Breaking news! The latest resolutions!

A few days ago, I had blogged all 291 resolutions for the 81st General Convention of the Episcopal Church. But your intrepid Resolutionpalooza writer has been keeping an eye on the virtual binder, and there are now 356 (!) resolutions. Fear not, Seven whole days is on the case. Resolutionpalooza will not be defeated!

Most of the new resolutions are courtesy resolutions, in which the House of Deputies or House of Bishops — or sometimes both bishops and deputies — commend or give thanks to someone or something. On principle, I vote against all these, not because I’m ungrateful, but because I think we could offer our thanks differently. The president could simply read the names and we could applaud. We could consolidate them into one resolution. Or something. The presiding officers could send a note on impressive letterhead. But expressing thanks this way, one resolution at a time, takes time that we could use for conversation on super important things. However, if you are inclined to vote yes for all these, I totally understand and I…um, give thanks to you and the General Convention for making space for gratitude, a rare commodity in our world today.

Anyway, I’m not blogging these courtesy resolutions individually, because I’m kinda busy being a deputy here at General Convention. These are surely all folks who are worthy of thanks, even if I don’t happen to think it should come in resolution form.

There are also several important resolutions, especially the ones related to Article X of the constitution. So pay attention to those, since you’ve already found your way here.

Now that we have passed the second legislative day, we should be done getting new resolutions, unless one of the houses agrees to suspend the rules to accept them. (I think! Someone correct me if I’m wrong about this.)

On to the new resolutions, all 65 of them.

Other (Non-Courtesy) Resolutions

A223 Create Alternative Working Group to Review Canons and Implement Changes Related to Revised Article X of the Constitution. Full text. Likely vote: YES.

As I wrote before, our current liturgical situation is a hot mess. It’s not clear what is authorized, how it is authorized, and what constitutes the core body of liturgical material to which clergy are accountable in their vows to be loyal to the doctrine, discipline, and worship of the church. There are other resolutions before the convention to improve the situation (notably A072 and B008). This resolution would create a working group to devise a durable, long-term cleanup of our mess. It gets the right people together to sort all this out and make recommendations to the next General Convention.

 

A224 Repeal of Article X with clarifying amendments (post 2024-A072). Full text. Likely vote: YES.

Buckle up. This one could be confusing, but it’s good. Article X of the constitution of the Episcopal Church governs the Book of Common Prayer and other matters central to our common liturgical life. For years, I wrote that we needed to amend Article X because it didn’t cover our current practice. For example, there was no real constitutional/canonical cover for core resources such as the Book of Occasional Services or Lesser Feasts & Fasts, let alone Enriching Our Worship. In 2022, in a hasty attempt to get this sorted out, General Convention approved a first reading of a constitutional amendment to try to ameliorate the situation. While clever and well-intentioned, the amendment solved some problems while creating others through unintended ambiguity. We don’t want ambiguity in our constitution.

It takes two successive General Conventions to amend our constitution. At this General Convention, we are set to approve a second reading of the proposed amendment (A072). As I write this, the bishops have adopted it, and it will come to the House of Deputies soon. It will almost surely pass. Then our situation is that we will have given cover to our wide array of liturgical material now in use, but at the cost of some ambiguity.

This resolution proposes clarifying amendments to our newly modified constitution. It would be a first reading, so it would need to be passed again at the next General Convention. Meanwhile, if A223 passes, a group of people will be digging into all this with the leisure of a triennium to make sure we’re doing good here. If they decide this amendment is a problem, we simply choose not to pass this a second time.

I believe this amendment clarifies many ambiguities of the soon-to-be-amended constitution. While I still have some concerns, it’s several steps in the right direction. I will be voting yes to this first reading of a fresh amendment to sort things out, and I will also be voting yes to the working group to take the necessary time to make order out of chaos.

None of this is surprising, and everyone involved means well. In our post-christendom, increasingly pluralistic world, we’ve had a proliferation of liturgical forms. Balancing diversity of context with the practice of “common prayer” is no mean feat! I’m confident that we’ll get it right eventually, through hard work and — I pray fervently — the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

 

B009 Observing the 1700th anniversary of the First Council of Nicaea 325 CE. Full text. Likely vote: NO.

