(Not certified by the Secretary of Convention and may contain minor errors.)
3. (Failed to reach floor)
5. Usage of Revised Common Lectionary
7. Environmental Justice Covenant Congregations
9. Welfare Reform
11. Assisting the Poor through Faith Based Ministry
13. Jubilee 2000
15. The Work of Anti-racism
17. Commending the Work of Episcopal Public Policy Officer
19. Dismantling Racism
21. Don't Ask/Don't Tell
23. Awareness of Lesbian & Gay Young People at Risk
25. Abortion
2. Inclusive Language
4. Childrens' Charter
6. Group Medical Insurance
8. Deaf Ministry Task Force
10. Companion Diocese Committee
12. Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation
14. Living Wage
16. Commending the Work of JPIC New Jersey
18. Capital Punishment
20. Proper Respect for the Bible in the Christian Tradition
22. Interconnectedness of Prejudice and Intolerance
24. Prison Ministry
26. Global Warming
RESOLUTION 1
RESOLVED, that the 124th Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of Newark deepens its commitment to the congregations in its urban areas, increasing its awareness of the challenges that face such congregations and commit itself to the process developing new ministries, and, be it further
RESOLVED, that the North Jersey Episcopal City Mission be affirmed in its efforts to develop and implement overall and intentional broad-based strategies for urban congregations that will:
- foster networks with other dioceses in order to build on mutual experiences
- raise up models of faithful and effective leadership development
- address the responsibility to minister to and with the poor
- create new models for ministry in urban settings and support existing models and networks
- be inclusive of the racial and ethnic diversity represented by the church communities,
and, be it further
RESOLVED, that the North Jersey Episcopal City Mission working in conjunction with the Diocesan Council and the Evangelism Commission report to the 1999 Diocesan Convention about the state of the urban congregation (s) in our diocese with appropriate recommendations and strategies and the intention of initiating 3 new congregational urban ministries in 1999, 2000, 2001.
-- Go to top of pageRESOLUTION 2
Resolved, That the Diocese of Newark adopt a standard of inclusive language in the liturgies uses whenever members of the diocese gather for worship, such inclusivity to embrace images of God and of humanity, and be it further
Resolved, That in light of the diocesan standard every congregation be encouraged to use inclusive language for at least one principal Sunday service and one weekday service per month.
-- Go to top of pageRESOLUTION 3
failed to reach the floor of convention
-- Go to top of pageRESOLUTION 4
RESOLVED, that this 124th Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of Newark adopts "A Children's Charter for the Church" as a vision of children's ministries and urges every congregation to study the Charter and live out its concept locally.
A CHILDREN'S CHARTER FOR THE CHURCH
Nurture of the child
Children are a heritage from the LORD, and the fruit of the womb is a gift. Psalm 127:4
The church is called to
- receive, nurture and treasure each child as a gift from God:
- proclaim the Gospel to children in ways that empower them to receive and respond to God's love:
- give high priority to the quality of planning for children and the preparation and support of those who minister with them:
- include children in fulfillment of the Baptismal Covenant as members and full participants in the Eucharistic community and in the church's common life of prayer witness and service:
Ministry to the child
Then Jesus took the children in his arms, placed his hands on each of them and blessed them. Mark 10:16
The church is called to
- love, shelter, protect and defend children within its own community and in the world especially those who are abused, neglected or in danger.
- nurture and support families in caring for their children acting in their children's best interest, and recognizing and fostering their children's spirituality and unique gifts:
- embrace children who seek Christian nurture independently of their parents participation in the church:
- advocate for the integrity of childhood and the dignity of all children at every level of our religious, civic and political structures:
Ministry of the child
A little child shall lead them. Isaiah 11:6
The church is called to
- receive children's special gifts as signs of the Reign of God:
- foster community beyond the family unit, in which children, youth and adults know each other by name, minister to each other , and are partners together in serving Christ in the world:
- appreciate children's abilities and readiness to represent Christ and his Church , to bear witness to him wherever they may be, and according to gifts given them, to carry on Christ's work of reconciliation in the world, and to take their place in the life, worship, and governance of the Church (Ministry of the Laity BCP p.855)
-- Go to top of pageRESOLUTION 5
USAGE OF REVISED COMMON LECTIONARY
RESOLVED, That the Bishop appoint a committee to encourage the trial use of the Revised Common Lectionary by the congregations of this diocese; and, be it further
RESOLVED, that a summary of evaluations, with comments and suggestions, be submitted to the Standing Liturgical Commission of the national church so that they can be included in its report and recommendations to the 73rd General Convention.
