Alcohol and Substance Abuse Committee
Mission statement:
In meeting the General Convention's mandate for policies and education regarding alcohol use in congregations, the committee offers written materials, film presentations to suit every venue, and other resources for information on the various facets of addiction. The importance of the spiritual component in addiction cannot be underestimated; we believe that our congregations provide opportunities for information on this issue.
The following statement was approved by the 1985 General Convention.
The Episcopal Church has never endorsed the prohibition of using beverages containing alcohol among adult members. Scripture offers Jesus' example of the use of wine at his first miracle in Cana and in the institution for the Holy Eucharist. When an adult elects to use alcohol, moderate usage is expected. Church members are expected to be educated regarding those conditions that might compromise the health and safety of others. The church also supports those people who abstain from the use of alcoholic beverages for whatever reason. Many churches do not serve alcoholic beverages at church functions but for those who do the following guidelines are given:
- Applicable federal, state, and local laws should be obeyed, including the serving of alcoholic beverages to minors.
- Whenever alcohol is served, nonalcoholic alternatives must always be offered with equal attractiveness and accessibility.
- Alcoholic beverages and food containing alcohol must be clearly labeled as such.
- The serving of alcoholic beverages at church events should not be publicized as an attraction of the event.
- The group or organization sponsoring the activity or event at which alcoholic beverages are served must have permission from the parish for such a plan. The group or organization must also assume responsibility for those persons who might become intoxicated and must provide alternative transportation for anyone whose capacity to drive may be thus impaired.
- Recognizing the effect of alcohol as a mood-altering drug, it is advisable to consider the nature of the function at which alcohol is proposed to be served.
- The use of chemicals other than alcohol is clearly controlled under federal, state or local laws, such usage should be forbidden at any function.
CONTACT PERSONS FOR PROGRAMS OR RESOURCES
The Rev. Nancy Platt - 623-7699
Augusta area
nplatto@aol.com
Jane Johnson - 729-7023
Brunswick area
jmj@suscom-maine.net
Sherry Sivret - 454-3657
Calais area
slbs0306@yahoo.com
Chick Carroll - 653-8557
Brunswick area
chickcarroll76@hotmail.com
Patricia Jalbert - 934-1218
Portland area
pmjalbert@yahoo.com
The Rev. Dan Kunhardt - 729-5992
Bath area
luluc@suscom-maine.net
Charles Sawyer - 773-0178
Portland area
savsaw@yahoo.com
The Rev. Marcia Richardson - 882-6270
HELPFUL READING
Alcohol Policy of the Cathedral Church of St. Luke.
LINKS
Office of Substance Abuse - Information and resources
Alcoholics Anonymous, Alanon & other support groups
Recovered Alcoholic Clergy Association (RACA)
