House of Deputies

Original Text of Resolution:

(D008)

Whereas, The Israeli-Palestinian conflict continues to explode in the streets of Jerusalem, Gaza and the West Bank; and

Whereas, The situation continues to threaten peace, not only in the Middle East, but around the world; therefore be it

Resolved, the House of Bishops concurring, That this 70th General Convention of the Episcopal Church go on record in support of an international conference convened to help resolve the conflict and that all parties involved be included, including the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO); and be it further

Resolved, That the Episcopal Churches throughout the United States be encouraged to take an active interest in the events taking place in the Middle East through study programs, sponsoring forums and workshops and through regular prayer; and be it further

Resolved, That a copy of this resolution be sent to the President, Secretary of State and Members of Congress.

Proposed Committee Substitute:

Resolved, the House of Bishops concurring, That the 70th General Convention of the Episcopal Church

1. affirm the importance of the Church in the exercise of its prophetic role by standing on the side of the oppressed, including both the Palestinian people and the people of Israel, in their struggle for justice, and by promoting justice, peace and reconciliation for all peoples in the Middle East; and
2. reaffirm the existence of the State of Israel and its right to secure borders recognized by all nations, as well as the civic and human rights of all those who live within its borders; and
3. reaffirm the rights of the Palestinians to self-determination, including the choice of their own representatives and the establishment of their own state; and
4. commit itself to continued prayer for Israelis and Palestinians, for Muslims, Jews and Christians, for the achievement of justice, peace and reconciliation for all; and be it further

Resolved, That this 70th General Convention of the Episcopal Church go on record in support of Secretary of State Baker's efforts to convene a conference to resolve the Palestinian/Israeli conflict in which all parties involved are included; and be it further

Resolved, That this 70th General Convention of the Episcopal Church urge the President and the Congress of the United States:

1. to require the State of Israel to account to the Government of the United States for all aid in whatever form that the United States grants to the State of Israel and its instrumentalities in compliance with sections of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, as far as all sections of this Act are applied to Arab governments in the region; and
2. to hold in escrow aid to Israel by an amount equal to any expenditures by the Government of Israel to expand, develop or further establish Israeli settlements in the West Bank, Gaza and East Jerusalem and only release the aid from escrow if proof is given that settlements are not being established; and be it further

Resolved, That the Episcopal Church in the United States urge each diocese to take an active interest in the events taking place in the Middle East through study programs, sponsoring forums and workshops; and be it further

Resolved, That a copy of this resolution be sent to the President, the Secretary of State and all Members of the Congress of the United States.

Deputy Balfour of Maryland moved an amendment to the substitute to D008.

Proposed Amendment:

Following the words "West Bank and Gaza," insert the words "and East Jerusalem."

Deputy Keller of Arkansas moved to divide the resolution and to amend the Substitute.

Proposed Amendment:

Remove the third resolve clause.

The motion was held by the Chair until action was taken on the Balfour amendment.

The question was called.

Motion carried

Debate terminated

A vote was taken on the Balfour amendment to Substitute D008.

Motion defeated

Balfour amendment defeated

A vote was taken on the Keller motion.

Motion defeated

Deputy Chatham of Northwest Texas moved an amendment to the substitute for D008.

Proposed Amendment:

In the fourth resolve clause, following the word "workshops," add the words "and continued support of the Christian-Jewish Dialogue."

The question was called.

Motion carried

Debate terminated

A vote was taken on the Chatham amendment.

Motion defeated

Chatham amendment defeated

A vote was taken on the substitute for D008.

Motion carried

Substitute resolution adopted

(Communicated to the House of Bishops in HD Message #112)