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Resolution 2005-1 (CONSENT CALENDAR)
RESOLUTION TO GENERAL CONVENTION TO CHANGE THE NAME FOR THE COMMEMORATION OF "THE MARTYRS OF LYONS" IN
THE CALENDAR OF LESSER FEASTS AND FASTS
RESOLVED, That the 131st Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of Newark submit the following resolution to the 75th
General Convention of The Episcopal Church:
Resolved, the House of _______ concurring, That this 75th General Convention authorize changing the name for the
commemoration of the Martyrs of Lyons on June 2, as found in Lesser Feasts and Fasts, to Blandina and her Companions,
the Martyrs of Lyons.
Explanation (to be attached to Resolution)
The Rev. Canon J. Robert Wright, the Church's Historiographer, recommended such a change during the 2004 annual
meeting of the Episcopal Women's History Project. He said that Blandina was the key figure in the 177 Roman persecution
at Lyons and that Eusebius, the first major church historian, saw her as a woman in the early church who was seen
as an image of Christ. "Blandina was hung on a post and exposed as food for the wild beasts let loose in the
arena. She looked as if she was hanging in the form of a cross, and through her ardent prayers she stimulated great
enthusiasm in those undergoing their ordeal, who in their agony saw with their outward eyes in the person of their
sister the One who was crucified for them, that He might convince those who believe in Him that any one who has
suffered for the glory of Christ has fellowship for ever with the living God."
Submitted by The Women's Commission (Ms. Kathleen Ballard; The Rev. Anne Bolles-Beaven, co-chair; Ms. Janet Brocklesby;
Ms. Marge Christie; The Rev. Kevin Coffey; Ms. Martha Gardner, co-chair; Ms. Lyn Headley-Deavours; The Rev. Elizabeth
Kaeton; Ms. Edie Lauderdale; Ms. Marie Obermann; The Rev. Dr. Ellen Sloan; Ms. Fran Trott; The Rev. Sandye Wilson)
Resolution 2005-2 (adopted after amendment
ADVERTISING WHICH IS ABUSIVE
OF WOMEN
RESOLVED, That this 131st Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of Newark urges the Women's Commission to develop
and offer, by the 132nd Annual Convention, a curriculum for workshops to present to the districts and congregations
in order to bring to the attention of the people of the diocese the manipulation and abuse of women and girls through
the images conveyed in print and media advertising.
Submitted by The Women's Commission (Ms. Kathleen Ballard; The Rev. Anne Bolles-Beaven, co-chair; Ms. Janet Brocklesby;
Ms. Marge Christie; The Rev. Kevin Coffey; Ms. Martha Gardner, co-chair; Ms. Lyn Headley-Deavours; The Rev. Elizabeth
Kaeton; Ms. Edie Lauderdale; Ms. Marie Obermann; The Rev. Dr. Ellen Sloan; Ms. Fran Trott; The Rev. Sandye Wilson)
SUPPORTING INFORMATION
The Women's Commission will be showing the video "Killing us Softly" during the hearing and workshop
times which demonstrates the depth of the messages portrayed in advertising and the ways in which such advertising
shapes attitudes about women and girls. The Women's Commission and the Bishop Anand Resource Center have copies
of the video available on loan.
Resolution 2005-3 (Adopted after
amendment)
CELEBRATING THIRTY YEARS OF WOMEN'S ORDAINED MINISTRY IN ECUSA
RESOLVED,
That this 131st Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of Newark urge its
congregations and its members to use between July 29, 2004 to September
16, 2006, except #17 in the supporting information, in its place each
congregation is encouraged to find their own way of celebrating the
occasion, the list prepared by the National Committee on the Status
of Women titled, "Thirty Ways to Celebrate Thirty Years of Women's
Ordained Ministry."
Submitted by The Women's Commission (Ms. Kathleen Ballard; The Rev. Anne Bolles-Beaven, co-chair; Ms. Janet Brocklesby;
Ms. Marge Christie; The Rev. Kevin Coffey; Ms. Martha Gardner, co-chair; Ms. Lyn Headley-Deavours; The Rev. Elizabeth
Kaeton; Ms. Edie Lauderdale; Ms. Marie Obermann; The Rev. Dr. Ellen Sloan; Ms. Fran Trott; The Rev. Sandye Wilson)
SUPPORTING INFORMATION
Prepared by the national Committee on the Status of Women, 30 Ways to Celebrate offers a variety of suggestions;
such as: placing flowers on the altar, learning our diocesan history, inviting an ordained woman to preach and/or
celebrate, writing a prayer, poem or hymn in thanksgiving. The time frame suggested for such celebrations runs
from July 29, 2004, to September 16, 2006.
