[et_pb_section fb_built=\u00bb1″ admin_label=\u00bbHeader\u00bb _builder_version=\u00bb4.16″ custom_padding=\u00bb||1px|||\u00bb custom_width_px__hover=\u00bb1080px\u00bb custom_width_px__hover_enabled=\u00bb1080px\u00bb custom_width_percent__hover=\u00bb80%\u00bb custom_width_percent__hover_enabled=\u00bb80%\u00bb global_colors_info=\u00bb{}\u00bb make_fullwidth__hover=\u00bboff\u00bb make_fullwidth__hover_enabled=\u00bboff\u00bb use_custom_width__hover=\u00bboff\u00bb use_custom_width__hover_enabled=\u00bboff\u00bb width_unit__hover=\u00bbon\u00bb width_unit__hover_enabled=\u00bbon\u00bb][et_pb_row _builder_version=\u00bb4.16″ use_custom_width=\u00bbon\u00bb custom_width_px=\u00bb1280px\u00bb custom_width_px__hover=\u00bb1080px\u00bb custom_width_px__hover_enabled=\u00bb1080px\u00bb custom_width_percent__hover=\u00bb80%\u00bb custom_width_percent__hover_enabled=\u00bb80%\u00bb global_colors_info=\u00bb{}\u00bb make_fullwidth__hover=\u00bboff\u00bb make_fullwidth__hover_enabled=\u00bboff\u00bb use_custom_width__hover=\u00bboff\u00bb use_custom_width__hover_enabled=\u00bboff\u00bb width_unit__hover=\u00bbon\u00bb width_unit__hover_enabled=\u00bbon\u00bb][et_pb_column type=\u00bb4_4″ _builder_version=\u00bb4.16″ global_colors_info=\u00bb{}\u00bb padding_tablet=\u00bb30px||10px\u00bb padding_last_edited=\u00bbon|tablet\u00bb padding_phone=\u00bb30px||10px\u00bb][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u00bb4.21.0″ _module_preset=\u00bbdefault\u00bb header_font=\u00bbVidaloka||||||||\u00bb header_text_align=\u00bbcenter\u00bb header_font_size=\u00bb60px\u00bb header_line_height=\u00bb1.15em\u00bb global_colors_info=\u00bb{}\u00bb]<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=\u00bb1″ admin_label=\u00bbContent\u00bb module_id=\u00bbcontent\u00bb _builder_version=\u00bb4.16″ min_height=\u00bb2285px\u00bb custom_padding=\u00bb4px||13px|||\u00bb custom_width_px__hover=\u00bb1080px\u00bb custom_width_px__hover_enabled=\u00bb1080px\u00bb custom_width_percent__hover=\u00bb80%\u00bb custom_width_percent__hover_enabled=\u00bb80%\u00bb global_colors_info=\u00bb{}\u00bb make_fullwidth__hover=\u00bboff\u00bb make_fullwidth__hover_enabled=\u00bboff\u00bb use_custom_width__hover=\u00bboff\u00bb use_custom_width__hover_enabled=\u00bboff\u00bb width_unit__hover=\u00bbon\u00bb width_unit__hover_enabled=\u00bbon\u00bb][et_pb_row _builder_version=\u00bb4.17.6″ _module_preset=\u00bbdefault\u00bb global_colors_info=\u00bb{}\u00bb][et_pb_column type=\u00bb4_4″ _builder_version=\u00bb4.17.6″ _module_preset=\u00bbdefault\u00bb global_colors_info=\u00bb{}\u00bb][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u00bb4.23″ _module_preset=\u00bbdefault\u00bb text_font_size=\u00bb18px\u00bb text_line_height=\u00bb1.8em\u00bb header_4_font_size=\u00bb20px\u00bb custom_padding=\u00bb0px|||||\u00bb text_font_size_tablet=\u00bb18px\u00bb text_font_size_phone=\u00bb13px\u00bb text_font_size_last_edited=\u00bbon|phone\u00bb global_colors_info=\u00bb{}\u00bb]<\/p>\n
Last Update: <\/strong>November 15, 2023<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=\u00bb4.16″ use_custom_width=\u00bbon\u00bb custom_width_px=\u00bb1280px\u00bb custom_width_px__hover=\u00bb1080px\u00bb custom_width_px__hover_enabled=\u00bb1080px\u00bb custom_width_percent__hover=\u00bb80%\u00bb custom_width_percent__hover_enabled=\u00bb80%\u00bb global_colors_info=\u00bb{}\u00bb use_custom_width__hover=\u00bboff\u00bb use_custom_width__hover_enabled=\u00bboff\u00bb width_unit__hover=\u00bbon\u00bb width_unit__hover_enabled=\u00bbon\u00bb make_fullwidth__hover=\u00bboff\u00bb make_fullwidth__hover_enabled=\u00bboff\u00bb][et_pb_column type=\u00bb4_4″ _builder_version=\u00bb4.16″ custom_padding=\u00bb|||\u00bb global_colors_info=\u00bb{}\u00bb custom_padding__hover=\u00bb|||\u00bb][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u00bb4.21.0″ _module_preset=\u00bb7262e956-c376-4aa6-9642-c413f71527d0″ text_font_size=\u00bb18px\u00bb text_line_height=\u00bb1.8em\u00bb header_4_font_size=\u00bb20px\u00bb custom_margin=\u00bb-1px|||||\u00bb text_font_size_tablet=\u00bb\u00bb text_font_size_phone=\u00bb13px\u00bb text_font_size_last_edited=\u00bbon|phone\u00bb header_font_size_tablet=\u00bb55px\u00bb header_font_size_last_edited=\u00bboff|desktop\u00bb global_colors_info=\u00bb{}\u00bb]<\/p>\n This resolution passed the 174th Convention with amendment. The final version of the resolution incorporating the amendment is below.