Resolution Number: 2018-A229
Title: Acknowledge Police Violence and Confront Racism
Legislative Action Taken: Concurred as Amended
Final Text:

Resolved, That while we honor and raise up the work of dedicated police officers who put their lives on the line to serve and protect, we also acknowledge the numerous inexcusable deaths and intimidation of people of color at the hands of law enforcement personnel in communities all over the United States, including but not limited to Standing Rock; New York City; Rapid City, South Dakota; Falcon Heights, Minnesota; North Charleston, South Carolina; Ferguson, Missouri; and Baltimore, Maryland; and be it further

Resolved, That these and events like them are an unconscionable affront to the Gospel commandment to uphold the dignity of every human being and require a prophetic response by clergy and laity. We therefore deplore any and all efforts that have occurred and may occur to silence these voices; and be it further

Resolved, That The Episcopal Church hereby does condemn the improper actions of authorities against people of color or any actions that make clergy and laity feel they should not speak out or take nonviolent action to eliminate the sin of racism.

Citation: General Convention, Journal of the General Convention of...The Episcopal Church, Austin, 2018 (New York: General Convention, 2018), p. 678.

Legislative History

Author: Legislative Committee on Racial Justice and Reconciliation (meeting jointly)
Originating House: House of Bishops
Originating Committee: Racial Justice and Reconciliation

House of Bishops

The House of Bishops Committee on Racial Justice and Reconciliation presented its Report #6 on Resolution A229 (Condemnation of Racial Discrimination and Encouragement to Confront Racism) and moved adoption with amendment.

Original Text of Resolution:

(A229)

Resolved, the House of Deputies concurring, That while we recognize the many dedicated police officers who put their lives on the line to serve and protect, we also acknowledge the numerous inexcusable deaths of unarmed men and youth of color at the hands of law enforcement personnel such as those seen in Rapid City, South Dakota; Falcon Heights, Minnesota; North Charleston, South Carolina; Ferguson, Missouri; and Baltimore, Maryland, are having a detrimental effect on our communities; and be it further

Resolved, That we acknowledge the blackballing of clergy who speak up on matters of race as a roadblock to the Church being a leader in racial healing, justice and reconciliation carrying forward the Jesus Movement; and be it further

Resolved, That The Episcopal Church hereby does condemn the improper actions of authorities against people of color or any actions that make clergy and laity feel they should not speak out or take nonviolent action to eliminate the sin of racism.

Committee Amendment:

Resolved, the House of Deputies concurring, That while we recognizehonor and raise up the work of the many dedicated police officers who put their lives on the line to serve and protect, we also acknowledge the numerous inexcusable deaths and intimidationof unarmed men and youthpeople of color at the hands of law enforcement personnel such as those seen inin communities all over the United States, including but not limited to Standing Rock; New York City; Rapid City, South Dakota; Falcon Heights, Minnesota; North Charleston, South Carolina; Ferguson, Missouri; and Baltimore, Maryland, are having a detrimental effect on our communities; and be it further

Resolved, That we acknowledge the blackballing of clergy who speak up on matters of race as a roadblock to the Church being a leader in racial healing, justice and reconciliation carrying forward the Jesus Movement these and events like them are an unconscionable affront to the Gospel commandment to uphold the dignity of every human being and require a prophetic response by clergy and laity. We therefore deplore any and all efforts that have occurred and may occur to silence these voices; and be it further

Resolved, That The Episcopal Church hereby does condemn the improper actions of authorities against people of color or any actions that make clergy and laity feel they should not speak out or take nonviolent action to eliminate the sin of racism.

Motion carried

Resolution adopted with amendment

(Communicated to the House of Deputies in HB Message #263)

House of Deputies

The House of Deputies Committee on Racial Justice and Reconciliation presented its Report #4 on HB Message #263 on Resolution A229 (Condemnation of Racial Discrimination and Encouragement to Confront Racism) and moved concurrence.

Deputy Dinwiddie of Michigan moved to amend the resolution.

Proposed Amendment:

In the first resolve clause, delete "while" prior to "we honor", and delete the comma after "protect" and replace with a semi-colon.

Debate ensued on the amendment.

Deputy Garner of Alabama moved to end debate on the amendment.

Motion carried

Debate terminated

An electronic vote was requested on the amendment.

An electronic vote was taken on the amendment, resulting in 294 yes votes and 491 no votes.

Motion defeated

Amendment defeated

A vote was taken on Resolution A229.

Motion carried

The House concurred

(Communicated to the House of Bishops in HD Message #394)

Resolution Concurred by Both Houses, July 13.

Abstract:   The 79th General Convention condemns instances in which law enforcement personnel have been involved in inexcusable deaths and intimidation as an affront to human dignity, and condemns efforts to silence voices or prevent actions to eliminate the sin of racism.