TransEpiscopal
  • Home
  • About
  • Blog
  • Resources
    • Nonbinary Resources
  • Policies & Legislation
  • Contact
  • Donate

Lost and Found: TransEpiscopal at the 2006 General Convention

6/2/2015

0 Comments

 
Picture
by the Rev'd Dr. Cameron Partridge

TransEpiscopal looks forward to being at the 78th triennial General Convention of The Episcopal Church in Salt Lake City June 25-July 3. There, as in the past several years, we aim to collaborate with several groups and individuals to continue being agents of transformation in and through the Episcopal Church, that trans folks – and indeed all people--  might be empowered in and by this Church to be the people God is calling us to become. Already we have come a very long way, even as significant work remains to be done.

As we turn toward Salt Lake City, we wanted to take a moment—a few posts—to recall the history of TransEpiscopal’s legislative advocacy at GC. 

TransEpiscopal’s first such effort was about a year after our founding, in 2006 at the 75th Convention in Columbus, Ohio. This was an especially intense, emotional Convention. The House of Bishops elected The Episcopal Church’s first ever woman Presiding Bishop, Katharine Jefferts Schori. The Convention rejected a resolution that intended to place a moratorium on openly gay bishops, three years after Bishop Gene Robinson had been consecrated in New Hampshire (A161 which can be found here). And then, not long after that rejection, the Convention passed a slightly different version of that resolution (B033) which essentially sought to do the same thing with vaguer language (which was later essentially overturned at the GC of 2009). The GC of 2006 was incredibly difficult, especially for LGBT people. 

Amid all this, there wasn’t much awareness of or advocacy for trans people in The Episcopal Church or, really, much specific language to help name our experiences and identities. Take, for instance, the difficulty of even locating a digital record of the one resolution touching on trans people in the life of the church that did, in fact, come before the 2006 General Convention: resolution C030. This resolution, which originated in the Diocese of California, sought to do what the 77th General Convention eventually did in 2012: to add “gender identity and expression” to the nondiscrimination language in Canon III.1.2, on access to the discernment process toward ordained ministry. You can find its legislative record here.  Here is an image of it as well. 
​
Once recognized by the General Convention, and given a number (C030), the resolution got referred to the Committee on Canons. When that committee held a hearing on this and its other resolutions, TransEpiscopal’s founding member Donna Cartwright testified in its support. Donna had driven on her own to General Convention and was a lone voice speaking out in support of this resolution. As the legislative history reports, the committee ultimately “presented its Report #14 on Resolution C030 (Amend Canons: Title III, Canon 1, Section 2) recommending discharge, and re-referral of the resolution to the Committee on Ministry.” This decision was communicated to the House of Bishops. But this sentence really tells the story: “Resolution Died With Adjournment.” Or better, as the abstract of C030 puts it, “The 75th General Convention rejects a resolution to amend Canon III.1.2 regarding access to the discernment process.”

The funny thing about this is that for years several of us have been trying to locate a digital record—or, really, any official record—of this experience that Donna Cartwright had shared with us as it was happening. It felt important, a kind of signpost saying we were there. But none of the key terms – words like “transgender” or “gender identity” or even just “gender” – were generating anything in the digital archives. What ultimately did lead to its location, finally, was an advanced search targeting the year 2006 and typing the word “rejected” under “Action taken.” Among the sixty-six other rejected resolutions, C030 was easy to pick out. In other posts, narrating other encounters at later GCs, we have commented on the importance of naming, of specificity. Without that naming, even as language can still so often fall short, it can be easy to lose traces of our histories, to forget aspects of our journey. 

But, in the person of Donna, we were indeed there, and we knew we needed to return in greater numbers. And so, in 2009, we did….

0 Comments

What a Difference Three Years Makes

7/12/2009

0 Comments

 
PictureDonna Cartwright, GC 2009
TransEpiscopal has come a long way in the last three years. Back in 2006, I was the only member of the then year-old organization of transgender Episcopalians (and their friends, family and allies) at General Convention in Columbus, OH. While doubling as a volunteer for the Oasis ministry of the Diocese of Newark, I attempted to track and advocate for C030 a resolution to amend the national church's canons to include gender identity/expression in the nondiscrimination provisions of Canon III. I quickly learned that this job -- testifying in committee hearings, monitoring both the House of Deputies and House Bishops, and keeping in touch with our largely Internet-based group, as well as my fellow Oasis commissioners -- was far too big for a single person.

Although my testimony on our canons-amendment resolution (proposed by the Diocese of California) appeared to be well-received, and I got friendly "vibes" from several deputies on the committee, it was eventually reported to the House of Bishops with a recommendation that it be referred to commissions and boards during the next triennium. Ultimately, it was tabled.

