A036 Amend Canons to Use Approved Common Terminology to Describe Anti-Racism Work

Resolved, the House of ________________ concurring,

That the 81st General Convention of The Episcopal Church (“TEC”) acknowledge the expansion of its focus beyond anti-racism to racial reconciliation as confirmed in resolution 2018 B004 Urge Common Terminology to Describe Anti-Racism Work; and be it further

Resolved, That Canon Title III.6.5.g.4 be amended to read as follows and voted on at the 81st General Convention:

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Canon III.6.5.g.4

4. the Church’s teaching on dismantling racism and achieving racial justice and healing;

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Canon III.6.5.g.4

4. the Church’s teaching on racism dismantling racism and achieving racial justice and healing;

 

And be it further 

Resolved, That Canon III.7.11.a.2 be amended to read as follows and voted on at the 81st General Convention:

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III.7.11.a.2

2. Evidence of appropriate background checks, certifications and proof of completion of applicable trainings including abuse prevention and dismantling racism and achieving racial justice and healing trainings;

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III.7.11.a.2

2. Evidence of appropriate background checks, certifications and proof of completion of applicable trainings including abuse prevention and anti-racism dismantling racism and achieving racial justice and healing trainings;

 

And be it further

Resolved, That Canon III.8.5.h.4 be amended to read as follows and voted on at the 81st General Convention:

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Canon III.8.5.h.4

4.the Church’s teaching on dismantling racism and achieving racial justice and healing;

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Canon III.8.5.h.4

4.the Church’s teaching on racism dismantling racism and achieving racial justice and healing;

 

And be it further

Resolved, That Canon III.9.13.a.2 be amended to read as follows and voted on at the 81st General Convention:

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Canon III.9.13.a.2

2. Evidence of appropriate background checks, certifications and proof of completion of applicable trainings including abuse prevention and dismantling racism and achieving racial justice and healing trainings;

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Canon III.9.13.a.2

2. Evidence of appropriate background checks, certifications and proof of completion of applicable trainings including abuse prevention and anti-racism dismantling racism and achieving racial justice and healing trainings;

 

And be it further

Resolved, That Canon III.10.1.c.4 be amended to read as follows and voted on at the 81st General Convention:

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Canon III.10.1.c.4

4.training regarding the Church’s teaching on dismantling racism and achieving racial justice and healing;

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Canon III.10.1.c.4

4.training regarding the Church’s teaching on racism dismantling racism and achieving racial justice and healing;

 

And be it further

Resolved, That Canon III.12.8.a.2 be amended to read as follows and voted on at the 81st General Convention:

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Canon III.12.8.a.2

2. Evidence of appropriate background checks, certifications and proof of completion of applicable trainings including abuse prevention and dismantling racism and achieving racial justice and healing trainings;

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Canon III.12.8.a.2

2. Evidence of appropriate background checks, certifications and proof of completion of applicable trainings including abuse prevention and anti-racism dismantling racism and achieving racial justice and healing trainings;

Explanation

In 2018, the Episcopal Church made a significant shift in its language and approach to address issues of racial justice and equality. This change involved moving from the use of the term "anti-racism" to the term “dismantling racism and achieving racial justice and healing” as outlined in resolution 2018 B004 Urge Common Terminology to Describe Anti-Racism passed at the General Convention of the Episcopal Church and the Episcopate of Bishop Michael Curry. This shift reflects a nuanced evolution in the understanding of addressing racial inequalities and promoting inclusivity within the context of the church and society as a whole. Our Canons need to reflect this change as a way to make it widely known that the Church is committed to living into this broader work.

Resolution 2018-B004 recognizes that the term "anti-racism" has been widely used to describe efforts aimed at dismantling systemic racism and prejudice. However, it was recognized that the term could sometimes carry connotations of opposition or confrontation, which might not fully capture the holistic and transformative nature of the work needed to address racial disparities.

The adoption of the term “dismantling racism and achieving racial justice and healing” signifies a broader and more encompassing approach to addressing racial issues. “Dismantling racism and achieving racial justice and healing” implies not just combating racism, but actively working towards healing, understanding, and creating a sense of unity among diverse communities. This approach acknowledges the painful history of racial oppression and seeks to engage in a process of acknowledgment, repentance, forgiveness, and healing.

The shift to the term “dismantling racism and achieving racial justice and healing” also aligns with the Episcopal Church's understanding of its mission and values. The church sees itself as a community of faith that is called to promote justice, compassion, and reconciliation in the world. By using the term "reconciliation," the church underscores its commitment to fostering mutual understanding, dialogue, and collaboration among individuals and communities that have been historically divided by racial disparities.

Resolution 2018-B004 signifies the Episcopal Church's desire to move beyond surface-level activism and confront the deeper roots of racial injustice. The adoption of the term “dismantling racism and achieving racial justice and healing” highlights the church's dedication to addressing historical injustices, promoting healing, and building relationships of trust and respect among all its members. It is worth noting that this change in terminology does not negate the importance of actively opposing racism. Instead, it emphasizes that the work of addressing racial disparities involves more than just opposing racism; it entails fostering genuine relationships, acknowledging shared humanity, and seeking common ground for the sake of a more just and inclusive society.