Resolution 1

CONSENT CALENDAR

Amend New Jersey State Statute 16

RESOLVED, that this 126th Convention of the Diocese of Newark petition the State of New Jersey to amend New Jersey State Statute 16:12-1a to change the form of the corporate title of incorporated parishes to read as follows:

The Rector, Wardens and Vestrymembers of .......... Church in .......; and, be it further

RESOLVED, that the Secretary of the Convention send a copy of this resolution to the Secretary of Convention of the Diocese of New Jersey, requesting that a similar resolution be brought before the next meeting of its Diocesan Convention; and, be it further

RESOLVED, that once the Diocese of New Jersey joins the Diocese of Newark in this action, the Secretaries of both diocesan conventions petition the State of New Jersey to make said amendment.

Submitted by: The Rev. Randall Day, Ms. Amy Fink, St. Mark's, Teaneck, and Ms. Marge Christie, Christ Church, Ridgewood

SUPPORTING INFORMATION:

As women have been allowed to serve on vestries since 1965, we propose that the wording of this statute be changed from "vestrymen" to "vestry." [The term "Vestry" was modified to "Vestrymember" by the Diocesan Council on March 1, 2000 to be consistent with the language of the resolution adopted by the Diocese of New Jersey.]

Resolution 1 was adopted on the Consent Calendar.

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Resolution 2

CONSENT CALENDAR

Creation of a Commission on Liturgy and Church Music

RESOLVED, that this 126th Convention of the Diocese of Newark urges the Bishop to appoint a commission on liturgy and church music to enrich the liturgical life of the diocese which could among other things to develop rites which address the particular needs of the diocese.

SUPPORTING INFORMATION:

There is great resistance on the national level to further revision of the Book of Common Prayer. Liturgy, as the work of the people, can not be stifled by bureaucratic anxiety or apathy. Yet, we need to proceed in order and in concert with each other. This resolution allows us to continue to develop creative, relevant liturgical resources within the context of our diocesan family, in concert with the resources in the Book of Occasional Services and the existing Supplemental Liturgical Texts which are already authorized by General Convention.

These rites are to be available as resources and diocesan supplemental liturgical texts to priests and lay leaders in congregations for situations of major life transitions and tragedies, and concerns of justice. These may include but are not limited to: the end of a marriage, healing after incest or rape, the death of a child due to accident, miscarriage or stillbirth, comfort and solace after abortion, the blessing of a committed relationship (of any gender combination), the celebration of creation, the blessing of animals, a particular ministry, i.e., urban, prison, AIDS, hospital chaplaincy, etc., or the awareness of a particular issue of justice, i.e., racism, sexism, homophobia, ageism, etc.

The Commission would also be a consultative resource to diocesan and congregational liturgists to make certain our corporate worship is reflective of our theology of inclusion and diversity in language concerning God and humankind in prayer, psalm and hymn, as well as in the full participation of all four orders of ministry whenever possible and appropriate. The diversity of liturgical styles in this diocese from evangelical, charismatic, Anglo-Catholic, high, low and broad, needs to be reflected in our worship as well. All work by the Diocesan Liturgical Commission would require the expressed approval of the Bishop diocesan prior to use in the diocese.


Submitted by: The Oasis; the Mission to Dismantle Racism; The Women's Commission; the AIDS Resource Center at St. Barnabas; former members of the 1997 Task Force on Prayer Book Revision: Ms. Marge Christie, Christ Church, Ridgewood; The Rev. Ed Hasse, St. Paul's, Montvale; Ms. Lyn Headley-Moore, St. Mark's, West Orange; Ms. Marie Obermann, St. Paul's, Chatham; The Rev. Michael Delaney, St. Peter's, Washington; The Rev. Phillip Wilson, Redeemer, Morristown; Ms. Ann Hirsch, Christ Church, Hackensack.

Resolution 2 was adopted on the Consent Calendar.

