RESOLVED, that the 123rd Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of Newark submit the following resolution to the 1997 General Convention:
RESOLVED, the House of ____________ concurring, that this 72nd General Convention direct the Standing Liturgical Commission to develop, after critical study of pertinent rites already in use by faith communities, a rite or rites for the blessing of committed relationships between persons of the same gender, and to present such forms to the 73rd General Convention for inclusion in The Book of Occasional Services; such a rite or rites would be made available for use at the discretion of the clergy.

- Submitted by: General Convention Deputies: Marge Christie, Louie Crew, Michael Rehill, Kim Byham, Lucinda Laird, Tracey Lind, Petero Sabune, Jack Croneberger; The Christian Social Relations Commission; and The Oasis.

Supporting Information:

For many years pastoral concerns have led faith communities to develop forms for the celebration and blessing of committed same-gender relationships. The 71st General Convention directed the Standing Liturgical Commission and the theology Committee of the House of Bishops to prepare and present to the 72nd General Convention a report addressing the theological foundations and pastoral considerations involved in the development of rites honoring love and commitment between persons of the same gender. The critical study and development of forms for the Book of Occasional Services is a logical next step that will build upon the work already done, provide focus for further consideration and support the work of congregations and dioceses.

Resolution 1 was adopted as amended.

RESOLVED, that the 123rd Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of Newark submit the following resolution to the 1997 General Convention:
RESOLVED, the House of __________ concurring, that this 72nd General Convention direct the Standing Commission on Health to study the theology and ethics of Assisted Suicide, reporting the results of such study to the 73rd General Convention.

- Submitted by: General Convention Deputies: Marge Christie, Louie Crew, Michael Rehill, Kim Byham, Lucinda Laird, Tracey Lind, Petero Sabune, Jack Croneberger

Supporting Information:

The subject of Assisted Suicide, which this diocese has explored and which is being discussed throughout the medical and religious communities, needs to be addressed by the General Convention. Such study and report will be of assistance to the many people faced with making difficult choices about health and life and death.

Resolution 2 was adopted on the Consent Calendar.

RESOLVED, that the 123rd Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of Newark submit the following resolution to the 1997 General Convention:
RESOLVED, the House of __________ concurring, that the 72nd General Convention affirms the Mind of the House resolution adopted by the House of Bishops on September 27, 1995, which states that Canon III.8.1 is mandatory in all diocese of this Church, and, be it further

RESOLVED, that the 1997 General Convention endorses resolutions proposed by the Committee for Dialogue on Canon III.8.1 clarifying the Canons related to access to the ordination process, acceptance of Letters Dimissory, the licensing of clergy, and the calling of a rector as they pertain to women; and, be it further

RESOLVED, that the Secretary of Convention send copies of this resolution to the Bishops and Standing Committees of every diocese and to the Rowley Commission.

- Submitted by: General Convention Deputies: Marge Christie

Supporting Information:

This resolution is offered to address the inconsistencies in interpretation of the Canons affecting the ministry of ordained women and those parishes who wish to ordain or call them.

Resolution 3 was adopted.

RESOLVED, that the 123rd Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of Newark submit the following resolution to the 1997 General Convention:
RESOLVED, the House of _____________ concurring, that Canon I.17 be amended to add a new Sec. 6 (renumbering the remaining sections accordingly) stating: No person shall be allowed to hold the office of Warden or Vestry member or serve on diocesan Standing Committees, Councils or Commissions on Ministry unless willing to uphold the Constitution and Canons of The Episcopal Church every person who exercises a ministry as a leader and trustee in this church is obliged to obey and implement the canon law of this church; and, be it further

RESOLVED, that the Secretary of Convention send copies of this resolution to the Bishops and Standing Committees of every diocese.

- Submitted by: General Convention Deputies: Marge Christie

Resolution 4 was adopted as amended.

RESOLVED, that this 123rd Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of Newark expresses its strong support to concern that the State of New Jersey for its decision to move "Boarder Babies" within a week or less from hospitals to homes with their biological families or into foster homes by becoming official supporters of the class action lawsuit filed by the Association to Benefit Children; and, be it further

RESOLVED, that this Diocese stand in support of the necessary funding for the plan of the State Division of Youth and Family Services that will result in processing placement of "boarder babies" into homes more quickly and the establishment of more foster homes; and, be it further

RESOLVED, that congregations and individuals of this diocese be urged to offer themselves to serve as volunteers and foster parents for these infants hospitalized for periods of time beyond their medical needs; and be it further

RESOLVED, that a copy of this resolution be sent to the Governor, and the Senate and Assembly of New Jersey.

