Resolution Number: 2009-A159
Title: Urge the Church to Address HIV/AIDS Prevention
Legislative Action Taken: Concurred as Amended
Final Text:

Resolved, That the 76th General Convention of The Episcopal Church notes with increasing concern the continued rise in numbers of HIV infections and sexually transmitted diseases; and be it further

Resolved, That the General Convention urges Episcopalians at all levels of the Church to engage in conversations with HIV/AIDS and sexually transmitted diseases service providers, local health departments and other public and private resources to urge them to address this issue in direct and substantive ways that include the following prevention activities: accurate and explicit prevention information that is sensitive and specific to issues of culture, ethnicity, sexual identity, sexual orientation and the use of IV drugs and recreational drugs; and be it further

Resolved, That in light of our Baptismal Covenant that calls us to respect the dignity of every human being, the 76th General Convention urges dioceses and congregations to provide full, complete and accurate information about HIV/AIDS and sexually transmitted disease prevention to all, and especially to young people, that they may make informed choices about this aspect of their lives.

Citation: General Convention, Journal of the General Convention of...The Episcopal Church, Anaheim, 2009 (New York: General Convention, 2009), p. 537.

Legislative History

Author: The Executive Council: Committee on HIV/AIDS
Originating House: House of Bishops
Originating Committee: Committee on Social and Urban Affairs

House of Bishops

The House of Bishops Committee on Social and Urban Affairs presented its Report #7 on Resolution A159 (Address the Issue of AIDS) and moved adoption with amendment.

Original Text of Resolution:

(A159)

Resolved, the House of Deputies concurring, That the 76th General Convention of The Episcopal Church notes with increasing concern the continued rise in numbers of HIV infections; and be it further

Resolved, That the General Convention urges Episcopalians at all levels of the Church to engage in conversations with HIV/AIDS service providers, local health departments and other public and private resources to urge them to address this issue in direct and substantive ways that include the following prevention activities: accurate and explicit prevention information that is sensitive and specific to issues of culture, ethnicity, sexual identity, sexual orientation and the use of IV drugs and recreational drugs; and be it further

Resolved, That the vow of our Baptismal Covenant to respect the dignity of every human being makes us responsible for providing full, complete and accurate information about HIV/AIDS prevention to all, but especially to our young people that they may make informed choices about this aspect of their health.

Committee Amendment:

Resolved, the House of Deputies concurring, That the 76th General Convention of The Episcopal Church notes with increasing concern the continued rise in numbers of HIV infections and sexually transmitted diseases; and be it further

Resolved, That the General Convention urges Episcopalians at all levels of the Church to engage in conversations with HIV/AIDS and sexually transmitted diseases service providers, local health departments and other public and private resources to urge them to address this issue in direct and substantive ways that include the following prevention activities: accurate and explicit prevention information that is sensitive and specific to issues of culture, ethnicity, sexual identity, sexual orientation and the use of IV drugs and recreational drugs; and be it further

Resolved, That the vow of our Baptismal Covenant to respect the dignity of every human being makes us responsible for providing full, complete and accurate information about HIV/AIDS prevention to all, but especially to our young people that they may make informed choices about this aspect of their health.

Resolved, That in light of our Baptismal Covenant that calls us to respect the dignity of every human being, the 76th General Convention urges dioceses and congregations to provide full, complete and accurate information about HIV/AIDS and sexually transmitted disease prevention to all, and especially to young people, that they may make informed choices about this aspect of their lives.

Motion carried

Resolution adopted with amendment

(Communicated to the House of Deputies in HB Message #46)

House of Deputies

The House of Deputies Committee on Social and Urban Affairs presented its Report #15 on Resolution A159 (Address the Issue of AIDS) and moved concurrence.

The House concurred

(Communicated to the House of Bishops in HD Message #118)

Resolution Concurred by Both Houses, July 13.

Report Reference:   Executive Council: Committee on HIV/AIDS, Reports to the 76th General Convention, 2009, pp. 682-687.
Abstract:   The 76th General Convention urges Episcopalians to address the rise in HIV infections and sexually transmitted diseases; and asks dioceses and congregations to provide full information about HIV/AIDS and disease prevention.