-- Go to top of pageRESOLUTION 6
RESOLVED, that the following changes be made to the Diocese of Newark's Group Medical Insurance Plan effective February 1, 1998:
The plan shall become a contributory plan, that is all eligible participants will make a financial contribution to the plan. For 1998 the annual contribution will be $25. This amount may be adjusted from time to time by the Diocesan Council.
As a contributory plan, those eligible to participate may voluntarily choose not to have the coverage if they have coverage elsewhere, that is through a family member, spouse or domestic partner. The local church will be responsible for reimbursing the contribution from parochial clergy.
To opt out of the plan those eligible to participate must send written notice of their intention to the Diocesan Finance Office and certify annually they have adequate coverage elsewhere. Participants who opt out may re-enroll in the plan.
Upon an election to opt out of the Diocesan Plan, if any additional payments are required to qualify the clergy person under the insurance plan of another, the congregation will be responsible for such payments up to an amount equal to what would have been paid to insure that clergy person under the Diocesan Plan.
The decision on whether to stay in the diocesan plan or opt out can only be made voluntarily by the clergy person and not the wardens and vestry or executive committee of any given church, parish, aided parish, incorporated mission or mission.
-- Go to top of pageRESOLUTION 7
ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE COVENANT CONGREGATIONS
RESOLVED, that this 124th Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of Newark endorses The Environmental Justice Covenant Congregation Program of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the USA, and urges the vestries and mission councils of the Diocese of Newark to vote their support of this national, ecumenical program; and, be it further
RESOLVED, that this Convention instructs the Environmental Commission of the Diocese of Newark to provide material on the Program to interested congregations, and to provide support for the carrying out of the Covenant Program in our Diocese.
-- Go to top of pageRESOLUTION 8
RESOLVED, that a Task Force on Ministry with the Deaf be appointed by the Bishop to study the need for this ministry within the Diocese, the district convocations and the individual parishes; and, be it further
RESOLVED, that this Task Force be instructed to report to the 125th annual Diocesan Convention with information on finding interpreters, providing prayer books and Sunday School materials and providing instruction in an appropriate sign language for hearing persons, other related issues and recommendations for financial support from the Diocese, the district convocations and the individual congregations.
-- Go to top of pageRESOLUTION 9
RESOLVED, that the effects of "welfare reform" especially as they have impact on the lives of women and children be a priority in the Diocese of Newark's mission outreach planning and action; and, be it further
RESOLVED, that the Diocese of Newark and the congregations of the Diocese be encouraged to collaborate with state and local government, the private sector and non-profit groups to address the negative effects of welfare reform; and, be it further
RESOLVED, that the leadership of our congregations enter into dialogue with members of our state legislature on behalf of responsible welfare reform which would aid poor people, including legal immigrants, rather than penalize them, and be it further
RESOLVED, that 124th Convention of the Diocese encourages the Episcopal Public Policy Office for the state of New Jersey to urge members of our legislature to be responsible for the passage of welfare reform legislation which would aid poor people rather than penalize them and to increase funding for welfare programs.
-- Go to top of pageRESOLUTION 10
RESOLVED, that the 124th Diocesan Convention urges every congregation to use the curriculum for peace prepared by the Office of Children's Ministries at the Episcopal Church Center in its church school during the Lenten season, or as soon thereafter as practicable.
