Being "Out" Brings Hope to Others

by Mary O'Shaughnessy

Integrity Metro NYC Convener and Volunteer at General Convention

Years ago, I was working in a large corporate office in New York, and had amassed the usual collection of work acquaintances with whom I was on good terms. I was as out about being an Episcopalian as I was about being a lesbian, and so people had a very good idea of who I was.

One day, I got a call from a Jewish coworker. She said, “I know you are Christian and gay and are okay with both of those things. Would you talk to someone who isn’t?”

That is not a question that admits of a “no” from any self-respecting follower of Jesus.

A few days later, I found myself sitting in a booth in a coffee shop with an older woman who had been raised Roman Catholic, just at the transition of Vatican II. She pulled out a crumpled, highlighted copy of Genesis, and began to tell me about her search. She told me she’d been raised on the Baltimore Catechism, and had recently tried to read the Bible starting at Genesis. She started to cry, and said, “I don’t like this God, and He hates me anyway. What can I do? Am I really going to hell?”

While she talked, I listened carefully and thought of Jesus’ warning to “suffer the little children…” I was terrified that if I said the wrong thing, I would destroy the last of this woman’s hope. I have never prayed harder in my life.

When she fell silent, I said, “What you have been exposed to is extremely incomplete. What you have is a black-and-white photo still from a five-hour color movie of God’s work in the world—and you are part of that movie and that work.” I talked a little about how the Bible as we have it is structured, and about how the Baltimore Catechism was in no way a complete representation of a thousand years of theological inquiry and study. I told her about how welcome I was in my Episcopal parish and about the Episcopal Church’s commitment to scripture, faith and reason. I gave her the names of a few parishes I knew about in her area, and sent her off with my best wishes and prayers.

Six months later, I got a phone call. She had joined a nearby Episcopal parish and was in the process of studying for reception. It was a happy phone call. 

I never heard from her again. That is as it should be; she has gone on (I hope) in her life of faith, and I was a one-time agent of the Holy Spirit.

The Episcopal Church’s continuing inclusion of LGBT people makes evangelistic moments like this possible. Who else will we bring into this household of faith with this inclusive stance?

Moreover — how do you cooperate with the Holy Spirit in making known the work of God in the world? Are you “out” as an Episcopalian in your workplace?

Fulfill our Baptismal Promise: Dump DOMA

The following testimony was given by a member of Integrity's volunteer team, during a committee hearing on a resolution calling on Congress to repeal the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA).

My name is Jonathan York, from the Diocese of North Carolina – here with the Young Adult Festival at General Convention. I am a sophomore at Duke University, and as an out and proud gay man who would one day like to get married, I rise to speak in favor of this resolution.

Jonathan York testifies on DOMA repeal

Presently, the federal government only recognizes marriage between one man and one woman. Because of DOMA, when I get married, though my marriage may be considered perfectly legal by my state, in the eyes of the federal government my husband and I will be treated as total strangers – and over 1100 federal benefits and privileges will be withheld from us. The federal government is openly practicing a system of discrimination in which same-gender couples are treated as second-class citizens,

This Church, as the Body of Christ, has a duty to oppose any system such as DOMA which does not seek and serve the image of Christ in all people. Bishop Gene Robinson once said, “God is calling on you to change a system that tells people they are not worthy of God’s love.” I believe that God is still calling on the Church to stand up for all those who are oppressed - after all, if the Body of Christ is silent in the face of oppression, who can we expect to speak up? So, I ask that this General Convention fulfill our baptismal promise to protect the dignity of every human being, and call for the United States government to change this system of discrimination under the law.

Presbyterian Vote Falls Short After Promising Progress

In a close vote on an issue that has long divided mainline Protestant churches, the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) voted on Friday against changing the definition of marriage in its constitution from a union between “a man and a woman” to a union between “two people.” Earlier this week, Integrity USA's sister organization, More Light Presbyterians, reported that their work had borne fruit in a first-time committee passage of this change in definition.

