The Acts of Convention

House of Bishops

The House of Bishops Committee on World Mission presented its Report #2 on Resolution B003 (Support for the Episcopal Church in Cuba) and moved adoption of a substitute.

Original Text of Resolution:

(B003)

Resolved, the House of Deputies concurring, That the 78th General Convention of The Episcopal Church acknowledge and affirm the Episcopal Church of Cuba’s recent synodical decision to request membership as a diocese of The Episcopal Church; and identify and address the canonical issues involved in pursuing such an intention; and be it further

Resolved, That the Executive Council and the Domestic and Foreign Missionary Society work with the Bishop and leaders of the Diocese of Cuba to strengthen relationships and ensure the necessary support of all parties to enable that transition; and be it further

Resolved, That the 78th General Convention reaffirm resolution GC2009-BO24 to encourage “…the establishment of a benevolent fund that will provide the clergy of The Episcopal Church in Cuba with an annuity upon retirement and requests the Presiding Bishop to take all such actions as the Presiding Bishop deems necessary or desirable to carry out the intent of this resolution.”

Committee Substitute:

Resolved, The House of Deputies concurring, that the 78th General Convention acknowledge and affirm The Episcopal Church of Cuba’s recent synodical decision to request membership as a Diocese of the Episcopal Church; and identify and address the canonical issues (including those around pension) involved in pursuing such an intention; and be it further

Resolved, That the office of the Presiding Bishop and the Office of Global Partnerships take action to continue to strengthen the relationship between the Episcopal Church and La Iglesia Episcopal De Cuba, with the goal of promoting both greater understanding and fellowship between the Anglican Diocese of Cuba and particularly the Dioceses of The Episcopal Church located in the United States; and be it further

Resolved, That such efforts seek to promote mutual ministry and understanding through cultural exchange, prayer, worship, fellowship, education, and humanitarian work- identifying and facilitating specific opportunities for exchange, including but not limited to, travel, so that an exchange may occur between Cuban and North American Episcopalians; that such efforts seek to strengthen and support the Diocesan Center in Havana and The Episcopal Church, through the Executive Council, seek to collaboratively enhance and bolster theological education, discernment, and preparation of lay and ordained leaders for ministry within the Diocese of Cuba; and be it further

Resolved, As the United States and Cuba move cautiously toward a time of more open relationship, reconciliation and peace after long years of political conflict that we encourage and support our nations leaders in moving to lift the embargo as we recognize the realities of the embargo and our hope for its end; and be it further,

Resolved, That the 78th General Convention reaffirm resolution GC2009-B024 which called for the establishment of a benevolent fund that provides the clergy of The Episcopal Church in Cuba with an annuity upon retirement and requested the Presiding Bishop to take all actions as the Presiding Bishop deems necessary or desirable to carry out the intent of this resolution; and be it further

Resolved, That The Episcopal Church establish a team representative of a wide cross-section of the church including, but not limited to, Episcopal Relief & Development, Church Pension Fund and those experienced in foreign missions to work alongside the staff officer assigned in order to facilitate our collaboration around these endeavors with a budget of $30,000.00 for the triennium.

Motion carried

Substitute resolution adopted

(Communicated to the House of Deputies in HB Message #66)