Explanation

The 80th General Convention of the Episcopal Church established a Task Force to Study Household and Relationship Diversity, asking the Task Force to make recommendations to the 82nd General Convention with resources for supporting all families and households in patterning themselves in accordance with the teachings of Christ as members of the household of God. This charge is based on the conviction of our Baptismal Covenant that Episcopalians and all Christians are “[received] into the household of God”(BCP 308) and that all are called to reflect that household in the patterning of our own families. Likewise, the Task Force’s mandate stems from our church’s call in the ordination vows of clergy to “pattern [their] life [and…household…] in accordance with the teachings of Christ so that [they] may be a wholesome example to all people” (BCP 544).

Canon I.17.5 directs that “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.” Additionally, Canon III.1.2 states “No person shall be denied access to the discernment process or to any process for the employment, licensing, calling, or deployment for any ministry, lay or ordained, in this Church because of race, color, ethnic origin, immigration status, national origin, sex, marital or family status (including pregnancy and child care plans), sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, disabilities or age, except as otherwise provided by these Canons. No right to employment, licensing, ordination, call, deployment, or election is hereby established.

In its work since the 80th General Convention, the Task Force has discovered that some clergy and laity have faced Title IV proceedings, pastoral directives, or other negative ecclesiastical consequences after disclosing their household or familial status. Resolution A144, also proposed to the 81st General Convention by the Task Force to Study Household and Relationship Diversity explicitly authorizes the Task Force to study the occurrence of similar situations and provide recommendations to the Episcopal Church.

This companion resolution asks disciplinary authorities to exercise pastoral compassion and discretion during this triennium in order for Episcopalians who may have been impacted to be able share their stories safely. This will allow the Task Force can properly study and make recommendations to ensure our continued commitment to equality and nondiscrimination throughout the Episcopal Church.