"We were pleased on Tuesday to learn of the progress toward marriage equality that was happening with our Presbyterian brothers and sisters, and join them today in their sadness to learn that their hopes weren't realized just yet," said Integrity USA's VP for National Affairs, the Rev. Jon M. Richardson.  "At Integrity USA we know the long and sometimes painful journey that it can be toward realizing the full and equal claim that we are promised at baptism.

"In the Episcopal Church we have been on this journey for more than 35 years; we have learned and come to believe that the arc of history is long, but that it bends toward justice.  While the disappointment that our colleagues at More Light Presbyterians face is all too familiar, we pledge to redouble our efforts at the 77th General Convention of the Episcopal Church to make marriage equality a reality."

I'm a General Convention "Newbie"

by Marcia Ledford
Integrity Volunteer at GC12

I’ve heard about General Convention for two decades now and have always wanted to attend one. So, here I am. Admittedly, I’m a political animal where issues of racism, sexism and of LGBT people are concerned. I’ve worn many hats, including civil rights attorney and documentary photographer for the University of Michigan’s Affirmative Action Cases before the U. S. Supreme Court.

I’m a seminarian now, having finally answered the Holy Spirit’s call to the priesthood that call has been there since I was a teenager. But as a lesbian, there was no room for me at the Baptist Inn. My partner and I chose The Episcopal Church (TEC) in 1988. We celebrated our 10th anniversary with a 1992 Life Covenant ceremony in the Diocese of Michigan. We could not have a blessing in the Name of the Trinity, so we wrote our ceremony following the marriage rite in the Book of Common Prayer without that blessing. Guess what--we were blessed by the Holy Spirit anyway. That was a time of great turmoil. We had protesters yelling the “God made Adam and Eve not Adam and Steve” mantra.  Our priest received death threats if he carried out the ceremony. We had bodyguards. The Associated Press ran stories.

Marcia Ledford and Bishop Robinson

Ours and ceremonies like ours have sprung up all over the country and have led to this historic moment. TEC hopefully will formally authorize liturgical rites for same-sex couples to make vows to God and each other before a loving company of witnesses. I love the Episcopal Church’s theology, liturgy, music, and ancient roots, but mostly its courage to behave like “all means all.” It talks the talk, but more importantly is walking the walk with integrity. Views have softened. Good people have stayed in the church and experienced a change of heart. It takes time for this kind of systemic change.

As a matter of fact, LGBT veterans of previous GC’s tell me that this one is different. The emotional pulse is steady. The ethos of past conventions has been described as a white-knuckle roller coaster ride over sexuality-related issues. Many think the reason is that the most ardent critics of LGBT inclusion and women’s ordination left the church. We must focus on those who have persevered and the wonderful people who are coming to the church because of its unique and bold steps toward an inclusive Body of Christ.

If you do the math, Linda and I celebrate 30 years this year.

We must live and love free or die, regardless of our sexuality and gender identity. Living in the closet suffocates. I know. I tried it, but not for long. Like Lazarus, I had to be unbound, set free, from the tomb that enveloped me. This is a basic human need: freedom. Our Creator did not intend for us to be boxed up —- just take a look at creation for confirmation! Best part of the day? I got to hug Bishop Gene Robinson, thank him, and get my picture taken with him. Wow!

Thank God for Transgender Friends

by The Rev. Dr. Caroline J.A. Hall

President of Integrity USA

Vivian Taylor

What a wonderful day. TransEpiscopal fielded a strong team to argue for a resolution which would ban discrimination against transpeople in the ordination process, and a second which would ban discrimination against trans lay people. This was heard in the Ministry committee, whose members listened with attention to the moving and succinct testimony.

Talking of her contribution to the church as an ordained deacon, Rev. Vicki Gray asked the committee to remember that transpeople are flesh and blood, not just an abstract idea. Viv Taylor, our very own videographer (pictured), talked about her experience of returning from Iraq and finding a home in the Episcopal Church only to lose it again when she realized that as a transwoman she would not be considered for ordination in her diocese.