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Resolution 3

CONSENT CALENDAR

The Cambridge Accord

RESOLVED, that this 126th Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of Newark supports and gratefully joins the initiative of Bishop Steve Charleston, President and Dean of The Episcopal Divinity School in Cambridge, MA, in response to the increase of the worldwide violence and murder of lesbian and gay people. The Cambridge Accord calls bishops in the Anglican Communion to provide leadership for human rights and calls us all to join them in embracing this simple accord:

In the Name of God, we the bishops of the Anglican Communion who have affixed our names to this Accord, publish it as a statement of our shared opinion in regard to all persons who are homosexual. We affirm that while we may have contrasting views on the Biblical, theological, and moral issues surrounding homosexuality, on these three points we are in one Accord.

1. That no homosexual person should ever be deprived of liberty, personal property, or civil rights because of his or her sexual orientation.

2. That all acts of violence, oppression, and degradation against homosexual persons are wrong and cannot be sanctioned by an appeal to the Christian faith.

3. That every human being is created equal in the eyes of God and therefore deserves to be treated with dignity and respect.

We appeal to people of good conscience from every nation and religious creed to join us in embracing this simple Accord as our global claim to human rights not only for homosexual men and women, but for all God's people.

and, be it further

RESOLVED, that a copy of this resolution be sent to Bishop Charleston at E.D.S. and memorialized at the 73rd General Convention.

Submitted by: The Oasis, the Women's Commission


SUPPORTING INFORMATION:

This Accord was initiated in direct response to reports from a newspaper in Kampala (Reuters, 9/28/99) that Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni has ordered the arrest of homosexuals for carrying out "abominable acts", further saying that his upbringing and the Bible told him homosexuality is wrong. The newspaper report also noted that "Homosexuality is illegal or taboo in many African countries and few gay people feel able to be open about their sexuality. Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe once described homosexuals as ‘lower than dogs'". This Accord also addresses the tragic Human Sexuality Resolution at 1998 Lambeth which is reflective of this homophobic position, and calls on the leadership of the world-wide Christian community to stand in opposition to hatred and persecution in any form of humankind.

Resolution 3 was adopted on the Consent Calendar.

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Resolution 4

CONSENT CALENDAR

Task Force to Study Violence

RESOLVED, that this 126th Convention of the Diocese of Newark abhors the current unrestrained power of violence in our culture; and, be it further

RESOLVED, that this Convention requests the bishop to establish a task force that will address the urgent problems of violence in our society and analyze existing materials on non-violence; and, be it further

RESOLVED, that this task force report to the 127th Convention its findings and recommendations for actions to be taken by individuals and congregations.

Submitted by: The Youth Commission of the Diocese of Newark; The Rev. Richard Bardusch, Director of Youth Ministries; The Rev. Sunil Chandy, Christ Church, Ridgewood; The Rev. Cooper Conway, Grace Church, Newark; The Rev. Margaret Hodgkins, Calvary, Summit; Ms. Bonnie Magnuson, Co-chair of the Camp Committee; The Rev. Canon Elizabeth Kaeton, The Oasis; The Rev. Dana Rose, The Oasis; The Rev. Jennifer Baskerville, St. Peter's, Morristown; Ms. Kitty Kawecki, Director of the Bishop Anand Resource Center

SUPPORTING INFORMATION:

Members of the Youth Commission see and experience violence and the possibility of violence on a daily basis in school and in their communities. As adults we see violence on the news, highways, and in our congregations. We are increasingly aware and concerned by the proliferation of violent images, attitudes, and acts in our society.

Data
I Every day in the U.S., thirteen children die from gun related accidents and violence.
II Between 1979 and 1991, nearly 50,000 children were killed by firearms--a number close to the American battle fatalities in the Vietnam War.
III Homicide is now the third leading cause of death for children ages five to fourteen. Every day, 135,000 of them bring guns to school.
IV A child growing up in the U.S. is fifteen times as likely to be killed by gunfire as a child growing up in Northern Ireland.
V Every day, 1.2 million latchkey children come home to houses in which there is a gun.
VI A Harvard study that polled 2,508 elementary, middle, and high school students around the country found that roughly the same percentages of inner-city and suburban students said they had been shot at, had been seriously threatened with a gun, or had fired a gun at someone else.
Data was gathered from "Violence in the Lives of Children and Youth: The Church's Response." The National Council of Churches in the U.S.A., Volume III, pp. 3-4.

