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CONSENT CALENDAR
Resolution 1
Episcopal Relief and Development
RESOLVED, That this 127th Convention of the Episcopal Diocese
of Newark recognizes the important work of Episcopal Relief and Development,
the fund formerly known as the Presiding Bishop's Fund for World Relief;
and, be it further
RESOLVED, That this Convention encourages the congregations
of this Diocese to make information available to its members through
printed and video materials, to appoint a parish or mission representative,
and to set aside one Sunday in this Year 2001 to receive an offering
to support the work of Episcopal Relief and Development in celebration
of its 60th year.
Submitted by: The Rev. John F. Stanton, vicar, St. Matthew's, Paramus
and Diocesan ERDF Coordinator
SUPPORTING INFORMATION:
The familiar name of the Presiding Bishop's Fund for World Relief was
changed in 2000 to Episcopal Relief and Development (ERDF) to recognize
the new emphasis of the fund. Although it will continue to focus on
work on Emergency Relief, it recognizes that development programs that
attack the root causes of poverty and disease can sometimes prevent
emergencies. Each congregation in the Episcopal Church received a copy
of the video, "Hope that Perches on the Soul," which describes some
of the projects with recent ERDF grants which address root problems
such as housing.
Giving to ERDF has tripled since 1998. In 1999, the Episcopal Diocese
of Newark contributed $149, 022 to ERDF from 711 gifts. This places
our diocese 17th in giving and 15th in number of gifts out of 100 dioceses
in ECUSA which gave a total of $9,919,616 from 41,482 gifts. ERDF can
have an impact in development projects around the world and deserves
the support of the Diocese of Newark.
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CONSENT CALENDAR
Resolution 2
Organized Sports Activities & Religious Observances
RESOLVED, That whenever possible or appropriate, clergy and
lay leaders take steps in concert with local clergy associations and
school authorities, recreation commissions, and sports leagues in their
communities to discuss and mitigate the negative impact upon the well-being
of children and youth which results when they are forced to choose between
worship or religious education and school-organized activities; and,
be it further
RESOLVED, That we request the Bishop appoint a task force to
study the increasing pattern of schools and sports leagues in the State
of New Jersey to require youth to choose between participating in worship
or religious education, and official school and league activities such
as sports and band practice, and report to the 128th Convention.
Submitted by: The Women's Commission
SUPPORTING INFORMATION:
There is growing concern in the communities of the dioceses and nation
about the rapidity with which sports and other activities are encroaching
upon the life of the family, including family participation in religious
services. The health and nurture of the spirit and of the soul are as
great a necessity as the health and nurture of the body and mind.
In the past 20 years, there has been a 12-hour per week decline in
children's free time and in the same period structured sports time has
doubled, and passive watching of sports (not including television) has
increased from ½ hour per week to over three hours.
Children and teenagers are increasingly required to choose between
their religious education and school-organized activities such as sports
and band practice on Sunday morning.
It has been demonstrated that one hour per week spent with a religious
community impacts positively on the future health and well-being of
young people in measurable terms. Behaviors that put our children at
risk, such as violent actions, the use of alcohol and drugs and unsafe
sex, are reduced.
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CONSENT CALENDAR
Resolution 3
Revised Common Lectionary Usage
RESOLVED, That this 127th Convention of the Diocese of Newark
urges all congregations to use the Revised Common Lectionary (RCL) for
at least one full liturgical year beginning no later thant Advent 1,
2001, in order to participate in the evaluation by the Standing Commission
on Liturgy and Music in its preparation for the 74th General Convention,
and be it further
RESOLVED, That the Diocesan Commission on Liturgy and Music
be the body to survey the congregation's use of the RCL in time to be
included in the report of the Standing Commission on Liturgy and Music
to the 74th General Convention.