Another trans-related resolution, proposed by the Diocese of New York, would have put the church on record as supporting secular legislation protecting transgender and other gender-variant people from discrimination in employment, housing and public accommodations at the local, state and federal levels. Unfortunately, through some still-unexplained glitch, it was never placed on the calendar of convention legislation. When I arrived in Columbus on the third day of convention, it was effectively too late to do anything about that.

This year, we're doing so much better in so many ways that I am gratified almost (but not quite) beyond words. Instead of one person, we have a team of eight, including a trans-identified deputy. As of today (Sunday July 12) two trans-related resolutions have been reported out of committee and sent to the House of Deputies. One of them supports secular civil rights legislation covering trans as well as gay, lesbian and bisexual people; the other would amend the canons to add gender identity/expression to the church's nondiscrimination rules.

Another resolution (C048), supporting specifically trans-inclusive federal employment non-discrimination legislation, is still in committee, but hopefully will move forward soon. And a new resolution (D090) to encourage the church to revise its forms so that they are not limited to the either/or gender binary, has been introduced.

We've also done much to educate bishops, deputies and visitors about transgender people and issues. Many of us have testified in committee, and received favorable responses. We held a 45-minute "speakers corner" panel under the auspices of the Consultation in the exhibit hall that drew a couple of dozen people for a lively discussion. We have distributed many copies of our brochure at the Integrity booth.

The convention itself is quite overwhelming. Thousands of people fill a huge convention center and nearby hotels. Committees hear testimony and deliberate on resolutions with a skill and sophistication that would do many secular legislatures credit. Bonnie Anderson, President of the House of Deputies, moves a large volume of resolutions and other business through a body with more than 800 members. The House of Bishops, while smaller and a bit less formal, is equally impressive.

This morning's eucharist was spectacular and moving, with several thousand people and scores of bishops. The liturgy was magnificent and the pageantry eye-popping. For me, yesterday evening's first-ever Trans-Episcopal eucharist, with 19 TransEpiscopal members, friends and allies gathered in a small meeting room in one of the hotels. Instead of a conventional sermon, each person in the room bore personal witness to the historic nature of our presence and the sacredness of our journey. Many eyes were tear-filled before the end of the service.

- Donna Cartwright, Diocese of Maryland

0 Comments

    Archives

    March 2023
    November 2022
    August 2022
    July 2022
    May 2022
    March 2022
    February 2022
    November 2021
    August 2021
    May 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    August 2020
    June 2020
    November 2019
    March 2019
    December 2018
    October 2018
    July 2018
    February 2018
    November 2017
    August 2017
    April 2017
    July 2015
    June 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    September 2014
    March 2014
    February 2014
    February 2013
    November 2012
    September 2012
    July 2012
    June 2012
    May 2012
    March 2012
    January 2012
    November 2011
    May 2011
    April 2011
    March 2011
    February 2011
    December 2010
    November 2010
    October 2010
    May 2010
    April 2010
    February 2010
    January 2010
    December 2009
    November 2009
    September 2009
    August 2009
    July 2009
    June 2009
    April 2009
    January 2009
    November 2008
    October 2008
    August 2008
    July 2008
    June 2008
    April 2008
    March 2008
    February 2008
    January 2008
    December 2007
    November 2007
    October 2007
    September 2007
    August 2007
    July 2007
    June 2007
    May 2007
    April 2007
    March 2007

