Resolution Number: 2015-B002
Title: Call for an End to the Cuban Embargo
Legislative Action Taken: Concurred as Amended
Final Text:

Resolved, That the 78th General Convention, consistent with resolutions from the 76th and 77th General Conventions calling for an end to the embargo of Cuba, welcomes recent diplomatic initiatives aimed at restoring relations and expanding commerce and movement of people between the United States and Cuba; and be it further

Resolved, That the 78th General Convention direct the Office of Government Relations to concentrate its effort with respect to this issue toward lifting aspects of the embargo that impede The Episcopal Church’s partnership with The Episcopal Church in Cuba.

Citation: General Convention, Journal of the General Convention of...The Episcopal Church, Salt Lake City, 2015 (New York: General Convention, 2015), p. 677.

Legislative History

Author: The Rt. Rev. Leopold Frade
Originating House: House of Bishops
Originating Committee: Social Justice and International Policy

House of Bishops

The House of Bishops Committee on Social Justice and International Policy presented its Report #5 on Resolution B002 (Support the End of the Embargo of Cuba) and moved adoption with amendment.

Original Text of Resolution:

(B002)

Resolved, the House of Deputies concurring, That the 78th General Convention support the end of the Embargo on Cuba by the United States; and be it further

Resolved, That the 78th General Convention urge Episcopalians and others to contact their Senators and their Congressional Representatives to urge them to support the Freedom to Export to Cuba Act (S. 491 and H.R. 634); and be it further

Resolved, That the 78th General Convention direct that the Episcopal Public Policy Network to mobilize support for ending the Embargo on Cuba and to provide information regarding both the lack of beneficial effects of the Embargo and on the harmful effects of the Embargo on persons in Cuba and in the United States.

Committee Amendment:

Resolved, the House of Deputies concurring, That the 78th General Convention support the end of the Embargo on Cuba by the United States; and be it further

Resolved, That the 78th General Convention urge Episcopalians and others to contact their Senators and their Congressional Representatives to urge them to support the Freedom to Export to Cuba Act (S. 491 and H.R. 634); and be it further

Resolved, That the 78th General Convention direct that the Episcopal Public Policy Network to mobilize support for ending the Embargo on Cuba and to provide information regarding both the lack of beneficial effects of the Embargo and on the harmful effects of the Embargo on persons in Cuba and in the United States., consistent with resolutions from the 76th and 77th General Conventions calling for an end to the embargo of Cuba, welcomes recent diplomatic initiatives aimed at restoring relations and expanding commerce and movement of people between the United States and Cuba; and be it further

Resolved, That the 78th General Convention direct the Office of Government Relations to concentrate its effort with respect to this issue toward lifting aspects of the embargo that impede The Episcopal Church’s partnership with The Episcopal Church in Cuba.

Motion carried

Resolution adopted with amendment

(Communicated to the House of Deputies in HB Message #72)

House of Deputies

The House of Deputies Committee on Social Justice and International Policy presented its Report #8 on HB Message #72 on Resolution B002 (Support the End of the Embargo of Cuba) and moved concurrence.

Motion carried

The House concurred

(Communicated to the House of Bishops in HD Message #97)

Resolution Concurred by Both Houses, June 29.

Abstract:   The 78th General Convention calls for ending the embargo of Cuba and restoring diplomatic relations.