[Magdalen] National TEC policy on Alchol in the Church

[Marion Thompson]

I host a monthly Theology on Tap session at a pub.  I guess this pub 
will throw me out for abberant behaviour. :-)

Marion, a pilgrim   ... today my sail I lift ....

On 2/4/2015 11:56 AM, Lynn Ronkainen wrote:
> 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
>
> website: www.ichthysdesigns.com
>
> 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
>