The Acts of Convention

Resolved, That the 77th General Convention of The Episcopal Church urge the United States Congress to reform the Refugee Act of 1980 in order to modernize the nation’s refugee resettlement program; and be it further

Resolved, That such modernization efforts include but not be limited to, meeting the urgent needs of a diverse refugee population through specialized and extended case management, culturally and linguistically appropriate mental health services, recertification assistance for refugees with a professional background, restoration of federal benefits from 8 months to at least one year, housing and transportation assistance, and other innovative policies that create an adaptive, sustainable, and effectual integration pathway for refugees that helps them reestablish their lives in welcoming communities and live to the full potential of their talents and abilities in freedom and safety; and be it further

Resolved, That The Episcopal Church, in response to our baptismal covenant’s call to strive for justice and peace among all people and respect the dignity of every human being, as part of the Anglican Communion work to identify emerging refugee crises on the ground and to lift up populations who lack access to durable solutions, including resettlement and amplify their voices to local and global decision makers.