- Submitted by the Christian Social Relations Commission

Supporting Information:

From November 1994 through December 1995, there were 795 boarder babies in the state of New Jersey, most of them at two hospitals in Newark; the practice continues in 1996. Referred to as a "Dickensian" practice, infants up to three and four months old languish in hospital beds after medial care has been completed while they wait for the Division of Youth and Family Services to place them. some babies have been abandoned, which can only be determined by a complicated and time-consuming process; they remain in the hospital while DYFS assesses whether their troubled and often drug addicted parents are willing or fit to care for them or whether or not there are other eligible relatives available. About 40% of the babies go into foster or group homes, but the dire shortage of foster homes is the main reason given for the lengthy delays, an average of 60 days, in placement in New Jersey.

In New York City, the average stay, by law and in practice, is 3.5 days; this short stay is directly the result of two successful lawsuits brought against NYC in the 1980s by the Association to Benefit Children. Here in New Jersey, the ABC has brought a similar class action suit seeking rapid placement of babies in families to prevent the irreparable damage that warehousing causes.

Spending the first two to four months of life in a hospital deprives the infants of the stimulation and adequate attention they need to avoid serious negative effects on their development. Even in caring facilities, some boarder babies are kept swaddled and kept away from sounds and light to encourage them to sleep and not cry. Deprived of a loving touch, a baby's ability to trust is seriously impaired. Nurses who work with boarder babies have said: "These babies have never smelled fresh air. They don't smell cooking. They don't hear vacuum cleaners." "They don't know the difference between night and day." "It's not home."

The State DYFS says this it is committed to ending the practice of sheltering hundreds of healthy babies each year in hospitals and is embarking on an aggressive campaign to move them out faster and to eradicate the issue of boarder babies in the state of New Jersey. DYFS has approved several recommendations drawn up by a "Boarder Baby Project Team" to speed the process of placement, including making it easier for foster parents to receive babies from other counties. Another DYFS endorsed recommendation, not yet approved by the Attorney General's office, is the "Fost-Adopt" program which would put certain babies on a fast track for adoption by their foster parents if its seems clear they have been permanently abandoned or there is no hope that their birth families will shape up and become fit to take them. Despite these efforts, the lawsuit continues because the agency has not yet agreed to set a limit on the number of days a baby can remain hospitalized after he or she is medically fit.

Many observers are concerned that despite the DYFS initiative, the agency may be too overwhelmed, in terms of staff, limited funds and adoption laws, in its efforts to remedy the situation. Hospitals and Medicaid are already feeling the financial strain of boarding babies. A baby's hospital stay can cost up to $900 a day as opposed to an approximate $300 a day for foster care.

These infants are a perfect example of the orphans referred to in scripture.

Resolution 5 was adopted as amended.

RESOLVED, that the 123rd Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of Newark submit the following resolution to the 1997 General Convention:
RESOLVED, the House of __________ concurring, that this 72nd General Convention supports the right of women fleeing the practice of female genital mutilation, "female circumcision", to be granted refugee status in the United States; and, be it further

RESOLVED, that Secretary of Convention communicate this support to the President of the United States, the United States Justice Department, the members of the New Jersey Congressional delegation, and the Governor of New Jersey.

Explanation (to be attached to Resolution)

The purpose of this resolution is not to challenge the integrity of traditional cultures, but to support those women and girls for whom the only alternative, if they do not choose to participate in the practice of their own free will, is flight.

To learn more about female genital mutilation and its impact, Alice Walker's book, Possessing the Secret of Joy is a valuable resource.

- Submitted by the Christian Social Relations Commission

Resolution 6 was adopted on the Consent Calendar.

RESOLVED, that this 123rd Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of Newark supports the campaign of the United Farm Workers Union to achieve these five goals for strawberry workers: a living wage, clean drinking water and bathrooms in the fields; job security; health insurance; and an end to sexual harassment and other abuses of workers; and, be it further

RESOLVED, that this Convention call upon its parishes and people to learn about the issues and encourage the retailers with whom they do business to support the campaign.

- Submitted by the Christian Social Relations Commission

Supporting Information:

The field workers for the agri-business producers of California's $650 million-a-year strawberry crop, are treated unjustly. The United Farm Workers Union is working to change the abusive conditions and improve the lives of these workers. The Church needs to stand on the side of justice.

On the justice side of the issue are the economics of strawberries. 20,000 farm workers do stoop labor for 10 to 12 hours a day to produce the crop for a handful of huge companies. The workers pick an average of 48 pints an hour for $5 to 6 per hour, about 10 or 12 cents a pint. Check the price of strawberries next time you are in the supermarket.

In 1985, 17% of the cost of strawberry production was for labor. In 1995, it was 9%. The strawberry plants themselves are a small factor, as the companies demonstrate by regularly plowing them under during labor disputes. The value added to the crop by labor is the overwhelming part of its profitability, yet the workers receive substandard wages while enduring harsh and sometimes abusive conditions. They are asking for an extra 5 cents a pint to make theirs a living wage. The UFW is not calling for a boycott at this point.

Poor sanitation, toxic exposure to chemicals like methyl bromide, abysmal housing, use of child labor and the sexual harassment of the largely female work force have all come into focus in the strawberry fields. Eric Schlosser's article in the Atlantic Monthly, Nov. 1995, provides good background.

