Annual Convention - Diocese of Newark

RESOLVED, That this 129th Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of Newark submits the following resolution to the 74th General Convention:

RESOLVED, the House of _______ concurring that the Episcopal Church Center
develop new, creative ways of welcoming and incorporating people of diverse ethnic backgrounds into its fold by the year 2020; and, be it further,

RESOLVED, That the Asiamerica Ministries, Black Ministries, Hispanic Ministries, and Native American Ministries desks of the Episcopal Church Center be retained as they were originally chartered, in order to function as an integral part of the Church's work to double its Baptized membership by the year 2020.

Submitted by the Very Rev. C. David Williams, Trinity + St. Philip’s Cathedral, with the
endorsement of the Clergy of Color

The Episcopal Diocese of Newark has called this Convention to come together to discuss and explore our multicultural and diverse background. The diocese is composed of a significant number of churches that are made up of peoples of many colors and cultures. The diocese has long demonstrated a desire and willingness to confront racism and promote inclusiveness at every level in our worship together. Further, diocese reflects in its leadership model, the importance of having peoples of color with voice and vote represented at every level of leadership.

CONSENT CALENDAR (Adopted)
Resolution 2
Food Allergen Awareness and Protection

RESOLVED, That this 129th Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of Newark asks the Bishop to appoint a committee to develop a program for all congregations and organizations within the Diocese to assure an awareness to the serious, life-threatening condition experienced by those with certain food allergies; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That this Convention supports the legislation originally introduced by Senator Edward Kennedy in the US Senate as S. 2499 and by Representative Nita Lowey in the US House of Representatives as H.R. 4704 during the 107th Congress: “Food Allergen Consumer Protection Act” to amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to establish labeling requirements regarding allergenic substances in food; and, be it further

RESOLVED, that this statement be communicated to Senator Kennedy, Representative Lowey and the members of the New Jersey delegation to the United States Congress.

Submitted by the Rev. Scott Hoogerhyde, Mr. Lou Leffler and Mr. Steve Koehler and endorsed by the Vestry of St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, Mendham (10/6/02)

One of our congregation at St. Mark’s, a young lady just three years old, suffers from allergic reaction to nuts. The significance of this to us could be devastating. We have adopted and maintain an awareness program with strict requirements to help assure safety. This is a universal problem, surely affecting others in the Diocese.

1. Approximately 7,000,000 Americans suffer from food allergies. Every year roughly 30,000 people receive emergency room treatment due to the ingestion of allergenic foods, and an estimated 150 Americans die from anaphylactic shock caused by a food allergy.

2. Eight major foods--milk, egg, fish, Crustacea, tree nuts, wheat, peanuts, and soybeans--cause 90 percent of allergic reactions. At present, there is no cure for food allergies. A food allergic consumer depends on a product's label to obtain accurate and reliable ingredient information so as to avoid food allergens.

3. Current Food and Drug Administration regulations exempt spices, flavorings, and certain colorings and additives from ingredient labeling requirements that would allow consumers to avoid those to which they are allergic. Such unlabeled food allergens may pose a serious health threat to those susceptible to food allergies.

4. A recent Food and Drug Administration study found that 25 percent of bakery products, ice creams, and candies that were inspected failed to list peanuts and eggs, which can cause potentially fatal allergic reactions. The mislabeling of foods puts those with a food allergy at constant risk.

5. In that study, the Food and Drug Administration found that only slightly more than half of inspected manufacturers checked their products to ensure that all ingredients were accurately reflected on the labels. Furthermore, the number of recalls because of unlabeled allergens rose to 121 in 2000 from about 35 a decade earlier. In part, mislabeling occurs because potentially fatal allergens are introduced into the manufacturing process when production lines and cooking utensils are shared or used to produce multiple products.

6. Individuals who have food allergies may outgrow their allergy if they strictly avoid consuming the allergen. However, some scientists believe that because low levels of allergens are unintentionally present in foods, those with an allergy are unable to keep from being repeatedly exposed to the very foods they are allergic to. Good manufacturing practices can minimize the unintentional presence of food allergens. In addition, when good manufacturing practices cannot eliminate the potential for cross-contamination, an advisory label on the product can provide additional consumer protection.

RESOLVED, That this 129th Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of Newark commends the work of Episcopal Relief and Development in the USA and around the world; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That this convention asks each congregation of the diocese to appoint a representative for Episcopal Relief and Development to coordinate local education and fund raising activities for ERD, and that the congregations inform the diocesan ERD Coordinator of the name and address of their representative.

Submitted by The Rev. John F. Stanton, Diocesan ERD Coordinator and Vicar, St. Matthew’s Church, Paramus

Episcopal Relief and Development raises funds on behalf of the national Episcopal Church to alleviate human suffering in the face of natural and political disasters and to initiate and support projects around the world which help people avoid such disasters. The Diocese of Newark has supported ERD and its predecessor, the Presiding Bishop’s Fund for World Relief. Representatives in each parish and mission would help to coordinate educational and fundraising projects in support of ERD.