Deacon Carolyn Woodall reminded the committee that transgender people are often the victims of violence and are usually overlooked or excluded but that they are still real people. Several young deputies spoke about their own experience of oppression but their understanding that in comparison with transgender people that they are privileged. Two bishops stepped up to the plate too – our thanks go to Tom Shaw and Chet Talton.

Bishop Tom Shaw

There wasn’t enough time for everyone to speak who wanted to support the resolutions, but there was only one person who spoke in opposition. She said that God doesn’t make mistakes; which suggests that God made a mistake in the birth sex of transgender people which they later had to correct. I think it’s more likely that God intended to make me lesbian with all the difficulties that made for me, and also to make my friends transgender with all the difficulties that creates for them.

Certainly the committee was convinced, and both resolutions were sent on to the House of Bishops. Please join us in praying that the Bishops will accept these two important resolutions which together send the strongest message possible that The Episcopal Church welcomes transgender people.

I thank God for all our transgender sisters and brothers and their witness to God’s incredible love!

Presbyterian Church USA Moves Toward Marriage Equality

Tuesday night, the Presbyterian Church (USA) took a step toward marriage equality.  During their General Assembly, the Civil Union and Marriage Committee passed an overture (resolution) to amend a part of their Book of Order to change the definition of marriage from a "man and a woman" to "two persons."  The committee also passed legislation calling on the PCUSA to study the meaning of Christian marriage.

"Integrity USA rejoices with our partners in the equality movement from More Light Presbyterians as they celebrate this historic achievement in the life of their communion," said the Rev. Jon M. Richardson, Integrity's VP for National Affairs.  "We call on the 77th General Convention of The Episcopal Church meeting now in Indianapolis to join this growing ecumenical movement and to pass all resolutions that will move us forward in realizing full marriage equality in the church.  The Episcopal Church has been on record since 1976 as supporting our full and equal claim in the life of the church, and it is now the time to move that resolution into reality."

Please join Integrity as we celebrate this vote, and pray for both our national meetings, so that marriage equality becomes more fully realized for us all.

Marriage Equality: A Key to Evangelism

by Mary O'Shaughnessey

Integrity / NYC Metro Convener and General Convention Volunteer

Resolution C105: “Marriage Equality”  

“Resolved, the House of _______ concurring, That the 77th General Convention revise the Constitution and Canons of The Episcopal Church with regard to marriage, to reflect the fact that some jurisdictions provide by law, or will provide by law, civil marriage or civil unions for same-gender couples."

(Resolutions are numbered with a letter prefix that indicates where the resolution came from. "C" means that it is a resolution proposed by a diocese; in this case, the diocese of Maryland.)

I testified in order to support the passage of this resolution, and explained that if the Episcopal Church does do this, it goes out as a message to LGBT people looking for a church that will bless their lifelong, monogamous, committed relationships.

Here’s what happened to enable me to make that statement:

As soon as same-gender marriages became legal in New York State, Integrity/NYC-Metro got an email from the middle of Texas. A young man wrote pleading for help in finding a church someplace in New York that would accept him and his fiancé, and a priest who would perform a wedding. I pointed out that the Episcopal Church does require pre-marital counseling, and that at least one of the couple must be a baptized Christian. He readily assented to the counseling requirement, and told me that both parties were baptized but not yet Episcopalian. So, after some asking around, I found a priest who agreed to conduct the counseling sessions via Skype.

Several months later, I was pleased to attend their service. They saved every penny possible to finance the flight and several-day stay in Long Island; the Eucharist was simple and beautiful.

After returning to Texas, they found a friendly Episcopal church and were received into our communion. They are still enthusiastic in telling their story of how they were helped by the Episcopal Church to pursue their vocation of marriage.

This couple is now growing in faith and love for each other and for God, and they were drawn to the Episcopal Church by a simple welcome.

