The Acts of Convention

Whereas, the UN General Assembly passed its resolution on December 31, 1976 declaring 1979 the International Year of the Child, a call to action urging all countries to contribute funds to UNICEF (United Nations' Childrens Fund) and designating it as the lead agency for coordinating activities, to launch ongoing projects, and advised each country to evaluate their own problems and formulate their solution; and

Whereas, President Carter established the National Commission for the IYC on April 14, 1978, charging the Commission to "foster within the United States a better understanding of the special needs of children, and, in particular, give special attention to health, education, social environment, physical and emotional development, and legal rights and needs of children"; and

Whereas, Our Lord said, "Let the little children come unto me" and entrusted His Church with the nurture and care of all his children; be it therefore

Resolved, the House of Bishops concurring, That the 1979 General Convention of the Episcopal Church join with other non-governmental organizations in promoting the U.N. Declaration of the Rights of the Child and give on-going support to the higher level of basic services to children; and be it further

Resolved, the House of Bishops concurring, That the United Nations' Declaration of the Rights of the Child, which states: "The right to affection, love, and understanding; the right to free education; the right to full opportunity for play and recreation; the right to a name and nationality; the right to special care, if handicapped; the right to be among the first to receive relief in times of disaster; the right to be a useful member of society and to develop individual abilities; the right to be brought up in a spirit of peace and universal brotherhood; the right to enjoy these rights, regardless of race, color, sex, religion, national or social origin" is hereby affirmed and adopted by this Convention; and be it further

Resolved, the House of Bishops concurring, That the Office of Religious Education and the Office of Social Ministries of the Executive Council are hereby commended for their support of the International Year of the Child and are urged to continue this concern for the needs of the children in future years.