RESOLVED, That this 129th Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of Newark congratulates the Episcopal Women’s Caucus on the mission and ministry of its “Angel Project” which raised funds for the residence of a female priest in the Diocese of Fort Worth for the canonical permissible 59 days to be among and with clergy and lay people in that diocese yearning for the presence of a female pastor and priest in their midst; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That this statement be conveyed to the leadership of the Episcopal Women’s Caucus, the presiding bishop and the president of the House of Deputies.

Submitted by the Women’s Commission (The Rev. Anne Bolles-Beaven, Ms. Janet R. Brocklesby, Ms. Marge Christie, The Rev. Kevin Coffey, Mr. Michael Francaviglia, Ms. Martha Gardner, The Rev. Rose Hassan, Ms. Lyn Headley-Moore, The Rev. Elizabeth Kaeton, Ms. Edie Lauderdale, Ms. Marie Obermann, The Rev. Ellen Sloan, The Rev. Margaret Swetman, Ms. Fran Trott)

The Episcopal Women’s Caucus created the “Angel Project” precisely for the reasons stated in the resolution. The Rev. Barbara Schlachter, ordained priest in January, 1977, was the first “angel” sent to one of the three non-ordaining dioceses. A fund-raising event was held at NJ)PAC enabling Newark people who supported the project the opportunity to contribute to its success. Future events may be held to help support future angels. A requirement of the “Angel Project” is that the request for a visit come from a significant number of lay and clergy people in the non-ordaining diocese.

RESOLVED, That this129th Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of Newark asks the Bishop to call the diocese to a study of fundamentalism and its effect on both the Episcopal Church and society at large.

The impact of fundamentalism on our church and our world needs greater attention paid to its effect on theology, scripture, globalization and modernity. Theologian Karen Armstrong described fundamentalism as “representing a kind of revolt or rebellion against the secular hegemony of the modern world...a widespread dislike and disenchantment with modernity” when she opened a Trinity Institute telecast on the subject in November, 2001. Religion can be a liberating force in peoples lives or it can be a tool for their oppression – as has been obvious in Afghanistan, Saudi Arabia recently. It has provided the ethical and theological ballast for female subjection, sexual apartheid and violence against women. In her studies Armstrong has found that fundamentalist movements in all faiths are “rooted in a profound fear” and that their advocates must be taken seriously. Therefore, the need for such a forum

RESOLVED, That this 129th Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of Newark calls upon the congregations and the Diocesan Council of the diocese to observe domestic violence awareness month each October through such means as educational forums and preaching series, prayers and services of healing, books and posters, and support of or volunteer efforts at local shelters for domestic violence; and, be it further

RESOLVED, that the this convention asks the Women Commission make available to the congregations and Council resources for bringing to awareness the scandal of the domestic violence.

According to statistics compiled and information provided by the National Domestic Violence Task Force:
Every 7.4 seconds a woman is battered.
Every hour an adolescent is sexually assaulted.
One in three women will be raped by someone they know.
Battering is the greatest single cause of injury to women in the United States.
The silence of the various religious communities on the subject, combined with the reading of scripture in church or temple that explicitly or implicitly condones violence to women and children, is a significant contribution to the epidemic of the social disease of domestic violence.

The National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1 800 799-SAFE (7233)
TTY: 1 800 787 3224
http://www.ndvh.org/

Healing Club
www.healingclub.com
The Healing Pages provides a space where women can correspond with each other, give and get advice, listen to a survivor’s story, tell a story of their own survival, or just lend an understanding ear.

The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence Web Page with links to other national and local resources: www.ncadv.org/links.htm

RESOLVED, That the 129th Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of Newark strongly supports efforts in the U.S. Congress to pass legislation that:

RESOLVED, That this resolution be submitted to NJ State legislators, the Congress of the United States of America, the leadership of the National Organization for Women and the Public Policy Network of the Episcopal Church.

In the U.S. there are 78 rapes each hour – thirty-five percent of these assaults are committed by someone unknown to the victim. In addition to the violence of rape, the risk of retaliation and the fear of court and police and court procedures, women who report their assaults undergo invasive evidence collection for rape test kits.

Rape kits contain DNA that could lead to the arrests and convictions of rapists and free wrongly convicted men. In cities across the country, an estimated half a million or more rape kits are sitting untested in police department evidence rooms. Police departments cannot afford the $500 to extract the DNA and enter it into the national database. Most hospitals do not have sufficient facilities, programs, tools or professionally trained examiners to collect DNA evidence that will be admissible in court and the rape kits are not standardized for DNA evidence.

Prompt testing is critical as the rapists are ale to roam free in the meantime, adding anxiety to the victims and also leaves all women at risk, because the average rapist commits eight to twelve sexual assaults. Howard Safir, former Police Commissioner of New York City states: "For the price of one B-1 Bomber we could [test] all of the rape kits and convicted offenders."