Next year is the 1700th anniversary of the adoption of the predecessor of the Nicene Creed we say every Sunday and major feast when we celebrate Holy Eucharist. This resolution says we like the creed and will continue to use it. These things are true whether or not the General Convention says it, so let’s save our time. The resolution also encourages the Episcopal Church to be involved in ecumenical celebrations of the Nicene Creed’s anniversary, but, again, we can do that without passing a resolution. Let’s be clear: I am super grateful for the Nicene Creed, and I believe every word of it. But we don’t need to pass resolutions to commend all the things we do or love.

 

B010 Direct Executive Council to Create a task force to revise the disciplinary process of Title IV. Full text. Likely vote: YES, if amended.

The clergy (and potentially, if we create one, lay) discipline process is a bit of a mess. There are a number of resolutions to correct canonical errors and inconsistencies, and I will be voting yes on all those. But at some point, we need to take a holistic look at the whole of Title IV (the section of the canons that contain the disciplinary canons). This resolution creates a group to do this work.

One little note: triennia means multiple three-year periods. One of these is a triennium. I usually let little grammar notes slide, but I wanted to take this chance to remind everyone of the correct way to use a Latin word commonly used amongst General Convention geeks.

Unrelated, there is no longer a PB&F committee, so the resolution as written is out of order. There are a couple of other technical fixes necessary to make this resolution workable and in order. Resolution writers do well to consult an experienced resolution wonk when drafting. This will save problems and complications in the legislative process.

 

D075 The Immediate Release of Ms. Layan Nasir, 24 from Administrative Detention in Israel. Full text. Likely vote: NO.

I have written extensively about the oddity of our seemingly disproportionate attention to Israel. This is, I think, the 18th resolution on Israel I have blogged at this convention. So far, there’s just one on Ukraine. This continues a long-standing focus on Israel’s sins above all others.

This resolution condemns the imprisonment of Layan Nasir and urges her release. It also empowers the Office of Government Relations to advocate on her behalf. I certainly hope and pray that she is released soon. I question the efficacy of resolutions like this. And I wonder why we are not also calling for the release of hostages taken by Hamas and so on. Our one-sided approach is not ideal.

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem and all the Holy Land — Israel and Palestine. Pray for reconciliation among Jews, Christians, and Muslims. I encourage you to pray for peace with justice, and work for the same.

 

D076 Supporting Reparative Investment Vehicles. Full text. Likely vote: NO.

We will be considering other resolutions that encourage ethical investing of various kinds. This resolution makes a specific recommendation of an investment vehicle. I just don’t think 1,000 bishop and deputies are equipped to make specific investment decisions. We are better served by focusing on principles, and we have other resolutions that accomplish this.

 

D077 Celebrating and Continuing the Work and Witness of the Church of the Advocate, Site of the Ordination of the Philadelphia Eleven. Full text. Likely vote: NO.

The Church of the Advocate has no doubt offered an inspiring witness to its neighborhood, city, and the whole church. It was the site of the first ordinations of women in the Episcopal about 50 years ago. However, this resolution simply laments, recognizes, and exhorts. We need to focus our time on resolutions that call us to specific and measurable actions. And we can focus our prayers (and our financial gifts!) on the work of Church of the Advocate.

 

D078 Combating Anti-Muslim Bias. Full text. Likely vote: NO.

Christian anti-Muslim bias and action is sadly common. It is a sin of which we must repent. This resolution calls us to do better. It refers to some work coming out of the Standing Commission on Ecumenical and Interreligious Relations. And that brings me to the reason I will not vote yes on this one. Resolution A040 has a very specific resource to share — practices and guidance on how to love our Muslim neighbors.

 

D079 Nominations for President and Vice President of the House of Deputies. Full text. Likely vote: YES.