Still at the Starting Block, I’m Told

by The Rev. Dr. Caroline J.A. Hall
Integrity President

Tomorrow is officially the first day of General Convention, but there was plenty going on today. I testified in two committees – this morning on the inequalities of the immigration system,  and this afternoon supporting a study of marriage. The Communications team shot footage for the IntegriTV series – watch for the first episode due tomorrow night – and interviewed a variety of people, attended hearings and took photos (check the photo gallery on Facebook). The Nerve Center team made signs and answered questions while the legislative team followed three legislative committees and the booth team talked to lots of people and invited them to our July 4 movie night.

What a wonderful evening it was! About 125 people crowded into our meeting room to watch Out of the Box and Love Free or Die. As I’m sure you all know by now, Out of the Box is a moving and fascinating look at what it means to be transgender, and particularly, transgender people of faith. Most of the participants were there tonight, as were Bishop Gene Robinson and Bishop Tom Shaw. Love Free or Die follows Bishop Gene for an eventful year from his exclusion from the Lambeth Conference of Anglican bishops in 2008 to the General Convention of 2009 and the passing of D025 which opened the door to ordaining more LGBT bishops. In the movie, Bishop Tom Shaw comes out as a celibate gay man.

If this was the day before Convention, who can imagine how much more packed tomorrow will be!  I’m off to bed.

Bishops and Deputies Gather for Integrity Reception

On Tuesday night, July 3rd, Integrity celebrated the beginning of the 77th General Convention in Indianapolis with a crowd of cheerful  members and supporters from far and near. The Rev. Dr Caroline J. A. Hall, the president of Integrity, welcomed about 150 people attending the opening reception in Integrity’s convention office. 

The Right Reverend Mary Glasspool, bishop suffragan of Los Angeles, also addressed the gathering and praised Voices of Witness: Out of the Box, Integrity’s newest media production. This widely-lauded short film spreads the word about the Christ-centered witness and ministries of transgender Episcopalians, both lay and ordained.  Out of the Box will be shown as a double feature with Love Free or Die, the portrait of The Right Reverend Gene Robinson, on Wednesday, July 4, at 7:30 in room 144 of the Convention Center.

We're Here!

by The Rev. Dr. Caroline J.A. Hall

President, Integrity USA

The 2012 Integrity team has, on the whole, arrived in Indianapolis, tired but cheerful. Our Nerve Center is set up thanks to David Cupps and Chris Mackey-Mason who came in a day early to get everything ready for us and the Exhibition Booth is well on the way to being ready for all comers by opening at noon tomorrow.

I met several Integrity members and friends coming in from Central California via Phoenix, including Province VIII Provincial Coordinator Cindy Smith. Then at baggage claim, there was past President, Susan Russell. Indianapolis is not the easiest place to get to from the West Coast, but we made it and here we are with Integrity volunteers from New York, Georgia and Texas, to mention just a few places.

Once here, the team got together for a light dinner and spent several hours together getting to know one another and talking about the organization of our work here, discussing how we work with allies and others, and our hopes for the week. This is a slimmer organization than in previous years, partly for budget considerations and partly because a couple of people haven’t been able to come at the last minute for health and family reasons. So those who are here have a lot of work ahead of them.

One big change is that we are right in the Convention Center, in the very middle of things. This is the first time that Integrity has been able to get space in the Convention Center itself – both for our Nerve Center and Meeting Room, and for the Eucharist. It comes with a big price tag, but we are delighted at the recognition that it reflects. No longer are LGBT folk outsiders. We’re right here in the center of the Church.

We hope that will become even more of a reality this Convention with the passing of legislation making the Church more inclusive.

Endings and Beginnings

As we look to the beginning of the 77th General Convention of the Episcopal Church next week, we pause to mark the end of the good work Harry Knox has done in his role as Integrity's Interim Executive Director. Today is his last day in the position he assumed in September 2011 -- and as we send him off to new and important work we give thanks for the blessing of Harry's work and ministry among us. 

Moving on to serve as the President and CEO of the Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice in Washington DC, Harry leaves with Integrity's deep gratitude for his work and wisdom.

Direct us, O Lord, in all our doings with thy most gracious favor, and further us with your continual help; that in all our works begun, continued, and ended in you, we may glorify your holy Name, and finally, by your mercy, obtain everlasting life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Countdown to General Convention: A Video Look at 36 Years of Mission & Ministry

Knowing our past in order to claim our future!