In August, the Senate Judiciary Committee unanimously approved the DNA Sexual Assault Justice Act of 2002 introduced in May by Senator Biden. The bill requires local law enforcement agencies to assess their DNA backlog, provides $335 million for laboratory processing, expansion of testing, establishes grant programs for evidence collection and training and extends the five-year statute of limitations on a federal sexual offense.

Two companion bills preceded Biden’s but have not yet been heard in committee: “The Debbie Smith Act” (2001), introduced by Representatives Carolyn Maloney and Maria Cantwell and The Rape Test Kit Analysis Backlog Elimination Act of 2002, introduced by Representative Jerrold Nadler and Senator Hilary Clinton. “The Debbie Smith Act”, named after a rape victim whose attacker was identified and convicted after six and a half years when her DNA rape evidence kit was processed, also requires that rape kits are to be tested within 10 days of receiving them.

RESOLVED, That this 129th Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of Newark endorses the National Observance of Children’s Sabbaths; and commends this observance to all congregations of the diocese; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That this endorsement be conveyed by the Secretary of Convention to the leadership of the Children’s Defense Fund.

Submitted by the Bishop Anand Resource Center, Commission on Christian Education, Episcopal Church Women/Diocesan Board, Jubilee Ministry

Our children are the builders of our future and we need to provide them with a stable and safe foundation. When congregations and communities come together to serve and seek justice for children, they are building secure foundations for future generations. The Children’s Defense Fund (a private, nonprofit organization that has never taken government funds) publishes the Children’s Sabbath books annually. Each year there is a different theme to support the underlying mission to Leave No Child Behind® and to ensure that every child has a chance at a Healthy Start, a Head Start, a Fair Start, a Safe Start and a Moral Start in life. These books are purchased thru the joint effort of the Bishop Anand Resource Center, Commission on Christian Education, Episcopal Church Women and Jubilee ministries and distributed to each congregation to be used as a worship, educational, community outreach and advocacy resource. It includes materials for Episcopal, Protestant, Catholic, Jewish and other faith traditions. This resource is accompanied by an offer from BARC, COCE, ECW and Jubilee to help with the implementation of this resource.

CONSENT CALENDAR (Adopted)
Resolution 9
In Support of Prisoners and their families

RESOLVED, That this 129th Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of Newark commends the work of the Prison Ministry Committee and calls upon the congregations of the diocese to witness to the teaching of the Gospel according to Matthew 25:36, “I was in prison and you visited me,” by proclaiming and encouraging ministry to the incarcerated, ex-offenders and their families.

Submitted by: The Very Rev. C. David Williams, the Rev. Pamela Bakal, Mr. George Hayman and The Prison Ministry Committee of the Diocese of Newark

The recidivism rate in most prisons is over 50%. Each year over 550,000 people return to their communities from state and federal prison; most are untreated, and many are unemployable, or sick. Over 350,000 will be rearrested within three years of release (recidivism). Intervention with education and other programs reduces the recidivism rate. Inmates who earn a high school diploma or successfully complete a substance abuse program while in prison have significantly lower recidivism rates than those who do not.

More than three fourths of the prison population is minorities. The latest numbers taken from the NJ Department of Corrections statistics website indicate that there are approximately 18,055 black, 5,111 Hispanic, 93 Asian, 7 American Indian and 13 other or unspecified within the Department of Corrections in 2001. On January 8th 2001 63% of all state correctional institution members were black, 19% were white and 18% were Hispanic.

Imprisonment of poor, primarily minority people affects their families and particularly their children.

The work of the Diocese of Newark Prison Ministry Committee and local congregations currently maintain the following programs:

RESOLVED, That this 129th Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of Newark directs the diocese to implement a system of Integrated Pest Management in all diocesan properties and on all such grounds, managing insect and rodent pests without the use of non-organic chemicals or toxins; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That the diocese, with the help of the Environmental Commission, shall research at least two options to accomplish this goal and report the results of this research, including the costs of various strategies, to the congregations of the diocese; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That this convention urges the congregations and affiliated agencies of the diocese to implement a similar system on their property and grounds, recognizing that children are among those most susceptible to the negative effects of toxins, and be it further

RESOLVED, That this 129th Convention of the Diocese of Newark submits the following resolution to the 74th General Convention:

RESOLVED, the House of ____________ concurring that a system of integrated pest management be implemented on all national church properties and grounds.

Submitted by The Rev. Fletcher Harper, The Rev. Ed Hasse on behalf of the Environmental Commission

Scientific research has established the negative impact of toxic chemical pest management on the water supply and on human health, particularly among children. Toxic chemicals used in most routine lawn maintenance seep into regional water supplies, and their residues remain present in areas where they have been applied for significant periods of time. Recognizing the danger this poses to human health and particularly to children, the State of New Jersey has recently required all public schools to implement a plan of Integrated Pest Management on public school property.

Cost-effective, organic, non-toxic methods of pest management exist. As places where children congregate, as institutions committed to the stewardship of God’s earth, and as models for their communities, churches should play a leading role in environmentally sustainable methods of grounds maintenance.

The Diocese of Massachusetts is considering a similar resolution at its convention in mid-November.

