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Resolution Number: 1979-D005
Title: Oppose Peacetime Conscription or Compulsory Service
Legislative Action Taken: Concurred As Substituted
Final Text:

Resolved, That this 66th General Convention of the Episcopal Church asserts its opposition to peacetime conscription or any form of compulsory national service unless a national emergency is declared by the Congress.

Citation: General Convention, Journal of the General Convention of...The Episcopal Church, Denver, 1979 (New York: General Convention, 1980), p. C-106.

Legislative History

Author:
Originating House: House of Deputies
Originating Committee: Committee on National and International Problems

House of Deputies

On the sixth day, the Committee on National and International Problems presented its Report #12 on Resolution D-5, on Peacetime Conscription, and recommended adoption of a Substitute Resolution:

Whereas, the Lambeth Conference of 1978 has reaffirmed that "War as a method of settling international disputes is incompatible with the teaching and example of our Lord, Jesus Christ."; and

Whereas, the system of conscription is used to raise armies for the waging of war; therefore be it

Resolved, the House of Bishops concurring, That this 66th General Convention of the Episcopal Church asserts its opposition to peacetime conscription or any form of compulsory national service unless a national emergency is declared by the Congress.

Discussion followed.

The Chair called for the question on Resolution D-5.

A division was called with the result of: Yes--439 No--237

Substitute resolution adopted

(Communicated to the House of Bishops in HD Message #73)

House of Bishops

On the eighth day, HD Message #73 on Substitute Resolution D-5 was received.

The House concurred

(Communicated to the House of Deputies in HB Message #127)

Abstract:   The 66th General Convention asserts its opposition to peacetime conscription or any form of compulsory national service unless in a national emergency.