"Thirty Ways to Celebrate
Thirty Years of Women's Ordained Ministry"
To be used joyfully between July 29, 2004 and September 16, 2006.
1. Hold a forum on ordination for the girls in your congregation.
2. Send a note to a woman priest, deacon, or bishop-or all three-who has influenced your life, and a note of affirmation
to a woman in seminary.
3. Put flowers on the altar one Sunday in thanksgiving for the ministries of ordained women.
4. Learn the names of the eleven women ordained in Philadelphia and the four ordained in Washington D.C. before
the General Convention of 1976.
5. Send a donation to an organization that supports women's ministries or concerns and memo it in thanksgiving
for women's ordained ministries.
6. Explain to people in your congregation why God is not a boy's name.
7. Work to make your congregation's language more inclusive and expansive.
8. Use the hymn "Blessed Is She."
9. Buy a copy of the new hymnal "Voices Found" for your church. All the words or tunes are written by
women.
10. Have women as the subject for Vacation Bible School.
11. Buy or make a stole that celebrates women's ministry for your priest to wear.
12. Work to understand and dismantle patriarchy, being aware of how its oppression affects all minorities, not
just women.
13. If you don't have an ordained woman on your staff or in your congregation, invite one to preach and celebrate.
14. Send a note to a non-ordaining male Bishop and tell him how important women's ordained ministry is.
15. Find out about the history of women's ordination in your diocese.
16. Join the Episcopal Women's Caucus, the Episcopal Public Policy Network, and the Episcopal Women's History Project.
17. Celebrate our Lady of Guadalupe Day on December 12.
18. Read the Gospel of Mary by Karen King.
19. Find a way to celebrate your part in the priesthood of all believers.
20. If you are an ordained woman, make intentional efforts to reach out to laywomen as peers; if you are a lay
woman, reach out to an ordained woman as a colleague in ministry.
21. Thank one of the people who made the ordination of women a possibility in your diocese.
22. Celebrate Mothers Day as a Day for Peace, the way the founder, Julia Ward Howe, intended it.
23. Write a poem, prayer or hymn in thanksgiving for women's ministries.
24. Have a feast in your church and invite a woman who has been ordained twenty years or more to come and share
her story.
25. Plant a tree in your church yard in honor of women's ordained ministries.
26. Add one or more mothers' names to the list of the fathers in Prayer C.
27. Decorate gingerbread cookies like women priests and serve at coffee hour.
28. Ask your vestry to find a way to celebrate the 30th anniversary in your congregation.
29. Visit the Office of Women's Ministries Web Site at www.episcopalchurch.org/women/.
30. Celebrate the Feast of Mary Magdalene on July 22 and pass out red eggs. (Learn about this story if you do not
know it.) Continue the octave in celebration of all women's ministries and end on the Feast Day of Mary and Martha,
the anniversary of the Philadelphia ll in 1974.
Resolution 2005-4 (adopted after
amendment)
CAPITAL PUNISHMENT
RESOLVED, That this 131st Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of Newark, recognizing our Christian imperative,
calls for both an end to capital punishment in New Jersey and an exploration of alternative punishments, including
life imprisonment without parole; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That the Episcopal Diocese of Newark support the bipartisan legislation introduced in the 2004-2005 session
of the New Jersey State Legislature, S1212 and A3569 that call for the abolishing of the death penalty and provides
for resentencing for persons sentenced to death; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That we urge the Governor to declare an immediate halt to executions pending this legislative action;
and, be it further
RESOLVED, That individuals and congregations work with such groups as New Jerseyans for Alternatives to the Death
Penalty (www.njadp.org) in education and advocacy; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That vestries and executive committees of the congregations of our diocese be encouraged to support this
resolution and legislation and inform the New Jerseyans for Alternatives to the Death Penalty of their action;
and, be it further
RESOLVED, That the Secetary of Convention convey this resolution to the Governor of New Jersey, the members of
the New Jersey State Senate and Assembly, and the leadership of the New Jerseyans for Alternatives to the Death
Penalty.
