D091 Defining Equal Place in the Life of the Church
Resolved, the House of Deputies concurring,
That the 80th General Convention of The Episcopal Church affirms that an "equal place" protects the rights of the laity to have equal voting representation on church-wide and diocesan bodies unless otherwise specified by the Constitution and Canons of the Episcopal Church; and be it further
Resolved, that dioceses shall ensure that the rights of the laity are affirmed and respected in all diocesan bodies; and be it further
Resolved, that dioceses shall ensure that all lay appointments and assignments (non-elected) to diocesan-wide bodies represent the diocese's racial and ethnic diversity; and be it further
Resolved, that dioceses shall promote the participation of underrepresented lay groups in elections to diocesan-wide bodies; and be it further
Resolved, that dioceses shall ensure that accommodations are granted on equal terms to lay and clerical members of diocesan-wide bodies; and be it further
Resolved, that church-wide bodies shall ensure that laity has an equal voice in church-wide leadership, except as otherwise specified by Canons; and be it further
Resolved, that dioceses shall be encouraged to ensure that diocesan-wide bodies ensure that equal voice is given to the laity, except as otherwise specified by Canons; and be it further
Resolved, that dioceses shall be encouraged to proactively address barriers or other inequalities that discourage or prevent lay participation in the diocesan-wide elections; and be it further
Resolved, that dioceses shall be encouraged to ensure that resources are granted on equal terms to lay and clerical members of diocesan-wide bodies.
Explanation
Whereas, Canon I.17.5 concerning the rights of the laity enumerates the rights of the laity as says: "No one shall be denied rights, status or access to an equal place in the life, worship, governance, or employment of this Church because of race, color, ethnic origin, national origin, marital or family status (including pregnancy or child care plans), sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, disabilities or age, except as otherwise specified by Canons."
Resolved, that an "equal place" protects the rights of the laity to have an equal voice at leadership gatherings and on church-wide and diocesan bodies where lay representation is included unless otherwise specified by church-wide Canons.