-- Go to top of pageRESOLUTION 11
ASSISTING THE POOR THRU FAITH BASED MINISTRY
RESOLVED, that the Diocese of Newark heed the call of the 72nd General Convention for the Church to be responsible by providing ministries to and with the poor including development of faith based ministries such as meal sharing, food distribution, clothing provision, vocational placement, shelter, housing assistance, education, and child care; and; be it further
RESOLVED, that each congregation be challenged to establish at least one direct, person-to-person ministry to and with the poor and that this ministry include the explicit sharing of the Gospel of Jesus Christ; and, be it further
RESOLVED, that this 124th Convention of the Diocese of Newark adopt the General Convention goal of every congregation having a direct ministry to and with the poor by the year 2000; and, be it further
RESOLVED, that this Convention requests the Diocesan Council to collaborate with the Diocesan Jubilee Officer and establish a Jubilee Ministry Network within our Diocese to help organize and sustain faith-based ministries that make faith in Jesus Christ's life, death and resurrection, the basis for selfless service to and with the poor who are members of our communities; and, be it further
RESOLVED, that the Diocesan Council is charged to report back to the 125th Convention of our Diocese regarding the congregations that have undertaken this work, the incorporation of our Jubilee Ministry Officer into the life of our Diocese, the creation of Jubilee Ministry Centers in our Diocese, the progress for every congregation in our Diocese to have a direct ministry to and with the poor, and an inventory of training and other resources within our Diocese as well as the larger Church for this work.
-- Go to top of pageRESOLUTION 12
JUSTICE, PEACE AND INTEGRITY OF CREATION
RESOLVED, that according to the will of the 72nd General Convention the issues of social and economic justice, peace and the environment become the organizing principles around which we might organize our Diocese and that the Diocesan Council report to the 125th Diocesan Convention about ways for the work of Anti-Racism, Global Peace and Justice, Economic Justice, Environmental Stewardship, and Jubilee Ministries to become an integral part of our corporate life, and that the Council be charged with the responsibility for funding in order to organize, plan, and implement strategies which support local and regional networks corresponding to the work of each of the subcommittees; be it further
RESOLVED, that this report include ways to allocate adequate funding for staff, support, supplies, and technical assistance to maintain and nurture the ever-increasing number of Jubilee Centers within our Diocese.
-- Go to top of pageRESOLUTION 13
RESOLVED, that the 124th Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of Newark heed the call of the 72nd General Convention and encourage every congregation and Diocese in the Church to assess its ministry in light of God's Jubilee and seek to implement one Jubilee imperative in the local and global community during the next Triennium; and, be it further
RESOLVED, that the Diocesan Council collaborate with the Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation subcommittees of our Provincial Network and our Diocese to develop plans for the implementation of Jubilee 2000 through initiatives of publicity, preparation of educational materials, public policy networking, and development of shared approaches with Anglican and ecumenical partners reporting on the progress of implementing this resolution to the 125th Diocesan Convention; and, be it further
RESOLVED, that the Diocese of Newark joins with the Church's commitment to the Jubilee imperatives of debt forgiveness, environmental stewardship, and human liberation by proposing to the 125th Convention a minimum of five Jubilee strategies.
-- Go to top of pageRESOLUTION 14
RESOLVED, that the 124th Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of Newark heed the call of the 72nd General Convention to urge all congregations, missions and diocesan organizations to become actively involved in promoting the enactment of a "living wage" plus family health benefits, in cities and communities in which they live, as the minimum acceptable norm for all working people - "living wage" being defined as $7.50/hr. or $16,000/yr., the federal poverty line for a family of four; and, be it further
RESOLVED, that the above standard be likewise urged upon all Parishes, Missions, and Diocesan institutions of this Church as the minimum acceptable norm in the compensation of their employees; and, be it further
RESOLVED, that this convention commends the work of the Interfaith Community Organization (a broad based community organization in Hudson County composed of some 20 faith communities) that has introduced the "living wage" to Jersey City and is now introducing "living wage" legislation to the State of New Jersey through State Senator Bernard Kenny and therefore calls upon all congregations in our Diocese to actively support this legislation as it moves through the State Legislature this year; and, be it further
RESOLVED, that the Secretary of Convention be instructed to send this resolution to members of the New Jersey legislature and the governor.
