151^* Annual Meeting

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1 Proposed Resolutions 151^* Annual Meeting June 15 & 16, 2018 Connecticut Conference United Church of Christ 125 Sherman St. Hartford, CT (860) Hearings on the proposed resolutions to be held Friday, June 15*'' at the Mass Mutual Center, 3;30-4:45pm mav

Behavioral Covenant Our purpose is to promote understanding. We will take time for prayer. We will speak in the first person "I" and from our own experience. We will speak one at a time.

2 Behavioral Covenant Our purpose is to promote understanding. We will take time for prayer. We will speak in the first person "I" and from our own experience. We will speak one at a time. We will listen for understanding, especially when we seem to disagree. We will speak and seek truth in love. We will treat each other with caring and respect, as God's heloved children. We will allow each other equal "air time." We will not react out loud.

1 A RESOLUTION OF WITNESS CONDEMNING OUR GOVERNMENT'S ABHORRENT 2 POLICY OF SEPARATING IMMIGRANT CHILDREN FROM THEIR PARENTS AT OUR 3 SOUTHERN BORDER 4 Submitted by Delegates to the 151^^ Annual

3 1 A RESOLUTION OF WITNESS CONDEMNING OUR GOVERNMENT'S ABHORRENT 2 POLICY OF SEPARATING IMMIGRANT CHILDREN FROM THEIR PARENTS AT OUR 3 SOUTHERN BORDER 4 Submitted by Delegates to the 151^^ Annual Meeting of the Connecticut 5 Conference-June 6^^ WHEREAS one of the Three Great Loves identified by the United Church of Christ 7 is the/.o\/e o/c/]//c/ren; and 8 WHEREAS Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, 9 for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these" (Matthew 19:14); and 10 WHEREAS we learn that "when a stranger sojourns with you in your land, you 11 shall not do him wrong. You shall treat the stranger who sojourns with you 12 as the native among you.. (Leviticus 19: 33-34); and 13 WHEREAS the current administration has initiated a policy of separating parents 14 from children when families arrive seeking asylum at the southern border of 15 our nation. 16 THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that we, the Delegates to the IST' Annual Meeting 17 of the Connecticut Conference, condemn in the strongest terms possible the 18 outrageous, inhumane, and unjust treatment of those "strangers" seeking 19 refuge at our southern border. The deliberate and cruel separation of infants 20 and children from their parents must cease at once, and a kinder, more 21 compassionate, and more just policy - one that reflects the "better angels" 22 of our national nature - must take its place. List of Delegates Sponsoring This Resolution: 1) Beth Doan MID, Hartford Seminary, Central Assoc. 2) Dr. Jane Ellingwood, First Congregational Church of Bethel, Falrfield East Assoc. 3) Rev. Jenn Gingras, Monroe Congregational Church, Falrfield East Assoc. 4) Rev. Jeff Lukens, Lordship Community Church, Falrfield East Assoc. 5) Rev. Kristen Provost Switzer, Newtown Congregational Church, Falrfield East Assoc. 6) Rev. Laura Westby, Congregational Church of Brookfield, Fairfield East Assoc. 7) Barbara L. Williams, Greenfield Hill Church, Fairfield East Assoc. 8) Rev. Dr. Virginia A. McDaniel, Senior Minister, First Congregational Church of Granby, Farmington Valley Assoc. 9) Meg Raines, First Church of Christ, Simsbury, Farmington Valley Assoc. 10) Rev. Dr. Rochelle A. Stackhouse, Center Church, Hartford, Hartford Assoc. 11) Rev. Cheryl P. Anderson, First Congregational Church, Washington, Litchfield South Assoc. 12) Ellen P. Willert, M.Div., First Congregational Church, Washington, Litchfield South Assoc. 13) Rev. Allyson C. Glass, Seymour Congregational Church, Naugatuck Valley Assoc. 14) Rev. Katrina R. Manzi, Middlebury Congregational Church, Naugatuck Valley Assoc. 15) Rev. Sue Prichard, First Congregational Church of Norvi/ich, New London Assoc. 16) Rev. Jonathon Chapman, Westfield Congregational Church, Windham Assoc. 17) Rev. Matthew Emery, Storrs Congregational Church, Windham Assoc. 18) Rev. Dr. Sue Foster, East Woodstock Congregational Church, Windham Assoc. 19) Rev. Jocelyn Gardener, First Congregational Church, Woodstock, Windham Assoc. 20) Robert Kirk, First Congregational Church, Woodstock, Windham Assoc. 21) Rev. Dr. Greg Gray, Thompson Congregational Church, Windham Assoc. 22)