Resolution 4 was adopted on the Consent Calendar.

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Resolution 5

CONSENT CALENDAR

College Chaplaincy

RESOLVED, that this 126th Convention of the Diocese of Newark urges the Bishop to appoint a task force to study the benefits of a full-time chaplaincy program on the church's ministry on the many college campuses located within the diocese; and, be it further

RESOLVED, that this task force report to the 127th Convention its findings and recommendations for actions to be taken.

Submitted by Ms. Marge Christie, Christ Church, Ridgewood

SUPPORTING INFORMATION

Everything one reads about church, ministry, youth leads one to recognize the critical need to interact and relate with young people during their college years. It is also accepted knowledge that a major reason for the "aging" seminary student body and ordained ministry is related to the lack of suggesting ministry as a vocation and actively recruiting potential postulants. This diocese, like most of the Episcopal Church, has neglected college ministry for too long. Hopefully, the task force will give consideration to hiring someone to replace the very part time volunteer system the diocese has employed for many years.

Resolution 5 was adopted on the Consent Calendar.

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Resolution 6

CONSENT CALENDAR

Syringe Exchange

RESOLVED, that this 126th Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of Newark, in recognition of the overwhelming humanitarian and public health imperative, supports harm reduction in its widest interpretation including the immediate establishment of legal syringe exchange and relaxing of drug paraphernalia laws in New Jersey as a component of a comprehensive HIV and other blood-borne disease prevention program; and, be it further

RESOLVED, that the Episcopal Diocese of Newark supports the bills introduced by New Jersey State Senators Wynona Lipman, (deceased) and Joseph Vitale to implement the above pro-health position:S267 which would permit hypodermic syringes in quantities of 10 or less to be sold without prescription in pharmacies, and S453, which would establish a three year pilot comprehensive needle exchange program through the N. J. Department of Health; and, be it further

RESOLVED, that copies of this resolution be sent to the Governor, the N. J. Senate President, the Assembly Speaker, the Senate Health Committee of the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services, the Governor's Advisory Council on AIDS and the NJ Harm Reduction Coalition.

Submitted by: the AIDS Resource Center at St. Barnabas, Newark

SUPPORTING INFORMATION:

New Jersey ranks fifth in the nation with reported cumulative AIDS cases. New Jersey has two cities (Newark and Jersey City) on the top ten list of United States cities with the highest rate of AIDS per capita. As of December 31, 1998, 26,238 New Jerseyans, including 10,397 people from the five counties of the Newark Eligible Metropolitan Area (Essex, Morris, Sussex, Union and Warren) and in Jersey City, over 3,666 cumulative cases since documentation began in 1981, are living with HIV or AIDS.

New Jersey has the third highest rate of injection-related HIV in the United States. 50% of the HIV infections in adults and adolescents in New Jersey are directly caused by the sharing of contaminated syringes by injection drug users. An additional one quarter of all infections are indirectly caused – children with AIDS who are born to women who contracted AIDS through injection drug use or sexual contact with an injection drug user – by the sharing of contaminated syringes.

