Examine the Role of The Episcopal Church in Facilitating Forced Adoptions
Resolution text
Resolved that the Executive Council of The Episcopal Church, meeting online, October 24-27, 2023, acknowledges the “forced adoption” era, occurring post-World War II to 1972, and the involvement of some dioceses with agencies that counseled pregnant women in some cases to place their infant for adoption through improper means, commits to investigate and tell the truth about the church’s involvement with these agencies.
Resolved that Executive Council create an Executive Council Committee for Examining The Episcopal Church’s Involvement in Forced Adoptions, charged with guiding and overseeing the following initiatives: (1) gather historical resources and archival research about diocesan and The Episcopal Church’s involvement in forced adoptions; (2) Provide story-sharing opportunities for the children and women affected by forced adoptions; (3) explore reconciliation opportunities between the Church, those impacted by the agencies and dioceses.
Resolved that the Committee shall comprise bishops, clergy (priests and deacons), and lay members. The overall composition of this working group shall represent the broad diversity of the church, including those who have been directly affected by the forced adoption era, and there shall be staff liaisons appointed from both the Archives and from the Justice and/or Women’s and LGBTQIA+ office; and be it further
Resolved that the Committee shall report its findings regularly to the Executive Council Joint Standing Committee on Mission Within and the wider Church, and per the Executive Council Bylaw VIII.2.d, it will continue until the end of the 82nd General Convention, unless extended by the Executive Council. Funding for this committee will be allocated by the Secretary from funds approved by General Convention for Executive Council committees, and are expected to be approximately $30,000; and be it further
Resolved, Executive Council urges dioceses to examine their history and archives for their affiliation and support of these maternal and adoption homes during the forced adoption era.