Resolution Number: 2006-A017
Title: Adopt the Principles of “The Alien Among You” as the Church Policy
Legislative Action Taken: Concurred as Amended
Final Text:

Resolved, That the 75th General Convention of The Episcopal Church receive “The Alien Among You” in the Blue Book Report of the Standing Commission on Anglican and International Peace with Justice Concerns; and, while recognizing the duty and right of a sovereign nation to protect and defend its borders, adopt the following fundamental principles included in “The Alien Among You” as the policy of The Episcopal Church.

  1. Undocumented aliens should have reasonable opportunity to pursue permanent residency.
  2. Legal workers should be allowed to enter the United States to respond to recognized labor force needs.
  3. Close family members should be allowed to reunite without undue delay with individuals lawfully present in the United States.
  4. Fundamental U.S. principles of legal due process should be granted all persons.
  5. Enforcement of national borders and immigration policies should be proportional and humane; and be it further

Resolved, That the 75th General Convention of The Episcopal Church deplore any action by the Government of the United States which unduly emphasizes enforcement, including militarization of the border between the United States and Mexico, as the primary response to immigrants entering the United States to work; and be it further

Resolved, That The Episcopal Church undertake a campaign to educate Episcopalians as to the plight of refugees, immigrants, and migrants, which will include information about the root causes of migration; and be it further

Resolved, That this campaign call the Church to commit to welcoming strangers as a matter of Christian responsibility, to advocate for their well being and protection and to urge its members to resist legislation and actions which violate our fundamental beliefs as Christians, including the criminalization of persons providing humanitarian assistance to migrants.

Citation: General Convention, Journal of the General Convention of...The Episcopal Church, Columbus, 2006 (New York: General Convention, 2007), pp. 532-533.

Legislative History

Author: The Standing Commission on Anglican and International Peace with Justice Concerns
Originating House: House of Bishops
Originating Committee: Committee on National and International Concerns

House of Bishops

The House of Bishops Committee on National and International Concerns presented its Report #4 on Resolution A017 (Fundamental Immigration Principles) and moved adoption with amendment.

Original Text of Resolution:

(A017)

Resolved, the House of Deputies concurring, That the 75th General Convention of The Episcopal Church receive “The Alien Among You” in the Blue Book Report of the Standing Commission on Anglican and International Peace with Justice Concerns and adopt the fundamental principles included in “The Alien Among You” as the policy of The Episcopal Church.

Committee Amendment:

Resolved, the House of Deputies concurring, That the 75th General Convention of The Episcopal Church receive “The Alien Among You” in the Blue Book Report of the Standing Commission on Anglican and International Peace with Justice Concerns; and, while recognizing the duty and right of a sovereign nation to protect and defend its borders, andadopt the following fundamental principles included in “The Alien Among You” as the policy of The Episcopal Church.

  1. Undocumented aliens should have reasonable opportunity to pursue permanent residency.
  2. Legal workers should be allowed to enter the United States to respond to recognized labor force needs.
  3. Close family members should be allowed to reunite without undue delay with individuals lawfully present in the United States.
  4. Fundamental U.S. principles of legal due process should be granted all persons.
  5. Enforcement of national borders and immigration policies should be proportional and humane.

And be it further

Resolved, That the 75th General Convention of The Episcopal Church deplore any action by the Government of the United States which unduly emphasizes enforcement, including militarization of the border between the United States and Mexico, as the primary response to immigrants entering the United States to work; and be it further

Resolved, That The Episcopal Church undertake a campaign to educate Episcopalians as to the plight of refugees, immigrants, and migrants, which will include information about the root causes of migration; and be it further

Resolved, That this campaign call the Church to commit to welcoming strangers as a matter of Christian responsibility, to advocate for their well-being and protection and to urge its members to resist legislation and actions which violate our fundamental beliefs as Christians, including the criminalization of persons providing humanitarian assistance to migrants.

Motion carried

Resolution adopted with amendment

(Communicated to the House of Deputies in HB Message #86)

House of Deputies

The House of Deputies Committee on National and International Concerns presented its Report #4 on HB Message #86 on Resolution A017 (Fundamental Immigration Principles) and moved concurrence.

The House concurred

(Communicated to the House of Bishops in HD Message #147)

Resolution Concurred by Both Houses, June 19.

Report Reference:   Standing Commission on Anglican and International Peace with Justice Concerns, Reports to the 75th General Convention, 2006, pp. 75-90.
Abstract:   The 75th General Convention adopts the fundamental principles included in "The Alien Among You" as the policy of the Episcopal Church.