The Acts of Convention

House of Deputies

The House of Deputies Committee on Evangelism and the Future Church presented its Report #2 on Resolution A046 (Support Starting New Bi-Cultural and Multi-Cultural Ministries) and moved adoption with amendment.

Original Text of Resolution:

(A046)

Resolved, the House of Bishops concurring,

That the 81st General Convention and the Episcopal Church celebrates and actively supports the work of our missioners for Ethnic Ministries and the vital work they are doing to support bi-cultural and multicultural ministries; and be it further

Resolved, That in support of these new ministries taking place in existing congregations with partnership and support from that congregation where possible, the Church continues to follow the best practices identified by the Ethnic Ministry offices even as we continue to learn based on our experience and the work of our ecumenical partners; and be it further

Resolved, That the budget for development of sustainable congregational revitalization throughout the Church will be $500,000 for 2024-2027 to be allocated as follows:

• $350,000 for bi-cultural and multi-cultural ministry grants for that will include ministries in existing congregations with partnership and support from that congregation where possible, to be administered by the Advisory Group on Church Planting and Revitalization in consultation with the Churchwide Office Staff Officer for church planting.
• $100,000 to provide in support of churchwide gatherings for lay and ordained leaders doing this bi-cultural and multi-cultural ministry in their dioceses, and
• $50,000 to provide mentorship/coaching/training for lay and ordained leaders engaged in bi-cultural and multi-cultural ministry.

And be it further

Resolved, That the Presiding Bishop and President of the House of Deputies establish an Advisory Group on Church Planting and Revitalization of not more than twelve (12) people, consisting of those with experience in revitalizing congregations, diocesan oversight of such work, working with evangelism and mission, to carry out provisions of this resolution, including making recommendations to Executive Council about grants to be awarded, helping to identify potential revitalizers, and developing a network of coaches, and working with staff on training church revitalizers; and be it further

Resolved, That the Joint Budget Committee of Executive Council consider a budget allocation of $500,000 for the implementation of this resolution.

Committee Amendment:

Resolved, the House of Bishops concurring,

That the 81st General Convention and the Episcopal Church celebrates celebrate and actively supports support the work of our missioners for Ethnic Ministries and the vital work they are doing to support bi-cultural and multicultural ministries; and be it further

Resolved, That in support of these new ministries taking place in existing congregations with partnership and support from that congregation where possible, the Church continues continue to follow the best practices identified by the Ethnic Ministry offices even as we continue to learn based on our experience and the work of our ecumenical partners; and be it further

Resolved, That the budget for development of sustainable congregational revitalization throughout the Church will be $500,000 for 2024-2027 to be allocated as follows:

• $350,000 for bi-cultural and multi-cultural ministry grants for that will include ministries in existing congregations with partnership and support from that congregation where possible, to be administered by the Advisory Group on Church Planting and Revitalization in consultation with the Churchwide Office Staff Officer for church planting.
• $100,000 to provide in support of churchwide gatherings for lay and ordained leaders doing this bi-cultural and multi-cultural ministry in their dioceses, and
• $50,000 to provide mentorship/coaching/training for lay and ordained leaders engaged in bi-cultural and multi-cultural ministry.

And be it further

Resolved, That the Presiding Bishop and President of the House of Deputies establish an Advisory Group on Church Planting and Revitalization of not more than twelve (12) people, consisting of those with experience in revitalizing congregations, diocesan oversight of such work, working with evangelism and mission, to carry out provisions of this resolution, including making recommendations to Executive Council about grants to be awarded, helping to identify potential revitalizers, and developing a network of coaches, and working with staff on training church revitalizers; and be it further

Resolved, that the 81st General Convention direct the appropriate body to carry out provisions of this resolution, including making recommendations to Executive Council about grants to be awarded, helping to identify potential revitalizers, and developing a network of coaches, and working with staff on training church revitalizers; and be it further

Resolved, That the Joint Budget Committee of Executive Council consider a budget allocation of $500,000 for the implementation of this resolution.

Motion carried

Resolution adopted with amendment

(Communicated to the House of Bishops in HD Message #177)