Submitted by: General Convention Deputies and Alternates: Fletcher
Harper, Elizabeth Kaeton, Edward Hasse, Albert Jousset, Louie Crew,
Lyn Headley-Moore, Marge Christie, Michael Rehill Geoff Curtiss, Jeannette
DeFriest, Steven Boston, E. Kim Byham, Sidney King, George Hayman
SUPPORTING INFORMATION:
While some of our congregations engaged in a trial use of the RCL several
years ago at the request of our Task Force on Prayer Book Revision,
no mechanism was provided for reporting to the national church. The
recent General Convention directed some additional changes which will
be made available to all congregations. Currently there are at least
four Provinces of the Anglican Communion and seven Protestant denominations
in the United States using the Revised Common Lectionary. The 74th General
Convention will be held in 2003.
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CONSENT CALENDAR
Resolution 4
Anti-Racism Dialogues
RESOLVED, That this 127th Convention of the Diocese of Newark
commend the diocesan staff and all congregational leaders and individuals
who have participated in the Anti-Racism Dialogues, while at the same
time urging those who have not involved themselves as yet proceed to
do so as soon as possible.
Submitted by: General Convention Deputies and Alternates: Fletcher
Harper, Elizabeth Kaeton, Edward Hasse, Albert Jousset, Louie Crew,
Lyn Headley-Moore, Marge Christie, Michael Rehill Geoff Curtiss, Jeannette
DeFriest, Steven Boston, E. Kim Byham, Sidney King, George Hayman
SUPPORTING INFORMATION:
While participating in the Anti-Racism Dialogues will not put an end
to the sin of racism, they are a worthwhile beginning and should be
experienced by all members of the Church.
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CONSENT CALENDAR
Resolution 5
Pledge of Nonviolence and the Birmingham Pledge
RESOLVED, That this 127th Convention of the Episcopal Diocese
of Newark adopt the Pledge of Nonviolence and the Birmingham Pledge
passed by the recent 73rd General Convention and that clergy and lay
deputies sign a copy of each pledge before adjournment of this convention;
and, be it further
RESOLVED, That convention deputies take the pledges back to
their congregations in order to give their fellow parishioners an opportunity
to sign for themselves.
Submitted by: General Convention Deputies and Alternates: Fletcher
Harper, Elizabeth Kaeton, Edward Hasse, Albert Jousset, Louie Crew,
Lyn Headley-Moore, Marge Christie, Michael Rehill Geoff Curtiss, Jeannette
DeFriest, Steven Boston, E. Kim Byham, Sidney King, George Hayman
SUPPORTING INFORMATION:
Both pledges were adopted by the recent General Convention with the
recommendation that all members of the church have an opportunity to
pledge themselves.
The City of Birmingham, Alabama, adopted the pledge earlier in 2000.
The General Convention deputies endorsed the Birmingham Pledge as a
witness to our church's commitment to fight racism and to challenge
each member of the Episcopal Church to sign and live this pledge.
By bringing into consciousness methods of nonviolent behavior, our
church can move toward becoming a force for change in a society which
continues to exhibit violence in many settings and situations. The Pledge
of Nonviolence comes from the Institute for Peace and Justice,
St. Louis, Missouri.
The General Convention deputies resolved that each congregation of
the Episcopal Church become a model for peacemaking in our violent society
by encouraging its members to commit themselves to non-violent and peaceable
behavior in their relationships with others at home, at school, at work,
at church, in the community and wherever they find themselves. The deputies
requested that every congregation encourage its members to adopt The
Pledge of Nonviolence as it came from the Institute.
The Executive Council's Committee on the Status of Women adopted the
pledge for themselves. Families are also encouraged to use this pledge.
(Information source: The Blue Book of the 73rd General Convention.)
The Birmingham Pledge
I believe
Every person has worth as an individual
Every person is entitled to dignity and respect, regardless of race
or color
Every thought and every act of racial prejudice is harmful
If it is my thought or act, then it is harmful to me as well as to others.
