The Acts of Convention

House of Bishops

The House of Bishops Committee on Social Justice and International Policy presented its Report #18 on Resolution B008 (A Call for the Cessation of Conflict in Ukraine) and moved adoption with amendment.

Original Text of Resolution:

(B008)

Resolved, the House of Deputies concurring,

That the 80th General Convention of The Episcopal Church condemns the aggression launched by the Russian Federation on the sovereign and independent nation of Ukraine on February 24, 2022; and be it further 

Resolved, That this Convention calls on the leaders of the nations engaged in this conflict to cease immediately from this unjustifiable and bloody violence, and that those among the nations of the world who may have the capacity to influence the choices made by those directing this war call upon them urgently to do so; and be it further

Resolved, That as faithful Christians we call upon our siblings in the churches of Russia and Ukraine to remind their leaders of Christ’s commandment that we love our neighbors as we love ourselves—a commandment we believe provides no justification for violent conflict unless in the defense of the vulnerable and defenseless; and be it further

Resolved, That this Convention commends the work of Episcopal Relief and Development, and our congregations in Europe, in their ongoing efforts to provide support and succor to all refugees seeking safety and shelter in Europe; and helping them rebuild shattered lives; and be it further

Resolved, That all refugees, regardless of the reasons for their flight or the country of their origin, be received with equal dignity, equal hospitality, and equal treatment; and that all congregations be aware of, and guard against, the dangers of human trafficking to which refugees are especially vulnerable; and be it further

Resolved, That this Convention commends the ongoing work of diplomats and peacemakers, and calls upon all those in authority to labor without ceasing to bring a swift and just end to this conflict, and a restoration of Ukraine’s independence and autonomy under conditions of tranquility.

Committee Amendment:

Resolved, the House of Deputies concurring,

That the 80th General Convention of The Episcopal Church condemns the aggression launched by the Russian Federation on the sovereign and independent nation of Ukraine on February 24, 2022; and be it further?

Resolved, That this Convention calls on the leaders of the nations engaged in this conflict to cease immediately from this unjustifiable and bloody violence, and that those among the nations of the world who may have the capacity to influence the choices made by those directing this war call upon them urgently to do so; and be it further

Resolved, That this convention calls on the leaders of the Russian Federation and its supporters to cease their aggression and enter immediately into good-faith negotiations in which Ukraine’s sovereignty and security are assured and calls those among the nations of the world who may have the capacity to influence the choices made by those directing this war urgently to do so; and be it further

Resolved, That as faithful Christians we call upon our siblings in the churches of Russia and Ukraine to remind their leaders of Christ’s commandment that we love our neighbors as we love ourselves—a commandment we believe provides no justification for violent conflict unless in the defense of the vulnerable and defenseless; and be it further

Resolved, That this Convention commends the work of Episcopal Relief and Development, and our congregations in Europe, in their ongoing efforts to provide support and succor to all refugees seeking safety and shelter in Europe; and helping them rebuild shattered lives; and be it further

Resolved, That all refugees, regardless of the reasons for their flight or the country of their origin, be received with equal dignity, equal hospitality, and equal treatment; and that all congregations be aware of, and guard against, the dangers of human trafficking to which refugees are especially vulnerable; and be it further

Resolved, That this Convention commends the ongoing work of diplomats and peacemakers, and calls upon all those in authority to labor without ceasing to bring a swift and just end to this conflict, and a restoration of Ukraine’s independence and autonomy under conditions of tranquility.

The Bishop of Michigan, the Rt. Rev. Bonnie Perry, moved an amendment.

Proposed Amendment:

That the 80th General Convention of The Episcopal Church condemns the aggression launched by the Russian Federation on the sovereign and independent nation of Ukraine on February 24, 2022; and be it further?

Resolved, that this Convention calls on the leaders of the nations engaged in this conflict to cease immediately from this unjustifiable and bloody violence, and that those among the nations of the world who may have the capacity to influence the choices made by those directing this war call upon them urgently to do so; and be it further

Resolved, that this Convention calls on the leaders of the nations engaged in this conflict to cease immediately from this unjustifiable and bloody violence, and that those among the nations of the world who may have the capacity to influence the choices made by those directing this war call upon them urgently to do so; and be it further

Resolved, that this convention calls on the leaders of the Russian Federation and its supporters to cease their aggression and enter immediately into good-faith negotiations in which Ukraine’s sovereignty and security are assured and calls those among the nations of the world who may have the capacity to influence the choices made by those directing this war urgently to do so; and be it further

Resolved, that as faithful Christians we call upon our siblings in the churches of Russia and Ukraine to remind their leaders of Christ’s commandment that we love our neighbors as we love ourselves—a commandment we believe provides no justification for violent conflict unless in the defense of the vulnerable and defenseless; and be it further

Resolved, that this Convention commends the work of Episcopal Relief and Development, and our congregations in Europe, in their ongoing efforts to provide support and succor to all refugees seeking safety and shelter in Europe; and helping them rebuild shattered lives; and be it further

Resolved, that all refugees, regardless of the reasons for their flight or the country of their origin, be received with equal dignity, equal hospitality, and equal treatment; and that all congregations be aware of, and guard against, the dangers of human trafficking to which refugees are especially vulnerable; and be it further

Resolved, that this Convention commends the ongoing work of diplomats and peacemakers, and calls upon all those in authority to labor without ceasing to bring a swift and just end to this conflict, and a restoration of Ukraine’s independence and autonomy under conditions of tranquility.

Motion carried

Amendment adopted

The Assistant Bishop of Dallas, the Rt. Rev. Michael Smith, moved an amendment.

Delete paragraph 13.

Motion defeated

Amendment defeated

A vote was taken on Resolution A008 as amended.

Motion carried

Resolution adopted with amendment

(Communicated to the House of Deputies in HB Message #173)

House of Bishops

The House of Bishops Committee on Social Justice and International Policy presented its Report #30 on HD Message #265 on Resolution B008 (A Call for the Cessation of Conflict in Ukraine) and moved concurrence.

Motion carried

The House concurred

(Communicated to the House of Deputies in HB Message #396)