As we look toward General Convention 2012 we also look back at 36 years of Integrity's mission and ministy: working for the full inclusion of all the baptized in all the sacraments.



YouTube link

Countdown to General Convention: Resolutions D018 & C105

Commentary by the Reverend Canon Susan Russell
Diocese of Los Angeles
We end this week of blog posts on upcoming General Convention legislation with resolutions connected to two of Integrity's legislative goals in Indianapolis:

• Work for the elimination of the US federal Defense of Marriage Act and support civil marriage equality.
• Adopt changes in canons to support marriage equality.

Both goals are included in the GC2012 Platform of The Consultation and a number of resolutions supporting them will be considered in Indianapolis. Those resolutions will include D018 -- urging Congress to repeal the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) and C105 -- calling for revising the canons to reflect the fact that civil marriage equality is the reality in a significant percentage of our dioceses.

The conversations around these issues of canonical and civil marriage equality are, I believe, separate but equally important issues of concern for the Episcopal Church.

Regarding civil marriage, as a church we have been on record supporting equal protections for gay and lesbian couples since 1994 and opposed to federal or state constitutional amendments prohibiting same-sex marriage since 2006. The equal protection guaranteed all American citizens by the 14th Amendment is not equal protection unless it equally protects ALL Americans – and denying some legally married couples the 1138 federally protected rights provided to other legally married couples in states with marriage equality is simply unconscionable. It is time to stop evolving on civil marriage equality and institute it – and the Episcopal Church has the opportunity at this General Convention to stand on the right side of history on this important issue.

My argument for changing the canons of the church regarding marriage equality is the variation of lex orandi, lex credendi – as we pray, so we believe – which adds lex vivendi … so we live. Or in this case, so we legislate.

As a church we have been in a process of prayerful discernment on the blessing of same-sex relationships for more than a decade. During that time we have gone from acknowledging that such relationships exist to affirming that the blessing of those relationships falls within the bounds of our common life to giving bishops latitude for a generous pastoral response to calling for the collection and development of liturgical resources for blessings. It now is time to make the canonical changes that allow bishops in jurisdictions with civil marriage equality to end the de facto sacramental apartheid inherent in outdated canons that discriminate against same-sex couples.

D018 End Discrimination Against Same-Sex Marriages

Resolved, the House of ______ concurring, That the 77th General Convention urge members of the United States Congress to pass legislation that would repeal the Defense of Marriage Act and allow the U.S. federal government to provide benefits to couples in a same-sex marriage.

EXPLANATION

According to the United States Government Accountability Office (GAO), there are 1,138 statutory provisions in which marital status is a factor in determining benefits, rights, and privileges. These rights and responsibilities apply to only male-female couples because the 1996 Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) defines marriage as only between a man and a woman. Currently there are seven states and jurisdictions representing thirteen dioceses where civil marriage is equally available to both opposite and same-sex couples. And a number of federal courts have ruled that DOMA is unconstitutional for failing to provide equal protection and unfairly disadvantaging legally married same-sex couples.

The Episcopal Church has a long history of supporting equal civil protections for same-sex couples, including opposing federal or state constitutional amendments prohibiting same-sex marriage (GC2006-A095). Urging Congress to end discrimination against same-sex marriages is not only in alignment with prior actions of General Convention, it is in alignment with our baptismal promise to strive for justice and to protect the dignity of every human being.

C105 Marriage Equality

Resolved, the House of _______ concurring, That the 77th General Convention revise the Constitution and Canons of The Episcopal Church with regard to marriage, to reflect the fact that some jurisdictions provide by law, or will provide by law, civil marriage or civil unions for same-gender couples.

EXPLANATION

The 75th General Convention of 2006 adopted Resolution A095 which includes in its explanation, “For at least thirty years, and even as debate about the role of gay and lesbian people within the Church has continued, successive General Conventions have recognized the equal claim of gay and lesbian persons to the civil rights enjoyed by all other persons. In 1994, General Convention (1994-D006) called on all levels of government to support legislation giving same gender couples the same legal protections as other married couples.”

