Task Force to Study Household & Relationship Diversity

Mandate

2022 - D073 Task Force to Study Household & Relationship Diversity

Resolved, the House of Bishops concurring,

That the 80th General Convention acknowledge that by our Baptism Episcopalians and all Christians are “[received] into the household of God”(BCP 308) and that all are called to reflect that household in the patterning of our own families; and that all clergy are called to “pattern [their] life [and…household…] in accordance with the teachings of Christ so that [they] may be a wholesome example to all people” (BCP 544), and be it further

Resolved, this Convention acknowledge that many diverse types of families and households exist among members across the Episcopal Church, both laity and clergy; and be it further

Resolved, that the 80th General Convention authorize a Task Force on Relationship Diversity to create opportunities for discussion, reflection and deepening of understanding about existing diversity of family relationships & households among congregations, dioceses and throughout the Episcopal Church; and be it further

Resolved, that this Task Force shall engage in prayer, review, and theological study around the diverse types of families, households, and relationships represented among members of this Church, paying particular attention to areas of significant and continuing change in recent years; and be it further

Resolved, that the President of the House of Deputies and the Presiding Bishop, appoint 15 persons to include 3 bishops, 4 priests or deacons, and 8 laypersons, with members to include a geographically diverse representation from the Church mindful to include younger generations, people of color, LGBTQ+ people, native persons, and persons with experience in a variety of household structures; and be it further

Resolved, that this Task Force submit an interim report to the 81st General Convention; and be it further

Resolved, that the Task Force shall recommend to the 82nd General Convention and to the Episcopal Church resources for engaging in conversation, in recognition of the recent and emerging changes in household, family and relationship structures among members of this Church, around the ways in which diverse configurations of families and households may pattern themselves in accordance with the teachings of Christ as members of the Household of God, and the ways in which churches, congregations and dioceses may support such families and households in their Christian lives.

Resolved, that this Convention request the Joint Standing Committee on Program, Budget, and Finance to consider a budget allocation of $50,000.00 for the implementation of this resolution, with $20,000.00 allocated for the first triennium of the task force's existence and $30,000.00 for the second triennium.