The wider questions of migrant and seasonal farm labor are the rights of those who harvest so much of our food and bring it to us so cheaply. The bigger issues of justice and dignity, which transcend the day to day issues of worker-union-grower-distributor economics and contracts, have caused the General Convention of our Church to pass resolutions in support of farm workers. Justice and dignity are theological issues which the Church ignores at the risk of tacitly supporting injustice and indignity.

Resolution 7 was adopted on the Consent Calendar.

RESOLVED, that this 123rd Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of Newark recognizes the work of the Executive Council and our Province to establish the Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation Committee; and be it further

RESOLVED, that this Convention recognizes and supports the creation of a local Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation Diocesan committee, hereafter known as Visions for Justice and Creation, which has been formed to implement this work in our Diocese as well as to network and support similar work with other Dioceses; and be it further

RESOLVED, that the objective of this local committee shall be to facilitate communication and collaboration between persons engaged in social justice ministries throughout our diocese which address the issues of peace, social and economic justice and the environment; and be it further

RESOLVED, that this local committee will host (in conjunction with the local committee of the Diocese of New Jersey) an opening assembly "VISIONS FOR JUSTICE AND CREATION" on Saturday, March 8, 1997 at Christ Church, New Brunswick, to gather persons working in the areas of Anti-Racism, Economic Justice, Environmental Stewardship, Global Peace and Justice, and Jubilee Ministries and other Social Justice Concerns interested in building a broad-based coalition to support our work; and be it further

RESOLVED, that this Diocese of Newark (in conjunction with the Diocese of New Jersey) shall collaborate to create an Episcopal Public Policy Network in our State of New Jersey using funds from the Province, Dioceses, Parishes and other individuals supporting this work; and be it further

RESOLVED, that this local committee shall regularly report to the Convention of this Diocese through its Hearings, Budget Requests, and Action Information Updates on the trends, needs and directions regarding the Church's mission for justice, peace and the integrity of creation.

- Submitted by: Rev. Geoff Curtiss, Coordinator of Visions for Justice and Creation

SUPPORTING INFORMATION

At its February, 1995 meeting, the Executive Council of the Episcopal Church adopted a resolution which created an advisory committee to be known as the Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation (JPIC) with subcommittees for Anti-Racism, Economic Justice, Environmental Stewardship; Global Peace and Justice and Jubilee Ministries. JPIC, according to the resolution, shall regularly report to the Executive Council through its Standing Committee on Program, on the trends, needs and directions regarding the Church's mission for justice, peace and the integrity of creation.

In November, 1995, a Visions of Justice conference was held in Columbus, Ohio with over 225 people in attendance. After that conference some funds were made available to each Province JPIC team so that they host workshops and conferences for the purpose of training dioceses, congregations and individuals on the philosophy and specifics of JPIC and its ministries. The intent is that these efforts will all lead up to a National Summit - A Consultation - to be held February 27-March 1, 1997 in Cincinnati, Ohio, called for by the Presiding Bishop, the President of the House of Deputies and the JPIC Committee of the Episcopal Church to set the agenda as we approach the next millennium.

At its Synod last May, Province II unanimously adopted a resolution which endorses the organizing of a provincial JPIC Network. The Province II JPIC team held an Assembly in Albany in early October; individuals from each of the eight dioceses of New Jersey and New York were in attendance. Seven areas of concern were identified at the Assembly and Working Groups were established: Domestic Violence, Environmental Justice, Immigration, Prison Ministry, Public Education, Racial Justice and Welfare Reform. Individuals from the Diocese of Newark serve on each of the seven Working Groups. It was also agreed at that Assembly that Public Policy Networks would be established in each of the two States. Finally, it was decided that the Province II JPIC team would hold an Assembly annually; in October, 1997, the Province II Assembly will be held in the New Jersey.

Individuals from the Diocese of Newark and individuals from the Diocese of New Jersey agreed to jointly host an Assembly for the people of our two dioceses. It is planned for March 8, 1997 at Christ Church, New Brunswick.

The individuals involved in this Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation work from the Diocese of Newark have decided to call our local committee Visions for Justice and Creation. Current Members of the committee are:

We invite any interested individuals to join us in the work of Visions for Justice and Creation.

Resolution 8 was adopted.

RESOLVED, that this 123rd Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of Newark support the work of the Domestic Violence Working Group of the Diocese of Newark's local Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation committee (hereafter known as Visions for Justice and Creation); and, be it further

RESOLVED, that this 123rd Convention urges the bishops, clergy, Diocesan Council and every local congregation to raise awareness of the epidemic proportion of instances of violence against women and children by speaking out and developing initiatives to prevent the continuation of violence, so that the church might become a "safe place"; and, be it further

RESOLVED, that the diocese share its resources and knowledge with the larger church through the Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation movement.

SUPPORTING INFORMATION

Resources are available for such initiatives through the Commission on Christian Education, the Commission on Women, and the National Church's Commission on the Status of Women.