Right now, any individual Deputy can, upon successful competition of a background check, become a candidate for president or vice-present of the House of Deputies. This resolution would direct the Standing Commission on Structure, Governance, Constitution, and Canons to look into this and recommend possible canonical changes to develop a more formal process for nomination so that it becomes an act of individual and potentially group discernment. I see no harm in looking at possibilities.

 

D080 Direct Executive Council to Create Committee on Disability and Deaf Inclusion. Full text. Likely vote: NO.

This resolution would direct Executive Council to create a committee. First of all, I am not sure that the General Convention can licitly direct Executive Council this way. Second, even if this is possible, the Executive Council is perfectly capable of making its own committees.

 

D081 Childcare at General Convention. Full text. Likely vote: YES.

If we want younger deputies and bishops to be able to serve at General Convention, we need to provide childcare, and that childcare needs to be funded in the General Convention budget. (And dioceses should fund family travel when needed to include those with younger children!) This resolution seeks to do this.

 

X004 Appointments to the Board for Transition Ministry. Full text. Likely vote: YES.

This simply approves the appointment of four people to the transition ministry board.

 

X005 Confirmation of Election to Executive Council (Bishops). Full text. Likely vote: YES.

This simply confirms the election of two bishops to the Executive Council.

 

X006 Confirmation of Election to the General Board of Examining Chaplains (Lay). Full text. Likely vote: YES.

This simply confirms the election of three laypeople to the General Board of Examining Chaplains.

 

X007 Confirmation of Election to the General Board of Examining Chaplains (Clergy). Full text. Likely vote: YES.

This simply confirms the election of three clergy to the General Board of Examining Chaplains.

 

X008 Confirmation of Election to the General Board of Examining Chaplains (Faculty). Full text. Likely vote: YES.

This simply confirms the election of three seminary faculty members to the General Board of Examining Chaplains.

 

X009 Confirmation of Election to the General Board of Examining Chaplains (Bishops). Full text. Likely vote: YES.

This simply confirms the election of two bishops to the General Board of Examining Chaplains.

 

Courtesy Resolutions

Some of these have already been acted on. Some are in the House of Bishops where I do not have a vote. And the rest are not the usual YES/NO dichotomy for me. I vote NO on principle, but I totally get why folks might vote YES. So for all these, I’m using a new category: MOOT.

A168 Celebrate the Juncture of the Episcopal Dioceses of Eastern Michigan and Western Michigan. Full text. Likely vote: MOOT.

A169 Celebrate the reunification of the Dioceses of Wisconsin. Full text. Likely vote: MOOT.

A170 Greetings to Bonnie Anderson. Full text. Likely vote: MOOT.

A171 Greetings to The Rev. Gay Clark Jennings. Full text. Likely vote: MOOT.

A172 Express Appreciation for the Official Youth Presence. Full text. Likely vote: MOOT.

A173 Express Gratitude for The Rev. Edward W. Rodman. Full text. Likely vote: MOOT.

A174 Commemorate Diocesan Anniversaries. Full text. Likely vote: MOOT.

A175 Express Appreciation for the ECW. Full text. Likely vote: MOOT.

A176 Commend the Rev. Rachel Taber-Hamilton. Full text. Likely vote: MOOT.

A177 Express Gratitude for the GCO Staff and Executive Officers of the General Convention. Full text. Likely vote: MOOT.

A178 Express Gratitude for the United Thank Offering. Full text. Likely vote: MOOT.

A179 Express Gratitude for Krisita Jackson. Full text. Likely vote: MOOT.

A180 Express gratitude for the life and ministry of the Very Rev. George L.W. Werner. Full text. Likely vote: MOOT.

A181 Express Gratitude to Candidates in the House of Deputies Presidential Election. Full text. Likely vote: MOOT.

A182 Express Gratitude to Candidates in Presiding Bishop’s Election. Full text. Likely vote: MOOT.

A183 Give Thanks to the Diocese of Kentucky. Full text. Likely vote: MOOT.

A184 Express Gratitude to the City and People of Louisville. Full text. Likely vote: MOOT.

A185 Gratitude for Language Services at General Convention. Full text. Likely vote: MOOT.