Since the state of Maryland, other states, and the District of Columbia have made civil marriage available to same sex couples and the 75th General Convention Resolution C056 called for generous pastoral oversight and liturgies to bless these unions, it is time for the Episcopal Church to revise its Constitution and Canons.

Countdown to General Convention: Resolutions D002 & D019

Commentary by Deputy Sarah Lawton, Diocese of California

Resolutions D002 and D019 seek to add "gender identity and expression" to the list of categories protected from discrimination in the church, including access to the discernment process for ordination (D012) and also more generally to the life, worship and governance of the church (D019).

Gender identity is one's inner sense of being male, female, or something more complex; gender expression is the way in which one manifests that gender identity in the world. These resolutions are based on our growing understanding and practice in church to respect the dignity of transgender persons (transsexuals, and others who differ from majority societal gender norms).

In 2009, a group of eight transgender Episcopalians--four lay people, a deacon, and four priests, ranging in age from 19 to 70 and hailing from dioceses around the church--went to General Convention to urge passage of several resolutions. They were organized by TransEpiscopal , which coordinated its work with Integrity's legislative team. Also in 2009, Deputy Dante Tavalaro of the Diocese of Rhode Island was the first openly transgender member of the House of Deputies. It was a groundbreaking year.

Although 2009 was the first time that any resolution on transgender concerns ever made it out of committee and onto the floor of either House, several trans-friendly resolutions were passed by wide margins, including a resolution calling for national, state and local laws to protect transgender persons from employment discrimination and violence. However, the resolution on access to the ordination process ultimately failed.

It did pass the House of Deputies by a super-majority, but after much debate was amended in the House of Bishops to drop reference to all specific protected categories such as race, gender, national origin, etc., in favor of the word "all." Because "all" does not always yet mean all in the Episcopal Church, and because naming those protections has been a long struggle over years, TransEpiscopal, Integrity, and other groups recommended that the House of Deputies vote no on the amended resolution, effectively killing the resolution.

This year D002 brings back that same resolution, along with D019 to address access to the church's wider life. TransEpiscopal is sending another team of advocates, and Integrity has made passage of these resolutions a top priority for this convention. For a more in-depth look at the life and ministries of several transgender Episcopalians, check out the Integrity-produced video, Voices of Witness: Out of the Box on YouTube, or -- if you're going to be in Indianapolis -- attend the screening at the Convention Center on July 4th.

D002 Affirming Access to the Ordination Process


Resolved, the House of _______ concurring, That Title III, Canon 1, Sec. 2 of  the Canons of the Episcopal Church be hereby amended to read as follows: No person shall be denied access to the discernment process for any ministry, lay or ordained, in this Church because of race, color, ethnic origin, national origin, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, disabilities or age, except as otherwise provided by these Canons. No right to licensing, ordination, or election is hereby established.

EXPLANATION

Title III, Canon 1, Sec. 2 of the Canons of the Episcopal Church states "No person shall be denied access to the discernment process for any ministry, lay or ordained, in this Church because of race, color, ethnic origin, national origin, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, disabilities or age, except as otherwise provided by these Canons. No right to licensing, ordination, or election is hereby established." This resolution would revise this canon by adding "gender identity and expression" to this list of protected categories of access, but not of right.

As we continue to grow in our understanding and embrace of all human beings, it is important for us to be
specific in our naming of difference. This proposed revision is based upon our increased understanding and practice to respect the human dignity of transgender people - transsexuals, and others who differ from majority societal gender norms. Gender identity (one's inner sense of being male or female) and expression (the way in which one manifests that gender identity in the world) should not be bases for exclusion, in and of themselves, from consideration for participation in the ministries of the Church.