Partners for Environmental Quality, an interfaith environmental coalition based in New Jersey, is able to provide the Environmental Commission with the information necessary to fulfill the requirements of this resolution.

CONSENT CALENDAR (Adopted)
Resolution 11
Energy Conservation and Global Warming for Diocesan Headquarters and National Church Headquarters

RESOLVED, That this 129th Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of Newark calls upon the Diocese, through its Diocesan Council and Environmental Commission, to commission an energy audit of Episcopal House to identify the means of reducing energy use at Episcopal House by 10%, and to share the audit results and related resources with the congregations of the diocese, and proceed to implement recommendations from the audit with the goal of reducing energy consumption by the targeted amount; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That this Convention asks the General Convention of the Church to authorize a similar audit at the national church headquarters, with the audit process and results shared with the wider church through appropriate means; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That this 129th Convention of the Diocese of Newark submits the following resolution to the 74th General Convention:

RESOLVED, the House of ________ concurring that the General Convention authorize an energy audit at the Episcopal Church Center, with the audit process and results shared with the wider church through appropriate means; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That those bodies overseeing the development of a new Church Center at General Seminary in New York incorporate in their architectural, financial and operational plans measures to insure that the new headquarters functions in a manner that minimizes energy use and environmental impact, exploring options including but not limited to solar power, LEED certification and Integrated Pest Management.

Submitted by The Rev. Fletcher Harper, The Rev. Ed Hasse on behalf of the Environmental Commission

Energy production and use in the US is a major source of greenhouse gas emissions. Greenhouse gas emissions have been proven to create global warming. Global warming is likely to cause changes in sea levels and disease vectors, and an increased number of catastrophic weather occurrences globally. These effects will almost certainly impact the poor and most vulnerable in developing countries disproportionately.

Despite a strong scientific consensus on the threats posed by global warming, the current US administration has withdrawn the US from international accords on global warming and has downplayed the importance of this critical threat to global well-being. This absence of Federal leadership makes it even more important that the church serve as a model of and advocate for sustainable energy use.

US institutions and households today generally are able to conserve substantial amounts of energy, resulting in financial savings and benefit to the environment. The church should model responsible energy use as a way of fighting global warming and of setting an example in the intelligent restraint in the use of resources for the well-being of all. The Environmental Commission, through Partners for Environmental Quality, has identified the most experienced religious facilities energy auditor in the country, located in Philadelphia and recently recognized by the Environmental Protection Administration for his work. This auditor is available to help the diocese and National Church identify specific strategies to reduce energy use and costs and greenhouse gas emissions.

LEED certification s a process that ensures that a building is functioning in a highly efficient manner regarding energy use and environmental impact.

RESOLVED, That this 129th Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of Newark calls upon each congregation to engage in at least one new initiative that celebrates Multiculturalism and Diversity during the year 2003; and to report their experiences through the Districts to the Diocesan Council.

Submitted by the Planning Committee for Convention (Ms. Kathleen Ballard, The Rt. Rev. Rufus T. Brome, The Rev. Jacob David, Canon R. Carter Echols, Ms. Martha Gardner, The Rev. Margaret Gat, The Rev. William Guthrie, Mr. Edgar Gutierrez, The Rev. Rose Hassan, The Rev. Canon Paul Hunt, The Rev. George Kaswarra, Ms. Kitty Kawecki, Ms. Doris Mardirosian, The Rev. Canon Martin Oguike, The Rev. Margaret Reinfeld-Karda, Ms. Susan Robinson, The Rev. Prince Singh, The Rev. Mildred J. Solomon, The Rev. Margaret Swetman, Mr. Solomon (K.B.) Yim, Mr. Timothy Wong)

At this 129th Convention the Diocese of Newark has begun a process that intentionally celebrates and models the diversity that is our reality. Fundamental to this process is emphasizing the importance of growing beyond the superficial satisfaction of a diverse convention to the beginning of a genuine celebration of the diverse gifts of this diocese. This Convention has included the celebration of our diversity and offered worship opportunities that incorporate the multicultural community that we represent. It now urges us to do more and to be more. This Convention recognizes that in order for the work of this body to be meaningful and life changing it is incumbent upon all of us to consciously engage spiritually, emotionally and intellectually with the gifts that our diversity offers us. Therefore we, the Diocese, offers a variety of resources to undergird that engagement:

Thus this convention encourages this diocese to take advantage of those resources and to engage in local celebration of our diversity through worship, festival, and engagement.

Resolution 13A (Adopted)
A Resolution Concerning the War on Terrorism
(in Solidarity with the Diocese of Rochester)

RESOLVED, That this 129th Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of Newark affirms that loyalty to the teachings of Jesus Christ commits us to his way of redemptive love, and that our baptismal vows call on us to "renounce the evil powers of this world which corrupt and destroy the creatures of God;" and, be it further

RESOLVED, That this Convention decries the abuse, corruption and diminishment of God's name by any who claim to be the sole receiver of God's revelation, and who use force, terror, and violence against all creatures of God's creation.

