The Acts of Convention

House of Deputies

The House of Deputies Committee on National and International Concerns presented its Report #19 on Resolution D023 (US Support for the People of Liberia) and moved adoption with amendment.

Text of Original Resolution:

(D023)

Resolved, the House of Bishops concurring, That the 74th General Convention, in support of the Presiding Bishop's statement of July 22, 2003, welcome the participation of U.S. peacekeepers in Liberia as part of an international force in order to bring an end to hostilities in that country, and that the Convention further support that presence there until an orderly transition is made to a legitimate and stable government, and that the Convention further support the departure of Charles Taylor from Liberia in conjunction with that international force; and be it further

Resolved, That the Convention commend support from both government and nongovernment organizations to provide humanitarian aid and reconstruction including conflict resolution education, particularly from the United States, but including the United Nations, and further urge our own congregations and dioceses to assist the Episcopal Church in Liberia with its efforts to restore pastoral care, health services, and education to the people; and be it further

Resolved, That Liberians residing temporarily in the United States be granted temporary protected status until such time as circumstances in Liberia permit their safe and orderly return; and be it further

Resolved, That Liberian refugees in adjacent West African countries who have prospects for U.S. resettlement be considered for resettlement, given the ongoing uncertainty of the political situation in Liberia; and be it further

Resolved, That the Convention send its warmest greetings to the Liberian people, especially its Episcopal members, through the delegation present at this 74th General Convention.

Committee Amendment:

Resolved, the House of Bishops concurring, That the 74th General Convention, in support of the Presiding Bishop's statement of July 22, 2003, welcome the participation of U.S. peacekeepers in Liberia as part of an international force in order to bring an end to hostilities in that country, and that the Convention further support that presence there until an orderly transition is made to a legitimate and stable government, and that the Convention further support the departure of Charles Taylor from Liberia in conjunction with that international force; urge the President of the United States to act immediately to deploy peacekeeping forces, after adequately assessing their support and relative security to achieve a cease-fire in Liberia, and that the Convention further support that presence along with an international force, to remain at least until an orderly transition is made to a legitimate and stable government; and be it further

Resolved, That the Convention commend support from both government and nongovernment organizations to provide humanitarian aid and reconstruction including conflict resolution education, particularly from the United States, but including the United Nations and other individual nations, and further urge our own congregations and dioceses to assist the Episcopal Church in Liberia with its efforts to restore pastoral care, health services, and education to the people; and be it further

Resolved, That Liberians residing temporarily in the United States be granted temporary protected status until such time as circumstances in Liberia permit their safe and orderly return; and be it further

Resolved, That Liberian refugees in adjacent West African countries who have prospects for U.S. resettlement be considered for resettlement, given the ongoing uncertainty of the political situation in Liberia; and be it further

Resolved, That the Convention send its warmest greetings to the Liberian people, especially its Episcopal members, through the delegation present at this 74th General Convention; and be it further

Resolved, That the Convention urge all Episcopalians to pray for the Bishop, clergy, Episcopal Church and people of Liberia for a swift resolution of this conflict and the restoration of peace.