New Jersey has the third highest number of pediatric AIDS cases of any state. Approximately 95 percent occur as a result of perinatal transmission from mother to fetus and a greater percentage of AIDS cases among women (28% of cumulative AIDS cases; but 35% of the AIDS cases reported in 1998) than any other state.
Among those who inject drugs, African-Americans are five times more likely than whites to get AIDS, and Latinos are at least one and a half times as likely as whites to get AIDS. In light of the disproportionate impact of injection drug-related HIV on communities of color, the continuing inaction to implement effective HIV prevention targeting this group undermines the credibility of the State of New Jersey and the Federal government's stated goal of reducing racial and ethnic health disparities.
There is a need in NJ to adequately address and prevent where possible, the continues spread of this disease through intravenous drug use and needle sharing. NJ is the only state in the northeast United States without legal provisions for syringe exchange. On April 3, 1996, the N. J. Governor's Advisory Council on AIDS adopted a position in favor of clean syringe sales in pharmacies without a prescription and pilot needle exchange programs in New Jersey.
Over 115 needle/syringe exchange programs exist in 31 states exchanging 17.5 million syringes annually. Six reputable national studies have concluded that clean syringe availability in pharmacies without a prescription and needle exchange programs reduce the spread of HIV/AIDS and hepatitis without increasing drug use. Studies have found that needle exchange programs save lives and taxpayers money and provide a safe disposal system for the used syringes.
Comprehensive needle/syringe exchange and prevention programs for HIV and other blood-borne diseases must include drug and HIV education as well as referrals to a full range of social and medical services including drug treatment. The must also be established with the cooperation of law enforcement officers and demonstrate acceptance by community and religious groups as well as local government.
Harm reduction is a concept that values and supports any and all lessening of harmful behavior(s) as an appropriate move in the right direction, even if the decrease is not an ideal and total elimination of the damaging behavior. Social scientists have recognized that harm reduction is a way of meeting individuals where they are and encouraging incremental change as people are able to make it and to whatever level people are able to achieve. The relaxing of drug paraphernalia laws would include allowing for the purchase of clean needles/syringes over the counter and, for persons registered in a legal syringe exchange program, would not result in immediate arrest, as is currently the law.
The National Institutes of Health Consensus Panel reviewed studies on the effectiveness of syringe exchange programs and concluded that syringe exchange programs do not increase syringe injecting behavior among current drug users, and do not increase the amount of discarded drug paraphernalia. In addition, the NIH stated that "legislative restriction on (syringe exchange programs) must be lifted. Such legislation constitutes a major barrier to realizing the potential of a powerful approach and exposes millions of people to unnecessary risk".
The impact of HIV/AIDS is felt significantly disproportionately among women of child-bearing age, youth, children, gay men, people of color, particularly African-Americans, people living in poverty, injection drug users – people already marginalized and devalued in our society. It is important that the church, in addition to community-based organizations and medical and professional associations, take a stand on protecting all God's children in every possible way available to us.

Resolution 6 was adopted on the Consent Calendar.

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Resolution 7

CONSENT CALENDAR

"Stop Domestic Violence" Stickers

RESOLVED, that every restroom in every church and office of the Episcopal Diocese of Newark have stickers posting the telephone number where victims of Domestic Violence can get help on the INSIDE of the door of every toilet stall.

Submitted by: The Rev. Margaret A. Gat, St. John's, Dover and Co-chair of the Women's Commission

SUPPORTING INFORMATION:

There is no safe place for victims of abuse to find out where they can get help. Memory and a toilet stall are about the best options they have. The Women's Commission will distribute these stickers at Convention.

Sample sticker:

Resolution 7 was adopted on the Consent Calendar.

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Resolution 8

CONSENT CALENDAR

Resolution to Help Implement Lambeth Conference Resolution 11.7 - Urbanization

RESOLVED, that this 126th Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of Newark supports the full implementation of Lambeth Conference Resolution 11.7 which a) "calls upon the member Churches of the Anglican Communion to address the process of urbanization across the world, both in our cities and all other communities" and b) asks member churches to give "urgent attention to 'Living and Proclaiming the Good News' in our cities so that all that destroys our full humanity is being challenged, the socially excluded are being welcomed and the poor are hearing the Good News (Matthew 11.3),"; and, be it further

RESOLVED, that this 126th Convention supports the Lambeth Conference goal of formation of an Anglican Urban Network to share information and experience on urbanization and urban mission within the Anglican Communion and also formation of a "Faith in an Urban World" Commission in consultation with other churches in ecumenical partnership; and, be it further

RESOLVED, that the following resolution be submitted to the 73rd General Convention of the Episcopal Church by the Secretary of Convention on behalf of this convention:

Resolved, the House of __ concurring, that this 73rd General Convention hereby endorses the goals of Lambeth Conference Resolution 11.7 and calls for the Episcopal Church to support the formation of an Anglican Urban Network to share information and experience on urbanization and urban mission within the Anglican Communion and also formation of a "Faith in an Urban World" Commission in consultation with other churches in ecumenical partnership.

and, be it further

RESOLVED, that the Secretary of Convention be directed to contact the Anglican Communion Secretariat to convey this resolution and to express the desire of the Diocese of Newark to participate in whatever way possible in both of these bodies when they are established.

