Task Force on Church and Society

Bishop announces membership for new Task Force on Church and Society

After broad consultation, the Bishop has invited the following members of the diocese to serve on the Task Force on Church and Society.

The Reverend Joe Shepley (Saint Mary’s, Stuart) Co-chair

• Ms Janice Villiers, Esq (Saint Mary Magdalene and Saint Martin, Coral Springs) Co-chair
• The Venerable Fritz Bazin (Archdeacon for Immigration and Social Justice)
• Ms Jacquie Bernard (Bethesda-by-the-Sea)
• The Venerable Hal Hurley (Archdeacon for African Descent Ministries)
• Mr Ahmed Otero (Saint John’s, Homestead)
• The Very Reverend Jason Roberson (Trinity Cathedral)
• Ms Deb Strainge (Saint Mark’s School, Palm Beach Gardens)

The Reverend Dr Chris Jones will act as a consultant on ethics and moral theology for the task force.

The task force was established at our last diocesan convention to assist the leadership of our congregations, schools, and special ministries.   Here is the resolution:

Whereas the legislature of the State of Florida has recently enacted laws that discriminate against certain groups of people in our society, namely women, the LGBTQIA community, the African American community and all people of color, undocumented immigrants and refugees, and asylum seekers;

And whereas these laws also encourage the widespread banning of books from the libraries and courses of schools and universities;

Be it resolved that this 54^th Convention of the Episcopal Church in Southeast Florida strongly condemns all aspects of these laws whichdirectly contradict our Baptismal Covenant, in which we are committed to strive for justice and peace among all people and respect the dignity of every human being;

Furthermore, be it resolved that this Convention calls on the Bishop's staff, all our congregations, schools, and special ministries toensure that the promises we make in our Baptismal Covenant are affirmed and implemented across all ministries in our diocese;

And finally, be it resolved that our Bishop be asked to appoint a taskforce of qualified members to study these laws, make recommendations, and assist in providing resources and support to our leaders of congregations, schools, and special ministries inorder to empower and facilitate practices and action consistent with the principles of our Christian faith.

You may communicate with the task force at the following email address