Resolution Number: 1979-D089
Title: Express Thankfulness for Israeli-Egyptian Peace Treaty
Legislative Action Taken: Concurred As Substituted
Final Text:

Resolved, That this 66th General Convention of the Episcopal Church notes with thankfulness the signing of the 1979 Israeli-Egyptian Peace Treaty, that it affirms the right of Israel to exist as a free State within secure borders, and that it urges continued negotiations leading to an overall settlement and peaceful resolution of the issues and problems in the Middle East; and be it further

Resolved, That this Convention expresses support for the opportunity to establish a free and independent Palestinian state which recognizes the State of Israel; and be it further

Resolved, That this Convention recognizes the uniqueness of the city of Jerusalem and urges a solution which would guarantee free and secure access to the Holy City by people of all faiths; and be it further

Resolved, That this Convention confirms our oneness in Christ with our fellow Christians in the Middle East, as we also affirm that we are engrafted in the vine of Israel; and be it further

Resolved, That this Convention expresses our love, concern and prayers for all persons in the Middle East.

Citation: General Convention, Journal of the General Convention of...The Episcopal Church, Denver, 1979 (New York: General Convention, 1980), p. C-105.

Legislative History

Author:
Originating House: House of Deputies
Originating Committee: Committee on National and International Problems

House of Deputies

On the tenth day, the Committee on National and International Problems presented its Report #19 on Resolution D-89, and recommended adoption of a Substitute Resolution as follows:

Resolved, the House of Bishops concurring, That this 66th General Convention of the Episcopal Church notes with thankfulness the signing of the 1979 Israeli-Egyptian Peace Treaty, that it affirms the right of Israel to exist as a free State within secure borders, and that it urges continued negotiations leading to an overall settlement and peaceful resolution of the issues and problems in the Middle East; and be it further

Resolved, the House of Bishops concurring, That this Convention expresses support for the opportunity to establish a free and independent Palestinian state which recognizes the State of Israel; and be it further

Resolved, the House of Bishops concurring, That this Convention recognizes the uniqueness of the city of Jerusalem and urges a solution which would guarantee free and secure access to the Holy City by people of all faiths; and be it further

Resolved, the House of Bishops concurring, That this Convention confirms our oneness in Christ with our fellow Christians in the Middle East, as we also affirm that we are engrafted in the vine of Israel; and be it further

Resolved, the House of Bishops concurring, That this Convention expresses our love, concern and prayers for all persons in the Middle East.

Substitute resolution adopted

(Communicated to the House of Bishops in HD Message #174)

House of Bishops

On the tenth day, HD Message #174 on Substitute Resolution D-89 (Middle East concerns) was received.

The House of Bishops failed to concur by a vote of 67 to 32.

The House did not concur

HB Message recalled

The Bishop of Alabama moved reconsideration of HD Message #174 on Substitute Resolution D-89 (Middle East concerns).

The motion was seconded by the Bishop Suffragan of Maryland.

Motion to reconsider carried

The Chairman of Dispatch of Business moved that reconsideration of HD Message #174 be delayed until the House received copies of D-89.

The motion was seconded by the Bishop of Pittsburgh.

Motion to defer carried

On reconsideration, the House of Bishops concurred with HD Message #174 on Resolution D-89 Substitute (Middle East concerns).

The House concurred

(Communicated to the House of Deputies in HB Message #233)

Abstract:   The 66th General Convention gives thanks for the signing of the 1979 Israeli-Egyptian Peace Treaty and expresses support for the establishment a free and independent Palestinian state which recognizes the State of Israel. It urges a solution that would guarantee free and secure access to Jerusalem.