Therefore, from this day forward I will
Strive daily to eliminate racial prejudice from my thoughts and actions
Discourage racial prejudice by others at every opportunity
Treat all people with dignity and respect
Strive daily to honor this pledge, knowing that the world will be a
better
place because of my effort.
* * * * * * *
The Pledge of Nonviolence
Making peace must start within ourselves. I commit myself
To become, with God's help, a nonviolent and peaceable person.
To respect myself, to affirm others and to avoid uncaring criticism,
hateful words, physical. attacks and self-destructive behavior.
To share my feelings honestly, to look for safe ways to express
my anger and to work at solving problems peacefully.
To listen carefully to one another, especially those who disagree with
me
and to consider others' feelings and needs rather than insisting on
having my own way.
To apologize and make amends when I have hurt another, to forgive
others and to keep from holding grudges.
To treat the environment an all living things, including our pets,
with respect and care.
To select entertainment and toys that support healthy values and to
avoid
entertainment that makes violence look exciting, funny or acceptable.
To challenge violence in all its forms whenever I encounter it,
whether at home, at school, at work, at church or in the community
and to stand with others who are treated unfairly.
This is my pledge. These are my goals. I will check myself on what I
have pledged
once a month for the next twelve months so that I can help myself
and others become more peaceable people.
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CONSENT CALENDAR
Resolution 6
Discussions on Public Policy Issues
RESOLVED, That the deputies to this 127th Convention of the
Diocese of Newark urge their congregations to include discussions of
public policy issues in their educational hours, forums or special program
times, especially as those issues fall within a theological perspective
and reflect concern for "justice and peace among all people and respect
for the dignity of every human being."
Submitted by: General Convention Deputies and Alternates: Fletcher
Harper, Elizabeth Kaeton, Edward Hasse, Albert Jousset, Louie Crew,
Lyn Headley-Moore, Marge Christie, Michael Rehill Geoff Curtiss, Jeannette
DeFriest, Steven Boston, E. Kim Byham, Sidney King, George Hayman
SUPPORTING INFORMATION:
One of the General Convention resolutions urges that all members of
the church not only participate in conversations and theological reflection
on public policy issues but also become active at local, state and federal
levels on such issues. The Public Policy Network with offices in Washington,
DC, and the New Jersey Council of Churches in Trenton are excellent
resources.
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CONSENT CALENDAR
Resolution 7
Human Sexuality Statement
RESOLVED, That this 127th Convention of the Diocese of Newark
endorses the following statement on human sexuality which was passed
by the 73d General Convention:
That the
members of this convention intend for this church to provide a safe
and just structure
in which all can utilize their gifts and creative energies for mission
That we
acknowledge that while the issues of human sexuality are not yet resolved,
there are
currently couples in the Body of Christ and in this Church who are living
in marriage
and couples in the Body of Christ and in this Church who are living
in other lifelong committed
relationships
That we
expect such relationships will be characterized by fidelity, monogamy,
mutual affection
and respect, careful, honest communication, and the holy love which
enables those
in such relationships to see in each other the image of God
That we
denounce promiscuity, exploitation and abusiveness in the relationships
of any
of our members
That this
Church intends to hold all its members accountable to these values and
will provide
for them the prayerful support, encouragement and pastoral care necessary
to live
faithfully by them
That we
acknowledge that some, acting in good conscience, who disagree with
the traditional
teaching of the Church on human sexuality, will act in contradiction
to that position
That in
continuity with previous actions of the General Convention of this Church,
and
in response
to the call for dialogue by the Lambeth Conference, we affirm that those
on various
sides of controversial issues have a place in the Church, and we reaffirm
the imperative
to promote conversation between persons of differing experiences and
perspectives,
while acknowledging the Church's teaching on the sanctity of marriage;
and, be
it further
RESOLVED, That desiring to support relationships of mutuality
and fidelity other than marriage which mediate the grace of God, this
127th Convention urges the Standing Commission on Liturgy and Music
of the national church to prepare for consideration by the 74th General
Convention rites for inclusion in the Book of Occasional Services by
means of which the Church, may express that support.