1 A RESOLUTION OF IMPLEMENTATION RECOMMENDING WORKING 2 TOGETHER TO END BULLYING 3 4 Submitted by fifteen delegates to the 151 Annual Meeting of the Connecticut Conference of the 5 United Church of

4 1 A RESOLUTION OF IMPLEMENTATION RECOMMENDING WORKING 2 TOGETHER TO END BULLYING 3 4 Submitted by fifteen delegates to the 151 Annual Meeting of the Connecticut Conference of the 5 United Church of Christ 6 7 WHEREAS, Jesus taught, "you shall love your neighbor as yourself." (Matthew 22:39); and 8 9 WHEREAS, there should be no fear in the Church's love, "There is no fear in love, but perfect 10 love casts out fear; for fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not reached 11 perfection in love." (1 John 4:18); and WHEREAS, many people are hurting from the effects of bullying in the forms of physical and 14 verbal harassment, oppression, and exclusion; and WHEREAS, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports, "Compared with other 17 students, negative attitudes toward LGB persons may put these youths at increased risk 18 for experiences with violence. 'Violence' can include behaviors such as bullying, teasing, 19 harassment, and physical assault % were threatened or injured with a weapon on school property 21 34% were bullied on school property 22 28% were bullied electronically 23 23% of LGB students who had dated or went out with someone during the 12 months 24 before the survey had experienced sexual dating violence in the prior year 25 18% of LGB students had experienced physical dating violence 26 18% of LGB students had been forced to have sexual intercourse at some point in their 27 lives."' WHEREAS, the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network (GLSEN) reports that 75% of 30 transgender youth feel unsafe at school, and those who are able to persevere had 31 significantly lower GPAs, were more likely to miss school out of concern for their safety, 32 and were less likely to plan on continuing their education. Along with, 59% of trans 33 students have been denied access to restrooms consistent with their gender identity. 34 Rather than focusing on their education, many students struggle for the ability to come to 35 school and be themselves without being punished for wearing clothes or using facilities 36 consistent with who they are. Some are denied oppoitunities to go on field trips or 37 participate in sports. Together with bullying and victim-blaming, these conflicts can lead 38 to disproportionate discipline, school pushout, and involvement in the juvenile justice 39 system.^ WHEREAS, the 27"' 2017 General Synod of the United Church of Christ resolved that it ' Center for Disease Control and Prevention, "LGBT Youfli," Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Health, httds:// (Accessed June 23,2017). ^ Nation Center for Transgender Equality, "Youth & Students," httds://transeaualitv.org/issues/vouth-students (Accessed November 17,2017).

42 Supports the efforts of organizations, especially public school districts, to develop 43 programs that promote anti-bullying, safe schools, age and family structure acceptance of 44 wide-ranging

