Resolution Number: 2003-C004
Title: Oppose Certain Therapies for Sexual Orientation
Legislative Action Taken: Concurred as Substituted and Amended
Final Text:

Resolved, That the 74th General Convention of The Episcopal Church affirm that sexuality is a gift of God and insists that any religious, spiritual, psychological, or psychiatric treatment which seeks to assist those who are confused about or unhappy with their sexual orientation not be coercive or manipulative; and be it further

Resolved, That this Church oppose any religious, spiritual, psychological, or psychiatric consulting or treatment which compromises our baptismal covenant to respect the dignity of every human being, affirming that medical treatment, psychological therapy, and pastoral counseling should conform to the professional standards of the respective professions.

Citation: General Convention, Journal of the General Convention of...The Episcopal Church, Minneapolis, 2003 (New York: General Convention, 2004), p. 261f.

Legislative History

Author: Diocese of California
Originating House: House of Deputies
Originating Committee: Committee on Social and Urban Affairs

House of Deputies

The House of Deputies Committee on Social and Urban Affairs presented its Report #18 on Resolution C004 (Reparative Therapies) and moved adoption of a substitute.

Original Text of Resolution:

(C004)

Resolved, the House of Bishops concurring, That the 74th General Convention affirm that this Church does not insist that gay and lesbian people are in need of therapy to change their sexual orientation, nor should the church inhibit or discourage those who are unhappy with or confused about their sexual orientation from seeking therapy and/or pastoral counseling they believe would be helpful; and be it further

Resolved, That this Church oppose any religious, spiritual, psychological, or psychiatric counseling or treatment founded on the premise that homosexuality is a mental, spiritual, religious, or ethical disorder, affirming that medical treatment, psychological therapy, and pastoral counseling should conform to professional standards.

Committee Substitute:

Resolved, the House of Bishops concurring, That the 74th General Convention of The Episcopal Church affirm that sexual orientation is a gift of God and insists that any religious, spiritual, psychological, or psychiatric treatment known as "reparative," "conversion," "transformational" or "transformative" therapy which seeks to assist those who are confused about or unhappy with their sexual orientation not be coercive or manipulative; and be it further

Resolved, That this Church oppose any religious, spiritual, psychological, or psychiatric consulting or treatment which compromises our baptismal covenant to respect the dignity of every human being, affirming that medical treatment, psychological therapy, and pastoral counseling should conform to the professional standards of the respective professions.

Deputy Randall of Western Massachusetts moved to amend the substitute resolution.

Proposed Amendment:

In the first resolve clause, delete "sexual orientation" and replace with "sexuality." Delete the words, "known as "reparative," "conversion," "transformational," or "transformative" therapy."

Motion carried

Amendment adopted

Deputy Simons of Pittsburgh moved to terminate debate.

Motion carried

Debate terminated

A vote was taken on substitute Resolution C004 as amended.

Motion carried

Substitute resolution adopted with amendment

(Communicated to the House of Bishops in HD Message #129)

House of Bishops

The House of Bishops Committee on Social and Urban Affairs presented its Report #10 on HD Message #129 on Resolution C004 (Reparative Therapies) and moved concurrence.

The Bishop of Minnesota moved to amend the title to delete "Reparative" to "Helpful Therapies for Change."

Motion defeated

Amendment defeated

A vote was taken on Resolution C004.

The House concurred

(Communicated to the House of Deputies in HB Message #200)

Resolution Concurred by Both Houses, August 7.

Abstract:   The 74th General Convention opposes certain therapies for sexual orientation.