The Acts of Convention

House of Bishops

The House of Bishops Committee on World Mission presented its Report #5 on Resolution A017 (Assessment of Past Colonialism in the Church's World Mission Ministries) and moved adoption with amendment.

Original Text of Resolution:

(A017)

Resolved, the House of Deputies concurring,

That the 80th General Convention acknowledge and grieve the participation of the Episcopal Church and its various entities and institutions in colonialism in North America, Latin America, Africa, and Asia; and warns of and laments colonial mindsets in the Church today; and be it further

Resolved, That the General Convention affirm that Colonialism and its continuing impacts are antithetical to the Gospel as proclaimed by our Savior Jesus Christ, and that we are all called to repent and atone for the evils perpetuated in the name of Christ in the missionary field; and be it further

Resolved, That the Standing Commission on World Mission (SCWM) encourage the Episcopal Church to use principles and practices which turn from the colonial mindset of the past towards mutuality of relationships in our mission, ministries, and outreach; and be it further

Resolved, That the General Convention direct the SCWM to deliver a report to the 81st General Convention on the historic role of the Episcopal Church in colonialism through its missionary work, and how and where a colonial mindset continues to prejudice our work in propagating the Gospel.

Committee Amendment:

That the 80th General Convention acknowledge and grieve the participation of the Episcopal Church and its various entities and institutions in colonialism in North America, Latin America, Africa, Oceania and Asia; and warns of and laments colonial mindsets in the Church today; and be it further

Resolved, That the General Convention affirm that Colonialism and its continuing impacts are antithetical to the Gospel as proclaimed by our Savior Jesus Christ, and that we are all called to repent and atone for the evils perpetuated in the name of Christ in the missionary field; and be it further

Resolved, That the Standing Commission on World Mission (SCWM) encourage the Episcopal Church to use principles and practices which turn from the colonial mindset of the past towards mutuality of relationships in our mission, ministries, and outreach; and be it further

Resolved, That the General Convention direct  urge the SCWM to deliver a report to the 81st  82nd General Convention on the historic role of the Episcopal Church in colonialism through its missionary work, and how and where a colonial mindset continues to prejudice our work in propagating the Gospel.

Resolved, $50,000 be budgeted to support the Office of Global Partnerships in support of this work in partnership with the Standing Commission on World Mission in the next Bienniem.

Motion carried

Resolution adopted with amendment

(Communicated to the House of Deputies in HB Message #153)