5 42 Supports the efforts of organizations, especially public school districts, to develop 43 programs that promote anti-bullying, safe schools, age and family structure acceptance of 44 wide-ranging diversity; 45 Affirms that diversity/multi-cultural education should embrace people of all races, 46 ethnic origins, genders, faiths, abilities, sexual orientations, gender identities, socio- 47 economic classes, countries of origin, and their families; 48 Decries organized and systematic efforts to cast diversity/multi-cultural education in 49 negative terms using fear and intimidation; 50 Affirms and supports congregations, church leaders, and public school districts that are 51 playing a prophetic role in the encouragement of diversity/multi-cultural education in 52 their commimities; and WEDEREAS, the delegates to the 127"^ 1994 Annual Meeting of the Connecticut Conference 55 UCC resolved to call upon the members of our congregations, to respond to issues that 56 make this world unfit for children, most particularly those issues related to the occurrence 57 of violence and its effects on the fives of children; and THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that we the delegates to the 151 ' Annual Meeting of the 60 Connecticut Conference of the United Church of Christ call upon the churches of the 61 Connecticut Conference UCC to speak the value of each and every fife, and to that end, 62 boldly proclaim our opposition to the practices of bullying in all its forms; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that we urge our churches, committees, and camping retreat 65 ministries to create safe space for each and every child of God, without regard to religion, 66 race, ethnicity, culture, citizenship, socio-economic status, gender identity, physical or 67 mental ability, and sexual orientation; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED in the spirit of advocating for safe sanctuary, we call upon 70 every United Chiurch of Christ member to respond to acts of bullying with acts of 71 compassion, and to take a public stand against speeches of hate, harassment and acts of 72 violence filled with long-held prejudices against all persons; and BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED that we call upon the Church and society to intentionally 75 validate, support, and empower persons being injured by bullying behavior in 76 workplaces, in schools, and in all environments Signed: 79 Rev. Greg Gray, Thompson Congregational, UCC, Windham Association 80 Rev. Jonathan Chapman, Westfield Congregational, UCC, Windham Association 81 Rev. Dr. Susan Foster, East Woodstock Congregational Church, Windham Association 82 Rev. Kristen Provost Switzer, Newtown Congregational Church, UCC, Fairfield East Assoc. 83 Rev. Shea Zellweger, Bethany First Church of Christ Congregational UCC, New Haven Assoc, 84 Waterbury South Congregational Church, Inc., Naugatuck Valley Assoc. 85 Rev. Rachel J. Bahr, First Congregational Church of Southington, CT, Central Association 86 Rev. Shawn Fjsher, Groton Congregational Church, New London Association 87 Kat Voght, Westfield Congi-egational, UCC, Windham Association

6 88 Rob Voght, Westfield Congregational, UCC, Windliam Association 89 Susan Waldinn, ONA Ministry Team, Windham Association 90 Rev. Christa D. Swenson, Mystic Congregational Church, UCC, New London Association 91 Rev. Larissa Forsythe, The Congregational Church, UCC, South Glastonbury, Hartford East 92 Rev. Jack Perkins Davidson, Spring Glenn Church, UCC, New Haven Association 93 Rev. Matthew Emery, Stom Congregational Church, United Church of Christ, Windham Assoc. 94 Rev. Jill Olds, United Congregational Church of Tolland, UCC, Tolland Association

7 1 A RESOLUTION OF IMPLEMENTATION CALLING FOR ANTI-RACISM AND 2 RACIAL JUSTICE TRAINING FOR CLERGY 3 4 Submitted by the Racial Justice Ministries Team of the CT Conference UCC, the Spring Glen 5 Church UCC in Hamden, the First Congregational Church of Guilford, & Immanuel 6 Congregational Church in Hartford 7 8 WHEREAS, Jesus instructed us in the gospels to reconcile with our neighbor before 9 approaching God's altar (Matt:5:24); and to remove the log from our own eye before 10 removing the speck from our neighbor's eye (Matt:7:3); and WHEREAS, the Hebrew Scriptures teach us that God delights in diversity, that all humanity 13 bears God's image (Gen;l:26), that Sabbath protections extend to all people in the land 14 (Ex. 20:8-11 anddt. 5:12-15), that love of neighbor is commanded (Lv. 1:17); and WHEREAS, the Epistles teach us that Christ came to break down the dividing wall that is the 17 hostility between us that we might be reconciled as one body with diverse members 18 (Eph 2); and WHEREAS, the Missionary Society of Connecticut has a long history of working on the 21 forefront of racial justice, boasting the first known African American Christian minister 22 to be formally ordained in a predominantly white mainline denomination, having played 23 an active role in the fight to free the captives of the Amistad, and having taken public 24 stands against segregation both here in America and abroad in the recent decades; and WHEREAS, in the year 2017, the Thirty First General Synod of the United Church of Christ 27 passed a resolution calling on all judicatory and educational settings of the denomination 28 to include the study of cultural diversity/sensitivity and institutional racism in clergy 29 preparation and continuing education, and as a requirement for maintaining standing for 30 all persons engaged in authorized ministry within and on behalf of the United Church of 31 Christ; and WHEREAS, nearly 30 years after the Connecticut Conference of the United Church of Christ 34 became an Open & Affirming body and adopted its Inclusive Non-Discrimination Policy, 35 people of color still experience racism in local churches and at the Conference, racism 36 that is intentional and unintentional, personal and institutional, mterpersonal and cultural, 37 offenses that are often committed, condoned, or ignored by clergy; and WHEREAS, our country has seen both the resurgence of overt white supremacy and continued 40 covert racism embodied in white privilege, sins that require repentance, confession and 41 education in order to be redeemed THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that we, the delegates to the 151 ' Annual Meeting

