The Acts of Convention

House of Deputies

Original Text of Resolution:

(C021)

Resolved, the House of Bishops concurring, That the ECUSA agree to, and support, the following definition/description of the term "Sexual Equality as Understood by the Church":

• All human beings are made in the image of God, and each person has, therefore, intrinsic value as a whole person with authority and capability to be a free, loving, creative, reasonable, responsible, decision-making, moral being, and as a creature made in God's image, one person's innate sense of self-worth may not be impugned by another.
• In the sacrament of Holy Matrimony partners confirm their equality by making important decisions mutually after free and unfettered discussion, and each is responsible in the home, on an equal basis, for the vocation of child care and nurture.
• Every mature person is free to answer a call from God to work outside the home, in and for the wider community, and wages or profits earned, and property acquired, by either one of a married couple, shall be stewarded jointly;

and be it further

Resolved, That every child shall be nurtured and educated to expect to become a free, mature, responsible, and self-respecting adult as defined above; and be it further

Resolved, That every member of the Church is eligible to seek and hold ecclesiastical office in accordance with canonical and diocesan requirements.

The House of Deputies Social and Urban Affairs presented its Report #4 on Resolution C021 (Sexual Equality as Understood by the Church) and moved to refer the resolution to the Standing Committee on the Status of Women together with a minority report of Deputy Mayo of Fort Worth which recommends rejection.

Motion carried

Resolution referred to a Standing Committee

(Communicated to the House of Bishops in HD Message #61)