The Acts of Convention

House of Deputies

The House of Deputies Committee to Receive the Report of Resolution A169 presented its Report #21 on Resolution A016 (Trial Use of Creation Care Language in the Baptismal Covenant) and moved to refer the resolution to the Task Force on Liturgy and Prayer Book Revision.

Original Text of Resolution:

(A016)

Resolved, the House of Bishops concurring, That the 79th General Convention, hearing the baptismal prayer asking for the newly baptized to be granted “the gift of joy and wonder in all your works,” authorize the trial use of additions to the Baptismal Covenant concerning our responsibility as baptized Christians to care for God’s creation; and be it further

Resolved, That there be two (2) options for this addition;

First, an additional question may be added with the wording:
“Will you cherish the wondrous works of God, and protect and restore the beauty and integrity of all creation?

People: I will, with God’s help.”

Second, that the question:

“Will you strive for justice and peace among all people, and respect the dignity every human being?” may be augmented as “Will you strive for justice and peace among all people, and respect the dignity of the Earth and every human being?”;

And be it further

Resolved, That use of this additional wording be authorized for trial use as part of the Baptismal Covenant for the triennium following the 79th General Convention, beginning on the first Sunday of Advent 2018; and be it further

Resolved, That the Standing Commission on Liturgy and Music accept comments and suggestions on the trial baptismal covenant language at the 80th General Convention and, as appropriate, consider for future inclusion in the revised Prayer Book.

Motion carried

Resolution referred

(Communicated to the House of Bishops in HD Message #457)