DIOCESAN RESOLUTIONS! The work continues as dioceses begin to study and implement The Charter. At 2009 diocesan conventions, these dioceses adopted resolutions regarding The Charter. Perhaps your diocese would like to write a resolution, modeled after one of these:

• Diocese of Alaska 
• Diocese of Vermont

Charter for Lifelong Christian Formation: Resolved, that the 177th Diocesan Convention of The Episcopal  commend to the committees, commissions, deaneries and parishes within the diocese of Vermont The ?Charter for Lifelong Christian Formation (attached) for the purpose of study, collaboration and implementation over the next three years. 

• Diocese of Indianapolis

Commendation of Charter for Lifelong Christian Formation: Resolved that the 172nd Convention of the  urges all congregations and institutions of the Diocese to adopt the Charter for Lifelong Christian Formation, and urges conversations, study, and consideration for implementation of the Charter across the range of our ministries as a Diocese.  Explanation: The Charter for Lifelong Christian Formation articulates the heartbeat of mission across our ministries and provides a call for our renewed attention to Christian Formation for all.

• Diocese of Ohio

Resolution on Lifelong Christian Formation: Resolved, that this 193rd Diocesan Convention of the  affirm the action of the 76th General Convention in adopting the Charter for Lifelong Christian Formation, Resolution A082 and be it further, Resolved, that we urge each parish to read and study the Charter and to live it out locally and be it further, Resolved, we urge the Office of Christian Formation for All and the Christian Formation Commission to engage this Charter as a tool to advance the support for persons in their lifelong faith journey.

• Diocese of Iowa

Charter for Lifelong Christian Formation: Be it resolved, that the 157th Annual Convention of the adopt The Charter for Lifelong Christian Formation as an underlying standard for Christian Formation in the Diocese of Iowa; and Be it further resolved, that we affirm that Christian Faith Formation in The Episcopal Church is a lifelong journey with Christ, in Christ and to Christ; and Be it finally resolved, that every congregation in the Diocese of Iowa read and study the Charter for Lifelong Christian Formation and attempt to live it out locally.

• Diocese of San Joaquin's 

Lifelong Christian Formation Directive can be found here.

• Diocese of Rhode Island

Support of Formation for Children, Youth, & College Students: Resolved, That this 219th Annual Convention of the Episcopal  claim as among its chief mission priorities for the triennium ahead formation of and ministerial support for children, youth and young adults of college age; and be it further resolved, That this diocese, including the Standing Committee and Financial Officers, evaluate use of resources of money and personnel, to direct more resources toward this mission priority, including strengthened support for campus ministries; and be it further resolved, That this convention endorse the Charter For Lifelong Christian Formation approved at General Convention in July 2009 and disseminate it to every congregation for their study and implementation.

Explanation: Rhode Island has approximately 358 primary and secondary public schools serving 153,122 students. The state’s 8 top colleges serve 65 thousand undergraduates alone! This is a huge mission field of increasingly unchurched young people - in fact, people with little or no spiritual formation, in many cases. From these generations will come future clergy and church members - but only if we invest in offering them the kind of targeted education, formation, recruitment, and support that incarnates Christ to them where they are, and uses media they access regularly and face-to-face contact with ministers, lay and ordained, who will encourage and help them shape their leadership skills. In ECC this diocese has a wonderful facility, program and staff to serve some young people, but it is not adequate alone to make contact with, offer the Gospel to, and serve the thousands of young seekers on many campuses and in schools -- but often not in churches -- throughout Rhode Island.

• Diocese of Oregon

The Charter for Lifelong Christian Formation: Be it resolved, That the 121^st Annual Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of Oregon adopt The Charter for Lifelong Christian Formation as an underlying standard for Christian Formation in the Diocese of Oregon; and Be it further resolved, That we affirm that Christian Faith Formation in The Episcopal Church is a lifelong journey with Christ, in Christ and to Christ; and Be it finally resolved, That every congregation in the Diocese of Oregon read and study the Charter for Lifelong Christian Formation and attempt to live it out locally.

• Explanation/Rationale: The General Convention of The Episcopal Church adopted the Charter for Lifelong Christian Formation [Resolution A082] in July 2009. Resolution A083 called upon all dioceses to promote and encourage lifelong formation.
  • Definition: Christian Formation is the lifelong process of growing in relationship with God, self, others, and all creation, becoming transformed into the people God wants us to be. Lifelong Christian Formation describes the many processes by which we live into that Baptismal covenant.  It encompasses a broad set of activities, supported by a rich array of communities and institutions, serving people from cradle to grave.
  • Vision for a transformed church: We affirm that lifelong Christian formation is foundational and an integral part of the process by which we will rebuild The Episcopal Church. Our congregations will grow in numbers and health when supported by leaders who know their identity in Christ and are able to access their tradition for the purposes of proclaiming and living out the Gospel.
• Implications/Financial Impact:  Implementing the Charter for Lifelong Christian Formation at the parish/mission, convocation, and diocesan level will yield many intangible benefits.  Our diocesan Ministry of Lifelong Christian Formation plans to focus current budgeted funds towards this work and encourages congregations to do the same.

•  Diocese of Missouri

Life-Long Learning: Be it resolved that this 170th Convention of the Episcopal formulate a strategy for Lifelong Christian Formation, taking into consideration the guidance provided in General Convention Resolution 2009-A083; and Be it further resolved that the Bishop of Missouri appoint persons to design, develop, and implement such strategies for this diocese and that such persons report on their work to the 171st Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of Missouri.

Within this website are resources for those who have a passion for lifelong Christian Formation to begin to engage others in its importance for The Episcopal Church. Herein you will find The Charter, the full resolution as adopted, as well as 'talking points' and facts about education, learning and faith formation. Whether you are volunteer or paid, in a congregation or diocese, ordained or lay, deputy or bishop, or a person of any age who has a passion for this resolution, you are encouraged to pray and discern how you might implement this vision in your home, church, or diocese.
  

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