A127 (Establish a Working Group to Update Biographies in Lesser Feasts and Fasts)
House of Bishops Message #197
The House of Bishops informs the House of Deputies that on Jun 27, 2024 it considered resolution A127 (Establish a Working Group to Update Biographies in Lesser Feasts and Fasts). The house acted to:
Adopt with Amendment
Resolved, the House of Deputies concurring,
That the 81st General Convention authorize the creation of a small diverse working group of not more than nine members including at least three church historians to review the biographies in Lesser Feasts and Fasts, taking note of changes in scholarship that have occurred since many of the biographies were first approved, and make any appropriate revisions, to be appointed by the chair of the Standing Commission on Liturgy and Music; and be it further
Resolved, That the working group also examine any role that figures commemorated on the calendar might have had in issues oppressive systems contrary to our Baptismal Covenant including (but not limited to) the slave trade, indigenous boarding schools, and segregation, and recommend ways to appropriately address any concerns that are identified; and be it further
Resolved, That the working group report through the Standing Commission on Liturgy and Music, and be given up to two triennia to fully complete its work; and be it further
Resolved that the General Convention request the Executive Council Budget Committee to allocate $30,000 for this work during this triennium.