8 44 of the Connecticut Conference of the United Church of Christ lurge the Associations of 45 the Conference and their Committees on Ministry to adopt a policy requiring all 46 Authorized Ministers (including Ordained, Limited Standing, Licensed, and 47 Commissioned) to participate in, at minimum, a one-day workshop on racism and racial 48 justice within three years of adoption of the policy or within three years of being granted 49 standing by the Association, and repeat training within each subsequent three to five year 50 period; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that we call upon the Associations of the Conference and their 53 Committees on Ministry to adopt a policy requiring Members In-Discemment to 54 participate in, at minimum, a one-day workshop on racism and racial justice as a 55 prerequisite for ordination; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that we call upon the Connecticut Conference to make its 58 Racial Justice Training available for Members-in-Discemment and Authorized Ministers 59 at least twice during each calendar year; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that we call upon the Connecticut Conference, working with 62 the Racial Justice Ministries, Regional Ministers, Regional Ministry Teams, and local 63 churches to expand its Racial Justice Training for Christian Educators, Youth Leaders, 64 Simday School Teachers, Music Directors, Organists, Choir Directors, and other Lay 65 Leaders; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Connecticut Conference make available resources to 68 help congregations build allies and better support, encourage, and nurture clergy of color 69 and lay leaders of color; and BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED that die Connecticut Conference make available resources for 72 clergy to connect their congregations with active anti-racist movements locally, 73 nationally, and globally.

9 1 A RESOLUTION OF AFFIRMATION DENOUNCING ACTS OF VIOLENCE, HATRED, 2 AND RACISM CARRIED OUT IN THE NAME OF NEO-NAZI AND WHITE 3 SUPREMACIST IDEOLOGIES 4 Submitted by Monroe Congregational Church & Newtown Congregational Church, UCC 5 6 WHEREAS scripture offers important teachings such as: 7 God's call and commandment to love God with all of one's being (Deut. 6:5), 8 and to love one's neighbor as one's self (Matthew 22:37-40) 9 God's call through the prophets to "act justly and love mercy" (Micah 6:8) 10 God's call tiirough Jesus "to do unto others.. (Matthew 7:12), to see the despised and 11 oppressed as children of God, as in the story of Jesus' encounter with the Samaritan woman 12 (John 4:4-30), and in the parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:29-37) 13 God's vision of the church as a people "drawn from every nation, all tribes, peoples, and 14 languages" (Revelations 7:9); and WHEREAS the church has understood itself to be called by God to speak and act on behalf of the 17 outcast and oppressed in many times and cultures; and WHEREAS since 2016, we have witnessed significant increases in the incidents of hate speech, 20 hate crimes, assault, and harassment, directed at many minority peoples including 21 immigrants. Native Americans, Muslims, Jews, LGBTQ people and more; and WHEREAS we recognize that all persons have a constitutional right to free speech, nonetheless the 24 open display of Nazi and white supremacist regalia (swastika and Confederate flags), the 25 overt hateful and racist behavior in the white nationalist "Unite the Right" demonstration 26 (Charlottesville VA, Aug. 12"*, 2017), and the increasingly frequent expression of hateful, 27 extremist views in many forms of media is both profoundly disturbing to us and 28 diametrically opposed to our mandate from God; and WHEREAS on September 12"', 2017, both Houses of the United States Congress unanimously 31 passed a joint resolution condemning white nationalists, white supremacists, the Ku Klux 32 Klan, neo-nazis, and other hate groups THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that we, the delegates to the 15 P' Annual Meeting of the 35 Connecticut Conference of the United Church of Christ, denounce all forms and expressions 36 of white supremacist hatred as displayed by neo-nazi groups, the Ku Klux Klan, and others; 37 and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that we stand in solidarity with those who are so often the targets 40 of such hate speech and actions; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that we encourage United Church of Christ congregations to join 43 with other communities of faith to proclaim our shared commitment to Racial Justice; and BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED that this resolution, if affirmed, be put into proper format for 46 submission to the 2019 General Synod of the United Church of Christ.

