Full Legislative History
Resolution Number: 1979-B122
Title: Request Dioceses to Establish Committees on Alcoholism
Legislative Action Taken: Concurred
Final Text:

Resolved, That the 66th General Convention of the Episcopal Church request each Diocese of the Church to form a Committee on Alcoholism, working under the guidance of the Bishop and including in its membership representatives from the Clergy and Laity, and if possible, both recovering alcoholics and non-alcoholics. Each Diocesan committee hopefully would work in conjunction with local and regional health resources, councils on alcoholism and the fellowship of Alcoholics Anonymous to provide materials for education and training on the subject of alcoholism and alcohol abuse and its effect on the quality of life of human beings. Each Diocese is requested through its Committee on Alcoholism, to develop a written policy on alcoholism which will:

a. Address the issues of education, prevention, intervention and treatment;

b. Provide a written procedure for treatment of Clergy and Diocesan employees and members of their families who suffer from the illness of alcoholism;

c. Include in its policy a statement covering the use of alcoholic beverages at Church functions and/or on Church property, with particular emphasis on the provision of non-alcoholic choices;

d. Provide an employees policy statement which includes assurances of job security and insurance coverage for those completing a prescribed course of alcoholic treatment;

e. Provide help or encouragement for Clergy and Lay persons working with alcoholics and their families; and be it further

Resolved, That the Executive Council of the General Convention also comply with provisions b, c, and d, as they relate to the staff of the Executive Council of the General Convention.

Citation: General Convention, Journal of the General Convention of...The Episcopal Church, Denver, 1979 (New York: General Convention, 1980), p. C-114.