Submitted by: The Rev. Geoffrey Curtiss, All Saints', Hoboken

SUPPORTING INFORMATION:

The Diocese of Newark is a leader in urban ministry, but we have much to learn from others. Over half of the world's population now live in cities but much of the Church's method of spreading the Good News still assumes an agrarian society. The forward thinking elements of the Lambeth Conference must not be lost and we should do all we can to support the establishment of these committees.

Resolution 8 was adopted on the Consent Calendar.

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Resolution 9

Seeking Reconciliation (Amended)

RESOLVED, that this 126th Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of Newark encourages all Episcopalians to pursue and/or continue working for reconciliation within our denomination-that is, fostering of that sense of shared faith and mission that can exist in spite of serious and continuing disagreements on specific issues of faith and practice, by initiating and/or participating in legislative and non-legislative discussions, dialogues and debates on major issues of disagreement within the Church, seeking to involve persons of all viewpoints.

SUPPORTING INFORMATION:

Various constituencies within the Episcopal Church and within this Diocese have engaged in debate for many years over many issues, such as Prayer Book revision, women's ordination, the authority of scripture, sexuality issues, etc. The legitimate debate over the doctrine and polity of the church has too frequently descended to antagonistic conflict, sometime shattering fellowship and threatening our Eucharistic unity itself.

During the past year, a number of clergy engaged in some informal dialogues on scripture and our common life as Episcopalians. Those participating found that in spite of differences over theology and polity, that they shared many similar convictions and concerns. This resolution is an outgrowth of that effort. It is hoped that more clergy and laity in ECUSA will do all things possible to focus upon reconciliation - that is, seeking out the common areas of shared faith and mission that can exist in spite of serious and continuing disagreements on specific issues of faith and practice - so that our denomination can more effectively preach the gospel and promote justice in the name of God.

[Note: As deputies to General Convention we are elected not as delegates who represent a particular constituency or theological perspective, but as faithful witnesses of the Gospel and active participants in the legislative process, through which we humbly acknowledge the power of the working of the Holy Spirit. Reconciliation can and does occur when we actively work for justice.]

Signed: All Deputies and alternates to General Convention 2000.

This is a substitute resolution for Resolution 9. The substitute resolution has been accepted by the movers of the original resolution ( The Rev. John Donnelly, St. Michael's, Wayne; The Rev. Robert Morris, Interweave; Dr. Louie Crew, Grace, Newark; The Rev. Esar Budhu, St. Agnes & St. Paul's, E.Orange; The Rev. Jacob David, St. Paul's & Resurrection, Wood-Ridge; The Rev. Michael Gerhardt, Christ, Teaneck; The Rev. William Guthrie, Christ, E. Orange; The Rev. Fletcher Harper, St. Luke's, Haworth; The Rev. John Hartnett, St. Elizabeth's, Ridgewood; The Rev. Brian Laffler, St. Anthony's, Hackensack; The Rev. Vicki McGrath, All Saints, Glen Rock; Mr. Niles Ring, St. Michael's, Wayne; Ms. Elizabeth Golub, St. Michael's, Wayne)

Resolution 9 was adopted as amended.

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Resolution 10

Sexual Morality, Justice and Healing

RESOLVED, that this 126th Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of Newark gives thanks for the courageous leadership of John Shelby Spong, Bishop Diocesan, most especially in issues of sexual morality, justice and reproductive rights; and, be it further

RESOLVED, that this Convention rejoices in the continuation of that courageous leadership in John Palmer Croneberger, Bishop Coadjutor, most recently as his name was assigned in endorsement of a full page advertisement which appeared in the January 17th issue of the Star Ledger and the January 25th issue of The New York Times in a Religious Declaration on "Sexual Morality, Justice and Healing", the text of which appears in the supporting documentation of this resolution; and be it further

RESOLVED, that this Convention continues to maintain its position in support of sexual morality, justice and reproductive rights which it has maintained in convention since 1976.