The Domestic Violence Working Group of the local Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation committee (hereafter known as Visions for Justice and Creation) invites all interested persons to join the Working Group.

Resolution 9 was adopted on the Consent Calendar.

RESOLVED, that this 123rd Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of Newark supports the work of the Environmental Justice Working Group of the Diocese of Newark's local Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation committee (hereafter known as Visions for Justice and Creation); and, be it further

RESOLVED, that this 123rd Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of Newark recognizes the negative impact on the health of children, a high percentage of whom are minorities, of the degradation of the environment in the State of New Jersey; and, be it further

RESOLVED, that recognizing the increased rate of illness and death due to asthma in New Jersey, particularly among the elderly and children in our cities, this Convention urges its parishes to join those in the cities and towns of the State who are working to improve the air quality through a variety of means, with special emphasis on the purchase and deployment of bus fleets that do minimal harm to our environment; and, be it further

RESOLVED, that a copy of this resolution be sent to the Governor and members of the New Jersey legislature.

- Submitted by: The Environmental Commission of the Diocese of Newark, the Rev. Dr. Franklin Vilas

SUPPORTING INFORMATION

In past conventions, the Diocese of Newark has passed several resolutions regarding environmental concerns. At its 119th Convention, the Episcopal Church in this diocese recognized the "disproportionate suffering of women and children, particularly among the poor" worldwide as a result of environmental degradation, and called for state actions in the area of eco-justice.

Air quality in the State of New Jersey continues to be a problem, and there is evidence of increasing cases of emergencies due to asthma among children in the cities. This is true not only in New Jersey, but in all cities of our nation that are experiencing heavy pollution from automobiles and other vehicles.

At a Province II Assembly on Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation held in Albany this fall, representatives of Province II commended to the national church and to dioceses of the province a resolution on the reduction of asthma among the children of our cities through specific means within control, such as the purchase of bus fleets that operate through the use of natural gas.

This resolution is the local expression of that national concern, adopted as a priority for the Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation Network. The Environmental Justice Working Group of the local Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation committee (hereafter known as Visions for Justice and Creation) invites all interested persons to join the Working Group.

Resolution 10 was adopted as amended.

RESOLVED, that this 123rd Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of Newark supports the work of the Immigration Working Group of the Diocese of Newark's local Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation committee (hereafter known as Visions for Justice and Creation); and, be it further

RESOLVED, that the congregations of the Episcopal Diocese of Newark be urged to distribute the immigrant and refugee briefing sheet being developed by the Immigration Working Group; and, be it further

RESOLVED, that the congregations of the Episcopal Diocese of Newark will respond to a survey being developed by the Immigration Working Group which will identify needs and existing parish programs for immigrants and refugees; and, be it further

RESOLVED, that the congregations and individuals of the Episcopal Diocese of Newark be urged to respond to legislative alerts, initiated by Visions of Justice and Creation and supported by resolutions passed by Executive Council, General Convention, Province II and the Diocese of Newark, on legislation which discriminates against immigrants and refugees.

SUPPORTING INFORMATION

The 121st Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of Newark adopted the resolution which enjoined all church people to oppose initiatives and laws which penalize undocumented and immigrant workers by denying them and their children the right to public health and educational opportunity. The resolution also resolved that the people of the Diocese of Newark support and encourage programs of literacy, citizenship, voter registration and advocacy to counteract violations of civil rights.

The Immigration Working Group of the local Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation committee (hereafter known as Visions for Justice and Creation), has been formed to assess and develop educational, program and advocacy needs of immigrants and refugees. The Working Group invites all interested persons to join the Working Group.

Resolution 11 was adopted on the Consent Calendar.

RESOLVED, that this 123rd Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of Newark supports the work of the Prison Ministry Working Group of the Diocese of Newark's local Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation committee (hereafter known as Visions for Justice and Creation); and, be it further;

RESOLVED, that this 123rd Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of Newark be in partnership with the Prison Ministry Working Group to promote the growth of Prison Ministry through its congregations; that clergy and lay persons join with the Prison Ministry Working Group to foster its growth, particularly with the youth houses in the seven northern counties of our diocese.

SUPPORTING INFORMATION

To educate and mobilize our congregations and others regarding the issues raised by incarceration and to network with those who serve as advocates for correctional staff, in recognition that our present day corrections policies, including the death penalty, are driven by a desire for retribution, the Prison Ministry Working Group will:

1. Conduct a survey designed to identify clergy, lay persons, parish groups currently engaged in Prison Ministry;

2. Provide information sources for groups dealing with incarceration issues;

3. Determine how congregations and individuals may support groups working in incarceration situations.

The Prison Ministry Working Group of the local Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation committee (hereafter known as Visions for Justice and Creation) invites all interested persons to join the Working Group.

Resolution 12 adopted as amended.