Resolution 13B (Adopted)

RESOLVED, That this 129th Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of Newark affirms that America's future as a just and safe society lies in supporting economic policies to reduce poverty at home and abroad and in supporting international treaties and cooperating with other nations to work for peaceful resolutions of conflicts; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That this Convention calls on the Bush Administration to redress the imbalance in our national spending priorities as reflected in the current Federal budget, which allocates almost 400 billion dollars this fiscal year for the military in contrast to much smaller amounts allocated for domestic programs - such as the less than 16.5 billion funding for TANF (Temporary Assistance to Needy Families).

Resolution 13C (Adopted)

RESOLVED, That this 129th Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of Newark calls into question recent executive and legislative measures, in particular the USA Patriot Act, that erode due process rights, privacy protections and other civil liberties of American citizens guaranteed by the Bill of Rights.

Resolution 13D (Adopted)

RESOLVED, That this 129th Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of Newark opposes pre-emptive strikes by the United States against Iraq or any other nation as contrary to the Episcopal House of Bishops’ call to "strive always for justice and peace" as well international law.

Resolution 13E (Adopted)

RESOLVED, That this 129th Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of Newark renounces the use of nuclear weapons and other weapons of mass destruction of any kind deployed in our name against people anywhere on this earth.

Resolution 13F (Adopted)

RESOLVED, That this 129th Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of Newark instructs the Secretary of Diocesan Convention to notify President George W. Bush, and Senators Jon Corzine and Frank Lautenberg and representatives of Congressional Districts within this Diocese of the adoption of Resolutions 13 A through E, of our action and of our fervent prayer for them, for this nation, and this good earth, and especially for those who are oppressed whether in Iraq, our own nation or anywhere in God’s creation.

[The original text of the resolution was divided into the separate resolutions, following convention debate and vote.]

Submitted by: The Rev. Diana Clark (sponsor designate), The Rev. Geoff Curtiss, Ms. Anahi Galante, Ms. Martha Gardner, Ms. Rosemarie Harvey, The Rev. Elizabeth Kaeton, The Rev. Janet Kraft, The Rev. Allison Moore, Mr. Junius (Jay) Powell, Ms. Maren Sugarman (Deputies to the 129th Convention); Women’s Commission (The Rev. Anne Bolles-Beaven, Ms. Janet R. Brocklesby, Ms. Marge Christie, The Rev. Kevin Coffey, Mr. Michael Francaviglia, Ms. Martha Gardner, The Rev. Rose Hassan, Ms. Lyn Headley-Moore, The Rev. Elizabeth Kaeton, Ms. Edie Lauderdale, Ms. Marie Obermann, The Rev. Ellen Sloan, The Rev. Margaret Swetman, Ms. Fran Trott)

SUPPORTING INFORMATION

As our Presiding Bishop, The Most Rev. Frank T. Griswold, said in his recent statement on military action against Iraq, "A super power, especially one that declares itself to be ‘under God,’ must exercise the role of super servant. Our nation has an opportunity to reflect the values and ideals that we espouse by focusing upon issues of poverty, disease and despair, not only within our own nation but throughout the global community of which we are a part."

We need look no further than our own Diocese to find those facing poverty, disease and despair: according to the 2000 Census, the city of Newark had the highest poverty rate of any major city in the United States. The current Administration in Washington has determined that, instead of focusing on the alleviation of human suffering, it will: use the bulk of the vast resources of this country to dramatically increase spending on weapons of mass destruction, including nuclear weapons; support a war that is unlimited in scope; and pursue policies which have already resulted in the deaths of many thousands of innocent civilians in Afghanistan.

For us, the abrogation of civil liberties guaranteed under the Bill of Rights and extended to non-citizens in over a century of US Supreme Court rulings is not a theoretical matter either: a still uncounted number of men of Middle Eastern descent have been detained in Paterson without charge. Our Lord Jesus Christ calls on us to stand with the oppressed and those who suffer injustice, and we cannot in good conscience support policies that deprive our citizens of their basic rights based on ethnicity or religious belief.

With respect to pre-emptive attacks in general, we are guided by the October, 2002 letter from the Episcopal House of Bishops to Congress which stated, “restraint and the ongoing commitment to international cooperation are the means toward peace that we all desire.” As to international law, Article 2(4) of the United Nations Charter clearly states that member nations "shall refrain in their international relations from the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state. Article 51 of the Charter outlines the terms under which a member state may use force in self-defense. The Charter does not allow military force to be used if an armed attack has not occurred.

With respect to Iraq, in particular, the letter stated, “we do not support a decision to go to war without clear and convincing evidence of the need for us to defend ourselves against an imminent attack. The wisdom of our own Christian faith, as well as other religious traditions, teaches us to demonstrate the greatest prudence and caution when the lethal force of war is contemplated." To this perspective, we also add that of the Archbishop of Canterbury Elect, the Most Reverend Rowan D. Williams, who has termed the proposed war with Iraq “immoral and illegal” and who recently wrote that “to suggest that we should approach military action with hesitation in the present context is to try to honour those who would be most helpless in a regional conflagration in the Middle East – minorities, refugees, ultimately the ordinary citizens of many states.”

