The Acts of Convention

Resolved, That the 79th General Convention of the Episcopal Church, as followers of Jesus Christ, recognize the increase in the number of law enforcement encounters with our brothers, sisters, and siblings suffering from mental illness; and be it further

Resolved, That abiding in His call to serve Him through the care and service of the least among us (Mt. 25:40). As His followers we

1. Strongly encourage state and local law enforcement departments to seek and utilize alternatives to deadly force when dealing with unarmed citizens, especially those in mental health crisis and distress; and
2. Urge elected officials, governmental agencies and other relevant law enforcement entities to train and educate law enforcement officers and to implement reforms which mandate that law enforcement departments provide mandatory mental health crisis intervention and de-escalation training for all officers who may be called to respond to such situations; and
3. Urge all Episcopalians to advocate for mental health crisis intervention training and utilization for all law enforcement officials in local communities.