Submitted by Ms. Martha Gardner, Diocesan Jubilee Officer; St. George's, Maplewood
SUPPORTING INFORMATION
As leaders of our religious and ethical communities in New Jersey, we share certain core beliefs in universal truths
and historical commitment to social justice for all. We are united in our conviction that the death penalty is
immoral in principle and unjust in application. It violates our belief in the intrinsic worth of all human beings
and our potential for spiritual regeneration. Criminal justice procedures are inconsistent and weighted against
the poor, the powerless, members of minority groups and persons with mental and developmental disabilities. Errors
can lead to the punishment and potential execution of the innocent. The death penalty is also costly and unproven
as a deterrent.
The Episcopal Diocese of Newark has historically opposed the death penalty. The New Jersey State Legislature passed
a bill calling for a study of the death penalty in the 2002-2003 session, but it was vetoed by Governor McGreevey.
If his final appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court is denied, and if the Department of Corrections changes its regulations,
there is a chance that as early as January, 2005, John Martini will be the first person executed in the State of
New Jersey in 42 years.
Resolution 2005-5 (subsitute adopted as follows)
ACCESS TO DIOCESAN-SPONSORED GATHERINGS
RESOLVED, That this Annual Convention of the Episcopal
Diocese of Newark requires that, effective June 30, 2010, all diocesan meetings, events and programs of committees,
commissions, task forces, agencies and boards be held only in facilities which provide barrier free accessibility
to meeting spaces and bathrooms for all who will attend; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That, in order to fulfill this commitment to barrier free accessibility for people with disabilities,
the Diocese of Newark urges all parishes and missions to initiate the process of becoming compliant with the New
Jersey Uniform Construction Code-Barrier Free Sub Code found in NJAC 5:23-7 before December 31, 2005.
Submitted by The Bethsaida Team (Ms. Janet Hardy, St. George's, Maplewood, Co-chair; The Rev. Oscar Mockridge,
St. Luke's, Montclair, Co-chair; Ms. Wendy Broadbent, St. Elizabeth's, Ridgewood; Mr. David Cates, St. George's,
Maplewood; Ms. Barbara Djimopoulos, Christ Church, Hackensack; Mr. Richard Fox, Christ Church, Bloomfield/Glen
Ridge; Ms. Phyllis Heistand, St. James', Hackettstown; Ms. Liz Lannigan, St. John's, Montclair; Mr. Erik Soldwedel,
All Saints', Glen Rock; Ms. Daphne Thomas, St. Agnes', Little Falls; The Rev. David Thomas, Christ Church, Harrison;
The Rev. Jim Warnke, St. Paul's, Englewood; The Rev. Dr. Cathy Deats, St. James, Hackettstown; The Rev. Elizabeth
Kaeton, St. Paul's, Chatham; Ms. Lyn Headley-Deavours, Justice Missioner, Diocese of Newark)
SUPPORTING INFORMATION
In order for people with disabilities to be able to come to the table, to bring their gifts and voices, and to
be genuinely welcome as participants in the ministry of the diocese, the sites chosen for these gatherings must
anticipate and support their need for accessibility. This resolution applies to meetings and functions of the diocese,
not individual congregations and churches.
Meetings, conferences, events and programs already under contract at the time of convention are exempted; full
accessibility for people with disabilities in site selection applies for all events yet to be planned and contracted
for following the 131st convention to be held after June 30, 2005.
A summary of the barrier-free subcode requirements that most broadly or generally might apply to our churches and
associated buildings and intended in this resolution, according to NJAC 5. 23-7 et seq follows. If you need further
details of the code, please contact the office of the Justice Missioner or the Bethsaida Team. You may also purchase
your own copy of the Uniform Construction Code of NJ from the State.
The provisions of NJAC 5.23 Subchapter 7 - BARRIER -FREE SUBCODE apply to all buildings, including their associated
sites and facilities for access for people with disabilities, including, but not limited to, occupants, employees,
consumers, students, spectators, participants, or visitors.
1. All facilities shall be required to have at least one accessible entrance on the ground or first floor and accessible
vertical access (elevator) if three stories or over;
2. Exterior accessible routes may include parking access aisles, curb ramps, walks or ramps;
3. At least one entrance shall serve each separate tenancy or function within a building or facility;
4. An interior accessible route may include corridors, ramps, elevators and clear floor space at fixtures;
5. All toilet and bathing facilities shall be accessible; at least one type of fixture or element in each accessible
toilet room or bathing facility shall be accessible;
6. For non-residential use groups, accessible parking spaces shall be the closest space on the shortest accessible
route to an accessible building entrance; must have one accessible parking space for every 25 parking spaces; signage
displaying the international symbol of accessibility must be at the head of each space;
7. Accessible spaces for wheelchairs shall be provided in each assembly area at a ratio of one space for each 25
seats.