Submitted by: General Convention Deputies and Alternates: Fletcher
Harper, Elizabeth Kaeton, Edward Hasse, Albert Jousset, Louie Crew,
Lyn Headley-Moore, Marge Christie, Michael Rehill Geoff Curtiss, Jeannette
DeFriest, Steven Boston, E. Kim Byham, Sidney King, George Hayman
SUPPORTING INFORMATION:
While the Diocese of Newark has over the years endorsed the points
made in the first Resolved, it is appropriate that we go on record as
affirming the language of the General Convention. In addition we need
to express to the national church our conviction of the rightness of
preparing liturgical rites to bless and support all relationships of
mutuality and fidelity.
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CONSENT CALENDAR
Resolution 8
Compliance with National Church Canons
RESOLVED, That this 127th Convention of the Episcopal Diocese
of Newark expresses its belief that all dioceses must obey the Constitution
and Canons of the Episcopal Church and deplores the unwillingness of
the Dioceses of Fort Worth, Quincy and San Joaquin to do so related
to the ordination of women, including the deployment and licensing of
clergy women and the acceptance of letters dimissory; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That the Secretary of the Diocesan Convention inform
the Executive Council of this action.
Submitted by: General Convention Deputies and Alternates: Fletcher
Harper, Elizabeth Kaeton, Edward Hasse, Albert Jousset, Louie Crew,
Lyn Headley-Moore, Marge Christie, Michael Rehill Geoff Curtiss, Jeannette
DeFriest, Steven Boston, E. Kim Byham, Sidney King, George Hayman
SUPPORTING INFORMATION:
The General Convention passed a resolution in 1997 requiring these
three dioceses to uphold the Canons, and only very small inconsequential
steps were taken. This caused the 2000 convention to pass a resolution
requiring the Presiding Bishop and the Executive Council to appoint
and send task forces to each of the three dioceses in order to meet
with the clergy and lay leadership of the dioceses and help them to
find appropriate ways to obey the canon which was passed in 1976 stating
that both women and men were to be accepted as priests and bishops in
every diocese in ECUSA. In this diocese, where women have been accepted
as priests unofficially since 1974 and officially since 1976, it is
imperative that we speak out.
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Resolution 9
Boy Scouts of America
RESOLVED, That this 127th Convention of the Diocese of the
Episcopal Diocese of Newark urges all congregations to give serious
consideration to refusing permission for Boy Scout troops to meet on
their premises as long as the national Boy Scouts of America policy
is one of discrimination against gay men and boys; and be it further
RESOLVED, That we request the Bishop and Standing Committee
appoint a committee of clergy and lay leaders charged by this Convention
to meet with the Troop Leaders of every Boy Scout Troop which meets
in or is sponsored by a church in this diocese to express to the leaders
the fact of and the rationale behind the non-discrimination policy of
the Episcopal Church and the Diocese of Newark regarding homosexuals
and to offer support to those troop leaders who disagree with the national
Boy Scout policy on this issue; and be it further
RESOLVED, That this committee shall also meet in person with
the appropriate regional Boy Scouts of America director(s) and personnel
for the same purposes; and be it further
RESOLVED, That this committee shall report the results of these
meetings to Diocesan Council by no later than June 1, 2001.
Submitted by: General Convention Deputies and Alternates: Fletcher
Harper, Elizabeth Kaeton, Edward Hasse, Albert Jousset, Louie Crew,
Lyn Headley-Moore, Marge Christie, Michael Rehill Geoff Curtiss, Jeannette
DeFriest, Steven Boston, E. Kim Byham, Sidney King, George Hayman
SUPPORTING INFORMATION:
While the policy of the Boy Scouts of America was upheld by the Supreme
Court, it is in direct conflict with the policy of ECUSA and the Diocese
of Newark to include gay men and lesbians in all aspects of civil life.
