Full Legislative History
Resolution Number: 2009-C049
Title: Develop a Plan and Activities to Address Domestic Poverty
Legislative Action Taken: Concurred as Amended
Final Text:

Resolved, That the 76th General Convention direct the Executive Council to develop a strategic plan with clear designation of authority and accountability to address issues of domestic economic justice and report back to the 77th General Convention; and be it further

Resolved, That the General Convention urge each Episcopal Congregation to build relationships with and among the marginalized of their community as well as form local partnerships with agencies that work with low-income people; and be it further

Resolved, That the General Convention urge each Episcopal Congregation to begin or continue to engage in the traditional acts of mercy in which many congregations and Jubilee Centers participate: food pantries, clothing closets, soup kitchens, homeless shelters and other programs; and be it further

Resolved, That the General Convention continue and deepen its advocacy and shall urge dioceses and congregations (often in concert with the Episcopal Public Policy Network) to advocate for legislation that provides adequate levels of support and opportunities for low-income people; and be it further

Resolved, That the General Convention urge dioceses and congregations to promote and participate in church-based community organizing whereby people of the local community exercise the power of numbers and conviction to bring their needs to the attention of and promote effective action by elected officials and governmental bodies; and be it further

Resolved, That the General Convention support and participate and shall urge dioceses and congregations to support and participate in various models through which low-income people and their co-workers can take control of their own lives and meet their own needs: models such as community development corporations, housing corporations and co-ops, small business development and land trusts; and be it further

Resolved, That the General Convention encourage at every level loans and deposits to community development financial institutions (community loan funds, community development banks and credit unions, and micro-loan business funds) to support local community development.

Citation: General Convention, Journal of the General Convention of...The Episcopal Church, Anaheim, 2009 (New York: General Convention, 2009), pp. 622-623.