* FINAL VERSION - Concurred

Resolution A039

Title:   Reconciliation Training

Topic:   Reconciliation

Committee:   Education

House of Initial Action:   Bishops

Proposer:   Domestic Mission and Evangelism

Resolved, That the 75th General Convention direct the Office of Ministry Development to identify and evaluate curricular materials for  formal  faith-based reconciliation training appropriate for all ages, and to promote the use of these materials in congregations, dioceses, provinces, the House of Bishops, and Executive Council; and be it further
Resolved, That the General Convention urge the House of Bishops to participate in formal reconciliation training during the next triennium in order to prepare all bishops to carry the skills and tools of faith-based reconciliation home to their dioceses; and be it further
Resolved, That the Standing Commission on Domestic Mission and Evangelism report on the participation in faith-based reconciliation training by congregations, dioceses, provinces, the House of Bishops, and Executive Council to the 76th General Convention.


EXPLANATION

The Episcopal Church-indeed, the Anglican Communion- is currently racked with conflict for lack of commitment to reconciliation and the skills to engage in it. This is not the first time conflict has threatened to divide the church, nor will it be the last. The heat of the current conflict, however, highlights the need to meet the pastoral challenge posed by these conflicts. The Church's leaders must place a strong priority on promoting reconciliation skills.
The proposed resolution is offered in furtherance of the mission of the Church: "to restore all people to unity with God and each other in Christ" and the mandate of the Standing Commission on Domestic Mission and Evangelism to develop and recommend to General Convention policies and strategies for implementing that mission.



* The final language, as well as the final status of each resolution, is being reviewed by the General Convention office. The Journal of the 75th General Convention and the Constitution and Canons will be published once the review process has been completed.