Resolves of the Executive Council

Resolved, That the Executive Council of the Episcopal Church, USA, meeting in Salt Lake City, June 8-11, 2001, support our longstanding practice of receiving public funding for faith-based social service programs so long as such programs:

1. Do not require those seeking services to receive religious instruction, worship or proselytizing as part of receiving services;

2. Do not to discriminate against or give preference to any person applying for such services on the basis of religion, as well as race, national origin, sexual orientation, age, sex or disability;

3. Do not discriminate or give preference to any employee or applicant for employment in a on the basis religion, as well as race, national origin, sexual orientation, age, sex or disability; and

4. Meet professional standards of accounting and conduct consistent with programs similar in scope and nature; and be it further

Resolved, That the Church urge, if any of the above elements are not retained in law, that a secular or non-religiously-affiliated program be available in the same community; and be it further

Resolved, That the Church is encouraged by the increased focus by the government, the media, and public at large on assisting poor and disenfranchised people in this country and abroad, the recognition of the effectiveness of faith-based programs, and consideration of how to provide more effective and efficient social services; and be it further

Resolved, That the Church strongly support increased public funding for programs addressing critical human needs at the local, state, and federal level through both secular and faith-based providers, support proposals to use the tax code to create incentives for increasing charitable giving, and encourage Episcopalians to be active in supporting such proposals through advocacy; and be it further

Resolved, That the Church encourages the business community to create partnerships with faith-based organizations and parishes as a positive expression of the businesses support for communities across the country and abroad, and commend to corporations their social responsibilities; and be it further

Resolved, That governments be encouraged to improve their delivery of assistance to faith-based and community service providers, including timely payment for services rendered, simplified paperwork requirements, and appropriate technical assistance; and be it further

Resolved, That the Executive Council urge parishes, dioceses, and Episcopal-related service providers to consider carefully the ramifications of accepting public money and explore separate incorporation for the delivery of social services with public monies; and be it further

Resolved, That the Church staff disseminate widely to the Church information on current regulations on receiving public money for social services, aspects of the current debate of "Faith-based Initiatives" or "Charitable Choice," and guidance and technical assistance where appropriate to organizations within the Episcopal Church exploring the receipt of public money to offer or expand social services.