| Resolution Number: | 1976-B182 |
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| Title: | Affirm Bicentennial by Resolving Issues Relating to the Vietnam War |
| Legislative Action Taken: | Concurred As Amended |
| Final Text: | |
Resolved, That the 65th General Convention of the Episcopal Church, affirming in this bicentennial year the founding of this nation as one under God, does hereby:
- Commend the leaders of the United States Government for the efforts and programs aimed at restoring to productive lives those who served the nation in the Indochina conflict as well as those who chose not to serve;
- Urge the furtherance of those efforts by granting to Vietnam veterans benefits fully equivalent to those granted to veterans who served the nation in World War II and in the Korean conflict; and
- Finally, urge the fulfillment of national objectives by granting a general amnesty to those who for reasons of conscience chose non-violent means to refuse to participate in the conflict in Indochina, and support their speedy restoration to homes, families and citizenship in these United States.
- Urge all parties to recognize the plight of those persons still reported as missing in action and to do all in our collective power as a Church and a people to secure their release.
| Citation: | General Convention, Journal of the General Convention of...The Episcopal Church, Minneapolis, 1976 (New York: General Convention, 1977), p. C-6. |
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Legislative History
| Author: | |
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| Originating House: | House of Deputies |
| Originating Committee: | Committee on National and International Problems |
House of Deputies
On the Fourth Day, Deputy Lloyd (Central Pennsylvania), Chairman of the Committee on National and International Problems submitted Report #9 on Resolution B-182 regarding Amnesty and Returned Veterans.
There was considerable discussion and several attempts to amend the resolution all of which were defeated.
Deputy Bywater (Florida) moved to amend the resolution which was accepted by the Committee.
The entire resolution, as amended, was then voted on by orders in the House, as follows:
Whereas, American society must proceed to heal the wounds at home and abroad caused by the War in Indochina and to reconcile all people in peace; and
Whereas, as Christians we support those objectives and are called to work for reconciliation among all people; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, the House of Bishops concurring, that the 65th General Convention of the Episcopal Church, affirming in this bicentennial year the founding of this nation as one under God, does hereby:
- Commend the leaders of the United States Government for the efforts and programs aimed at restoring to productive lives those who served the nation in the Indochina conflict as well as those who chose not to serve;
- Urge the furtherance of those efforts by granting to Vietnam veterans benefits fully equivalent to those granted to veterans who served the nation in World War II and in the Korean conflict; and
- Finally, urge the fulfillment of national objectives by granting a general amnesty to those who for reasons of conscience chose non-violent means to refuse to participate in the conflict in Indochina, and support their speedy restoration to homes, families and citizenship in these United States.
- Urge all parties to recognize the plight of those persons still reported as missing in action and to do all in our collective power as a Church and a people to secure their release.
The Secretary announced the results of the Vote on Resolution B-182 as amended on Amnesty and Returned Veterans as follows:
| Clergy | 87--Yes | 23--No | 11--Divided |
| Lay | 63--Yes | 29--No | 17--Divided |
| Three delegations requested to be polled, the results of which are: | |||
| New Hampshire | |||
| Clerical Vote--Yes | Lay Vote--Yes | ||
| Verner | Yes | Abbott | Yes |
| Sokoloff | Yes | Nichols | Yes |
| Corringham | Yes | Michael | Yes |
| Gettman | Yes | Urion | No |
| Erie | |||
| Clerical Vote--Divided | Lay Vote--Divided | ||
| Kline | Yes | Bull | No |
| Baker | No | Britt | No |
| Hovencamp | No | Chase | Yes |
| Philipson | Yes | Armstrong | Yes |
| Milwaukee | |||
| Clerical Vote--Yes | Lay Vote--No | ||
| Trueman | No | Simpson | No |
| Olnhausen | Yes | Sr. Mary Joan | Yes |
| Luson | Yes | Olnhausen | No |
| Smith | Yes | Overton | No |
Resolution adopted
(Communicated to the House of Bishops in HD Message #36)
House of Bishops
On the Tenth Day, the Bishop Coadjutor of Washington, Chairman of the Committee on National and International Affairs [sic], moved concurrence with the House of Deputies Message #36 (Amnesty to Returned Veterans).
The motion was seconded by the Bishop Suffragan of the Armed Forces.
The House concurred
(Communicated to the House of Deputies in HB Message #181)
| Abstract: | The 65th General Convention commends government efforts aimed at restoring to productive lives those who served the nation in the Indochina conflict as well as those who chose not to serve. |
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