The Acts of Convention

House of Deputies

On the sixth day, the Committee on Structure presented its Report #26 on Resolution A-110, and recommended adoption of the Resolution with additional Resolves:

Proposed Committee Amendment:

Whereas, the 65th General Convention of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the United States of America (PECUSA) did, by a Resolution, commend and support the historic step of the Episcopal Church of Liberia (ECL) in becoming an Associate Member of the Church of the Province of West Africa (CPWA); and

Whereas, the Episcopal Church of Liberia has been a constituent member of PECUSA since the missionary activities of PECUSA organized the Church in Liberia in 1836, a period of almost a century and a half; and

Whereas, ECL has set 1982 as its target date for constitutional autonomy and 1990 for full independence, with the encouragement of PECUSA; and

Whereas, it is the desire of both PECUSA and ECL that the long and historical association between the two Churches should not be completely severed but that there should be developed a new relationship consonant with ECL's membership in CPWA; and

Whereas, the 65th General Convention of PECUSA did authorize the Joint Commission on World Mission and the Standing Committee on Structure of the Church to study the implications of ECL's membership in CPWA and make recommendations within the true spirit of Mutual Responsibility and Interdependence (MRI) in the Body of Christ for new relationships between PECUSA and the overseas Dioceses which have had a long and historical association with PECUSA, and which overseas Dioceses, in the development of new associations, may still desire some kind of continuing relationship with PECUSA; and

Whereas, Representatives of PECUSA and Representatives of ECL, in pursuance of said authorization, have met and had discussions in a spirit of true understanding and friendship and have arrived at mutually acceptable agreements; therefore be it

Resolved, the House of Bishops concurring, That the 66th General Convention of the Episcopal Church meeting in Colorado does agree and covenant with the Episcopal Church of Liberia and does commit itself to this covenant for the planning of autonomy with the Episcopal Church of Liberia as follows:

1. That ECL confirms its intention to become a full member of CPWA.
2. That there will be established a Joint Committee of Consultation to be made up of members from ECL and PECUSA. The CPWA will be invited to membership in this Committee. The Committee's tasks will be to consult, cooperate and offer advice on missionary activities which shall include, but not be limited to, Partners-in-Mission, Spiritual Renewal, Stewardship development plans, educational, health and agricultural programs, the training and development of Clergy and Theologians, and other shared programs.
3. That, prior to ECL becoming a full member of CPWA, ECL with the assistance of PECUSA will develop Pension Schemes for ECL Clergy and other employees of the Diocese.
4. That, because of its historic nature as the only religious and privately supported institution of higher learning in sub-Sahara Africa, PECUSA will continue to give moral and financial assistance to ECL in its support of Cuttington University College.
5. That ECL may seek and PECUSA will encourage the development of companion Diocese relationships between ECL and Dioceses of PECUSA.
6. That PECUSA will continue to promote the Venture in Mission project at Kabolia; will carry out the financial aid as outlined in the projection entitled, "Episcopal Diocese of Liberia--Budget Projection from 1976-1986"; and will assist in seeking sources of capital funds for development; all of which is looking forward to full financial independence for ECL in 1990.
7. That the Bishop of Liberia shall be invited to be a collegial member of the House of Bishops of PECUSA; and that a means shall be provided by the Rules of Order of the House of Deputies to enable representatives of ECL to "seat and voice" in the House of Deputies of PECUSA.
8. That upon the request and recommendation of the Bishop of Liberia, the House of Bishops will appoint an Episcopal Partner to consult with him.
9. That ECL will make an annual voluntary contribution to the Presiding Bishop's Fund for World Relief.
10. That this Covenant will become effective upon approval by both the Diocesan Convention of Liberia and the General Convention of PECUSA.
11. That ECL will provide PECUSA with a completed copy of the Constitution and Canons of ECL and of CPWA as being revised by the Constitutional Amendment Committee of CPWA, in accordance with regulations of the Anglican Consultative Council.
12. This Covenant shall be subject to review not less than once every three years to enable changes and modifications as may become necessary, and will continue in force until agreement by both parties to terminate; and be it further

Deputy Paul Frank (Ohio) of the World Mission Committee spoke on behalf of the Committee.

Discussion followed.

Deputy Allen Bartlett (Kentucky) questioned how the matter in seating members of the Covenant to this House would be handled.

Deputy Wainwright explained that that would be covered in a separate piece of legislation to come before the House at a later time.

The question was called on the Resolution as amended by the Committee.

Resolution adopted

(Communicated to the House of Bishops in HD Message #67)