Sec. 1. Formation
Following election and continuing for three years following ordination, new Bishops shall pursue the process of formation authorized by the House of Bishops. This process of formation shall provide a mentor for each newly ordained Bishop. The process of formation shall include training regarding
(1) prevention of sexual misconduct.
(2) civil requirements for reporting and pastoral opportunities for responding to evidence of abuse.
(3) the Constitution and Canons of the Episcopal Church, particularly Title IV thereof.
(4) the Church’s teaching on racism.
(5) research-based understandings of gender identity and expression and human sexuality.
(6) the theological foundations for the Church’s teaching on non-discrimination as found in Canons I.17.5 and III.1.2.
And be it further
Resolved, That Canon III.12.2 be amended to read as follows:
Sec. 2. Continuing Education
The House of Bishops shall require and provide for the continuing education of Bishops and shall keep a record of such education. Such education shall include
(1) prevention of sexual misconduct.
(2) civil requirements for reporting and pastoral opportunities for responding to evidence of abuse.
(3) the Constitution and Canons of the Episcopal Church, particularly Title IV thereof.
(4) the Church’s teaching on racism.
(5) research-based understandings of gender identity and expression and human sexuality.
(6) the theological foundations for the Church’s teaching on non-discrimination as found in Canons I.17.5 and III.1.2.
Explanation
Episcopalians promise at their baptism to “seek and serve Christ in all persons, loving [our] neighbor as [ourselves.]” While LGBTQ+ persons are increasingly visible and welcomed in many of our congregations, clergy are not consistently educated regarding the diversity of human sexuality, gender identity and gender expression, or prepared and equipped to address the pastoral concerns of their congregants in these areas. Gender and sexuality are important aspects of human life and flourishing, and clergy need accurate, research-based information about the diversity of gender identity, gender expression, and sexual orientation in order to provide support and pastoral care for all their congregants, particularly LGBTQ+ young people and their families. Understanding and support from families and community is particularly important for the mental and physical health of LGBTQ+ youth; rejected youth are at a higher risk for depression, drug use and suicide.