Resolution Number: 2000-A083
Title: Urge Study of the Death Penalty and Explore Reasons for Opposition
Legislative Action Taken: Concurred as Substituted
Final Text:

Resolved, That as the Episcopal Church continues its opposition to the death penalty, parishes and dioceses be urged to study the death penalty and explore the reasons for our opposition: the inequity as applied to minorities, the poor and those who cannot afford adequate legal representation, the contribution to continued violence, and the violation of our Baptismal Covenant.

Citation: General Convention, Journal of the General Convention of...The Episcopal Church, Denver, 2000 (New York: General Convention, 2001), p. 200.

Legislative History

Author: The Standing Commission on National Concerns
Originating House: House of Deputies
Originating Committee: Committee on Education

House of Deputies

Original Text of Resolution:

(A083)

Resolved, the House of Bishops concurring, That the 73rd General Convention commend to dioceses and parishes educational materials for discussion and workshops, such as "Envisioning a World without Violence," a study group packet prepared and made available by the American Friends Service Committee.

Committee Substitute:

Resolved, the House of Bishops concurring, That as the Episcopal Church continues its opposition to the death penalty, parishes and dioceses be urged to study the death penalty and explore the reasons for our opposition: the inequity as applied to minorities, the poor and those who cannot afford adequate legal representation, the contribution to continued violence, and the violation of our Baptismal Covenant.

A vote was taken on the substitute resolution.

Motion carried

Substitute resolution adopted

(Communicated to the House of Bishops in HD Message #10)

House of Bishops

The House of Bishops Committee on Education presented its Report #8 on HD Message #10 on Resolution A083 (Commend the Promotion of Educational Materials Related to the Death Penalty within Dioceses and Parishes) and moved concurrence.

The House concurred

(Communicated to the House of Deputies in HB Message #93)

Resolution Concurred by Both Houses, July 8.

Report Reference:   Standing Commission on National Concerns, Reports to the 73rd General Convention, 2000, pp. 333-367.
Abstract:   The 73rd General Convention urges parishes and dioceses to study the death penalty and explore the reason for the Church's opposition.