<\/p>\n \n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u00bb4.21.0″ _module_preset=\u00bb7262e956-c376-4aa6-9642-c413f71527d0″ text_font_size=\u00bb18px\u00bb text_line_height=\u00bb1.8em\u00bb header_4_font_size=\u00bb20px\u00bb custom_margin=\u00bb-1px|||||\u00bb text_font_size_tablet=\u00bb\u00bb text_font_size_phone=\u00bb13px\u00bb text_font_size_last_edited=\u00bbon|phone\u00bb header_font_size_tablet=\u00bb55px\u00bb header_font_size_last_edited=\u00bboff|desktop\u00bb global_colors_info=\u00bb{}\u00bb]<\/p>\n Resolved<\/i><\/b>, That the 174th\u00a0Convention\u00a0of the Episcopal Diocese of California submits\u00a0the following resolution to the\u00a081st General Convention of The Episcopal Church:<\/p>\n Resolved, <\/i>the House of ______ concurring, That The Episcopal Church affirm its commitment to prison ministries consistent with the current theological and spiritual values of The Episcopal Church and provide all of God\u2019s children with opportunities to minister to and with this marginalized and oppressed population, in accordance with the following principles and policies:<\/p>\n \u2022 The Episcopal Church supports inter- and multifaith ministries that contribute to our mission to follow Jesus, loving our neighbors as ourselves (Matthew 22:36-40) and demonstrating particular care for those who are marginalized and oppressed (Matthew 25:31-46);<\/p>\n \u2022 Episcopalians find common cause and minister with organizations and individuals with whom we have theological differences, without proselytizing or demanding that our ministry partners adhere to the tenets we espouse;<\/p>\n \u2022 The over one million incarcerated individuals in this country are among the most marginalized and oppressed members of our society;<\/p>\n \u2022 Episcopalians faithfully engage in ministry with incarcerated individuals, seeking to provide support, encouragement, and hope to these persons;<\/p>\n \u2022 Among the many members of the incarcerated population as well as those who minister to and with them, are individuals who are LGBTQIA+, a community that also experiences marginalization in this country;<\/p>\n \u2022 Following the Way of Jesus, Episcopalians minister to and with all God\u2019s children, with special focus on the support and liberation of those who are oppressed;<\/p>\n \u2022 Our canons prohibit the denial of access to any ministry of this Church \u201cbecause of race, color, ethnic origin, national origin, sex, marital or family status (including pregnancy and child care plans), sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, disabilities or age\u201d (Canon III.1.2);<\/p>\n and be it further<\/i><\/p>\n Resolved,<\/span><\/i> that Episcopalians may not be forced to overtly or tacitly endorse theological statements or practices that conflict with our stated policies and beliefs in order to participate in shared prison ministry programs;\u00a0and be it further<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n <\/i><\/p>\n Resolved,<\/i> That this Convention urge any prison ministry program in which members of The Episcopal Church volunteer hold policies consistent with our spiritual teachings and stated policies, asking such programs to change their policies if they conflict with our nondiscrimination canons;\u00a0and be it further<\/i><\/p>\n Resolved<\/i>, That if such ministries refuse to change such policies, that this Convention encourage dioceses to develop and share programs for their members to minister with incarcerated individuals, thos [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u00bb4.21.0″ _module_preset=\u00bb7262e956-c376-4aa6-9642-c413f71527d0″ text_font_size=\u00bb18px\u00bb text_line_height=\u00bb1.8em\u00bb header_4_font_size=\u00bb20px\u00bb custom_margin=\u00bb-1px|||||\u00bb text_font_size_tablet=\u00bb\u00bb text_font_size_phone=\u00bb13px\u00bb text_font_size_last_edited=\u00bbon|phone\u00bb header_font_size_tablet=\u00bb55px\u00bb header_font_size_last_edited=\u00bboff|desktop\u00bb global_colors_info=\u00bb{}\u00bb]<\/p>\n Explanation: Members of The Episcopal Church have long-supported Prison Ministry, and many Episcopalians have faithfully ministered to incarcerated individuals under the auspices of Kairos Prison Ministries International, Inc. over its 48-year history without awareness of conflicts that have developed between its ethics policies and The Episcopal Church\u2019s nondiscrimination canons. Multiple Episcopal dioceses have congregations listing Kairos as one of their ministries. In addition, Episcopal congregations have also offered meeting spaces to Kairos, whose representatives have signed agreements with these congregations without disclosing these discriminatory ethics policies. The Episcopal Church previously provided Kairos Prison Ministries International as a resource for Episcopalians seeking opportunities to minister to incarcerated individuals, including the National Cathedral.