Resolution Number: 1997-A094
Title: Urge Church Bodies to Discontinue Unjust Employment Practices
Legislative Action Taken: Concurred as Substituted
Final Text:

Resolved, That the 72nd General Convention urge all dioceses, congregations, and Episcopal institutions to discontinue the practice of involuntary termination of employment for no cause, including the practice of requiring pro forma resignations of employees upon the change of bishops or clergy in charge; and be it further

Resolved, That dioceses, congregations, and Episcopal institutions be encouraged to develop plans for reviews that will help all parties involved make decisions concerning issues of employment, including termination of employment, which are just and that respect the dignity of all parties involved.

Citation: General Convention, Journal of the General Convention of...The Episcopal Church, Philadelphia, 1997 (New York: General Convention, 1998), p. 783.

Legislative History

Author: The Executive Council: Council for the Development of Ministry
Originating House: House of Bishops
Originating Committee: Committee on Ministry

House of Bishops

Original Text of Resolution:

(A094)

Resolved, the House of Deputies concurring, That the Episcopal Church confirm the Statement on Pro Forma Resignations (or other involuntary resignations without cause) as the practice within the Episcopal Church.

STATEMENT ON PRO FORMA RESIGNATIONS

During the course of a lay professional's ministry in any given faith community, s/he will welcome the opportunity to contribute to a true partnership in ministry with other leaders, both lay and ordained. The lay professional will honor his/her baptismal vows to "strive for justice and peace among all people and respect the dignity of every human being" and can expect to be respected in return. When it has been determined though mutual ministry review that a partnership is not possible, it is expected that the lay professional will be treated with dignity, and that his/her work will be honored so that leave taking will be fair.

Proposed Committee Substitute:

Resolved, the House of Deputies concurring, That the 72nd General Convention urge all dioceses, congregations, and Episcopal institutions to discontinue the practice of involuntary termination of employment for no cause, including the practice of requiring pro forma resignations of employees upon the change of bishops or clergy in charge; and be it further

Resolved, That dioceses, congregations, and Episcopal institutions be encouraged to develop plans for reviews that will help all parties involved make decisions concerning issues of employment, including termination of employment, which are just and that respect the dignity of all parties involved.

Motion carried

Substitute resolution adopted

(Communicated to the House of Deputies in HB Message #212)

House of Deputies

The Committee on Ministry presented its Report #31 on HB Message #212 on Resolution A094s (Pro Forma Resignations), moved the resolution, and recommended concurrence.

Motion carried

The House concurred

(Communicated to the House of Bishops in HD Message #321)

Resolution Concurred by Both Houses, July 25.

Report Reference:   Council for the Development of Ministry, Reports to the 72nd General Convention, 1997, pp. 308-334.
Abstract:   The 72nd General Convention urges church bodies to discontinue unjust employment practices.