Submitted by the Women's Commission

SUPPORTING INFORMATION:

RELIGIOUS DECLARATION ON SEXUAL MORALITY, JUSTICE AND HEALING

Sexuality is God's life giving and life-fulfilling gift.

We come from diverse religious communities to recognize sexuality as central to our humanity and as integral to our spirituality. We are speaking out against the pain, brokenness, oppression and loss of meaning that many experience about their sexuality.

Our faith traditions celebrate the goodness of creation, including our bodies and our sexuality.

We sin when this sacred gift is abused or exploited. However, the great promise of our traditions is love, healing, and restored relationships.

Our culture needs a sexual ethic focused on personal relationships and social justice rather than particular sexual acts.

All persons have the right and the responsibility to lead sexual lives that express love, justice, mutuality, commitment, consent, and pleasure. Grounded in respect for the body and for the vulnerability that intimacy brings, this ethic fosters physical, emotional and spiritual health. It accepts no double standards and applies to all persons, without regard to sex, gender, color, age, bodily condition, marital status, or sexual orientation.

God hears the cries of those who suffer from the failure of religious communities to address sexuality. We are called today to see, hear, and respond to the suffering caused by violence against women and sexual minorities, the HIV pandemic, unsustainable population growth and over-consumption, and the commercial exploitation of sexuality.

Faith communities must therefore be truth seeking, courageous and just.

We call for:

* Theological reflection that integrates the wisdom of excluded, often silenced peoples, and insights about sexuality from medicine, social science, the arts and the humanities.

* Full inclusion of women and sexual minorities in congregational life, including their ordination and the blessing of same sex unions.

* Sexuality counseling and education throughout the lifespan from trained religious leaders.

* Support for those who challenge sexual oppression and who work for justice within their congregations and denominations.

Faith communities must also advocate for sexual and spiritual wholeness in society.

We call for:

* Lifelong, age appropriate sexuality education in schools, seminaries, and community settings.

* A faith-based commitment to sexual and reproductive rights, including access to voluntary contraception, abortion, and HIV/STD prevention and treatment.

* Religious leadership in movements to end sexual and social injustice.

God rejoices when we celebrate our sexuality with holiness and integrity. We, the undersigned, invite our colleagues and faith communities to join us in promoting sexual morality, justice, and healing.

Resolution 10 was adopted on the Consent Calendar.

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Resolution 11

Anti-Racism Training

RESOLVED, that this 126th Convention of the Diocese of Newark acting on the recommendation of the National Church, urges all members of the Diocese of Newark and specifically the members of and all future members of the Standing Committee, Diocesan Council, Department of Missions, Trustees, ACTS/VIM, Commission on Ministry and Ward J. Herbert Fund - to have participated in anti-racism dialogues during the year 2000. Anti-racism dialogues are defined as participation in one of the previous events held in November 1998 in Teaneck and September 1999 in Dover, as well as the 10 hour workshop being offered by the Commission to Dismantle Racism which currently has 23 trainers, and the upcoming diocesan-wide training event planned for May 19-20, 2000. Participants in these training events will be reported to the various bodies listed in the resolution as well as the Annual Convention of our diocese. The Commission to Dismantle Racism is charged to offer an annual diocesan wide training event and to enlarge the number of trainers available for local training; and, be it further

RESOLVED, that a majority of the leadership of all congregations (clergy, wardens and vestry) participate in anti-racism dialogues and report as such to the Secretary of Convention by the Diocesan Convention 2001.

Submitted by: The Mission to Dismantle Racism and The Oasis

SUPPORTING INFORMATION:

One does not have to be a racist in order to act in a racist fashion. Racism is insidiously present in the language we use, the jokes we tell, the decisions we make in the workplace, the church and the community. The Mission to Dismantle Racism believes that requiring anti-racism training is the way to achieve a broader and more comprehensive understanding of the evils of racism. Therefore, it has planned an overnight retreat for May 19-20, 2000, to support the first resolve using two programs currently in place: the diversity training available through the Oasis and the Anti-Racism Dialogues created by the National Church. These programs are also available for congregations and other organizations anticipating making grant requests. Experienced trainers are available for both programs.

Resolution 11 was adopted.

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