D072 Resolution on Gender and Sexuality Training
Resolved, the House of Bishops concurring,
That the 80th General Convention address the urgent need for gender and sexuality training in our church on all levels; and be it further
Resolved, That the 80th General Convention authorize the use of, and adopt as an official training resource, the Safe Zone Project no-cost 2-hour foundational curriculum; and be it further
Resolved, That The Episcopal Church will provide virtual training for at least one representative from each of the Dioceses in the adopted program to train-the-trainers on a diocesan level; and be it further
Resolved, each participating Diocese will oversee and document the training of all clergy, Bishops, ordinands, and lay leaders and will issue certificates to participants who successfully complete this training, with training to begin by the 81st General Convention; and be it further
Resolved, that the reporting of gender and sexuality training by participating dioceses to The Episcopal Church be included on the Diocesan Parochial Report as is the practice for other trainings such as Safe Church and Anti-Racism; and be it further
Resolved, that the 80th General Convention request that the Joint Standing Committee on Program, Budget, and Finance consider a budget allocation of $35,000 to fund the virtual training of the diocesan trainers.
Explanation
The Episcopal Church (TEC) has recognized the critical need for training for its members in Safe Church and Anti-Racism practices to address protecting those who gather in our midst as well as to promote equality. This training has made a difference in our culture and our actions. These programs were mandated and developed intentionally. There is a critical need for raising gender and sexuality training to the same level of accountability. The Safe Zone Project is a free non-denominational resource that offers a curriculum that provides ‘opportunities to learn about gender and sexuality, and examine prejudice, assumptions, and privilege associated with sexual identities’ (from Safe Zone Project). The Safe Zone curriculum was originally created in 2013 and receives regular updates. The purpose of this training is to ultimately make our churches and institutions ‘safe zones’ for all people and help our constituents to be comfortable with all who come to us and know how to be genuinely inclusive.