The Acts of Convention

Committee Amendment:

Resolved, the House of Deputies concurring, That the 78th General Convention of The Episcopal Church recognize and commend the unconditional love and support that families, communities, scholars, and activists have shown to their Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender, and Intersex (LGBTI) sisters and brothers in Africa who are at risk of violence, discrimination, and imprisonment; and be it further

Resolved, That the 78th General Convention of The Episcopal Church affirm the following redemptive words in the statement of the Primates of the Anglican Communion in the Dromantine Communique (2005) that: “The victimisation or diminishment of human beings whose affections happen to be ordered towards people of the same sex is anathema to us. We assure homosexual people that they are children of God, loved and valued by him, and deserving of the best we can give of pastoral care and friendship;” and be it further

Resolved, That the 78th General Convention of The Episcopal Church encourage parishes, and dioceses, especially those with companion relationships in with Anglicans in Africa, as well as advocacy groups, to build relationships with African Anglican scholars and activists who are working to advance generous understandings of the Bible and learn from Anglican African scholars who are already offering Biblical interpretations that affirm the dignity and humanity of lLesbian, gGay, bBisexual, tTransgender, and IIntersex people; and be it further

Resolved, That the Office of Global Partnerships, Justice, and Advocacy Ministries; , the Office of the Presiding Bishop;, and other relevant church-wide offices be directed to support efforts ofwork in partnership with African Anglicans who publicly oppose laws that criminalize homosexuality and incite violence against lLesbian, gGay, bBisexual, tTransgender, and IIntersex people; and be it further

Resolved, That The 78th General Convention of The Episcopal Church direct the Standing Commission on Anglican and International Peace with Justice Concerns or other appropriate standing commissionbody as designated by Executive Council to compile, for church-wide reference and use, a listing of information and resources developed by African Anglican leaders and organizations working to curb anti-gay and anti-transgender violence, discrimination, and marginalization. In the event that there is no Standing Commission whose charge encompasses this work, a task force pursuant to Joint Rule of Order IX.22 of at least two priests or deacons, two lay people, and two bishops shall be appointed to complete this work by the 79th General Convention; and be it further

Resolved, That The 78th General Convention of The Episcopal Church encourage parishes and dioceses to offer prayers for the safety of our Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Intersex sisters and brothers, their families and communities, and for the scholars and activists who tirelessly work on their behalf.

Motion carried

Resolution adopted with amendment

(Communicated to the House of Deputies in HB Message #174)