Resolved, the House of Bishops concurring,

That the 81st General Convention acknowledge the harm caused by forced marriages (marriages where one party does not consent, but is forced to marry), a human rights violation, and the harm caused by underage marriages (marriages of those under eighteen years of age), which rob children of their childhood and increase incidents of domestic violence and poverty; both disproportionately affecting women and girls globally; and be it further

Resolved, That The Episcopal Church, with the assistance of the Office of Government Relations, support state and national policies that advocate for the minimum age to marry be eighteen, without exception and eliminate parental consent as an exception to marriage; and be it further

Resolved, That The Episcopal Church support policies that end child and forced marriages, by supporting policies such as access to educational, social and economic opportunities for girls; and be it further

Resolved, That The Episcopal Church call upon all members, congregations and dioceses to advocate for legislation at the state and federal levels that establishes eighteen as the minimum marriage age without exceptions; and be it further

Resolved, That General Convention urge Episcopal dioceses and organizations to commit to create awareness, provide support for survivors, and promote legislation that protects individuals from coerced and forced marriages as well as underage marriages; and be it further

Resolved, That the Task Force to Study Household & Relationship Diversity considers the impact of child and forced marriage upon individuals and families.