Our opposition to the use of nuclear weapons and other weapons of mass destruction is in keeping with well-established positions of the Episcopal Church in America. As long ago as 1982, the 67th General Convention passed a Resolution against the First Use of Nuclear Weapons, and this resolution remains in effect.

In the wake of the September 11th attacks, the House of Bishops issued a call to all Christians to "wage reconciliation," not war. Their call echoes the 2000 General Convention resolution to reject violence as a means of solving conflicts and to join in the United Nations' "Decade for a Culture of Peace and Non-violence." We would do well to heed this call and to use all our efforts and all our strength to establish peace for our world and in our time.

RESOLVED, That this 129th Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of Newark asks the bishop to develop a forum for the study of the theology and principles of “just war.”

The letter from the House of Bishops meeting in Cleveland, Ohio, on October 1, 2002, states: “...We recognize the possibility that war is sometimes unavoidable, but we do not believe that war with Iraq can be justified at this time.

The letter from the House of Bishops also states, “As disciples of Jesus Christ, we abhor violence and war. Our faith requires us to strive always for justice and peace. We believe that restraint and the ongoing commitment to international cooperation are the means toward peace that we all desire.”

In raising questions about the wisdom and morality of our country’s proposed course of action, the Diocese of Newark will stand with the House of Bishops, with other ECUSA dioceses, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, the Presbyterian Church USA, the Orthodox Church in America, the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), the United Church of Christ, the African Methodist Episcopal Church, the Anglican Consultative Council, the US Conference of Catholic Bishops, the Executive Council of the Episcopal Church and the Church of England’s House of Bishops.

RESOLVED, That this 129th Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of Newark expresses its dismay and outrage at the continued refusal of the three dioceses to adhere to the provision of the 1976 revised Canons of the Episcopal Church which stipulate that ordination “shall be equally applicable to women and men,” ; with the recommendations of the report of the A045 Task Force of Executive Council, which made several visits to the three dioceses which still refuse to uphold the Canons of The Episcopal Church; and also expresses its disappointment at the failure of the A045 Task Force of Executive Council to persuade those three dioceses to so comply and its disappointment with the recommended course of action; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be communicated to the Presiding Bishop, the members of the Executive Council and the editors of Episcopal Life, The Living Church and The Witness; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That this 129th Convention of the Diocese of Newark submits the following resolution to the 74th General Convention:

RESOLVED, the House of ________ concurring, That the Executive Council develop the necessary systems to assure that all dioceses uphold the Canons of the Church, especially Title III, Canon 8.1 which states that "the provisions of the Canons of this Title for the admission of Postulants and Candidates, and for the ordination to the three Orders, Bishops, Priests, and Deacons, shall be equally applicable to men and women. No one shall be denied access to the ordination process nor postulancy, candidacy or ordination in any parish or diocese of this church solely on account of his or her sex."

A045 was adopted by the 73rd General Convention in 2000 to report to the 74th General Convention in 2003. Twenty-five years have passed since the Church determined that women should be considered in the discernment, ordination and deployment processes of the Episcopal Church. Three dioceses still refuse to obey that Canon III.8.1, and General Convention in 1997 and 2000 asked the Executive Council to find ways to assist those dioceses. The issue is neither theological nor one of conscience.

In 1977 the then Bishop of Chicago set an example for the Church by enabling women called to priesthood to test that call in neighboring dioceses (Newark was one of those dioceses) and to be ordained by the Bishop Suffragan rather than the Diocesan whose theology and conscience were at odds with the ordination of women as priests and bishops. The A045 Task Force faced a difficult job, but rather than admit that it had failed, it called for study – once again – of the theology of women’s ordination and for a day of dialogue at the 2006 General Convention (which would be 36 years and dozens of studies since the possibility of women’s full inclusion in ministry was actively discussed and debated in the General Convention – much less the even earlier studies dating back to the 1950s!)

RESOLVED, That this 129th Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of Newark stands in solidarity with persons who are in faithful monogamous relationships regardless of their gender, and acknowledges the importance of ceremonies of blessing for those relationships, and urges the creation and use of expansive/inclusive language liturgies to solemnize the blessing of same gender relationships; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That this Convention commends the efforts of the Claiming the Blessing coalition to have the Episcopal Church authorize rites of Blessing for couples, regardless of gender; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That the Diocese of Newark offers sanctuary and support to people of faith who are living in dioceses which do not stand in solidarity with them in their search for inclusion regardless of their sexuality; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be sent to the Presiding Bishop, the President of the House of Deputies and the members of the Executive Council.

