The Acts of Convention

House of Bishops

The House of Bishops Committee on National and International Concerns presented its Report #27 on Resolution D042 (“Material Support” Provisions of Patriot Act) and moved adoption with amendment.

Original Text of Resolution:

(D042)

Resolved, the House of Deputies concurring, That the 75th General Convention of The Episcopal Church

1. strongly oppose the “material support” provisions of the Patriot Act, now incorporated into the US Immigration and Nationality act, which because of an overly broad interpretation, provide the basis for denying bona fide refugees admission to the United States and otherwise exclude other categories of immigrants such as asylum seekers and those adjusting status and pursuing naturalization from the benefits to which they aspire;
2. recommend an interpretation of “material support” which pertains only to members of formally designated foreign terrorist organizations and not be applied to those who are not a threat to the security of the United States such as refugees, asylum seekers, asylees, or those adjusting to permanent residence or pursuing naturalization;
3. advocate for policies and practices that exempt those from the “material support bar” who under duress or the threat of violence unwittingly or involuntarily associate with a terrorist organization;
4. advocate for policies and practices that exempt those from the “material support bar” who have been members of groups who have resisted regimes which victimized or persecuted them or denied them their basis human rights.

Committee Amendment:

Resolved, the House of Deputies concurring, That the 75th General Convention of The Episcopal Church

1. strongly oppose the “material support” provisions of the Patriot Act, now incorporated into the US Immigration and Nationality act, which because of an overly broad interpretation, provide the basis for denying bona fide refugees admission to the United States and otherwise exclude other categories of immigrants such as asylum seekers and those adjusting status and pursuing naturalization from the benefits to which they aspire;
2. recommend an interpretation of “material support” which pertains only to members of formally designated foreign terrorist organizations and not be applied to those who are not a threat to the security of the United States such as refugees, asylum seekers, asylees, or those adjusting to permanent residence or pursuing naturalization;
3. advocate for policies and practices that exempt those from the “material support bar” who under duress or the threat of violence unwittingly or involuntarily associate with a terrorist organization;
4. advocate for policies and practices that exempt those from the “material support bar” who have been members of groups who have resisted regimes which victimized or persecuted them or denied them their basis human rights;
5. urge The Episcopal Church to join with the Refugee Council USA and other refugee programs to address the issues of the “material support bar” with the United States government.

Motion carried

Resolution adopted with amendment

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