NB: Please keep in mind that the code states the "Where it can be demonstrated that one or more of the provisions
of this subchapter (barrier-free subcode) are technically infeasible, variations or exceptions to those specific
provisions may be granted if:
1. The spirit and intent of the law are observed; 2. Public welfare and safety are assured; and 3. Equivalent facilitation
and protection for people with disabilities are secured.
In no case shall a complete waiver of these requirements be granted."
[The 128th Annual Convention in 2002 asked that all congregations and organization in the diocese review their
facilities to determine if they were in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, and, if not, to develop
a plan of commitment and compliance that will lead to full program and facilities accessibility by 2006.]
Resolution 2005-6 (adopted)
RESPONSE OF THE DIOCESE OF NEWARK TO THE WINDSOR REPORT
RESOLVED, That this 131st Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of Newark, meeting in the 221st year of the The Episcopal
Church and the 139th year of the Anglican Communion, expresses gratitude for the efforts of the Lambeth Commission
in preparing the Windsor Report; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That the Diocese of Newark expresses its concern that actions taken by it or by the Episcopal Church
in which it has concurred have strained the bonds of affection that bind us to our sister and brother Anglicans.
It has been and remains the position of the Diocese of Newark that autonomy within the Anglican Communion requires
that no member church impose its will on any other member church; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That the Diocese of Newark views with concern the "possible draft" of an "Anglican Covenant,"
contained in Appendix 2 of the Windsor Report, and calls for careful study of the concepts contained therein and
extensive revision of the language employed; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That, while open to further discussion and discernment, the Diocese of Newark expresses its current belief
that fuller communion among the member churches of the Anglican Communion can better be achieved through means
such as improved two-way communications, more intense companion diocese relationships, and educational sharing
opportunities, rather than by the initiation of either an Anglican Communion canonical structure or "communion
law" within the member churches; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That the Diocese of Newark notes with concern that the Windsor Report expresses concern for the "hurt
and alienation felt by individual Anglicans, parishes and dioceses as a result of decisions made by autonomous
provinces within which there is profound disagreement," while ignoring the hurt and alienation felt by gay
and lesbian Anglicans and their supporters within those very parishes and dioceses and in other parts of the world;
and, be it further
RESOLVED, That the Diocese of Newark acknowledges that there is general agreement throughout the Anglican Communion
that the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Lambeth Conference and the Anglican Consultative Council are "Instruments
of Unity." However, the Primates' Meeting, initiated by the 1978 Lambeth Conference, does not necessarily
constitute an Instrument of Unity but is, as the Windsor Report alternately suggests, more appropriately considered
a standing committee of the Lambeth Conference; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That in response to the pastoral needs of Episcopalians in this Diocese, we support the decision of the
Bishop of the Diocese of Newark to exercise his authority and responsibility to approve liturgies including, but not limited to, the blessing of same-sex relationships.
Submitted by Dr. Louie Crew, Grace Church, Newark
SUPPORTING INFORMATION
The Windsor Report was issued on October 18, and has been the subject of much discussion since. The Presiding Bishop
and others have asked all Episcopalians to study this report and to let final pronouncements on it await a thorough
discussion of the issues. These resolutions do not reflect a definitive position on the Windsor Report in its entirety,
but rather represent a preliminary analysis of certain portions thereof and a statement of concern about certain
sections as we currently understand them.
Although not reflected in the resolutions, we are concerned that the Lambeth Commission contained no openly lesbian
or gay persons, nor did the Commission invite any such persons to speak with it, including the Rt. Rev. Gene Robinson
who is frequently talked about in the report.
The first General Convention was held in 1785 and is generally agreed to mark the founding date of the Episcopal
Church. The first Lambeth Conference was held in 1867 and is generally agreed to mark the founding of the Anglican
Communion.
Many American Episcopalians see a desire to impose one particular Biblical interpretation as the only accurate
one as contrary to American and Anglican beliefs. In certain other parts of the world, there is a broad reaction
to actions by The Episcopal Church that is affected, in part, by reactions to actions by the American government.
