A061 Amend Canon I.4.6.j to include data regarding gender
Resolved, the House of Bishops concurring,
That the 80th General Convention amend Canon I.4.6.j by the addition of a second sentence, as follows:
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Canon 1.4.6.j
j. Each Diocese shall annually report to the Executive Council such financial and other information pertaining to the state of the Church in the Diocese as may be required in a form authorized by Executive Council. Such Diocesan report shall include demographic information, such as gender, age and race, for the following positions: Standing Committee, Bishop Search Committee (if any), Chancellor and Vice-Chancellors, Trustees, all Wardens and Vestries.
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Canon 1.4.6.j
j. Each Diocese shall annually report to the Executive Council such financial and other information pertaining to the state of the Church in the Diocese as may be required in a form authorized by Executive Council. Such Diocesan report shall include demographic information, such as gender, age and race, for the following positions: Standing Committee, Bishop Search Committee (if any), Chancellor and Vice-Chancellors, Trustees, all Wardens and Vestries.
Explanation
The Task Force to Study Sexism in The Episcopal Church and Develop Anti-Sexism Training, during its work, continually found a lack of consolidated information regarding the demographics, especially gender, on diocesan positions. One of the challenges to disrupting sexism and gender inequality in the church is a lack of coordinated data. Though Church Pension Group has begun to collect data on clergy compensation and roles, there is no collection of data on either lay participation in senior positions, nor on demographics of key positions in a diocese or parish. To disturb the status quo, and work towards gender equality, we must see what currently exists. By requiring dioceses to report this information, we can create a consolidated source of information by which we can study the disparities and make meaningful recommendations.