It should be remembered that we tried, as a diocese, to use dialogue
to address the policy of the BSA with troops being housed in churches
in our diocese. The 73rd General Convention adopted the following resolution
(C031):
Resolved, the House of Bishops concurring, That the 73rd General
Convention recommends that all clergy in charge of congregations and
vestries
1. Inform the local Boy Scouts of America council and other organizations
of The Episcopal Church's policy adopted at the 65th General Convention
(1976) that "homosexual persons are children of God who have a
full and equal claim with all other persons upon the love, acceptance,
and pastoral concern and care of the Church;"
2. Encourage the Boy Scouts of America to allow membership to youth
and adult leaders irrespective of their sexual orientation
3. Strongly encourage individual churches which charter or host scout
units to open a dialogue with the unit leaders, scouts and their parents
regarding discrimination against youth and leaders on the basis of sexual
orientation,
4. Engage in educational programs within their churches to inform members
and others about these issues; and be it further
Resolved, That the 73rd General Convention recommends the Office
of the General Convention send a copy of this resolution to the National
Office of the Boy Scouts of America.
The Resolutions Committee recommends adoption of this resolution,
pending the open hearing.
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Resolution 10
Prison Industrial Complex
RESOLVED, That this 127th Convention of the Diocese of Newark
urge congregations to pay special attention to learning about the growing
prison industrial complex in our country -- and in our state -- order
to become actively involved in the public policy decisions affecting
prisons and prison inmates.
Submitted by: General Convention Deputies and Alternates: Fletcher
Harper, Elizabeth Kaeton, Edward Hasse, Albert Jousset, Louie Crew,
Lyn Headley-Moore, Marge Christie, Michael Rehill Geoff Curtiss, Jeannette
DeFriest, Steven Boston, E. Kim Byham, Sidney King, George Hayman
SUPPORTING INFORMATION:
The General Convention singled out the prison industry issue as one
which needs careful study by church members. The Dean of Trinity & St.
Philip's Cathedral is an authority on this issue and an invaluable resource
person.
By the end of February 2000, the government of the United States of
America was imprisoning more than two million persons. Using one esitmate
the United States has less than five percent of the world's population
by has 25 percent of its inmate or prison population of a world total
of eight million prisoners. The narrow and insistent focus of imprisonmnet
as the primary method of crime reduction has maed the US prison industrial
complex one o the fastest growing industries in the land. The industry
of warehousing prisoners in private prisons has presented a temptation
to those who would profit from the punishment of human beings. Existing
correctional systems in the US are not capable of rehabilitating offenders
to return to their communities to lead useful lives. These systems have
failed to protect society and continue to neglect the interests of those
who have been victims of criminal behavior. Further, the current criminal
justice system perpetuates racial and socioeconomic discrimination.
Reform begins with a serious awareness and education of the sentencing
policies with a goal toward incarceration of only those individuals
who are truly a threat to the safety of members of society. Additionally,
existing detention facilities need to become places of rehabilitation
rather than punishment, seeking to provide growth and change and restoration
rather than retribution.
(Information source: Explanation from General Convention B002, Criminal
Justice System Reform.)
The Resolutions Committee recommends adoption of this resolution,
pending the open hearing.
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Resolution 11
Death Penalty Moratorium
RESOLVED, That this 127th Convention of the Episcopal Diocese
of Newark recommends to the Governor of the State of New Jersey and
to the members of the State Assembly and Senate its support for a moratorium
on imposing the death penalty.
Submitted by: General Convention Deputies and Alternates: Fletcher
Harper, Elizabeth Kaeton, Edward Hasse, Albert Jousset, Louie Crew,
Lyn Headley-Moore, Marge Christie, Michael Rehill Geoff Curtiss, Jeannette
DeFriest, Steven Boston, E. Kim Byham, Sidney King, George Hayman
SUPPORTING INFORMATION:
There is growing concern in many parts of the United States for the
inequity in which the death penalty is recommended and/or administered.
