Full Legislative History
Resolution Number: 1994-D020
Title: Advocate on Behalf of Human Rights in Burma
Legislative Action Taken: Concurred As Amended
Final Text:

Resolved, That the 71st General Convention express its dismay at the continuing repression of the people of Burma, by the State Law and Order Restoration Council (SLORC) regime, denying the people the right to a democratic government as elected in 1989 and further deplores the ongoing detention of its democratically elected head of state, Aung San Suu Kyi, (Nobel Peace Laureate); and be it further

Resolved, That solutions to the problems confronting Burmese society include recognition of the human rights of its ethnic minorities, many of which include members of the Anglican Church, especially among the Karen people, thousands of whom have been displaced as refugees on the Thai border because of a civil war now approaching 46 years; and be it further

Resolved, That Church members and organizations work through such vehicles as the Public Policy Network and the Washington Office by making representation to the United States government to better promote democracy and human rights in Burma by strengthening economic sanctions and also call upon the Executive Council, through its Social Responsibility in Investments Committee, to address these concerns to US and non-US corporations in ECUSA's investment portfolio doing business in Burma; and be it further

Resolved, That we urge Church members to pray for the people of Burma.

Citation: General Convention, Journal of the General Convention of...The Episcopal Church, Indianapolis, 1994 (New York: General Convention, 1995), p. 181.