Resolution Number: 2015-B018
Title: Commend Efforts for Peace in Sudan and South Sudan
Legislative Action Taken: Concurred as Amended
Final Text:

Resolved, That the 78th General Convention of The Episcopal Church (TEC), mindful of resolutions D-007 from 2009 and A-019 from 2012; Joyfully celebrate the vitality and growth of the Episcopal Church in South Sudan and Sudan and give thanks for the Church's efforts to bring about justice and peace in South Sudan and Sudan; and be it further

Resolved, That the 78th General Convention heartily commend the Episcopal Church of Sudan and South Sudan (ECSSS) for its steadfast efforts to end the civil war which broke out in South Sudan in December 2013, and to help resolve older and continuing conflicts in the border areas of Abyei, and in Darfur, Blue Nile and the Nuba Mountains in Sudan; and be it further

Resolved, That the 78th General Convention strongly urge TEC dioceses and parishes to consider prayer partnerships and joint work with bishops, dioceses, and church organizations in ECSSS to support them to reduce and resolve the current conflicts, help refugees, hold war criminals accountable, and improve people’s living conditions; and be it further

Resolved, That the 78th General Convention request the Presiding Bishop, in cooperation with other denominations and other provinces of the Anglican Communion to set aside several weeks in 2016 for prayer for peace in South Sudan and Sudan; and be it further

Resolved, That the 78th General Convention of The Episcopal Church direct the offices and agencies of the Domestic and Foreign Missionary Society to utilize all measures at their disposal to advocate for the protection of refugees, conflict resolution and sustainable development in South Sudan and Sudan with appropriate governmental and international agencies and offices.

Citation: General Convention, Journal of the General Convention of...The Episcopal Church, Salt Lake City, 2015 (New York: General Convention, 2015), p. 788.

Legislative History

Author: The Rt. Rev. David Jones
Originating House: House of Bishops
Originating Committee: World Mission

House of Bishops

The House of Bishops Committee on World Mission presented its Report #8 on Resolution B018 (Support for Sudan and South Sudan) and moved adoption with amendment.

Original Text of Resolution:

(B018)

Resolved, the House of Deputies concurring, That the 78th General Convention of The Episcopal Church (TEC), mindful of resolutions D-007 from 2009 and A-019 from 2012,

Joyfully recognize that there are more Episcopalians in South Sudan and Sudan than in the United States;

Heartily commend the Episcopal Church of Sudan and South Sudan (ECSSS) for its steadfast efforts to end the civil war which broke out in South Sudan in December 2013, and to help resolve older and continuing conflicts in the border areas of Abyei, and in Darfur, Blue Nile and the Nuba Mountains in Sudan;

Strongly urge TEC dioceses and parishes to consider prayer partnerships and joint work with bishops, dioceses, and church organizations in ECSSS to reduce and resolve the current conflicts, help refugees, hold war criminals accountable, and improve people’s living conditions;

Request the Presiding Bishop, in cooperation with other denominations and other provinces of the Anglican Communion to set aside several weeks in 2016 for prayer for peace in South Sudan and Sudan;

Press for continued high level United States government help in conflict resolution, refugee relief, and sustainable development in South Sudan and Sudan.

Committee Amendment:

Resolved, the House of Deputies concurring, That the 78th General Convention of The Episcopal Church (TEC), mindful of resolutions D-007 from 2009 and A-019 from 2012; Joyfully recognize that there are more Episcopalians in South Sudan and Sudan than in the United Statescelebrate the vitality and growth of the Episcopal Church in South Sudan and Sudan and give thanks for the Church's efforts to bring about justice and peace in South Sudan and Sudan; and be it further

Resolved, the 78th General Convention Hheartily commend the Episcopal Church of Sudan and South Sudan (ECSSS) for its steadfast efforts to end the civil war which broke out in South Sudan in December 2013, and to help resolve older and continuing conflicts in the border areas of Abyei, and in Darfur, Blue Nile and the Nuba Mountains in Sudan; and be it further

Resolved, the 78th General Convention Sstrongly urge TEC dioceses and parishes to consider prayer partnerships and joint work with bishops, dioceses, and church organizations in ECSSS to support them to reduce and resolve the current conflicts, help refugees, hold war criminals accountable, and improve people’s living conditions; and be it further

Resolved, the 78th General Convention Rrequest the Presiding Bishop, in cooperation with other denominations and other provinces of the Anglican Communion to set aside several weeks in 2016 for prayer for peace in South Sudan and Sudan; and be it further

Press for continued high level United States government help in conflict resolution, refugee relief, and sustainable development in South Sudan and Sudan.Resolved, that the 78th General Convention of The Episcopal Church direct the offices and agencies of the Domestic and Foreign Missionary Society to utilize all measures at their disposal to advocate for the protection of refugees, conflict resolution and sustainable development in South Sudan and Sudan with appropriate governmental and international agencies and offices.

Motion carried

Resolution adopted with amendment

(Communicated to the House of Deputies in HB Message #85)

House of Deputies

The House of Deputies Committee on World Mission presented its Report #1 on HB Message #85 on Resolution B018 (Support for Sudan and South Sudan) and moved concurrence.

Motion carried

The House concurred

(Communicated to the House of Bishops in HD Message #249)

Resolution Concurred by Both Houses, July 1.

Abstract:   The 78th General Convention expresses support for past and continuing efforts of the Episcopal Church of Sudan and South Sudan to end civil war and seek justice and peace; and urges The Episcopal Church to enter into prayer partnerships with the Sudanese Church.