    Categories

    All
    77th General Convention
    80th General Convention
    A063
    A063 2022
    A064 2018
    A068 2018
    A088 2018
    A091 2018
    A143 2018
    A284 2018
    Advent
    Advocacy
    Allies
    All Saints
    Allston/Brighton
    Anglican Communion
    Anglican Communion Listening Process
    Anglican Comprehensiveness
    Anglican Primates Dar Es Salaam Communiqué
    Anti Trans Legislation
    Anti Trans Violence
    Anti-trans Violence
    Archbishop Of Canterbury Rowan Williams
    Art
    Asceticism
    Author Anderson C.
    Author: Bear
    Author: Cameron Partridge
    Author: Charley Labonte
    Author: Christina Beardsley
    Author: Dante Tavolaro
    Author: Donna Cartwright
    Author: Gari Green
    Author: Gwen Fry
    Author: Iain Stanford
    Author: Jim Toy
    Author: Kit Wang
    Author: Kori Pacyniak
    Author: Liz
    Author: Louise Brooks
    Author: Meredith Bacon
    Author: Mia Nikasimo
    Author: Michelle Hansen
    Author: Penny Larson
    Author: Sarah Lawton
    Author: Shelly Fayette
    Author: Teal Van Dyck
    Author: Vicki Gray
    B012 2018
    B033
    Baptism
    Baptismal Covenant
    Becoming
    Believe Out Loud
    Bishop Barbara Harris
    Bishop Bill Swing
    Bishop Bud Cederholm
    Bishop C. Andrew Doyle
    Bishop Catherine Roskam
    Bishop Catherine Waynick
    Bishop Chet Talton
    Bishop Dabney Smith
    Bishop Dorsey Henderson
    Bishop Duncan Gray
    Bishop Gene Robinson
    Bishop Geralyn Wolf
    Bishop Ian Douglas
    Bishop J. Clark Grew
    Bishop John Chane
    Bishop Jon Bruno
    Bishop Larry Benfield
    Bishop Marc Andrus
    Bishop Mark Beckwith
    Bishop Mark Lawrence
    Bishop Mary Glasspool
    Bishop Otis Charles
    Bishop Prince Singh
    Bishop Samuel Howard
    Bishop Steven Charleston
    Bishop Tom Shaw
    Bishop William Love
    Blackburn Motion
    Blessing
    Book Of Occasional Services
    Boston
    Brandon Teena
    Buddhism
    Bullying
    C001 2009
    C001-2009
    C006 2018
    C019 2015
    C022 2018
    C029 2018
    C030 2006
    C031 2018
    C046 2009
    C046-2009
    C048 2009
    C048-2009
    C054 2018
    C056 2009
    C061 2009
    C061-2009
    Cameron Partridge
    Camp Aranu'tiq
    Campus Ministry
    Cathedral Church Of St. Paul
    Catholic
    Chanelle Pickett
    Changing Attitude
    Changing Attitude Nigeria
    Chaz Bono
    Chris Ashley
    Christian Formation
    Christmas
    Church Of England
    Church Of The Advocate
    Collaboration
    Colonialism
    Coming Out
    Communion Of Saints
    Compassion
    Complementarianism
    Connecticut
    Courage
    D002
    D002 2012
    D005 2018
    D012 2009
    D012-2009
    D019
    D019 2012
    D022
    D022 2012
    D025
    D029 2022
    D030 2022
    D032 2009
    D036
    D036 2015
    D036 2018
    D037 2015
    D039 2009
    D066 2022
    D069 2018
    D072 2022
    D090 2009
    Dallas Transgender Advocates And Allies
    Damien De Veuster
    Dante Tavolaro
    David & Goliath
    Davis Mac-Iyalla
    Debra Forte
    Deployment
    Dialogue
    Diatesseron
    Diocesan Convention
    Diocese Of Arkansas
    Diocese Of California
    Diocese Of Connecticut
    Diocese Of Florida
    Diocese Of Los Angeles
    Diocese Of Louisiana
    Diocese Of Massachusetts
    Diocese Of New York
    Diocese Of Olympia
    Diocese Of San Joaquin
    Diocese Of South Dakota
    Diocese Of Texas
    Discernment
    Discrimination
    Divinity School
    Donna Cartwright
    Drew Phoenix
    Easter
    Easter Embodiment
    Easter Vigil
    ELCA
    ELCA New England Synod
    Elizabeth Clark
    Empathy
    ENDA
    Episcopal Church
    Episcopal Divinity School
    Eunuchs
    Evangelical Christianity
    Executive Council
    Exodus
    Families Of Trans People
    Family
    Family Diversity Project
    Florida
    Forms
    Fringe Festivals
    Gay
    #GC80
    Gender
    Gender Affirming Care
    Gendered Language
    Gender Identity
    Gender Neutral Restrooms
    Genderqueer
    General Convention
    General Convention 2006
    General Convention 2009
    General Convention 2012
    General Convention 2015
    General Convention 2018
    General Synod
    #givingtuesday
    GLAD
    Gospel Of John
    Gospel Of Luke
    Grief
    Gwen Araujo
    Gwen Smith
    Harvard Divinity School
    Harvard University
    Harvey Milk
    Hate Crimes
    Haunting
    Hawaii HB 546
    Healing
    Hinge Days
    HIV/AIDS
    Holy Spirit
    Homophobia
    Homosexuality
    Hope
    House Of Bishops
    House Of Deputies
