Resolution Number: 2018-D063
Title: Support Christians and Other Persecuted Minorities in Iraq
Legislative Action Taken: Concurred as Amended
Final Text:

Resolved, That the General Convention of The Episcopal Church express its support for the right of all Christians and other persecuted minorities in Iraq to live their life of faith and develop their communities free of persecution, discrimination and violence; and be it further

Resolved, That the General Convention encourages The Episcopal Church, working in partnership with the Anglican Diocese of Cyprus and the Gulf, to provide prayers, friendship, and material support as determined by the needs and aspirations of Iraq’s Christians, as an expression of our love and recognition of their religious, cultural, and humanitarian inclusion in the sacred Body of Christ; and be it further

Resolved, That the Office of Governmental Relations monitor the status of the United States concerning Iraq’s Christians and other religious minorities, urge the State Department to advocate on their behalf, and report back to the Church; and be it further

Resolved, That the Secretary of the General Convention inform the Diocese of Cyprus and the Gulf of this action.

Citation: General Convention, Journal of the General Convention of...The Episcopal Church, Austin, 2018 (New York: General Convention, 2018), pp. 378-379.

Legislative History

Author: Mr. George Vosburgh
Originating House: House of Bishops
Originating Committee: World Mission

House of Bishops

The House of Bishops Committee on World Mission presented its Report #4 on Resolution D063 (Supporting Christians in Iraq) and moved adoption with amendment.

Original Text of Resolution:

(D063)

Resolved, the House of Deputies concurring, That the 79th General Convention of the Episcopal Church hereby express its support for the right of all Christians and other persecuted minorities in Iraq to live their life of faith and develop their communities free of persecution, discrimination and violence; and be it further

Resolved, That the 79th General Convention also hereby commits The Episcopal Church, working in partnership with the Anglican Diocese of Cyprus and the Gulf, to provide prayers, friendship, and material support as determined by the needs and aspirations of Iraq’s Christians, as an expression of our love and recognition of their religious, cultural, and humanitarian inclusion in the sacred Body of Christ.

Committee Amendment:

Resolved, the House of Deputies concurring, That the 79th General Convention of the Episcopal Church hereby express its support for the right of all Christians and other persecuted minorities in Iraq to live their life of faith and develop their communities free of persecution, discrimination and violence; and be it further

Resolved, That the 79th General Convention also hereby commits encourages The Episcopal Church, working in partnership with the Anglican Diocese of Cyprus and the Gulf, to provide prayers, friendship, and material support as determined by the needs and aspirations of Iraq’s Christians, as an expression of our love and recognition of their religious, cultural, and humanitarian inclusion in the sacred Body of Christ; and be it further

Resolved, That the Office of Governmental Relations monitor the status of the United States concerning Iraq’s Christians and other religious minorities, urge the State Department to advocate on their behalf, and report back to the Church; and be it further

Resolved, That the Secretary of the General Convention inform the Diocese of Cyprus and the Gulf of this action.

Motion carried

Resolution adopted with amendment

(Communicated to the House of Deputies in HB Message #85)

House of Deputies

The House of Deputies Committee on World Mission presented its Report #5 on HB Message #85 on Resolution D063 (Supporting Christians in Iraq) and moved concurrence.

Motion carried

The House concurred

(Communicated to the House of Bishops in HD Message #189)

Resolution Concurred by Both Houses, July 10.

Abstract:   The 79th General Convention expresses support for the right of Christians and other minorities in Iraq to worship and develop their communities without persecution, and urges advocacy for religious freedom in Iraq.