A186 Give Thanks to Convention Staff and Hospitality Ministers. Full text. Likely vote: MOOT.

A187 Express gratitude for the ministries of the Episcopal Camps and Conference Centers. Full text. Likely vote: MOOT.

A188 Celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the Philadelphia Eleven. Full text. Likely vote: MOOT.

A189 Honoring 85 Years of the Ministry of Episcopal Relief and Development. Full text. Likely vote: MOOT.

A190 Extend Gratitude to the House of Deputies’ Chaplain. Full text. Likely vote: MOOT.

A191 Express Gratitude for the General Convention Children’s Program. Full text. Likely vote: MOOT.

A192 Express Gratitude for Ecumenical Guests. Full text. Likely vote: MOOT.

A193 Express Gratitude to the Nomination Committee for Presiding Bishop. Full text. Likely vote: MOOT.

A194 Express Thanks to the Parliamentarian of the House of Deputies. Full text. Likely vote: MOOT.

A195 The Archbishop of Canterbury and Mrs. Welby. Full text. Likely vote: MOOT.

A196 The Diocese of Kentucky. Full text. Likely vote: MOOT.

A197 The Dean of Christ Church Cathedral, Louisville. Full text. Likely vote: MOOT.

A198 The City and People of Louisville. Full text. Likely vote: MOOT.

A199 The Right Reverend Anthony Poggo and the ACO. Full text. Likely vote: MOOT.

A200 The Most Reverend Ian Earnest and the Anglican Centre in Rome. Full text. Likely vote: MOOT.

A201 The Archbishop of Utrecht and the Old Catholic Church. Full text. Likely vote: MOOT.

A202 The Metropolitan of the Malankara Mar Thoma Church and the MTC. Full text. Likely vote: MOOT.

A203 The Right Reverend Dr Abraham Mar Paulos Episcopa. Full text. Likely vote: MOOT.

A204 The Leadership of the Moravian Church USA, Northern and Southern Provinces. Full text. Likely vote: MOOT.

A205 The General Secretary of the World Council of Churches. Full text. Likely vote: MOOT.

A206 The General Secretary of the National Council of Churches. Full text. Likely vote: MOOT.

A207 The President of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops and Episcopal-Roman Catholic Dialogue. Full text. Likely vote: MOOT.

A208 The Chairman of the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of the United States of America. Full text. Likely vote: MOOT.

A209 Archbishop Elpidophoros and the 47th Biennial Clergy-Laity Congress June 30-July 4, 2024. Full text. Likely vote: MOOT.

A210 The Delegates of the Standing Conference of Oriental Orthodox Churches in America. Full text. Likely vote: MOOT.

A211 The Armenian Apostolic Church Eastern Diocese. Full text. Likely vote: MOOT.

A212 The 26th Presiding Bishop and Dr. Richard Schori. Full text. Likely vote: MOOT.

A213 The Right Reverend Frank Tracy Griswold III, 25th Presiding Bishop. Full text. Likely vote: MOOT.

A214 Mrs. Patti Browning. Full text. Likely vote: MOOT.

A215 The Anglican Archbishop in Jerusalem and Mrs. Rafa Nauom. Full text. Likely vote: MOOT.

A216 The Patriarchs and Heads of Local Churches of the Holy Land. Full text. Likely vote: MOOT.

A217 The General Convention Secretariat, the Presiding Bishop’s Staff, Legislative Leadership, and Support Leaders. Full text. Likely vote: MOOT.

A218 The Chancellor to the Presiding Bishop. Full text. Likely vote: MOOT.

A219 The Chaplains to the House of Bishops. Full text. Likely vote: MOOT.

A220 The Interpreters. Full text. Likely vote: MOOT.

A221 The Leadership of the Bishops’ Spouses and Partners Community. Full text. Likely vote: MOOT.

A222 The Prime Bishop of the Philippine Independent Church and the IFI. Full text. Likely vote: MOOT.

A225 Express Gratitude to Steve Hutchinson. Full text. Likely vote: MOOT.