RESOLVED, that this 123rd Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of Newark supports the work of the Public Education Working Group of the Diocese of Newark's local of Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation committee (hereafter known as Visions for Justice and Creation); and be it further

RESOLVED, that this 123rd Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of Newark does hereby support the New Jersey Supreme Court decision on funding of public education, that came as a result of the Abbott vs. Burke case in the State of New Jersey; and, be it further

RESOLVED, that the Diocese of Newark supports initiatives that enhance public education such as: After school programs; Public Schools; Music, Art, Drama, Industrial Arts and other non-academic programs that provide children with a well-rounded education so very needed to be prepared to enter the 21st Century; and, be it further

RESOLVED, that members of our congregations be urged to write to the Senators and Assembly members in the State of New Jersey to support all legislation that will help the children of this State receive a thorough and efficient education; and, be it further

RESOLVED, that congregations are urged to form partnerships with the public schools in light of the fact that 85% of all children in the State attend the New Jersey Public Schools; and, be it further

RESOLVED, that congregations are urged to become more involved in voter education of our parishioners, especially the young adults who will become registered voters between now and the year 2000; and, be it further

RESOLVED, that the Secretary of Convention be instructed to send this resolution to the Governor, the State Board of Education, the Commissioner of Education and members of the New Jersey Assembly and Senate.

- Submitted by: The Black Clergy Caucus, The Union of Black Episcopalians, JPIC Team (Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation)

SUPPORTING INFORMATION

The case of Abbott vs. Burke mandated that the State create a funding formula for educating all the children in the State of New Jersey that is fair and equitable and affords all children a "thorough and efficient" education. The requirement that all children receive a thorough and efficient education is also mandated by the Constitution. Another suit was filed by the late Marilyn Morehouser of the Rutgers University Law Center stating that the funding formula does not address the gap in educational quality and spending between rich and poor districts. The case won in the courts, but the State has yet to create a funding formula that is fair and equitable to all the school districts in the State.

The Public Education Working Group of the local Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation committee (hereafter known as Visions for Justice and Creation) invite all interested persons to join the Working Group. We support legislation to make the funding equal for all school districts in New Jersey.

Resolution 13 was adopted on the Consent Calendar.

RESOLVED, that the 123rd Convention of the Diocese of Newark be requested to support and commend a Mission to Dismantle Racism that will seek to work with the Commission on Racism and other interest groups, through a funded diocesan position, to eradicate racism in all of its forms and all of its affected groups in the Diocese of Newark, throughout the broader Church and the World; and be it further

RESOLVED, that the Mission to Dismantle Racism will pursue its goal as it prays and worships, proclaims the gospel and promotes justice, peace and love among all people; and, be it further

RESOLVED, that the Mission will do its work utilizing materials such as the National Dialogue on Anti-Racism, the documentary film, "The Color of Fear", "Study Circles Resources Center's" curriculum and the National Episcopal Church's handbook "Racism and You", to promote and celebrate diversity in the church and the broader community; and, be it further

RESOLVED, that the mission will hold training and educational seminars to help prepare others in conducting workshops and dialogues for public and private schools and among the elderly; and, be it further

RESOLVED, that the mission will develop and publish a quarterly newsletter to provide information on planned events and the continuing work of the mission; and, be it further

RESOLVED, that the mission will develop and implement programs, offer events and monthly worship services to heighten interaction among diverse groups of people; and, be it further

RESOLVED, that the mission coordinate and facilitate anti-racism dialogues among children and youths through Sunday School and Youth Ministries programming; and, be it further

RESOLVED, that the mission will collaborate with other interest groups to promote and celebrate diversity in society and in the workplace through advocacy to the Presidential Office of the United States, to municipal, county, state and federal governments and to print and electronic media; and, be it further

RESOLVED, that an action oriented task force be developed from among the co-sponsors and other interested parties to develop a proposal, which will include goals and expectations, accountability, a job description and reporting structures and a budget to be put before the 124th Diocesan Convention in January 1998, to fund a position to expedite the work of the Mission to Dismantle Racism; and, be it further

RESOLVED, that the task force will seek funding from sources beyond the Diocese to expedite the work of the Mission during the current year.

SUPPORTING INFORMATION

1. The essence of racism is prejudice coupled with power. It is rooted in the sin of pride and exclusivity which assumes that I and my kind are superior to others and therefore deserve special privileges.

2. The sin of racism is experienced daily in our society, in our church and its institutions and in the House of Bishops.

3. Racism in the church subverts the promise of new life in Christ for everyone. Racism is totally inconsistent with the gospel and therefore must be confronted and eradicated.......Bishop's Pastoral Letter, March 1994.

4. The National Church and the Diocese of Newark have spoken out against the practice of racism that is prevalent in our society, and as racism raises it's ugly head in the city of Newark and throughout New Jersey and the metropolitan area, it is incumbent upon Trinity & St. Philip's Cathedral to lead the Diocese in fighting this evil.

5. In it's Racism Initiative, the Diocese of Newark states, "Racism is just about everywhere: It is in our language, customs, and beliefs, fears, work, schools, and sports. It is virtually everywhere, except in those places where people deliberately choose to remove it. Such as: In the pew. In this church. In our Community."

