Along with millions of others around the nation, All Saints Church “went purple” on today for Spirit Day in a stand against bullying and to show their support for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) youth.
Observed annually since 2010, individuals, schools, organizations, corporations, and public figures wear purple, which symbolizes ‘spirit’ on the rainbow flag. All Saints is proud to continue to stand with our allies at GLAAD and all those working to oppose bigotry, bias and the marginalization of LGBT youth. More information on Spirit Day here.
We also give thanks for — and remind ourselves of — the “Response to Bullying” resolution adopted by the 2012 General Convention of the Episcopal Church — and for being part of a wider faith community putting its faith into action 24/7. Together we can make a difference in the lives of marginalized and bullied youth looking for hope, support and safety. Together we ARE “the beloved community.”
Resolution Number: 2012-D022
Title: Respond to Bullying
Resolved, That the 77th General Convention calls for a church wide response to the epidemic of bullying, particularly of those perceived as being “different” by virtue of economic, ethnic, racial or physical characteristics, religious status, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression; bullying is defined as the recurring use of single or combined written, verbal or electronic expressions or physical acts or gestures, directed at any person that: result in physical or emotional harm to the person or damage to his/her property; places the person in reasonable fear of harm to him/herself or of damage to her/his property; creates an intimidating or hostile environment for the person; impacts the rights of the victim. Bullying shall include cyber-bullying through electronic/social media, telephonic technology or other means; and be it further
Resolved, That the General Convention encourage new partnerships among our congregations, dioceses, campus ministries, National Association of Episcopal Schools, public schools, counseling centers, and governmental organizations in order to support and offer preventative programs addressing bullying, harassment, and other related violence, especially with higher risk populations; and be it further
Resolved, That these partnerships be encouraged to create or join with existing required programs designed to recognize and prevent abuse, neglect, and exploitation in our church settings which:
• utilize positive, inclusive, empowering and developmentally appropriate materials
• raise participants’ awareness about the issue
• focus on prevention
• seek to change bystander behavior into ally behavior
• create partnerships between youth and adults
• provide intervention and treatment for those who exhibit bullying behavior.