    HR 1913
    HRC
    Iain Stanford
    I AM
    Incarnation
    Indaba Groups
    Institute For Welcoming Resources
    Integrity Eucharist
    IntegrityUSA
    Interfaith Coalition For Transgender Equality
    Intersectionality
    Iowa Equal Marriage
    Isaiah 56
    Jendi Reiter
    Jennifer Finney Boylan
    Jim Toy
    John 21:1-19
    Joy
    J.R.R. Tolkien
    Judith Butler
    July 4th
    Jump Rope
    Kintsukuroi
    Kit Wang
    Kylar Broadus
    Labor Organizing
    Lambeth Conference
    Lay Ministry
    Leprosy
    LGBTIQ
    LGBTQ Africans
    LGBTQ Anglicans
    LGBTQ Pride
    Liberation
    Liminality
    Louie Crew
    Louise Brooks
    Lutherans Concerned North America
    Mark Jordan
    Marriage Equality
    Maryland HB 235
    Mary Miller
    Masks
    Massachusetts
    Massachusetts HB 1722
    Massachusetts HB 1728/SB 1687
    Massachusetts Transgender Political Coalition
    Matthew 25
    Media
    Michelle Kosilek
    Myra Chanel Ical
    Name Change In Church Records
    Name Change Liturgy
    Names
    Narrativity
    National Transgender Discrimination Survey
    New England
    News Coverage
    Nigeria
    Nonbinary
    Oasis California
    Oregon
    Organization
    Other Sheep
    Pain
    Palm Sunday
    Parachute
    Parenting
    Parents Of Trans People
    Passion Narratives
    Philadelphia
    Prayer Book
    Prayer Book Revision
    President Of The House Of Deputies
    President Of The House Of Deputies Bonnie Anderson
    Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori
    Presiding Bishop Michael Curry
    Press Release
    Priesthood
    Proclamation
    Public Accomodations
    Queer Youth
    Race
    Racial Justice
    Racism
    Reconciling Ministries Network
    Reign Of God
    Religion
    Religious Life
    Remain Episcopal
    Renaming Service
    Repair
    Resilience
    Resistance
    Restrooms
    Resurrection
    Retreat
    Rhiannon O'Donnabhain
    Richard Hooker
    Rita Hester
    Roman Catholic Church
    Ronald Miller
    Ruby Rodriguez
    Salem
    Same Sex Blessings
    San Francisco Night Ministry
    Sarah Lawton
    Sedementation
    Sermon
    Sexism
    Sexuality
    Sexuality Debates
    Sexual Minorities Uganda
    Sexual Orientation
    Sex Work
    Side-wound
    Sonia Burgess
    Spirituality
    St. Anne's
    Stephanie Spellers
    Stigma
    St. Luke's And St. Margaret's Allston
    St. Martin In The Fields
    Stockton
    St. Paul's
    Stumbling
    Suicidality
    Suicide
    Supreme Court Ruling
    TDOR
    TDOV
    Testimony
    Texas
    Texas HB 25
    The Briggs Initiative
    The Consultation
    The Cross
    The Crossing
    The Good Shepherd
    The Honorable Byron Rushing
    The Laramie Project
    Theological Anthropology
    The Philadelphia Eleven
    The Rev'd David Weekley
    The Rev'd Deacon Carolyn Woodall
    The Rev'd Deacon Vicki Gray
    The Rev'd Dr. Christina Beardsley
    The Rev'd Drew Phoenix
    The Rev'd Gari Green
    The Rev'd Gay Clark Jennings
    The Rev'd Gwen Fry
    The Rev'd Junia Joplin
    The Rev'd Michael Barlowe
    The Rev'd Paul Washington
    The Rev'd Susan Russell
    The Sibyls
    The Task Force
    Trans
    Transafro
    Trans Awareness Week
    Trans Civil Rights
    Trans Clergy
    Trans Day Of Visibility
    TransEpiscopal Eucharist
    Transfiguration
    Transformation
    Transgender
    Transgender Athletes
    Transgender Day Of Visibility
    Transgender Faith Leaders
    Transgender Moment
    Transgender Non Discrimination
    Transgender Non-discrimination
    Trans Inclusion
    Transition
    Trans Justice
    Trans Lesbian
    TransLutherans
    Trans Medical Care
    Transmisogyny
    Trans Misogyny
    Trans Narratives
    Trans Ordination
    Trans Ordinations
    Trans People Of Faith
    Transphobia
    Trans Pride
    Trans Representation In Media
    Trans Sermons
    Transsexual
    Trans Spirituality
    Trans Studies
    Trans Women
    Trans Youth
    Trauma
    Travel
    Trinity Episcopal Cathedral Sacramento
    Trump Gender Memo
    UCC
    Uganda
    UMC General Conference
    United Kingdom
    United Methodist
    UUA
    Vendela Vida
    Vermont Equal Marriage
    Vice President Of The House Of Deputies
    Viktor Juliet Mukasa
    Violence
    Vocation
    Voices Of Witness Africa
    Voices Of Witness Out Of The Box
    Welcome One Another Fellowship
    Wholeness
    Wilderness
    Women Bishops
    Women's Ministries
    Women's Ordination
    World Mission Committee

    RSS Feed

Proudly powered by Weebly