Full Legislative History
Resolution Number: 1994-B008
Title: Observe War Anniversaries and Commit to Abolishing Racism and Nuclear War
Legislative Action Taken: Concurred As Amended
Final Text:

Resolved, That the 71st General Convention of the Episcopal Church notes that Sunday, August 6, 1995, which is the Feast of the Transfiguration of Our Lord Jesus Christ and coincides with the 50th anniversary of the nuclear bombing of the city of Hiroshima, Japan by the United States; [sic] and be it further

Resolved, That this observance include suitable liturgical expressions of sorrow and repentance for the suffering inflicted upon innocent people as a result of the nuclear bombings of the cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Japan, on August 6 and 9 respectively; and be it further

Resolved, That the Episcopal Church in the United States seek ways with appropriate liturgical commemorations, to observe jointly this anniversary with the Nippon Sei Ko Kai, and with human rights and peace organizations of both the United States and Japan, and that those dioceses and parishes in partner relationships with diocese and parishes in Japan be especially encouraged to observe the anniversary jointly by exchange visits, conferences, pilgrimages, projects, and other appropriate efforts, including initiation of discussions on ways to repair the human and natural destruction brought about by war-making; and be it further

Resolved, That the Episcopal Church join in appropriate ecumenical observances of the end of World War II and the founding of the United Nations, keeping in remembrance both the suffering and the imposition of suffering by all sides in any war, and asking God's forgiveness for our complicity as a people; and be it further

Resolved, That members of the Episcopal Church take special care in the course of the 50th anniversary commemorations to work against any "Japan bashing" or other racist behavior; and be it further

Resolved, That the Episcopal Church recommit itself to work actively for the complete abolition of nuclear war; and be it further

Resolved, That the resources of the Episcopal Church Center, including the Washington Office of the Episcopal Church, in cooperation with other appropriate Church related bodies, including unofficial organizations, be used to identify curricula, study guides, worship and liturgical resources, bulletin inserts, and other resources for use by dioceses and by local congregations for study and action on issues of nuclearism.

Citation: General Convention, Journal of the General Convention of...The Episcopal Church, Indianapolis, 1994 (New York: General Convention, 1995), pp. 284-85.