CASA
Diocesan Policies
Diocesan Policy on Alcoholism and Substance Abuse
(Adopted by Diocesan Council, May 25, 1989)
WHEREAS, alcoholism and drug dependence have been identified as chronic, progressive, frequently fatal diseases that affect the body, mind and spirit of those affected;
WHEREAS, these diseases also affect the families of the affected;
WHEREAS, these diseases are frequently accompanied by symptoms of denial that impede detection, diagnosis and treatment; and
WHEREAS, the Diocese of Olympia seeks to answer Our Lord's call to a healing ministry:
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Diocesan Council adopts the following policies as applicable to members of the clergy and lay employees of the Diocese:
1. The Bishop will inform all clergy of the diocese and all lay employees of the diocese of his policy to intervene pastorally in cases where alcoholism or drug dependence are identified while said lay persons are so employed by the diocese and those clergy are canonically resident in the diocese.
2. Every effort shall be made to remove barriers to acceptance of those affected and recovering from these diseases, and diocesan personnel policies shall support reasonable employment protection to encourage recovery among those who seek treatment.
3. The Diocesan Health Plan will continue to provide all of its participants with coverage to share costs of inpatient and outpatient treatment for alcohol and drug dependence, within available budget allowances.
4. The Bishop may use personal or professional intervention techniques with trained facilitators to confront the disease of alcohol and drug dependence when they have been identified, attempting to assure that proper treatment is obtained on a confidential basis.
5. When intervention leads to treatment, it may include such services as assessment, medical detoxification, residential care, and/or outpatient services from a qualified treatment center, together with such psychological and spiritual counseling as may be deemed valuable. The families of those affected will be also considered and, in appropriate circumstances, may be invited to participate in the treatment process. Families may also be referred to support groups (including without limitation to Al-Anon, Adult Children of Alcoholics, Al-Ateen and Alcoholics Anonymous, etc.).
6. The Diocese of Olympia will not support continued employment or ministerial function of persons who persist in continued practicing of their addictions to alcohol or controlled substances.
Diocese of Olympia Policy on Serving Alcoholic Beverages at Church Functions
(in accordance with the 1985 General Convention resolution)
Although these guidelines recognize social value of the use of alcoholic beverages, they also recognize that drunkenness is always unacceptable Christian behavior. Care must always be taken to insure that responsible persons are in control of the serving of alcoholic beverages. It is the responsibility of the priest in charge, or in the priest's absence the senior warden, to assume responsibility for the dissemination of the observance of these guidelines.
1. Recognizing the effect of alcohol as a mood-altering drug, it is advisable to consider the nature of the function at which alcoholic beverages are proposed to be served.
2. Nonalcoholic beverages must always be served in an equally attractive manner and variety when serving alcoholic beverages, and food should always be served.
3. The serving of alcoholic beverages at church events should not be publicized as an attraction of the event. Clearly state in advance, and adhere to hours during which alcoholic beverages will be served; and serving should stop a reasonable amount of time before the end of the event.
4. Alcoholic beverages and food containing alcohol must be clearly labeled as such.
5. When alcoholic beverages are served in any form, nonalcoholic beverages must always be accessible and served in an equally attractive manner, and food should always be served.
6. The group or organization sponsoring the activity or event at which alcoholic beverages will be served must have permission from the congregation of such a plan. The group or organization must also asume responsibility for the actions of those persons who might become intoxicated, and must provide alternative transportation for anyone whose capacity to drive may be impaired.
7. Washington State Laws must be observed regarding minimum age and proper I. D. requirements in order to purchase or serve alcoholic beverages and intoxicated individuals will not be served.
Diocese of Olympia Policy regarding receiving Communion by Intinction
In the Episcopal Church, the "normal" method of receiving the Sacrament of Holy Communion is to receive "in both kinds", i.e. the bread and the wine are taken separately.
There is historical precedence, however, for receiving "in one kind only", i.e. the bread, which dates from the 3rd century.
In the Eucharist, the Body and Blood of Christ are present in each of theconsecrated species, and the fullness of communion can be experienced in receiving in "one kind only". Throughout history, the sick have been habitually communicated with one element.
For many who have the disease of alcoholism, communion in "one kind only" is the norm, while others receive by intinction. "Intinction" is the practice of dipping the Consecrated bread in the consecrated wine. For others, receiving the bread only, and crossing one's arms across your chest and receiving the words of administration only *.
In the Diocese of Olympia, our Bishop has directed that those who wish to receive by intinction should receive the host (bread) in their hand and leave it there for the chalice-bearer to pick up, dip in the chalice of wine, and place on the tongue of the communicant. If one wishes to receive in "one kind only" he/she should receive the host (bread) in the hand and quickly consume it, then cross your arms over your chest and bow your head slightly as the chalice passes you by. [ The chalice-bearer will say the words of administration of the sacrament and pass on to the next communicant.]
* Some individuals have chosen to kiss the Chalice to honor Our Lord, while remaining abstinent from alcohol.
