Full Legislative History
Resolution Number: 1997-D049
Title: Express Appreciation to the Church in Japan and Sorrow for Acts of War
Legislative Action Taken: Concurred
Final Text:

Resolved, That this 72nd General Convention of the Episcopal Church in the United States of America receive with deep appreciation and humility the message of the 49th General Synod of The Nippon Sei Ko Kai (May 23, 1996), acknowledging its corporate responsibility related to World War II including its support of Japan's colonial rule and war of aggression, its silence concerning the need for repentance, and its failure to act against continuing discrimination and for justice and peace; and be it further

Resolved, That the 72nd General Convention commend Presiding Bishop Edmond L. Browning for his willing participation in the 1995 interfaith "Call for Repentance and Reconciliation," and join him in expressing profound sorrow to the Japanese people for the agony caused by the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in August 1945; and be it further

Resolved, That the Episcopal Church in the USA join with its sisters and brothers of The Nippon Sei Ko Kai in pledging to actively promote reconciliation and friendship between our two people and most especially between our two Churches at all levels.

Citation: General Convention, Journal of the General Convention of...The Episcopal Church, Philadelphia, 1997 (New York: General Convention, 1998), p. 182.