D036 (Sacrament of healing within the context of worship services)

House of Bishops Message #200

The House of Bishops informs the House of Deputies that on Jun 27, 2024 it considered resolution D036 (Sacrament of healing within the context of worship services). The house acted to:

Reject


Resolved, the House of Deputies concurring,

That the 81st General Covention direct the Presiding Officers to an Interim Body of their choice to conduct research to determine the number of Public Services of Healing which take place in the church.

And be it further

Resolved, That this data is used to explore the various forms, frequency, and practices of Healing in the Episcopal Church. This includes but is not limited to:

-the annual frequency of Public Services of Healing (BOS)

-whether bishops bless Oils for the Sick at a Chrism Mass, or other service

-whether contemplative practices are available in parishes

And be it further

Resolved, That guidance, and materials, for best practices when instituting the Sacramental Oils be explored; and be it further

Resolved, That a summary report of healing practices is submitted to the 82nd General Convention; and be it further

Resolved, That the Assigned Body explore worship services making available Healing and the Sacrament of Anointing; these services may be Care for Creation, Celtic, "Blue Christmas", and 'themed' services ( a Saint, perhaps Patrick, a crisis such as opiod) using the structure for liturgy from Book of Common Prayer pages 400-401; and be it further

Resolved, That the General Convention request the Executive Council Standing Committee on Finance allocate $15,000 to work on the resolution during the triennium; and be it further

Resolved, That a report is submitted to the 82nd Convention.