Resolution Number: 1976-A069
Title: Recognize the Equal Claims of Homosexuals
Legislative Action Taken: Concurred
Final Text:

Resolved, That it is the sense of this General Convention that homosexual persons are children of God who have a full and equal claim with all other persons upon the love, acceptance, and pastoral concern and care of the Church.

Citation: General Convention, Journal of the General Convention of...The Episcopal Church, Minneapolis 1976 (New York: General Convention, 1977), p. C-109.

Legislative History

Author: The Joint Commission on the Church in Human Affairs
Originating House: House of Deputies
Originating Committee: Committee on Social and Urban Affairs

House of Deputies

On the Third Day, Deputy Paul Roca (Arizona), Chairman of the Committee on Social and Urban Affairs, presented Report #3 of the Committee on Resolution A-69 regarding homosexuals as children of God and moved its adoption as follows:

Original Text of Resolution:

(A069)

Resolved, the House of Bishops concurring, that it is the sense of this General Convention that homosexual persons are children of God who have a full and equal claim with all other persons upon the love, acceptance, and pastoral concern and care of the Church.

Deputy Grubbs (Rio Grande) moved to amend by striking the word "homosexual" and adding the word all.

There was considerable discussion.

The previous question was called for.

Motion carried

Amendment defeated

Deputy Philipson moved to add the word "forgiveness" after "acceptance."

Deputy Urion moved the previous question.

Motion carried

Amendment defeated

The previous question was called for on the main motion.

Resolution adopted

(Communicated to the House of Bishops in HD Message #20)

House of Bishops

On the Tenth Day, the Bishop Suffragan of Chicago, Chairman of the Committee on Social and Urban Affairs, moved concurrence with House of Deputies Message #20 (A-69--Homosexuals--Children of God)

The motion was seconded by the Chairman of Dispatch of Business.

The House concurred

(Communicated to the House of Deputies in HB Message #187)

Report Reference:   Joint Commission on the Church in Human Affairs, Reports to the 65th General Convention, 1976, pp. AA-151-AA-158.
Abstract:   The 65th General Convention recognizes that homosexual persons are children of God who have an equal claim upon the love, acceptance, and pastoral care of the Church.