Global Issues a Priority for Executive Council
Episcopal News Service. June 17, 2004 [061704-2]
Matthew Davies
With resolutions on the crisis in Sudan, detainees at Guantanamo Bay, justice for Haitians, and violence in Iraq and the Middle East, the Executive Council of the Episcopal Church, which met June 11-14 in Burlington, Vermont, reengaged in dialogue concerning global reconciliation and displayed its ongoing commitment to international issues of peace and justice.
Deep concerns--inhuman acts
The council expressed its deep concern over the "spiral of violence in Iraq" and the "abhorrent...abuse of prisoners," imploring the U.S. government to conduct itself with "the highest standards of human rights."
Calling for an end to human rights abuses such as those rampant in the Darfur region of Western Sudan, the resolution insisted that the credibility of the United States has "diminished in the world" since the unilateral decision to invade and occupy Iraq. Furthermore, the resolution urged that the U.S. and United Nations "move swiftly to transfer authority in Iraq to the new Iraqi government."
The resolution also called on the Bush administration "to grant legal rights to all detainees at Guantanamo Bay Naval Base in Cuba" and urged the U.S. to "reengage the peace process in the Israeli/Palestinian conflict" asking for "consultation with the Palestinians, Israelis and others."
In a separate resolution addressing the humanitarian crisis in Sudan, the council shared its "deep concern...over the Sudanese government's systematic support of militias" responsible for mass murder, rape and "inhuman acts of horror."
Sudan remains one of the most desperate places to live in the world and it is the desire of the council for the United States to seek passage of a resolution by the U.N. Security Council that:
1. condemns the Government of Sudan for its violation of human rights in Darfur
2. demands that the Sudanese government immediately cease its involvement in the atrocities
3. calls upon all sides to respect the ceasefire agreement of April 8
4. insists that the government of Sudan allow the safe return of displaced persons to their places of origin and the provision of unimpeded humanitarian assistance
5. underscores that the mandate to the Government of Sudan is unambiguous and unconditional
Reference was made to the tenth anniversary--observed in April--of the genocide in Rwanda, during which more than 800,000 Tutsis and moderate Hutus were slaughtered by Hutu extremists, and the council called upon world leaders to "take all steps necessary to ensure that the[se] tragic events...are never repeated...anywhere."
Solidarity for Haiti
Recognition was made of the important relationship with the Diocese of Haiti--one of the Episcopal Church's larger dioceses--and the ongoing suffering endured by its people. Calling on the U.S. government to take actions that would help alleviate this suffering and bring peace and justice to the people of Haiti, the council resolved that "the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security be urged to extend temporary protected status (TPS) to Haitians...residing in the U.S." and that "Congress be urged to pass the Haitian Refugee Immigration Fairness Act" in order to protect them.
The council further resolved that the government should appoint an independent U.N. body to "investigate the circumstances leading to the departure of former President Aristide" and to "endorse and contribute…to an international peace keeping operation."
Finally, the resolution requested that a "delegation of the Episcopal Church...visit Haiti on a fact finding mission and as an expression of solidarity with the Haitian people in their struggle for peace and justice."
Translation priorities
A resolution on funding for an office and director of translation sparked a lively debate. The council felt that the $85,000 being requested would be insufficient for the purpose and that the money could be put to better use if the priorities were identified by the Translation Advisory Group (TAG) and suitable people found to begin work on translating the church's materials, primarily into Spanish and French.
Suffragan Bishop Cathy Roskam of New York reminded the council that this issue has been "embraced repeatedly" by the General Convention and Executive Council, and highlighted the frustration that people are encountering.
The amended resolution asked the Administration and Finance Committee "to fund translation called for by Resolution C029 at General Convention and to recommend the source of funding to Executive Council at our November 2004 meeting."
Additional business
The council voted to recognize a new companion diocese relationship between the Dioceses of Atlanta and Rio de Janeiro, which will continue until April 30, 2007, unless extended or terminated by mutual consent. Atlanta currently has a companion link with Central Ecuador.
In a unanimous vote, the council expressed its "concern that no adjustments had been made to minimum pensions for overseas clergy and laity for many years" and asked "the Church Pension Fund to address and report" on the issue to the November meeting of Executive Council.
The council also elected Josephine Hicks, a North Carolina lawyer and Executive Council member, to serve as one of the Episcopal Church's three representatives on the Anglican Consultative Council (ACC)--the most comprehensive gathering of the Anglican Communion, representing the voice of the inner life of the provinces. Hicks replaces Judy Conley as the lay representative on ACC.
The next meeting of the Executive Council will be held in Boise, Idaho, November 1-4, 2004.