Full Legislative History
Resolution Number: 2000-A058
Title: Encourage Congregations to Adopt a "A Pledge of Nonviolence"
Legislative Action Taken: Concurred as Substituted
Final Text:

Resolved, That each congregation of the Episcopal Church become a model for peacemaking in our violent society by encouraging its members to commit themselves to nonviolent and peaceable behavior in their relationships with others at home, at school, at work, at church, in the community, and wherever they find themselves; and be it further

Resolved, That every congregation also encourage its members to adopt "A Pledge of Nonviolence" as it comes from the Institute for Peace and Justice, St. Louis, Missouri:

  • Making peace must start within ourselves. I commit myself to become, with God's help, a nonviolent and peaceable person.
  • To respect myself, to affirm others, and to avoid uncaring criticism, hateful words, physical attacks, and self-destructive behavior.
  • To share my feelings honestly, to look for safe ways to express my anger, and to work at solving problems peacefully.
  • To listen carefully to one another, especially those who disagree with me, and to consider others' feelings and needs rather than insisting on having my own way.
  • To apologize and make amends when I have hurt another, to forgive others, and to keep from holding grudges.
  • To treat the environment and all living things, including our pets, with respect and care.
  • To select entertainment and toys that support healthy values, and to avoid entertainment that makes violence look exciting, funny, or acceptable.
  • To challenge violence in all its forms whenever I encounter it, whether at home, at school, at work, at church or in the community, and to stand with others who are treated unfairly.
  • This is my pledge. These are my goals. I will check myself on what I have pledged once a month for the next twelve months, so that I can help myself and others become more peaceable people.
Citation: General Convention, Journal of the General Convention of...The Episcopal Church, Denver, 2000 (New York: General Convention, 2001), p. 212.