Until those inequities are addressed, a moratorium will prevent the
unjust administration of a death sentence.
Since 1958, the Episcopal Church has officially opposed capital punishment
in repeated statements and call to the dioceses and members of this
church to work actively to abolish the death penalty in their states.
The number of executions in the United States continues to grow at an
accelerated rate in states where it is permitted (thirty-eight states,
plus two federal jurisdictions) and has now exceeded 500 state-induced
deaths since the reinstatement of captial punishment in this country
in 1977. While the US has been expanding the death penalty and acceleration
executions, the world community has been moving away from the death
penalty. There are now more countries (approximately 100) that have
abolished capital punishment in law or in practice than countries which
retain it. Since 1976, an average of two countries per year have abolished
the death penalty, at least for ordinary crimes. The United Nations
has called upon member states to move towards abolition of the death
penalty, to stop expanding it to new crimes, and not to apply it to
juvenile offenders. As of 1996, on the US and Japan among the developed
nations still maintain and use the punishment of death.
The Episcopal Diocese of Newark expressed its opposition to capital
punishment through resolutions in 1965, 1981, 1998 and again in 1999.
The Episcopal Church joins the American Bar Association and other public
voices calling for an immediate moratorium in executions due to lack
of due process in capital cases. A moratorium currently exists in the
State of Illinois.
The Resolutions Committee recommends adoption of this resolution,
pending the open hearing.
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Resolution 12
HIV/AIDS Medications
RESOLVED, That this 127th Convention of the Diocese of Newark
supports initiatives to make HIV/AIDS medications available at affordable
prices to infected persons throughout the world, especially to the poorest
and neediest nations, including the poor and needy in the United States
and especially in the State of New Jersey which has among its cities
the poorest and most needy HIV/AIDS infected persons; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That the Secretary of the Diocesan Convention communicate
this action to the New Jersey members of Congress, all members of the
New Jersey Legislature and all pharmaceutical companies with corporate
offices in New Jersey.
Submitted by: General Convention Deputies and Alternates: Fletcher
Harper, Elizabeth Kaeton, Edward Hasse, Albert Jousset, Louie Crew,
Lyn Headley-Moore, Marge Christie, Michael Rehill Geoff Curtiss, Jeannette
DeFriest, Steven Boston, E. Kim Byham, Sidney King, George Hayman
SUPPORTING INFORMATION:
This, too, was a General Convention resolution but without the reference
to New Jersey companies. Since our state reportedly has more pharmaceutical
companies than all other states combined, it becomes imperative that
we make our point of view known.
AIDS virus infections continue to rise worldwide. In Sub-Saharan Africa,
the area hit hardest by the AIDS pandemic, one in eight South Africans,
one in seven Kenyans, and one in four Zimbabweans has HIV/AIDS. In South
Africa, where there are 1,500 new HIV infections daily (65% among people
between the ages of 15 and 25), a month's supply of AZT costs R400 (US$80)
and the more effective combination of drugs R2000 (US$334)/ Yet 60%
of South Africans live on a monthly income ranging only from R460 to
R2680/ The government of Honduras has no money for AIDS medications
of any kind for those infected. Similar situations exist throughout
the Third and Fourth worlds. Health workers cannot provide adequate
treatment under these circumstances, and governments around the world
are becoming increasingly desperate in their search for ways to provide
affordable drugs, sometimes feeling compelled to find ways of skirting
international trade agreements. Finding a compassionate, just, and equitable
solution to this problem, without jeopardizing research and development
work, is of paramount importance.
The Resolutions Committee recommends adoption of this resolution,
pending the open hearing.
