Resolution Number: 2000-B006
Title: Endorse Birmingham Pledge on Racism
Legislative Action Taken: Concurred
Final Text:

Resolved, That the 73rd General Convention endorse the Birmingham Pledge as a witness to our church's commitment to fight racism and challenge each member of the Episcopal Church to sign and live this pledge:

I believe...

  • Every person has worth as an individual.
  • Every person is entitled to dignity and respect, regardless of race or color.
  • Every thought and every act of racial prejudice is harmful.
  • If it is my thought or act, then it is harmful to me as well as to others.

Therefore, from this day forward, I will...

  • Strive daily to eliminate racial prejudice from my thoughts and actions.
  • Discourage racial prejudice by others at every opportunity.
  • Treat all people with dignity and respect.
  • Strive daily to honor this pledge, knowing that the world will be a better place because of my effort.
Citation: General Convention, Journal of the General Convention of...The Episcopal Church, Denver, 2000 (New York: General Convention, 2001), p. 364.

Legislative History

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

House of Deputies

Original Text of Resolution:

(B006)

Resolved, the House of Bishops concurring, That the 73rd General Convention endorse the Birmingham Pledge as a witness to our church's commitment to fight racism and challenge each member of the Episcopal Church to sign and live this pledge:

I believe...

  • Every person has worth as an individual.
  • Every person is entitled to dignity and respect, regardless of race or color.
  • Every thought and every act of racial prejudice is harmful.
  • If it is my thought or act, then it is harmful to me as well as to others.

Therefore, from this day forward, I will...

  • Strive daily to eliminate racial prejudice from my thoughts and actions.
  • Discourage racial prejudice by others at every opportunity.
  • Treat all people with dignity and respect.
  • Strive daily to honor this pledge, knowing that the world will be a better place because of my effort.

Motion carried

Resolution adopted

(Communicated to the House of Bishops in HD Message #181)

House of Bishops

The House of Bishops Committee on Social and Urban Affairs presented its Report #33 on HD Message #181 on Resolution B006 (Endorse Birmingham Pledge on Racism) and moved concurrence.

The House concurred

(Communicated to the House of Deputies in HB Message #287)

Resolution Concurred by Both Houses, July 14.

Abstract:   The 73rd General Convention endorses the Birmingham Pledge on Racism.