Full Legislative History
Resolution Number: 2003-D023
Title: Support the People of Liberia
Legislative Action Taken: Concurred as Amended
Final Text:

Resolved, That the 74th General Convention, in support of the Presiding Bishop's statement of July 22, 2003, urge the President of the United States to act immediately to deploy peacekeeping forces, after adequately assessing their support and relative security, to achieve a cease-fire in Liberia, and that the Convention further support that presence, along with an international force, to remain at least until an orderly transition is made to a legitimate and stable government; and be it further

Resolved, That the Convention commend support from both government and nongovernment organizations to provide humanitarian aid and reconstruction including conflict resolution education from the United States, the United Nations, and other individual nations, and further urge our own congregations and dioceses to assist the Episcopal Church in Liberia with its efforts to restore pastoral care, health services, and education to the people; and be it further

Resolved, That Liberians residing temporarily in the United States be granted temporary protected status until such time as circumstances in Liberia permit their safe and orderly return; and be it further

Resolved, That Liberian refugees in adjacent West African countries who have prospects for U.S. resettlement be considered for resettlement, given the ongoing uncertainty of the political situation in Liberia; and be it further

Resolved, That the Convention send its warmest greetings to the Liberian people, especially its Episcopal members, through the delegation present at the 74th General Convention; and be it further

Resolved, That the Convention urge all Episcopalians to pray for the Bishop, clergy, Episcopal Church, and people of Liberia for a swift resolution of this conflict and the restoration of peace.

Citation: General Convention, Journal of the General Convention of...The Episcopal Church, Minneapolis, 2003 (New York: General Convention, 2004), p. 266f.