D093 Broad Representation in Discernment Processes
Resolved, the House of Deputies concurring,
That the 80th General Convention of The Episcopal Church affirms that inherent in the non-discrimination rights of Candidates in diocesan discernment processes is the inclusion of other persons broadly representative of the diocese's racial and ethnic diversity and background as defined in Canon III.1.2 concerning access to discernment processes; and be it further
Resolved, That dioceses shall be encouraged to ensure that Candidates for discernment processes have access to an advocate within the discernment process who represents the Candidate racial and ethnic diversity or background as defined in Canon III.1.2. When such persons are not available a suitable advocate is assigned who is culturally competent and knowledgeable concerning the Candidate's background. This advocate shall have a voice throughout the discernment process.
Explanation
Equal employment opportunity is enshrined in U.S. Federal Law, and workers in the secular marketplace have many protections. The Church should be a leader in worker protection. All persons in discernment processes in this Church should have greater protections and assurances of equal opportunity that exceed those available in the secular marketplace.
Canon III.1.2, concerning access to discernment processes, says: "No person shall be denied access to the discernment process or to any process for the employment, licensing, calling, or deployment for any ministry, lay or ordained, in this Church because of race, color, ethnic origin, immigration status, national origin, sex, marital or family status (including pregnancy and child care plans), sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, disabilities or age, except as otherwise provided by these Canons. No right to employment, licensing, ordination, call, deployment, or election is hereby established.
Canon III.1.3, concerning equal applicability, says: "The provisions of these Canons for the admission of Candidates for the Ordination to the three Orders: Bishops, Priests and Deacons shall be equally applicable to men and women."
Canon III.8.5.c, concerning the formation, says: "Formation shall take into account the local culture and each Postulant or Candidate's background, age, occupation, and ministry."
Rules of Order Section VII.20 for the 79th General Convention uses "broadly representative."