6. The Most Rev. Edmond L. Browning, Presiding Bishop, in an address to the Executive Council in Albuquerque, New Mexico on June 16, 1992, said: "......in no area of life are we more challenged to be the Church than in the eradication of racism. I believe that in order to confront the sin of racism as God would have us do, we must ground ourselves in what it means to be the Church. That is the way of faithfulness."

- Submitted by: The Black Clergy Caucus, Union of Black Episcopalians, The Rev. Geoffrey B. Curtis, Ms. Marge Christie, The Rev. Kenneth Near, The Rev. Edward Hasse, III, Anti-Racism Dialogue Group: Trinity & St. Philip's Cathedral and St. Paul's, Morris Plains

Resolution 14 (substitute) was adopted.

RESOLVED, that this 123rd Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of Newark supports the work of the Welfare Reform Working Group of the Diocese of Newark's local Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation committee (hereafter known as Visions for Justice and Creation); and, be it further

RESOLVED, that the congregations and individuals of the Episcopal Diocese of Newark be urged to respond to legislative alerts, initiated by Visions of Justice and Creation and supported by resolutions of the Executive Council, General Convention, Province II and Diocese of Newark, on legislation introduced in the year(s) ahead in the U.S. Congress which seeks to modify the Welfare Reform Act; and, be it further

RESOLVED, that the congregations and individuals of the Episcopal Diocese of Newark continue to affirm the dignity and needs of all persons, especially as stated in resolutions adopted by the above-mentioned bodies of the Episcopal Church; and, be it further

RESOLVED, that the congregations of the Episcopal Diocese of Newark be urged to distribute the booklet being developed by the Welfare Reform Working Group which summarizes resolutions relating to human needs and other concerns of Visions of Justice and Creation adopted over the last ten years by the Conventions of the Episcopal Diocese of Newark; and, be it further

RESOLVED, that the congregations Welfare Reform Working Group of the Episcopal Diocese of Newark be urged to work with the Welfare Reform Working Group congregations in the education of the congregants of this Diocese in the area of human needs, and work to develop service, programmatic and advocacy initiatives.

- Submitted by: The Rev. Geoff Curtiss, Coordinator of Visions for Justice and Creation

SUPPORTING INFORMATION

The Episcopal Diocese of Newark has adopted numerous resolutions speaking to the issue of human needs. Many of us are not aware of what these are, and the Welfare Reform Working Group sees a need to gather them in one place as the first step in educating the congregants of this Diocese as to what we as a Church are saying in this very important area. The Working Group can then work with congregations to develop education programs, congregational ministries and policy /legislative advocacy.

The Welfare Reform Working Group is working with many groups in the state - the New Jersey Council of Churches, the Lutheran Office of Governmental Ministry, the Center for Non Profits and its Campaign for a Civil Society, the Coalition for Human Needs, STEPS (Solutions to End Poverty Soon), the New Jersey Coalition for Democracy, and more - which will prove invaluable in the development of these educational, service, programmatic and advocacy initiatives around the issue of human need.

The Welfare Reform Working Group of the local Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation committee (hereafter known as Visions for Justice and Creation) invites all interested persons to join the Working Group.

Resolution 15 was adopted as amended.

RESOLVED, that the 123rd Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of Newark affirms the foundational importance of Christian Education for the people and clergy of this diocese, acknowledges the importance of a resource library with staff support, and gives thanks for our bishops' continuing support of the Bishop Anand Resource Center; and, be it further

RESOLVED, that in keeping with its support of the Anand Resource Center this Convention requests that the Bishop appoint a committee to develop the MULTI MEDIA potential of the Center and thus help prepare it for the 21st Century. And be it further resolved, that part of this committee's work be to explore and develop plans for the expanded use of video technology and the use of the Internet.

- Original resolution submitted by the Christian Education Commission
- Amended text submitted by Susan Kynor, alternate vestry member of Christ Episcopal Church, East Orange, and the Rev. William A. Guthrie

SUPPORTING INFORMATION

The Bishop Anand Resource Center is currently without a director, and so the Christian Education Commission is affirming the significant ministry of the Center during this period of staff transition. This year is the 22nd anniversary of the death of The Rt. Rev. Kenneth Daniel Wilson Anand, Assistant Bishop of Newark, 1974-75, and the 22nd anniversary of the founding of the Bishop Anand Resource Center for Christian Education, located in the Newark diocesan offices. The Anand Center will soon move from 24 Rector Street to 31 Mulberry Street.

We live in an age of information. Every day new means of accessing information are developed, and existing technology is improved and made more consumer friendly. Access to the Internet is expanding daily, with more and more libraries offering access to their bowers. Also, you can now have access to this technology through your own television for under $350 plus an on line fee of $19.99 per month. At the same time more and more religious organizations and churches are opening web pages to share information.