<\/span><\/p>\n In August of 2023, it came to our attention that the Code of Conduct developed by Kairos International, which describes itself as \u201ca lay-led, interdenominational Christian ministry in which men and women volunteers bring Christ\u2019s love and forgiveness to prisoners and their families,\u201d espouses an anti-LGBTQIA+ stance. Specifically, it precludes transgender individuals from this ministry, as evidenced in the following passage from the code: \u201cKairos uses sex assigned at birth for volunteers and for Kairos Outside Guests. Kairos believes in the Bible as God\u2019s authoritative and inspired Word for our faith and our lives as set forth in the Statement of Faith. Scripture is the authoritative and inspired Word upon which decisions are made. (\u2018But at the beginning of creation God made them male and female.\u2019)\u201d In addition, the ethics code of Kairos clearly espouses a view of marriage as occurring only between men and women and describes our LGBTQIA+ siblings as sinful, declaring that they \u201cdo not condone any volunteer or staff to openly represent their sins and behaviors to others as appropriate.\u00a0 (\u2018You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness\u2019 (Ephesians 4:22-24).\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n This Kairos policy is incompatible with the non-discrimination canons of The Episcopal Church (Canon III.1.2). It also violates our baptismal vows \u201cto seek and serve Christ in all persons\u201d and to \u201dstrive for justice and peace among all people and respect the dignity of every human being\u201d as well as the mission of the Church as described in our catechism: \u201cto restore all people to unity with God and each other in Christ\u201d (<\/span>The Book of Common Prayer<\/span><\/i>, p. 855). Scripture reminds us that \u201cThere is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus\u201d (Galatians 3:28) and that we are to \u201clove one another as I have loved you. No one has greater love than this, to lay down one\u2019s life for one\u2019s friends.\u201d (John 15:12-13). Jesus asks us to do as he did and \u201cBring good news to the poor\u2026 to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set free those who are oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord\u2019s favor.\u201d (Luke 4:18-19).<\/span><\/p>\n Prison ministry and supporting the ministry of our LGBTQI+ siblings are both consistent with Jesus\u2019 command and the church\u2019s commitment to bring help and hope to those who are particularly marginalized and oppressed in our society. It is, therefore, appropriate to seek opportunities to minister to individuals who are members of both of these marginalized groups, many of whom suffer from heinous treatment at the hands of the criminal justice system. The exclusion of LGBTQI+ individuals from participating in a ministry that describes a desire \u201cto share the transforming love and forgiveness of Jesus Christ to impact the hearts and lives of incarcerated men, women and youth, as well as their families, to become loving and productive citizens of their communities,\u201d is contradictory.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n The leadership of The Diocese of California is committed to participating in prison ministry that is respectful and loving to both marginalized groups of people, developing new and more just ministries as necessary so that we may conduct ourselves as members of God\u2019s household, \u201cwhich is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth\u201d (1 Timothy 3:15).<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=\u00bb4.17.6″ _module_preset=\u00bbdefault\u00bb global_colors_info=\u00bb{}\u00bb][et_pb_column type=\u00bb4_4″ _builder_version=\u00bb4.17.6″ _module_preset=\u00bbdefault\u00bb global_colors_info=\u00bb{}\u00bb][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u00bb4.21.0″ _module_preset=\u00bbdefault\u00bb text_font_size=\u00bb18px\u00bb text_line_height=\u00bb1.8em\u00bb link_font=\u00bb||||on||||\u00bb link_text_color=\u00bb#407EC9″ header_4_font_size=\u00bb20px\u00bb text_font_size_tablet=\u00bb18px\u00bb text_font_size_phone=\u00bb13px\u00bb text_font_size_last_edited=\u00bbon|phone\u00bb global_colors_info=\u00bb{}\u00bb]<\/p>\nStatus<\/strong><\/em><\/h4>\n
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