Resolves of the Executive Council

Resolved, That the Executive Council of The Episcopal Church meeting in Omaha, Nebraska from February 19-22, 2010, joins the international community in mourning the untold death and destruction resulting from the massive earthquake of January 12, 2010 and the subsequent aftershocks that impacted the nation of Haiti; and be it further

Resolved, That the Executive Council recognizes that the level of destruction and collapse of essential services is in part the consequence of poverty in which the nations and churches of the West have long been complicit; and be it further

Resolved, That the Executive Council expresses deep solidarity during this crisis with the Diocese of Haiti (L’Eglise Episcopale d’Haiti) and honors the leadership of The Rt. Rev. Jean Zaché Duracin, Bishop of Haiti, who despite suffering great personal loss, has heroically provided for the urgent humanitarian needs of the earthquake’s victims; and be it further

Resolved, That the Executive Council recognizes that Haiti’s recovery and reconstruction must be directed by the Haitian people, and affirms the authority of Bishop Duracin and the leaders he appoints to request and direct the resources required to rebuild the damaged institutions and impacted congregations of the Diocese; and be it further

Resolved, That the Executive Council stands ready to receive Bishop Duracin’s call for support as his assessment of the Diocese of Haiti’s needs for recovery and rebuilding unfolds; and commits to review the Church’s support for those efforts at subsequent meetings of the Executive Council; and be it further

Resolved, That the Executive Council commends Episcopal Relief & Development and the Diocesan development staff in Haiti for their continuous and compassionate ministry providing food, water, medicine and shelter to survivors of the earthquake; and be it further

Resolved, That the Executive Council urges all involved in relief and development to recognize fully and respect the human rights and dignity of all Haitians (including protecting vulnerable groups, especially women and children, from sexual abuse, human trafficking and other forms of violence); and ensure that the people of Haiti are fully involved in the planning and execution of projects, and that projects benefit all the people; and be it further

Resolved, That the Executive Council commends The Rt. Rev. Julio C. Holguín and the Diocese of the Dominican Republic for its selfless support of its neighbor in need throughout this crisis; and be it further

Resolved, That the Executive Council urges all Episcopalians to continue praying for our brothers and sisters in Haiti during the Prayers of the People and other occasions, and to support the long-term recovery effort that has only just begun through financial donations to the Episcopal Relief & Development’s Haiti Fund, recalling that, as our Lord taught us, to care for the least fortunate among us is to care for Him; and be it further

Resolved, That the Executive Council strongly supports the Presiding Bishop’s continued efforts to marshal the resources of the wider Church in support the Diocese of Haiti, and to work directly with Bishop Duracin in ensuring these resources are provided in the most effective manner; and be it further

Resolved, That the Executive Council commends President Obama and his Administration for their rapid and resolute leadership in response to this crisis, including the decision to extend Temporary Protected Status to Haitians in the United States as of January 12, 2010.