Resolution Number: 2009-A143
Title: Extend 2006 Resolution to Examine and Repent for Complicity in Slavery
Legislative Action Taken: Concurred as Amended
Final Text:

Resolved, That the 76th General Convention of The Episcopal Church agree to extend Resolution A123, which was passed at the 75th General Convention, through the 2013-2015 triennium; and be it further

Resolved, That, as directed by Resolution 2006-A123, the General Convention encourage each diocese to continue over the next six years a process to gather information in its community on (1) the complicity of The Episcopal Church in the institution of slavery and in the subsequent history of segregation and discrimination, (2) examples of resistance to slavery and discrimination and (3) the economic benefits derived by The Episcopal Church from the transatlantic slave trade and the institution of slavery; and be it further

Resolved, That dioceses consult with the anti-racism officer of The Episcopal Church for resources to aid them in doing this work; and be it further

Resolved, That the information gathering be used as the foundation for truth telling, confession, apology, forgiveness, repentance and reconciliation; and be it further

Resolved, That each diocese, as requested by Resolution 2006-A123, name a Day of Repentance and on that day hold a Service of Repentance; and be it further

Resolved, That the General Convention require all dioceses to report their results to the 77th and 78th General Conventions.

Citation: General Convention, Journal of the General Convention of...The Episcopal Church, Anaheim, 2009 (New York: General Convention, 2009), p. 711.

Legislative History

Author: The Executive Council: Committee on Anti-Racism
Originating House: House of Bishops
Originating Committee: Committee on Social and Urban Affairs

House of Bishops

The House of Bishops Committee on Social and Urban Affairs presented its Report #26 on Resolution A143 (Extension of General Convention Resolution A123 to General Convention 2012) and moved adoption with amendment.

Original Text of Resolution:

(A143)

Resolved, the House of Deputies concurring, That the 76th General Convention of The Episcopal Church agree to extend Resolution A123, which was passed at the 75th General Convention.

Committee Amendment:

Resolved, the House of Deputies concurring, That the 76th General Convention of The Episcopal Church agree to extend Resolution A123, which was passed at the 75th General Convention, through the 2013-2015 triennium; and be it further

Resolved, That, as directed by Resolution 2006-A123, the General Convention encourage each diocese to continue over the next six years a process to gather information in its community on (1) the complicity of The Episcopal Church in the institution of slavery and in the subsequent history of segregation and discrimination, (2) examples of resistance to slavery and discrimination and (3) the economic benefits derived by The Episcopal Church from the transatlantic slave trade and the institution of slavery; and be it further

Resolved, That dioceses consult with the anti-racism officer of The Episcopal Church for resources to aid them in doing this work; and be it further

Resolved, That the information gathering be used as the foundation for truth-telling, confession, apology, forgiveness, repentance and reconciliation; and be it further

Resolved, That each diocese, as requested by Resolution 2006-A123, name a Day of Repentance and on that day hold a Service of Repentance; and be it further

Resolved, That the General Convention require all participating groups to report their results to the 77th and 78th General Conventions.

The Bishop of Arkansas moved an amendment.

Proposed Amendment:

In the last resolve clause, replace the words “participating groups” with the word “dioceses”.

Motion carried

Amendment adopted

A vote was taken on Resolution A143 as amended.

Motion carried

Resolution adopted with amendment

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

House of Deputies

The House of Deputies Committee on Social and Urban Affairs presented its Report #28 on Resolution A143 (Extension of General Convention Resolution A123 to General Convention 2012) and moved concurrence.

The House concurred

(Communicated to the House of Bishops in HD Message #234)

Resolution Concurred by Both Houses, July 16.

Report Reference:   Executive Council: Committee on Anti-Racism, Reports to the 76th General Convention, 2009, pp. 659-663.
Abstract:   The 76th General Convention extends resolution 2006-A123, encouraging dioceses over the next six years to examine the Church's complicity in slavery and discrimination; requests each diocese hold a Day of Repentance; and report their work to General Convention.