10 1 RESOLUTION OF IMPLEMENTATION FOR TRANSPARENCY OF INFORMATION 2 ABOUT INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT 3 4 Submitted by the Environmental Ministry Team of the Connecticut Conference of the United 5 Church of Christ 6 7 WHEREAS, we are called by God to be stewards of the earth (Genesis 1:26), follow God's 8 commandments lest risk the earth's desolation (Deuteronomy 28); and 9 10 WHEREAS, Jesus came as a light to show us the way (John 12:46-47), calling on us to be alert 11 (Matthew 24:42; 25:13) and follow him into discipleship (Matthew 28:19-20); and WHEREAS, the United Church of Christ has a historic commitment to the responsible 14 stewardship of Creation *; and WHEREAS, responsible stewardship can only be possible with an informed, organized and 17 active citizenry engaged with government and the private sector, that relies on 18 transparency, such as the sharing of research, planning documents, and other resources; 19 and WHEREAS, transparency is essential for public confidence in the political process and 22 development projects, and allows for a truly democratic and spirited debate on issues of 23 concern for citizens; and WHEREAS, the construction or upgrading of energy infrastructure may threaten water, air or 26 land quality, the natural resources of our State; it is imperative that the relevant bodies of 27 our government assure transparency of communication between builders and the public THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that we, the delegates to the 151 ^ Ajonual Meeting of the 30 Coimecticut Conference of the United Church of Christ call upon members as stewards of 31 creation to become informed about energy infrastructure projects in their locales, to 32 exchange such information among themselves, to work with local and state governmental 33 agencies to promote optimal environmental quality; and BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED that we call upon members of local churches to advocate for 36 legislation to require complete transparency with regard to energy infrastructure 37 development and construction in local communities.

11 *Resoliitions U.C.C. Connecticut Conference: Resolution: Environmental Concems Resolution: Confronting the Energy Issue Resolution: The Energy Crisis Hazardous Waste and Water Pollution Solid Waste and Ecologically Sound Lifestyle Resolution on the Urgency for Action on Climate Change Resolution of Implementation to Help Achieve State Mandated Reduction in Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Support the Increase in Renewable Energy Resources in Connecticut U.C.C. General Svnod: Call for Environmental Education and Action Resolution on Supporting Congregations and Providing Guidance for Stewardship Resolution on Climate Change On Making UCC Church Buildings More Carbon Neutral Resolution Urging Divestment - Along with Other Strategies - from Fossil Fuels Companies to Address Climate Change Transition for Fossil Fuels to Renewable Energy

OPEN AND AFFIRMING FACT SHEET (From Connecticut Conference Website:

OPEN AND AFFIRMING FACT SHEET (From Connecticut Conference Website: www.ctucc.org) We Are an Open and Affirming Conference The Connecticut Conference is Open and Affirming, or ONA, which is the designation