-- Go to top of pageRESOLUTION 15
RESOLVED, That the Diocesan Council establish a process to monitor the progress our Diocese is making in implementing resolutions on racism adopted by previous General Conventions and Executive Councils and that the Council report to the 125th Diocesan Convention and annually thereafter on the results of this Diocese's efforts to fulfill the 72nd General Convention's request that Executive Council receive this information from all Dioceses throughout the Church.
-- Go to top of pageRESOLUTION 16
COMMENDING THE WORK OF JPIC NEW JERSEY
RESOLVED, that the Diocesan Council explore ways to financially support within our Diocesan budget the work of the Episcopal Public Policy Office in our state for the calendar year 1999; and, be it further
RESOLVED, that local congregations be encouraged to explore membership in the New Jersey JPIC association - a statewide network of Episcopal congregations - that pay annual dues based upon $1.00 per year for each pledging member of their congregation; and, be it further
RESOLVED, that the Diocese of Newark encourages congregations and their leaders to participate in the organizing efforts of the Provincial JPIC Network Conference which will hold its third annual assembly on October 23rd and 24th, 1998.
-- Go to top of pageRESOLUTION 17
COMMENDING THE WORK OF EPISCOPAL PUBLIC POLICY OFFICER
RESOLVED, that the 124th Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of Newark celebrates the work of the Episcopal Public Policy Officer, Martha Gardner, and commends her for establishing a relationship whereby every congregation in New Jersey is a temporary member of the National Episcopal Public Policy Office in Washington, D.C.
-- Go to top of pageCAPITAL PUNISHMENT
RESOLVED, that the 124th Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of Newark reaffirms the opposition to capital punishment expressed by resolutions of the 1965 and 1981 Diocesan Conventions, and be it further
RESOLVED, that this Convention agrees with the 72nd General Convention that the judicial and penal system within the United States are racially biased; and, be it further
RESOLVED, that this Convention urges all congregations within our diocese to join in the witness currently being undertaken by the Quaker community in the state of New Jersey who are visiting all local assemblymen/women and state senators to express their opposition to capital punishment; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That this Diocese collaborate with all human rights organizations who are seeking to correct this injustice within our legal system; and, be it further
RESOLVED, that this resolution be communicated the President of the United States and all governors of states which are currently practicing capital punishment.
-- Go to top of pageRESOLUTION 19
RESOLVED, that the 124th Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of Newark urges every congregation to engage actively in programs aimed at dismantling racism by:
- showing the film The Color of Fear
- using a trained facilitator (for example, a member of the Isaiah Team or the Commission on Racism or other trained facilitator) for the ensuing discussion(s)
- planning for ongoing dialogue using the manual National Dialogue on Anti-Racism
- being intentional about including all races and creeds in the dialogue
- expecting to spend many sessions on this sensitive justice issue.
-- Go to top of pageRESOLUTION 20
PROPER RESPECT FOR THE BIBLE IN THE CHRISTIAN TRADITION
RESOLVED, that the Bible is not a club with which to beat people, nor is the Bible an antique relic, to be lightly dismissed as being irrelevant to modern life, but a book of life, bearing witness to the Word of God, who is not a book but a person, Jesus; and, be it further
RESOLVED, that God is living and continues to be revealed in new and life-giving ways not limited to and sometimes not adequately described by those to whom God has spoken in the past; and, be it further
RESOLVED, that our faithfulness to the past is best measured by our willingness to be guided as God continues to invite us into a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, as Lord and Savior, and to inspire us to do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly.
-- Go to top of pageRESOLUTION 21
RESOLVED, that since the policy of saying to lesbians and gays "Don't Ask; Don't Tell" is spiritually damaging to a person's wholeness and does not assure equal and fair treatment to all persons, the Diocese of Newark opposes the policy in all its manifestations; and, be it further
RESOLVED, that the Secretary of Convention communicate to congressional and state elected officials and to the leadership of our armed forces our call for the removal of this policy of discrimination in the military and all other forms of public life.