D019 Amend Canon I.17.5 - Extending the Rights of Laity


Resolved, the House of _______ concurring, That Title I, Canon 17, Sec. 5 of the Canons of The Episcopal Church be hereby amended to read as follows: No one shall be denied rights, status or access to an equal place in the life, worship, and governance of this Church because of race, color, ethnic origin, national origin, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disabilities or age, except as otherwise specified by Canons.

EXPLANATION

This resolution would revise Title I, Canon 17, Section 5 by adding "gender identity and expression" to this list of protected categories. This resolution is submitted as a companion to D002 (“Affirming Access to
Discernment Process for Ministry”) because it makes sense to change the Canons in Titles 3 and 1 at the same time. As with D002, this proposed revision is based upon our increased understanding and practice to respect the human dignity of transgender people - transsexuals, and others who differ from majority societal gender orms.

Gender identity (one's inner sense of being a man, a woman, or something more complex) and  expression (the way in which one manifests that gender identity in the world) should not be bases for exclusion from the life of the Church at any level. As transgender people and their families increasingly come out within or find their way to congregations, their specific naming in our Canons, along with other groups who historically have experienced discrimination, will encourage congregations to deepen their understanding and widen their welcome, that we all might be empowered “to seek and serve Christ in all persons, loving our neighbors as ourselves.”

Countdown to General Convention: Resolution D022

Commentary by the Reverend Cameron Partridge

Over the last two years since the rash of suicides that followed Tyler Clementi’s death in 2010, people across the United States and around the world have been wrestling with the problem of bullying. As an Episcopal Campus Minister, I was proud to stand with our chaplaincy that fall as it co-sponsored a vigil on Coming Out Day—we wanted to stand with LGBT youth and young adults, and with all who have experienced the profound “othering” that bullying reinforces. As Christians, we needed to stand together and say “enough,” to lift up the dignity of all human beings, to refuse to countenance the notion that bullying or hazing is something that all must pass through on their way to adulthood.

Bullying preys upon all manners of human difference, including but by no means limited to sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression. For too long, churches have contributed to the hostile climates in which bullying is condoned. Resolution D022 , inspired by a similar effort in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, seeks to counter that trend. Integrity and TransEpiscopal therefore strongly support it.

D022 Churchwide Response to Bullying

Resolved, the House of _______ concurring, That the 77th General Convention calls for a church wide response to the epidemic of bullying, particularly of those perceived as being “different” by virtue of economic, ethnic, racial or physical characteristics, religious status, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression; and be it further
Resolved, That the General Convention encourage new partnerships among our congregations, dioceses, campus ministries, National Association of Episcopal Schools, public schools, counseling centers, and governmental organizations in order to support and offer preventative programs addressing bullying, harassment, and other related violence, especially with higher risk populations; and be it further

Resolved, That these partnerships be encouraged to create or join with existing preventative programs which:
- utilize positive, inclusive, empowering and developmentally appropriate materials
- raise participant’s awareness about the issue
- focus on prevention
- seek to change bystander behavior into ally behavior
- create partnerships between youth and adults

EXPLANATION

In the fall of 2010 the suicide of Rutgers University student Tyler Clementi, followed by numerous others, opened the eyes of people across the country to the widespread and longstanding problem of bullying. Untold numbers of young people – people whose sexual orientation or gender expression, whose skin color or body size, whose clothing or religious practices mark them as different from their peers -- often suffer in isolation, forever scarred by their experiences. For far too long bullying has been viewed as a kind of inevitable “rite of passage” that those who are different should learn simply to survive.

As Christians we can do more than to say “it gets better,” powerful as the video project of that name has been. We can help make it so in the here and now. Christ calls us to welcome the stranger, to bind up the brokenhearted, to be agents of reconciliation, healing, and empowerment in this world. Working together, we can help transform the perilous, expanding terrain of the transition from childhood to adulthood. Our churches can be—as indeed many already are—spaces where young people can come to know what a blessing it is to be the people God has created them to become, and where adults can be equipped to support and celebrate this growth.

Committing to a churchwide response to end bullying will equip congregations and institutions with resources and partnerships to live out the baptismal promise to respect the dignity of every human being as we minister to the at-risk youth in our communities.