| Resolution Number: | 1979-B122 |
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| Title: | Request Dioceses to Establish Committees on Alcoholism |
| Legislative Action Taken: | Concurred |
| Final Text: | |
Resolved, That the 66th General Convention of the Episcopal Church request each Diocese of the Church to form a Committee on Alcoholism, working under the guidance of the Bishop and including in its membership representatives from the Clergy and Laity, and if possible, both recovering alcoholics and non-alcoholics. Each Diocesan committee hopefully would work in conjunction with local and regional health resources, councils on alcoholism and the fellowship of Alcoholics Anonymous to provide materials for education and training on the subject of alcoholism and alcohol abuse and its effect on the quality of life of human beings. Each Diocese is requested through its Committee on Alcoholism, to develop a written policy on alcoholism which will:
a. Address the issues of education, prevention, intervention and treatment;
b. Provide a written procedure for treatment of Clergy and Diocesan employees and members of their families who suffer from the illness of alcoholism;
c. Include in its policy a statement covering the use of alcoholic beverages at Church functions and/or on Church property, with particular emphasis on the provision of non-alcoholic choices;
d. Provide an employees policy statement which includes assurances of job security and insurance coverage for those completing a prescribed course of alcoholic treatment;
e. Provide help or encouragement for Clergy and Lay persons working with alcoholics and their families; and be it further
Resolved, That the Executive Council of the General Convention also comply with provisions b, c, and d, as they relate to the staff of the Executive Council of the General Convention.
| Citation: | General Convention, Journal of the General Convention of...The Episcopal Church, Denver, 1979 (New York: General Convention, 1980), p. C-114. |
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Legislative History
| Author: | |
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| Originating House: | House of Deputies |
| Originating Committee: | Committee on Social and Urban Affairs |
House of Deputies
On the third day, the Committee on Social and Urban Affairs presented its Report #4 on Resolution B-122 (Alcoholism).
The Committee recommended adoption of the Resolution, as follows:
Whereas, the illness of alcoholism is epidemic in our society and continues to wreak havoc on countless persons, including those close to an alcoholic; and
Whereas, the illness of alcoholism affects not only the physical and emotional components of human health and behavior, but also the spiritual health of the total person; and
Whereas, alcoholism is a serious and fatal disease if left untreated; it is also a treatable illness, with excellent prognosis for recovery; and
Whereas, previous General Conventions of the Episcopal Church have deemed the problem of alcoholism to be worthy of the Church's concern and action; and
Whereas, the work of the Committee on Alcoholism of the Diocese of Maryland has shown that the work of the Church can have a significant impact on the problem of alcoholism; be it therefore
Resolved, the House of Bishops concurring, That the 66th General Convention of the Episcopal Church request each Diocese of the Church to form a Committee on Alcoholism, working under the guidance of the Bishop and including in its membership representatives from the Clergy and Laity, and if possible, both recovering alcoholics and non-alcoholics. Each Diocesan committee hopefully would work in conjunction with local and regional health resources, councils on alcoholism and the fellowship of Alcoholics Anonymous to provide materials for education and training on the subject of alcoholism and alcohol abuse and its effect on the quality of life of human beings. Each Diocese is requested through its Committee on Alcoholism, to develop a written policy on alcoholism which will:
a. Address the issues of education, prevention, intervention and treatment;
b. Provide a written procedure for treatment of Clergy and Diocesan employees and members of their families who suffer from the illness of alcoholism;
c. Include in its policy a statement covering the use of alcoholic beverages at Church functions and/or on Church property, with particular emphasis on the provision of non-alcoholic choices;
d. Provide an employees policy statement which includes assurances of job security and insurance coverage for those completing a prescribed course of alcoholic treatment;
e. Provide help or encouragement for Clergy and Lay persons working with alcoholics and their families; and be it further
Resolved, the House of Bishops concurring, That the Executive Council of the General Convention also comply with provisions b, c, and d, as they relate to the staff of the Executive Council of the General Convention.
Resolution adopted
(Communicated to the House of Bishops in HD Message #16)
House of Bishops
HD Message #16 was received on the fourth day.
Bishop Gosnell moved that it be referred to the Committee on Social and Urban Affairs.
The motion was seconded by Bishop Quarterman.
Motion carried
Resolution referred to Legislative Committee
On the ninth day, The Bishop of New Hampshire, Member of the Committee on Social and Urban Affairs, moved concurrence with HD Message #16, Resolution B-122.
The motion was seconded by the Bishop of Hawaii.
The House concurred
(Communicated to the House of Deputies in HB Message #151)
| Abstract: | The 66th General Convention requests that each Diocese form a Committee on Alcoholism which would work in conjunction with other groups to provide educational materials on the subject of alcoholism, and to develop a written policy on alcoholism. |
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