Submitted by: The Rev. Phillip Dana Wilson and Terry Thomas, Lyle Timpson and Joan Conley, lay deputies from Redeemer, Morristown, and endorsed by the Vestry of Redeemer. The Women’s Commission (The Rev. Anne Bolles-Beaven, Ms. Janet R. Brocklesby, Ms. Marge Christie, The Rev. Kevin Coffey, Mr. Michael Francaviglia, Ms. Martha Gardner, The Rev. Rose Hassan, Ms. Lyn Headley-Moore, The Rev. Elizabeth Kaeton, Ms. Edie Lauderdale, Ms. Marie Obermann, The Rev. Ellen Sloan, The Rev. Margaret Swetman, Ms. Fran Trott) The Oasis Commission (Mr. Peter Madison, Mr. Donald Peck, Mr. John Simonelli, Rev. Anahi Galante (Interfaith Minister), The Rev. Hank Dwyer, The Rev. Kenneth Near, Ms. Nancy Read, Dr. Tim Mundy, The Rev. Randall Day, The Rev. Jill McNish)

The Resolutions Committee recommends adoption of this resolution, pending the open hearings.

RESOLVED, That this 129th Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of Newark calls upon the State of New Jersey to affirm the rights of same- gender couples who choose to marry and share fully and equally in the rights, responsibilities, and commitment of civil marriage; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That this Convention conveys its admiration, support, encouragement and prayers to seven same gender couples who have filed suit against the State of New Jersey for the right to marry, among them members of our diocese, Cindy Meneghin and Maureen Kilian (together with their children Josh and Sarah Kilian-Meneghin), and Mark Lewis and Dennis Winslow, and Sarah and Suyin Leal (together with their daughter Zenzali); and, be it further

RESOLVED, That the Secretary of Convention provide a copy of this resolution to the Office of the Governor, The Justices of the Supreme Court, the leadership of the State Senate and Assembly, the Lambda Legal Education and Defense Fund, and the seven plaintiff couples, the presiding bishop and the president of the House of Deputies of this resolution.

Submitted by: The Rev. William C. Parnell and Ms. Marjorie Jingo, Christ Church, Hackensack; The Rev. Rose Hassan, Ms. Judy Scherzo, Ms. Carol Stec, and Andrea Lambertson, Trinity Church, Kearny; The Rev. Randall Day, St. Mark’s, Teaneck; The Rev. Denise Yarborough, Church of the Transfiguration, Towaco; The Rev. John F. Stanton and Barbara Lewis, St. Matthew’s, Paramus; The Rev. Philip S. Krug, retired; The Rev. Hank Dwyer, Nancy Read, Robert Masiello, and Ms. Nancy Young, St. Peter’s, Clifton; The Rev. Fletcher Harper, Partners for Environmental Quality; The Rev. Elizabeth Kaeton, St. Paul’s, Chatham; The Rev. Albert D. Jousset, Jr., Christ Church, Ridgewood; Rosemarie Harvey, St. John’s, Passaic; The Rev. Diana Clark, St. John’, Montclair; The Rev. Phillip Dana Wilson and Terry Thomas, Lyle Timpson and Joan Conley, lay deputies from Redeemer, Morristown, and endorsed by the Vestry of Redeemer. Women’s Commission (The Rev. Anne Bolles-Beaven, Ms. Janet R. Brocklesby, Ms. Marge Christie, The Rev. Kevin Coffey, Mr. Michael Francaviglia, Ms. Martha Gardner, The Rev. Rose Hassan, Ms. Lyn Headley-Moore, The Rev. Elizabeth Kaeton, Ms. Edie Lauderdale, Ms. Marie Obermann, The Rev. Ellen Sloan, The Rev. Margaret Swetman, Ms. Fran Trott) The Oasis Commission (Mr. Peter Madison, Mr. Donald Peck, Mr. John Simonelli, Rev. Anahi Galante (Interfaith Minister), The Rev. Hank Dwyer, The Rev. Kenneth Near, Ms. Nancy Read, Dr. Tim Mundy, The Rev. Randall Day, The Rev. Jill McNish)

Seven same-gender couples (including three couples who are members of our Diocese) are challenging the laws of the State of New Jersey which today prevent them from marrying. Same-sex couples are not allowed to marry in any state - no matter how long they have been together, no matter how committed they are to their relationship or their children, no matter how much they have already assumed the same responsibilities as different-sex married couples, and no matter how much their families need the protections and benefits that come with civil marriage.

Marriage is a civil right that belongs to everyone. Loving, committed same-sex couples form families and provide emotional and economic support for each other and for their children just like other couples do. This inequality in access to marriage should end, just as our nation has abolished prior discriminatory exclusions. Less than forty years ago, many states prohibited interracial couples from legally marrying. In Loving v. Virginia, a married interracial couple was arrested in Virginia and faced up to five years in prison. The state court upheld their conviction because it found interracial relationships to be "unnatural". Similar arguments are used against recognizing same-sex relationships today. But the U.S. Supreme Court held in its 1967 decision in the case that restricting marriage to same-race couples was unlawful discrimination. The government’s restriction of marriage to different-sex couples is discriminatory as well. The choice of a marriage partner belongs to each individual, not to the state.

