[Magdalen] National TEC policy on Alchol in the Church

[Grace Cangialosi]

Marion, the Theology on Tap programs I've been familiar with literally take place in pubs or other places where there are likely to be unchurched 20- and 30-somethings.

One local Catholic priest hangs out in the Starbucks across from the university campus every Wednesday morning. On Ash Wednesday he offers ashes.

This year, for the second time, a number of the Episcopal clergy in our area are participating in "Ashes to Go" in two areas of downtown Charlottesville. The idea, again, is to go out to where people are and offer them a connection to the Gospel. Sometimes folks want to stop and talk; sometimes they don't.

On February 5, 2015, at 10:31 AM, Marion Thompson <marionwhitevale at gmail.com> wrote:

I think our little T on T is a very poor relation of other bigger better 
operations.  Although all parishioners are invited, only six or seven of 
us regularly attend.  Although the idea of it reaching outward remains, 
our reality in our hard scrabble area is not that. Sadly, some who 
perhaps came once aren't inclined to return because they feel we 
regulars 'know too much'.  Exploring scripture, theology,  moral and 
ethical issues are not our church's strong suit as was revealed in one 
of those national church surveys.  The same six or seven are the only 
ones who will turn out for any form of Christian Ed, e.g., Advent and 
Lenten series, and at least one person has benefited greatly and we have 
seen his faith  and understanding really deepen with exposure to some 
popular video series we have shown with discussion.  However, schedule a 
soup lunch or roast beef dinner or something around food, they all turn 
out.  A few years ago, we adopted as our motto "St. Peter's feeds God's 
people" and  with our social events, food bank, and cooking club for the 
food bank clients I guess that is literally true.

Marion, a pilgrim
On 2/4/2015 8:36 PM, Grace Cangialosi wrote:
> Theology on Tap has some local following in this area, as well, though I'm not aware of any Episcopal churches sponsoring it. I first heard of it when I was living in Richmond. A local pastor was holding it at a pub in the Shockoe Bottom neighborhood. Free pizza was provided, participants bought their own beverages. It seemed like a good idea at the time.
>
>> On Feb 4, 2015, at 2:14 PM, Marion Thompson <marionwhitevale at gmail.com> wrote:
>>
>> 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