Resolution Number: 1979-B052
Title: Implement an Institutional Program of Racial Justice in the Church
Legislative Action Taken: Concurred As Amended
Final Text:

Resolved, That the 66th General Convention direct the Executive Council to design by means of its existing agencies programs that can assist Dioceses and congregations as they seek to combat racial and economic injustice.

Citation: General Convention, Journal of the General Convention of...The Episcopal Church, Denver, 1979 (New York: General Convention, 1980), p. C-128.

Legislative History

Author:
Originating House: House of Deputies
Originating Committee: Committee on Social and Urban Affairs

House of Deputies

On the fourth day, the Committee on Social and Urban Affairs presented its Report #6 on Resolution B-52, regarding Racial Discrimination, and recommended adoption with amendment as follows:

Whereas, justice is becoming increasingly the moral imperative as our Church listens to voices at home and abroad, especially the Third World, that cry for a more equitable distribution of resources and power with the oppressed; and

Whereas, the Bible warns us against those "who refuse justice to the unfortunate and cheat the poor among my people of their rights..." (Isa. 10:1-2); and

Whereas, the national Church attempted at the Special Convention in 1969 to address the deep racial and economic inequities within our Church and within our society; and

Whereas, the Diocese of Southern Ohio, among others, following the lead of the national Church since 1970, embarked on a program to "search out and eradicate all forms of institutional racism in all programs of the Diocese, its constituent congregations, and related institutions"; and

Whereas, the quality of life of the Diocese of Southern Ohio has been appreciably improved by its commitment to a program of racial justice, and although the Diocese of Southern Ohio recognizes that much remains to be done, nevertheless it has discovered much that can be shared to the benefit of the whole Church; therefore be it

Resolved, the House of Bishops concurring, That the 66th General Convention direct the Executive Council to design and implement a program of racial justice throughout the Church, its offices and programs, and encourage relevant action in its constituent Dioceses and institutions.

Resolution adopted

(Communicated to the House of Bishops in HD Message #33)

House of Bishops

On the fifth day, HD Message #33, on Resolution B-52 was received.

Bishop Gordon moved referral to the Committee on Social and Urban Affairs.

The motion was seconded by Bishop Powell.

Motion carried

Resolution referred to Legislative Committee

On the ninth day, the Bishop of New Hampshire moved concurrence with HD Message #33, Resolution B-52, amended so the last paragraph reads:

Resolved, the House of Bishops concurring, That the 66th General Convention direct the Executive Council to design by means of its existing agencies programs that can assist Dioceses and congregations as they seek to combat racial and economic injustice.

The motion was seconded by the Bishop Suffragan of Maryland.

The House concurred with amendment

(Communicated to the House of Deputies in HB Message #152)

House of Deputies

On the eleventh day, HB Message #152 was received.

The House concurred

(Communicated to the House of Bishops in HD Message #219)

Abstract:   The 66th General Convention directs the Executive Council to design by means of its existing agencies programs that can assist Dioceses and congregations as they seek to combat racial and economic injustice.