The use of Video Tapes for learning and sharing information has become a part of modern life. Many of our parishes use tapes as part of their Christian Education Programs and many diocesan programs are either taped for future use or should be.

There is a tremendous potential for the use of Video Tapes and other media to help spread information in this diocese. Visiting Bishop's addresses could be taped and saved for future use or shared with those unable to attend in person. In the past the Diocesan Communications Committee developed materials including film strips to help share program materials throughout the diocese. The potential to do this for conferences, task force reports or special training events is enormous.

With the growing number of people using multi media equipment, and with the constant development of less expensive and more user friendly equipment, it should be easy to find people who will volunteer their time and expertise. Also, there is the potential to raise funds for equipment through fees for service.

Resolution 16 was adopted as amended.

RESOLVED, that this 123rd Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of Newark submit the following resolution to the 1997 General Convention:
RESOLVED, the House of ____________ concurring, that this 72nd General Convention affirm the following:

Whereas the Apostolic Proclamation affirms that the signs of divine grace at work in human life are "love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control" (Gal. 5:22-23); and,

Whereas we as Christians encounter these genuine signs of God's grace in lives of those who are members of other faiths and spiritual fellowships; be it

Resolved, that this 72nd General Convention

• confesses that we as Christians see the God's grace "through a glass darkly" rather than clearly and definitively,
• declares that we as Christians can set no limit or boundary -- doctrinal, ceremonial, or institutional -- on the reach of that saving grace, which may use any and all available means for "the salvation of all" (Titus 2:11, I Cor. 15:22, Rom. 11:32, Luke 18:3-10);
• rejoices in the signs of goodness and grace in the lives of those who follow goodness, truth, compassion and justice along sacred pathways other than our own,
• repents, in the name of Christ, of all past harm done to others in a spirit of exclusivism, threatening damnation to any outside the visible Church, demeaning the integrity of other faiths, ignoring the truths embodied in those traditions, and demonizing the work of grace among them because it is not called by names we recognize;
• encourages the proclamation of the Good News of the saving grace we know in Christ, without demeaning the work of that grace among others, trusting in the sovereign Spirit to "blow where it chooses" (John 3:8);
• awaits in God's good time a fuller disclosure of how it is that the grace manifested to us in Christ Jesus is the same grace at work in those who bear other names; and,
• calls for face-to-face dialogue and cooperation with those of other faith traditions about how that gracious Spirit is at work in all our lives.

and, be it further

RESOLVED by this 123rd Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of Newark that the 1996 Report of the Task Force on Christian Mission in an Interreligious World be forwarded to the Standing Commission on Ecumenical Relations as supporting material for this Resolution.

- Submitted by The Rev. Tracey Lind and the Rev. Robert Corin Morris, Co-chairs, Task Force on Christian Mission in an Interreligious World

Resolution 17 was adopted on the Consent Calendar.

RESOLVED, that this 123rd Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of Newark calls upon our primate to insist on a full and thorough review by officials of the Anglican Communion of proposals underway in the Diocese of Hong Kong to split itself into three dioceses and declare itself an independent province.

SUPPORTING INFORMATION

While the Diocese of Newark was a companion diocese to the Diocese of Hong Kong from 1986 to 1992, persons developed close relationships with one another. The Diocese of Newark continues to maintain a Diocesan Task Force on China/Hong Kong relations.

We are disturbed by several matters:

• There has been much secrecy regarding the proposed new province.
• The Diocese of Hong Kong did not even request that this proposal be on the agenda of the October 1996 meeting of the Anglican Consultative Council in Panama.
• Some of us feel that the Diocese of Hong Kong might present the structural proposals as a fait accompli without proper review by the Anglican Communion.
• There has not been open disclosure of the audit of the huge Bishops' Discretionary Fund in Hong Kong. We would like assurance that this money will remain in Hong Kong, under exclusive control of church membership, for the vital missions for which the money was originally donated.

With July 1, 1997 as the date on which China resumes sovereignty in Hong Kong, we think this matter of great urgency.

Resolution 18 was adopted on the Consent Calendar.

RESOLVED, that the Secretary of the 123rd Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of Newark be directed to submit the following resolution to the 1997 General Convention:
Resolved, the House of ____________ concurring, that this 72nd General Convention direct the Pension Fund to make available benefits comparable to those offered to clergy spouses to the life partners of gay and lesbian clergy under terms established by the diocese in which the clergy person is canonically resident unless the Pension Fund determines that such benefits would have significant negative impact on the continuing financial viability of the Pension Fund.
Explanation (to be attached to Resolution)

The Pension Fund has indicated its desire for guidance from General Convention before it extends benefits to life partners of lesbian and gay clergy. The Pension Fund, however, cannot transfer its fiduciary responsibility to General Convention. Thus this resolution is intended to give clear guidance without forcing the Fund to act if it decides, based on its expertise, that an extension of benefits to life partners of gay and lesbian clergy would have significant negative impact on the viability of the Pension Fund. While the Pension Fund has not already done a financial analysis, it seems pointless to wait for a report to General Convention 2000 since the fiduciary responsibility will even then remain with the Pension Fund.