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Resolution 13
Racial Profiling
RESOLVED, That this 127th Convention of the Episcopal Diocese
of Newark expresses its horror at the continued practice of racial profiling
by law enforcement agencies; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That we demand the Governor, Attorney General, Secretary
of State, and members of the State Legislature continue and expand efforts
to pass legislation that makes racial profilinthat the Diocese of Newark
hereby expresses its utmost dismay at the continued practice of racial
profiling by law enforcement agencies and therefore asks the Governor,
Attorney General and Secretary of State to broaden its legislation to
include all law enforcement agencies within the state; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this resolution be forwarded by the
Secretary of Convention to the Governor, Attorney General, Secretary
of State of New Jersey and all County Freeholders within the State of
New Jersey; to the Standing Committee and Diocesan Council of the Diocese
of New Jersey; and to the New Jersey Council of Churches.
Submitted by: The Mission to Dismantle Racism and The Women's Commission.
SUPPORTING INFORMATION:
The Diocese of Newark has repeatedly passed resolutions at its annual
Convention against all forms of discrimination, including discrimination
based on racial profiling. Also the Diocese of Newark has an active
and intentional effort through the Mission to Dismantle Racism to address
issues of personal and institutional racism. We commend the progress
that has been made but continue to speak out about the changes that
must still be made.
The State of New Jersey is considering legislation (A942 and S856)
making racial profiling in stopping motorists by the State Police illegal,
but the inherent nature of systemic racism means that if racial profiling
has been prevalent in State Police law enforcement, it undoubtedly also
exists in county and local levels. The law should reflect that such
profiling is illegal at all levels. Every effort must be made to enforce
this law at all levels of law enforcement.
The text of Assembly Bill A942 and Senate Bill S856 reads:
1. A law enforcement officer of guilty of racial profiling when the
officer uses racial characteristics or color, either alone or in conjunction
with other composite characteristics, such as generalized vehicle description,
or the age of the driver or passengers as the basis for initiating an investigative
stop.
Racial profiling is a crime of the third degree.
2. This act shall take effect immediately.
A crime of the third degree is punishable by a term of imprisonment
of three to five years, a fine up to $15,000, or both.
The Resolutions Committee recommends adoption of this resolution,
pending the open hearing.
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Resolution 14
Sexual Misconduct Prevention & Child Abuse Awareness Training
RESOLVED, That all paid employees, full and part-time, of all
congregations in the Episcopal Diocese of Newark and all subsidiaries
(such as CDC's and Nursery Schools), of those congregations and all
offices of the Diocese as a whole be trained in the prevention of sexual
misconduct and child sexual abuse; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That all volunteer Church Sunday School teachers and
youth workers shall be encouraged to be trained in the prevention of
sexual misconduct and child sexual abuse.
Submitted by: The Committee on Sexual Misconduct Prevention and Child
Sexual Abuse Training (The Rev. Maggie Gat, The Rev. Pam Bakal, The
Rev. Martin Bagay, The Rev. Dr. Cathy Deats, Ms. Nancy Guthrie, Michael
F. Rehill, Esq., Laura Russell, Esq., Mr. Michael Francaviglia, The
Rev. Canon Paul Hunt)
SUPPORTING INFORMATION:
In the early 1990's the diocese instituted the requirement of Sexual
Misconduct Prevention Training and Child Abuse Awareness Training for
all clergy and paid staff of our churches. A curriculum for each was
adopted by the planning committee and the training began. Each module
was offered once a year.
Since that time most of the clergy in the diocese have received some
training and the committee has expanded its training to teachers in
schools and staff in other organizations of the church. The curricular
requirements have changed and need to be adapted. Simultaneously there
have been new developments in the understanding of how this kind of
training is most effectively implemented. Dioceses are recommending
with increasing frequency that re-certification be required at regular
intervals.
As the Sexual Misconduct Prevention Training Committee reevaluates
and updates its curriculum it is appropriate that it update its requirements.
The Resoltuions Committee recommends adoption of this resolution,
pending the open hearing.
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