While many in the Episcopal Church see a linkage between Biblical certainty and what is sometimes perceived as
American imperialism, some of our fellow Anglicans abroad perceive our church's actions as based on alternative
Biblical certainty that we are trying to impose on them. This is not what many if any Episcopalians intended, but
it is nevertheless the perception.
The Primates' Meetings have not been given official recognition by the Episcopal Church meeting in General Convention.
This is in contrast to the Anglican Consultative Council, initiated ten years before the Primates' Meetings, which
has been the subject of implementing resolutions by General Convention. The Windsor Report (para 106) suggests
the title "Primates Conference - the Standing Lambeth Committee."
We are thankful for the Anglican Communion and for those within it who disagree with us on various interpretations
of the faith. Similarly, we give thanks for Episcopal Church and those within who disagree with us. Finally, we
give thanks for those within our own diocese who remain in fellowship with us despite their disagreement with the
majority on matters of interpretation of the faith.
APPENDIX: RESOLUTIONS REMOVED BY
THE COMMITTEE
The Rules of Order give the Resolutions Committee the authority, by a two-thirds vote, to determine not to offer
any proposed resolution on the floor of the Convention. The resolution listed in this appendix was removed by the
Committee. This resolution may be permitted on the floor of Convention by a majority vote of all Convention Deputies
at the start of the first business session. If the resolution is restored by such a vote, it will be included in
the hearings of the Resolutions Committee.
The Resolutions Committee, after careful consideration of all the resolutions submitted to the 131st Annual Convention,
has chosen to not offer the following resolution.
Establishment of "The Unification Act" for Gay Partners to Have Marital Rights
The committee received with thanks the resolution from the Rev. Clarence Sickles and the Community of Doers. The
resolution was removed from consideration because the convention has long been on record for the support of gay
and lesbian couples and for the removal of barriers that prevent same sex couples from marrying. In fact, that
is the reason for diocesan support in the Lewis v. Harris case here in New Jersey. It was also unclear as to the
disposition of any legislation known as "The Unification Act", either in our state or elsewhere. In addition,
the format for submission for General Convention consideration was lacking.
ESTABLISHMENT OF "THE UNIFICATION
ACT" FOR GAY PARTNERS TO HAVE MARITAL RIGHTS
RESOLVED, That this 131st Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of Newark supports the establishment of "The
Unification Act" by the State of New Jersey whereby male and female homosexual partners may be legally joined
together in a life-long relationship to receive the rights and privileges now provided to married citizens of this
state; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That the Secretary of Convention be directed to submit this resolution to the Attorney General of the
State of New Jersey for appropriate action; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That the Secretary of Convention be directed to submit this resolution on behalf of the Diocese of Newark
at the next General Convention with the request that the resolution be accepted with the directive that delegates
take action to have the resolution implemented in their respective states.
Submitted by The Rev. Clarence W. Sickles, DD, Executive Director of the Community Of Doers
SUPPORTING INFORMATION
Homosexual partners are seeking state approval to enter into the life-long relationship of a gay marriage. Some
states have established this relationship whereas other states have not. Marriages rules and regulation have been
under the jurisdiction of individual states in accordance with federally established standards and should continue
to have this jurisdiction. Because marriage has been defined historically as a union between a man and a woman
and has been conducted in accordance with this definition, elements of society regard "same sex marriages"
as a violation of this definition and a threat to the sanctity of the holy estate of matrimony.
The issue became an essential part of the recent presidential election with one candidate calling for a constitutional
amendment to ban gay marriages. Exit polls reported that many voters were opposed to same sex marriages. And eleven
states instituted amendments to ban same sex marriages. This has become a sensitive and divisive issue in our society
and threatens to remain one in future elections on all governmental levels.
Gay people are seeking rights and privileges guaranteed to married couples for themselves and their children and
have said that the name of the legal act is less important than act itself. Calling the act that guarantees marital
rights "The Unification Act" is a new concept for a new relationship. This concept should remove same
sex unions from being a threat to traditional marriage to being regarded as a constitutional right. The religious
issue is replaced by a constitutional issue of gay persons being assured of "life, liberty and the pursuit
of happiness."
The last election showed a deeply divided nation. The establishment of "The Unification Act" for the
welfare of same sex persons and in deference to those who oppose using the word "marriage" for the union
of homosexual persons should go far toward healing one cause of the division.
"TUA" also could be for same sex persons in a platonic relationship desiring legalization of this relationship
with marital benefits.
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