Resolution Number: 2000-A047
Title: Extend Anti-Racism Commitment for Another Nine Years
Legislative Action Taken: Concurred as Amended
Final Text:

Resolved, That recognizing the continuing prevalence of the sin of racism within the Episcopal Church, the 73rd General Convention hereby acknowledge that our acts of commission and omission throughout the history of the Episcopal Church in the United States have perpetrated racism in our church and society; and be it further

Resolved, That as the 70th General Convention, D-113 called this church to a nine year commitment to address racism inside our church, within society, and in our world, so this 73rd General Convention does now commit itself with renewed energy for another nine years to continue the work already begun in the past three triennia in order that we become a church committed to ending institutional and other forms of racism which necessitates the acceptance of abandonment of privilege and the sharing of power within our polity, within our society, and throughout the world; and be it further

Resolved, That each diocese and congregation recommit itself to the work of overcoming the sin of racism in its many forms, including but not limited to, its effects on the recruitment and deployment of persons of color as clergy and lay professionals in the church; and be it further

Resolved, That this General Convention charge the Executive Council's Committee on Anti-Racism to continue its work to overcome the historic silence and complicity of our church in the sin of racism including, but not limited to, its proposed hearings on racism; and be it further

Resolved, That the work at the national office be coordinated through the office of Peace and Justice which will provide methods of support and evaluation for each diocese in its anti-racism work and report annually to the full Executive Council on its progress.

Citation: General Convention, Journal of the General Convention of...The Episcopal Church, Denver, 2000 (New York: General Convention, 2001), p. 363.

Legislative History

Author: The Executive Council: Justice, Peace and the Integrity of Creation Anti-Racism Committee
Originating House: House of Deputies
Originating Committee: Committee on Social and Urban Affairs

House of Deputies

Original Text of Resolution:

(A047)

Resolved, the House of Bishops concurring, That having noted the 1991 resolution from the 70th General Convention, D-113, called this church to a nine year commitment to address racism inside our church, within society, and in our world, the 73rd General Convention does now commit itself for another nine years to continue the work already begun in these past three triennia in order that we become a church committed to ending institutional and other forms of racism within our polity, within our society, and throughout the world.

Committee Amendment:

Resolved, the House of Bishops concurring, That recognizing the continuing prevalence of the sin of racism within the Episcopal Church, the 73rd General Convention hereby acknowledge that our acts of commission and omission throughout the history of the Episcopal Church in the United States have perpetrated racism in our church and society; and be it further

Resolved, the House of Bishops concurring, That having noted the 1991 resolution from the as the 70th General Convention, D-113, called this church to a nine year commitment to address racism inside our church, within society, and in our world, the 73rd General Convention does now commit itself with renewed energy for another nine years to continue the work already begun in these past three triennia in order that we become a church committed to ending institutional and other forms of racism which necessitates the acceptance of abandonment of privilege and the sharing of power within our polity, within our society, and throughout the world; and be it further

Resolved, That each diocese and congregation recommit itself to the work of overcoming the sin of racism in its many forms, including, but not limited to, its effects on the recruitment and deployment of persons of color as clergy and lay professionals in the church; and be it further

Resolved, That this General Convention charge the Executive Council's Committee on Anti-Racism to continue its work to overcome the historic silence and complicity of our church in the sin of racism including, but not limited to, its proposed hearings on racism; and be it further

Resolved, That the work at the national office be coordinated through the office of Peace and Justice which will provide methods of support and evaluation for each diocese in its anti-racism work and report annually to the full Executive Council on its progress.

Motion carried

Resolution adopted with amendment

(Communicated to the House of Bishops in HD Message #182)

House of Bishops

The House of Bishops Committee on Social and Urban Affairs presented its Report #32 on HD Message #182 on Resolution A047 (Extend Anti-Racism Commitment Another Nine Years) and moved concurrence.

The House concurred

(Communicated to the House of Deputies in HB Message #286)

Resolution Concurred by Both Houses, July 14.

Report Reference:   Executive Council: Justice, Peace and the Integrity of Creation Anti-Racism Committee, Reports to the 73rd General Convention, 2000, pp. 119-182.
Abstract:   The 73rd General Convention extends the Church's anti-racism commitment for another nine years.