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Resolution Number: 1985-D069
Title: Affirm Guidelines for Working for Religious Liberty
Legislative Action Taken: Concurred As Substituted and Amended
Final Text:

Resolved, That the 68th General Convention affirm its support for religious freedom for all persons by speaking out on behalf of and supporting through advocacy, intercession and prayer all persons deprived or threatened with the loss of their religious liberty; and be it further

Resolved, That this Convention affirm the following guidelines in working on behalf of religious liberty and commend them to the ecumenical groups in which the Episcopal Church participates:

  1. We will affirm religious freedom as a goal to be sought in all societies, regardless of their political creeds.
  2. We will encourage forms of governance that guarantee freedom of association, speech, and self-determination, believing them to be the most supportive environment for religious independence and tolerance for all.
  3. We will advocate such other support to the persecuted and their families as is deemed appropriate in order that they may know our concern, love and prayerful support.
Citation: General Convention, Journal of the General Convention of...The Episcopal Church, Anaheim, 1985 (New York: General Convention, 1986), p. 264.

Legislative History

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

House of Deputies

Original Text of Resolution:

(D069)

Resolved, the House of Bishops concurring, That the 68th General Convention of the Episcopal Church affirms its support for freedom of all believers, by speaking out on behalf of, responding to the appeals of, and interceding for, any believers throughout the world deprived or threatened with the loss of religious freedom; and be it further

Resolved, That this Convention affirm the following guidelines in working on behalf of religious liberty and commend them to the ecumenical groups in which the Episcopal Church participates:

  1. We will apply a single standard of religious freedom to all societies, regardless of their political creeds.
  2. We will advocate democratic governance, with freedom of association, speech, and competitive elections, as the best guarantee that ordinary people will have a say in structuring and maintaining independent institutions, especially religious institutions.
  3. Although silent diplomacy has its uses, we encourage public witness which protects persecuted believers by focusing public attention on the actions of their oppressors.

Proposed Committee Substitute:

Resolved, the House of Bishops concurring, That the 68th General Convention affirm its support for religious freedom for all persons by speaking out on behalf of and supporting through advocacy, intercession and prayer all persons deprived or threatened with the loss of their religious liberty; and be it further

Resolved, That this Convention affirm the following guidelines in working on behalf of religious liberty and commend them to the ecumenical groups in which the Episcopal Church participates:

  1. We will affirm religious freedom as a goal to be sought in all societies, regardless of their political creeds.
  2. We will encourage forms of governance that guarantee freedom of association, speech and self-determination, believing them to be the most supportive environment for religious independence and tolerance for all.
  3. We will advocate such other support to the persecuted and their families as is deemed appropriate in order that they may know our concern, love and prayerful support.

Motion carried

Substitute resolution adopted

(Communicated to the House of Bishops in HD Message #191)

House of Bishops

The following message was received from the House of Deputies:

HD Message #191: D069 Substitute (Religious Liberty).

The House concurred

(Communicated to the House of Deputies in HB Message #250)

Resolution Concurred by Both Houses, September 14.

Abstract:   The 68th General Convention affirms its support for religious freedom.