-- Go to top of pageRESOLUTION 22
INTERCONNECTEDNESS OF PREJUDICE AND INTOLERANCE
RESOLVED, that the Episcopal Diocese of Newark, understanding that we live in a culture which seeks to 'divide and conquer', reaffirms our scriptural heritage and Baptismal vows which make us one in Christ; and, be it further
RESOLVED, that the Episcopal Diocese of Newark, recognizing the 'whole cloth' of prejudice which tears at the fiber of our community, seeks to understand the connections between racism, sexism and homophobia/heterosexism, and begin to untangle the web of prejudice and intolerance; and, be it further
RESOLVED, that this Convention calls upon the Commission on Racism, The Oasis and the Women's Commission to collaboratively develop programs which will encourage congregations to explore, examine and study the connections between racism, sexism and homophobia/heterosexism and bring this to the attention to the 125th Annual Convention.
-- Go to top of pageRESOLUTION 23
AWARENESS OF LESBIAN & GAY YOUNG PEOPLE AT RISK
RESOLVED, that the Episcopal Diocese of Newark seeks to protect the well-being of all of God's children, including lesbian and gay teens for whom society's condemnation of their sexual orientation exposes them to violent acts of hatred and leads them to desperate acts of suicide; and, be it further
RESOLVED, that the Episcopal Diocese of Newark condemns all acts of violence to children, including lesbian and gay teens, and mourns the loss of our children to suicide; and, be it further
RESOLVED, that this Convention asks the Director of Youth Ministries and the Canon Missioner to The Oasis to work with appropriate community and religious organizations to develop a strategy of early intervention and prevention with this at-risk population; and, be it further
RESOLVED, that the Secretary of Convention is directed to communicate this resolution to the Governor of New Jersey, members of the New Jersey State Legislature, New Jersey's congressional representatives and senators, and appropriate community and religious agencies.
-- Go to top of pagePRISON MINISTRY
RESOLVED, that the 124th Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of Newark call upon all churches and missions within this diocese to recognize that the laws and criminal justice procedures which exist within the State of New Jersey often have underlying political elements which may be in direct conflict with Christian teachings and the United States Bill of Rights; and, be it further
RESOLVED, that all churches and missions within this diocese join together in an on-going symposium to study the morality of these criminal justice laws and procedures, so that our worshiping communities can have greater understanding of the issues in question and may thus exert greater influence on the course of justice within the criminal justice system; and, be it further
RESOLVED, that the Diocese be encouraged to convene an ecumenical commission to study traditional Christian teaching as it relates to the purposes of imprisonment and to decide whether the purposes as they relate to the general public have eclipsed the purposes as they relate to those actually incarcerated; and be it further
RESOLVED, that the 124TH Convention of the Diocese of Newark call upon the New Jersey Department of Corrections to allow faith-based bodies appropriate access for worship counseling and teaching in basic life skills.
-- Go to top of pageResolved that this convention opposes any further impediments being placed by the state on a woman's right to make these decisions for herself in consultation with her physician, and that we communicate this position to our governor and the legislature.
-- Go to top of pageRESOLVED: That this 124th Convention of the Diocese of Newark recognizes the increasing scientific documentation of Global Warming as a concern for our planet in the coming decades, and be it further
RESOLVED: That this Convention supports the action of the 1997 Kyoto conference on Global Warming and the position of the United States Government on curbing the global releases of all greenhouse gases to below 1990 levels, and be it further,
RESOLVED: That this Diocese collaborate with other religious and environmental bodies, including New Jersey JPIC, the Diocese of New Jersey, and the Episcopal Office of Public Policy for the State of New Jersey in urging the New Jersey legislature to act rapidly on legislation to curb the release of greenhouse gases, and be it further
RESOLVED: That this convention urges the United States Senate to ratify the historic global warming agreement reached in Kyoto as soon as possible.
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