Positions on Social Issues

Legislative Activity, Literacy, Marijuana

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Legislative Activity

Convention in 1965 directed that the Diocese be represented by an appointee of the Bishop at all regular meetings of the Legislative Commission of the New York State Council of Churches. The same resolution stated that "between meetings of the Convention, the Council of the Diocese (is) empowered to formulate and state the position of the Diocese on legislative issues if the Convention has not already acted on such issues." (See also Racism.)

Literacy

The Convention (1994) called for cooperation with the New York State Department of Education in developing literacy programs in schools and communities.

Marijuana

"Support for the immediate decriminalization of the possession in private of marijuana for personal use" was voted by Convention in 1975. The same Convention committed the Diocese to support "a model of strict state-regulated control of marijuana sales to adults." Earlier, in 1973, Convention had memorialized General Convention to call upon civil authorities to grant pardon and/or clemency to "persons who are currently incarcerated for mere possession and use of marijuana."

 

Migrant/Agricultural Workers, Military Service/Veteran's Benefits, Narcotic Addicts/Drug Abusers>