[Magdalen] National TEC policy on Alchol in the Church

[Lynn Ronkainen]

Here is the info in the post that was on the HoB/D list, all public 
knowledge.  I found it quite telling in light of the extensive experiential 
discussion in the pub and what we know in general about the church... and 
all of these 'outreach' evangelism  events or bible studies at bars.... 
hmmmm.

I am reminded of thinking over the years that TEC is much like the original 
13 colonies in their attitude toward rule breaking <gdr>

Lynn


In 1985 the G.C. (1985-A083) adopted a "Church Policy on Alcohol and Drug 
Abuse" In the section on "Alcoholic Beverages in the Local Parish", it 
states. "-- The service of alcoholic beverages at church events should not 
be publicized as an attraction of the event."

Resolved, the House of Bishops concurring, That this 68th General Convention 
adopt the following policy statement:

AN EPISCOPAL NATIONAL POLICY ON ALCOHOL AND DRUG ABUSE

The Episcopal Church acknowledges the need for exercising a healing ministry 
and for offering guidance to problem drinkers or chemically dependent 
persons and to members of their families.

Alcoholism and other drug abuse are recognized as treatable human disorders 
which are manifested by a three-fold impairment of the body, mind and 
spirit. The Church concurs with health authorities that alcohol and other 
substance abuse is a major health concern of our society. It affects not 
only the alcoholic or abuser's health and self-concept, but also 
interpersonal relationships with family, co-workers, friends and counselors. 
It may affect any individual, regardless of financial situation, education, 
employment, race or creed.

The Church calls on all clergy and lay people to take to heart the 
seriousness of the illness of alcohol and drug abuse and its manifestations 
as a disrupter of family, economic and social life; and urges all 
churchpeople to do everything in their power to offer forth the love of 
Christ in his healing ministry to those afflicted persons and families.

Diocesan Committees on Alcoholism and Drug Dependency

The General Convention of 1979 encouraged each diocese to appoint a Diocesan 
Committee on Alcoholism and Drug Dependency to implement a program on 
alcohol and drug abuse. Such committees are responsible for developing a 
diocesan policy and planning a diocesan resource center for education, 
information, counseling and training. Clergy and lay counselors are 
encouraged to pursue continuing education in these fields. Congregations are 
encouraged to provide members with educational opportunities to learn more 
about the nature, prevention, techniques of treatment and pastoral care of 
alcoholics and drug abusers and their families. Trained consultants should 
be made available to interested clergy and congregations to facilitate this 
education process. Through education and usage of appropriate resources, 
intervention is made possible to stop the progress of the disorder before it 
runs its full destructive course.

The Church commends and encourages the many programs offering treatment and 
support to persons suffering from the illnesses of alcoholism and drug 
addiction. Clergy and vestries are encouraged to further their assistance to 
the National Episcopal Coalition on Alcohol (NECA), Alcoholics Anonymous, 
Al-Anon, AlaTeen Groups, Adult Children of Alcoholics Groups, Narcotics 
Anonymous and to chemical dependency programs and halfway houses as well as 
becoming knowledgeable concerning all local resources offering intervention, 
treatment and continuing care for these persons.

Employees of the Church

Alcoholic or drug dependent employees of the Church should be treated with 
pastoral love and concern. Church health insurance policies should include 
provision for the treatment and care of persons afflicted with these 
illnesses. Treatment intervention for the person and family along with 
counseling and continuing support during recovery should be coordinated by 
the clergy and other support groups in the parish. Every effort should be 
made to offer job protection and re-employment, with salaried sick leave 
during hospitalization, to alcoholics and drug abusers accepting treatment. 
Those refusing treatment will not be offered this protection.

Alcoholic Beverages in the Local Parish

The Episcopal Church has never endorsed prohibiting the use of beverages 
containing alcohol among adult members. Scripture offers Jesus' example of 
the use and serving of wine in his first miracle at Cana and in the 
institution of the Holy Eucharist. If an adult member elects to use alcohol, 
however, moderate usage is expected. Church members should be educated 
regarding those conditions that might consequently compromise the health and 
safety of oneself or others. The Church also supports and has a 
responsibility to those people who abstain from the use of alcoholic 
beverages for whatever reason. Many churches do not serve alcoholic 
beverages at social functions, but, for those which do, the following 
guidelines are given:

-- All applicable federal, state and local laws should be obeyed, including 
those governing the serving of alcoholic beverages to minors.

-- Alcoholic beverages and food containing alcohol must be clearly labeled 
as such.

-- Whenever alcohol is served, non-alcoholic alternatives must always be 
offered with equal attractiveness and accessibility.

-- The service of alcoholic beverages at church events should not be 
publicized as an attraction of the event.

-- The group or organization sponsoring the activity or event at which 
alcoholic beverages are served must have permission from the parish for this 
plan. Such groups or organizations must also assume responsibility for those 
persons who might become intoxicated and must provide alternative 
transportation for anyone whose capacity to drive may thus be impaired.

-- Recognizing the effect of alcohol as a mood-altering drug, it would be 
advisable to consider the nature of the function at which alcoholic 
beverages are proposed to be served.

-- Chemical usage other than alcohol is clearly controlled under federal, 
state and local laws and, as such, should be forbidden at any function.

Citation: General Convention, Journal of the General Convention of...The 
Episcopal Church, Anaheim, 1985 (New York: General Convention, 1986), p. 
135.

My email has changed to: houstonKLR at gmail.com

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When I stand before God at the end of my life I would hope that I have not a 
single bit of talent left and could say, "I used everything You gave me." 
attributed to Erma Bombeck