Resolution Number: 2018-D098
Title: Increase Focus and Engagement in Latin America and the Caribbean
Legislative Action Taken: Concurred as Amended
Final Text:

Resolved, That the 79th General Convention of The Episcopal Church rejoice in the shared ministry and fellowship of our dioceses of The Episcopal Church and our Anglican Communion partners throughout Latin America and the Caribbean; and be it further

Resolved, That the General Convention direct the Office of Government Relations and the Office of Global Partnerships to employ the Church's relationships with the United States government and the Church’s official status at the United Nations to engage with member states, regional groups of states, and international organizations such as the Organization of American States, and to find opportunities for partnership to advance mutual goals and mission; and be it further

Resolved, That a report on such engagement be included in the appropriate report(s) regarding The Episcopal Church’s activities at the United Nations; and be it further

Resolved, That the General Convention commend the work and generosity of all Episcopalians and Episcopal organizations supporting, ministering with, and empowering our family in Christ in Latin America and the Caribbean.

Citation: General Convention, Journal of the General Convention of...The Episcopal Church, Austin, 2018 (New York: General Convention, 2018), p. 698.

Legislative History

Author: Mr. Adam Lees
Originating House: House of Bishops
Originating Committee: World Mission

House of Bishops

The House of Bishops Committee on World Mission presented its Report #12 on Resolution D098 (Increase Focus and Engagement in Latin America and the Caribbean) and moved adoption with amendment.

Original Text of Resolution:

(D098)

Resolved, the House of Deputies concurring, That the 79th General Convention of The Episcopal Church rejoice in the shared ministry and fellowship of the dioceses in Latin America and the Caribbean as well as our sister churches throughout Latin America and the Caribbean; and be it further

Resolved, That concerned that the Church’s international policy and social justice work shows disproportionate focus on the Holy Land and larger Middle East region, the 79th General Convention of The Episcopal Church instruct the Executive Council and through the Council other such commissions, offices, and agencies of The Episcopal Church, particularly those that represent the church at the United Nations, to seek ways to build on the Church’s official status at the United Nations to engage the Organization of American States, a regional sub-group of the United Nations and one of the oldest extant multi-lateral organizations, and its specialized organs such as the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights and Pan American Health Organization and to find opportunities for partnership to advance mutual goals and mission; and be it further

Resolved, That a report on such engagement be included in the appropriate report(s) regarding The Episcopal Church’s activities at the United Nations; and be it further

Resolved, That the 79th General Convention commend the work and generosity of all Episcopalians and Episcopal organizations supporting, ministering with, and empowering our brothers and sisters in Christ in Latin American and the Caribbean.

Committee Amendment:

Resolved, the House of Deputies concurring, That the 79th General Convention of The Episcopal Church rejoice in the shared ministry and fellowship of ourthe dioceses of The Episcopal Church and our Anglican Communion partnersin Latin America and the Caribbean as well as our sister churches throughout Latin America and the Caribbean; and be it further

Resolved, That concerned that the Church’s international policy and social justice work shows disproportionate focus on the Holy Land and larger Middle East region,the 79th General Convention of The Episcopal Church instruct direct the Office of Government Relations and the Office of Global Partnerships to employ the Church's relationships with the United States government andthe Executive Council and through the Council other such commissions, offices, and agencies of The Episcopal Church, particularly those that represent the church at the United Nations, to seek ways to build on the Church’s official status at the United Nations to engage with member states, regional groups of states, and international organizations such as the Organization of American States, a regional sub-group of the United Nations and one of the oldest extant multi-lateral organizations, and its specialized organs such as the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights and Pan American Health Organization and to find opportunities for partnership to advance mutual goals and mission; and be it further

Resolved, That a report on such engagement be included in the appropriate report(s) regarding The Episcopal Church’s activities at the United Nations; and be it further

Resolved, That the 79th General Convention commend the work and generosity of all Episcopalians and Episcopal organizations supporting, ministering with, and empowering our brothers and sisters family in Christ in Latin American and the Caribbean.

Motion carried

Resolution adopted with amendment

(Communicated to the House of Deputies in HB Message #260)

House of Deputies

The House of Deputies Committee on World Mission presented its Report #12 on HB Message #260 on Resolution D098 (Increase Focus and Engagement in Latin America and the Caribbean) and moved concurrence.

Motion carried

The House concurred

(Communicated to the House of Bishops in HD Message #466)

Resolution Concurred by Both Houses, July 13.

Abstract:   The 79th General Convention commends the work of all Episcopalians supporting ministry with our Anglican Communion partners in Latin American and the Caribbean, and directs specific church offices to advocate for engaging international organizations in similar partnership opportunities in the region.