For those couples desiring the full structure and status of marriage, domestic partner benefits are inadequate. In certain cities, states or companies, there is limited recognition of relationships between unmarried partners, often including both different-sex couples and same-sex couples.

As domestic partners, couples may gain access to health care coverage and certain other basic family benefits. But many couples wish to structure their families around a broader set of rights and responsibilities. For these couples, domestic partnership is no substitute for civil marriage.

Civil Unions are an important step forward, but separate is still unequal. Vermont offers “civil unions” to same-sex couples. Civil unions provide a set of rights and responsibilities within Vermont that parallels marriage. This is an important step forward. It is not marriage, however, and its implications beyond Vermont have yet to be determined by the courts. It is a separate and unequal institution, setting same-sex couples apart for second-class citizenship in the eyes of others, which will carry over into how such couples are treated in other areas of their lives. Having the choice to marry is full equality. A separate, gay-only institution is not.

Allowing all families access to marriage, if they believe the structures and protections of marriage are appropriate for them, promotes stability for communities overall. Same-sex couples build their lives together like other couples, working hard at their jobs, volunteering in their neighborhoods, and valuing the responsibilities and love that their family commitments provide to them and to the children they may have. These families have everyday concerns, like being financially sound, emotionally and physically healthy, and protected by adequate health insurance. These concerns heighten when there are children in the family. Marriage provides tangible protections that address many of these concerns. Promotion of support and security for families is a benefit to the entire community.

A resource for further information is the website of the Lambda Legal Defense and Education Fund: http://www.lambdalegal.org/.

RESOLVED, That this 129th Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of Newark continue its commitment to be a living wage institution by insuring that wages paid by the Diocese to any employee be a minimum of $8.70 per hour, and that health benefits be offered to all employees working 20 or more hours per week; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That this convention commends this standard to all agencies, congregations and institutions of the diocese; and, be further

RESOLVED, That this convention commends the work of Jubilee Interfaith Organization for its support of living wage campaigns underway in the cities and counties of our diocese; and be it further

RESOLVED, That this convention calls upon our representatives and senators to initiate and/or support legislation to raise the federal minimum wage to at least $8.70 per hour; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That this convention strongly affirms the right of workers to organize as protected by federal and state law, especially in low wage industries and businesses.

Submitted by the Rev. Geoffrey B. Curtiss, All Saints’, Hoboken

The Jubilee Interfaith Organization brought together 1800 religious and labors leaders from across Northern New Jersey for a public action at Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church in Vailsburg section of Newark. The Rt. Rev. John Palmer Croneberger represented the Episcopal Diocese of Newark with three member congregations St. Paul’s Paterson, Christ Church Hackensack and All Saints Hoboken and several other Episcopalians who came to learn about the work of the Jubilee Interfaith Organization on Thursday evening November 14th.

Jubilee Interfaith Organization is affiliated with the Gamaliel Foundation one of five national networks recognized for their work with local community organizations to build power in the public arena. JIO is a dues based organization with 43 congregational members and six labor unions who contract with Gamaliel for leadership and training. We will have a full time lead organizer in place beginning in December 2002.

Jubilee is working on three major issues that effect peoples across Northern New Jersey. First is the rights of children of immigrants who have completed their secondary education in our schools to secure New Jersey based tuition rates for post secondary education. Second is to broaden the living wage ordinances to include all municipal, county and state organizations that use state tax monies for their contracts. Third is to address the issue of metropolitan equity. New Jersey is divided between the haves and the have-nots and this divided is a direct creation of state, county and local municipal policies. Jubilee is working with Myron Orfield to map the state of New Jersey to demonstrate these inequities. For our own Diocese of Newark it will show the impending crisis that many of our inner suburban communities are or will be facing as a result of a loss and shift in the tax base.

This resolution encourages the Diocese of Newark to become a member of the Jubilee Interfaith Organization by joining with other judicatories who are members. This resolution also asks congregations in our Diocese to join. This would be a commitment to address the systemic issues of Northern New Jersey which keep people in poverty and deny people basic rights. This would be an effort to become engaged in the work of church based community organizing with other religious leaders.

Resolution 19 (Adopted - was a resolution brought as New Matters)
Separation of Powers

RESOLVED, That this 129th Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of Newark calls upon the Presiding Bishop and the Executive Council to ensure that their distinct roles be kept separate so that the fiduciary and executive responsibilities assigned to the Executive Council in the Constitution and the Canons of this Church be upheld and that decisions made by Executive Council cannot be overturned or ignored by the Presiding Bishop or the staff of the Church; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That the Secretary of Convention convey this resolution to the Presiding Bishop and members of the Executive Council.

Submitted by the General Convention Deputies.

SUPPORTING INFORMATION

Just as in the case of the United States of America, where each of the three branches of government have separate and distinct roles, so does the Episcopal Church. The roles of the Presiding Bishop and staff must be kept separate from those of the Executive Council. It has painfully become apparent that those roles have become blurred, and that the decisions of Executive Council are not being followed by the Presiding Bishop and staff, thereby undermining the authority of each and the very structure of this Church.