The Acts of Convention

House of Deputies

Original Text of Resolution:

(A071)

Whereas, an urgent need has been expressed by educators for a clearer sense of direction based on common principles and guidelines for educational ministry in the Episcopal Church; and

Whereas, an equally urgent plea was made that recognition be given to local congregations to express and build on their diversity in size, needs, culture, language, liturgical practice, resources, and ethnic and racial heritage; and

Whereas, clergy and laity engaged in educational ministry require resources that will assist them in meeting the specific educational needs of Episcopal communicants of all ages; and

Whereas, a wide variety of curricula and other resources have been produced by other churches, by Episcopal dioceses, congregations, seminaries, ethnic communities, and private groups and individuals; and

Whereas, this diversity of available resources reflects and, in a sense, responds to the diversity among Episcopal congregations; therefore be it

Resolved, the House of Bishops concurring, That the Education for Mission and Ministry Unit assume responsibility for overseeing the preparation of a manual (possibly entitled Called to Teach and Learn in the Episcopal Church) that will have the purpose of lifting up a vision of Christian education in Episcopal congregations consonant with the vision and goals statement of the task force and, also, provide clear, practical guidelines for planning and implementing Christian education in different contexts; set forth norms for the selection and production of curriculum and other resources; describe specific teaching and learning needs and characteristics for all age groups; identify specifically Anglican theological, liturgical, and historical content for study; and outline alternative models for teacher training; and be it further

Resolved, That the Education for Mission and Ministry Unit develop guidelines and norms as well as the other planning necessary to produce the manual in collaboration with the appropriate inter-unit working groups at the Episcopal Church Center, in order to draw on the insights and experience of both leaders and local practitioners from all racial, ethnic, and cultural communities, and from the widest possible range of program concerns of the people of the Church; and be it further

Resolved, That the Education for Mission and Ministry Unit develop and implement a plan to familiarize the leaders of congregations throughout the Church with the manual and to assist them in using it as a foundation for the renewal of their educational ministries; and be it further

Resolved, That the Episcopal Church, through its educational leaders, recognize and affirm the production of curriculum materials and supplementary resources by dioceses, congregations, seminaries, ethnic communities, and private groups and individuals; and that the Education for Mission and Ministry Unit disseminate among these groups the norms for Episcopal curriculum, offer individual consultation or workshops to provide technical assistance and training for curriculum writers affiliated with the groups listed above or at the grassroots level; and be it further

Resolved, That the Education for Mission and Ministry and the communication units oversee the development of a continuing program for the production of videotaped material and for its distribution to congregations in both English and Spanish versions, such material to include a training series for volunteer teachers; a "video resource" to share current news and information regarding programs and resources used in Episcopal congregations; a series on how to assess program needs, and to design, implement, and evaluate programs; and such other units and series as may be required in the future.

The Committee on Dispatch of Business presented its Report #20 and moved that special rules for debate on A071 be established.

Motion carried

Special Order adopted

The President requested that debate be permitted for six minutes before an amendment is offered.

The Committee on Dispatch of Business agreed to suspend the rules for this to happen.

Deputy McCarty of Florida moved an amendment to A071:

Proposed Amendment:

Add an additional Resolved to read as follows:

Resolved, That beyond all of the good work set in motion in the above Resolveds, the Education for Mission and Ministry office be directed to proceed with the preliminary steps necessary to develop an official Church School curriculum as soon as possible and report its progress to the Executive Council and to the 70th General Convention.

The question on the amendment was called.

Motion carried

Debate terminated

A vote was taken on the amendment.

Motion defeated

Amendment defeated

A vote was taken on A071.

Motion carried

Resolution adopted

(Communicated to the House of Bishops in HD Message #134)