The term life partner has never been defined by General Convention. Thus this resolution leaves that definition to individual diocese, and if a diocese chooses not to define the term for its clergy, their life partners would be ineligible to participate.

SUPPORTING INFORMATION

This resolution does not assure equal treatment throughout the Church, but it does permit our diocese and other progressive dioceses to extend family benefits to lesbian and gay clergy. It seems better to allow some clergy families to benefit in the near term rather than waiting until all dioceses have come to appreciate the contributions of our many gay and lesbian clergy. The Church Pension Fund has not conducted any studies of the financial impact of such an extension. This resolution, at the least, would force it to do so.

Resolution 19 was adopted on the Consent Calendar.

RESOLVED, that the following changes be made to the Diocese of Newark's Group Medical Insurance Plan effective February 1, 1997:
The plan shall become a contributory plan, that is all eligible participants will make a financial contribution to the plan. For 1997 the annual contribution will be $25, future adjustments to the contribution will be made by the Diocesan Council.

As a contributory plan, those eligible to participate may choose not to have the coverage if they have coverage elsewhere, through a family member, spouse or domestic partner. Those eligible to participate must pay the annual contribution regardless of whether they participate or not. The local church will be responsible for collecting the contribution from parochial clergy.

To opt out of the plan those eligible to participate must send written notice of their intention to the Diocesan Finance Office and indicate that certify annually they have adequate coverage elsewhere. Participants who opt out may re-enroll in the plan, but will be subject to establishing proof of insurability.

The decision on whether to stay in the diocesan plan or opt out can only be made by the clergy person and not the wardens and vestry or executive committee of any given church, parish, aided parish, incorporated mission or mission.

- Submitted by the Insurance Committee of the Diocesan Council

SUPPORTING INFORMATION

This change has been sought by a number of clergy for some time. The basic issue is that if the insured has coverage through a spouse, the insured in some case would like to drop the diocesan plan and save the cost to the church. Our carriers have indicated a willingness to provide this option. To do this we must make the plan contributory and those who opt out of the plan must understand that they will have to provide proof of insurability if they wish to return to the plan.

Making the plan contributory means that the insured pays a portion of the premium cost. This is the norm for almost every medical insurance plan. The lack of a centralized payroll is the primary reason that we have not moved in this direction. To accomplish this change the contribution can be minimal and a $25 annual contribution is proposed at this point. At the congregational level it would be the church's responsibility to collect this contribution. The diocese would bill the church for the full premium. For those who choose to opt our of the program, the diocese will bill the church for the annual contribution. It would still be the church's responsibility to collect it. This provision does not apply to parochial lay employees who have a separate contribution requirement.

There is no increase in the 1997 Aetna rates. The HMO rates will increase by 3-4%.

Resolution 20 was defeated.

RESOLVED, that the following change be made to the Diocese of Newark's Group Medical Insurance Plan effective February 1, 1997:
Under the plan, coverage will be offered to domestic partners and their children, at present such coverage will be available only from the Cigna HMO and the Rutgers/HIP HMO. To be eligible for domestic partnership coverage the following criteria must be met and confirmed through a notarized affidavit.

A domestic partner is defined as:

1. A person of the same sex who:
- shares a permanent residence with the insured;
- has resided with the insured for no less than one year;*
- is no less than 18 years of age;
- is financially interdependent with the insured and has proven such interdependence by providing documentation of at least two of the following arrangements: common ownership of real property or a common leasehold interest in such property; common ownership of a motor vehicle; a joint bank account or a joint credit account; designation as a beneficiary for life insurance or retirement benefits or under a partner's will; assignments of a durable power of attorney or health care power of attorney; or such other proof is considered by the insurance carriers to be sufficient to establish financial interdependency under the circumstances of a particular case;
- is not a blood relative any closer than would normally prohibit legal marriage; and - has signed jointly with the insured, a notarized affidavit in form and content satisfactory to the insurance company which can be made available to the insurance company on request.

Such coverage would apply as long as neither the insured or his or her domestic partner:

- has signed a Domestic Partnership affidavit or declaration with any other person within twelve months prior to designating each other as Domestic Partners under the Agreement;
- is currently legally married to another person;
- has any other Domestic Partner;
- has informed the diocese that the domestic partner relationship has ended, or ceased to meet the conditions above.

*This requirement applies to the Cigna plan, but not the Rutgers/HIP plan.

- Submitted by the Insurance Committee of Diocesan Council

SUPPORTING INFORMATION

This change would introduce some insurance options for the partners of gay and lesbian participants in our plans. Both HMOs have agreed to provide this coverage on the basis outlined in the resolution. The Aetna is not yet willing to provide this coverage. Our intention is to go out to bid in 1997 with this being one of the major issues in that process. We have indicated to the Aetna that this issue could cost them the relationship.

Resolution 21 was adopted as amended.

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