Resolution Number: 2015-A021
Title: Continue the Financial Commitment to International Development Programs
Legislative Action Taken: Concurred as Amended
Final Text:

Resolved, That The Episcopal Church rejoices in the progress made on the Millennium Development Goals during the past three triennia, but recognizing that much remains to be done, continues our commitment of 0.7% of the Church-wide budget to investment in similar programs throughout the 2016-2018 triennium; and be it further

Resolved, That the Convention, recognizing that funding for nutrition, education, health care, gender equality and sustainable development programs is essential to achieve not only the Millennium Development Goals, but also to ensure respect for the dignity of all human beings, urges all dioceses and congregations to continue to contribute 0.7% of their annual budgets to fund appropriate international development programs; and be it further

Resolved, That funds in the General Convention budget for the 2016-2018 triennium specified for MDGs be allotted for a grants program that supports congregational and diocesan efforts in international development programs.

Citation: General Convention, Journal of the General Convention of...The Episcopal Church, Salt Lake City, 2015 (New York: General Convention, 2015), p. 676.

Legislative History

Author: Executive Council
Originating House: House of Bishops
Originating Committee: Social Justice and International Policy

House of Bishops

The House of Bishops Committee on Social Justice and International Policy presented its Report #3 on Resolution A021 (Continue Our Commitment of 0.7% of the Millennium Development Goals) and moved adoption with amendment.

Original Text of Resolution:

(A021)

Resolved, the House of Deputies concurring, That The Episcopal Church continues its commitment, especially as reflected in the Church-wide budget, of the 0.7% dedicated to the Millennium Development Goals, or other such title as adopted by the United Nations (i.e., Post-2015 Development Agenda, or Sustainable Development Goals, as mentioned by the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations), throughout the 2016-2018 triennium and beyond; and be it further

Resolved, That the Convention, recognizing that funding for nutrition, education, health care, and development programs is essential to achieve not only the Millennium Development Goals, but also to recognize the dignity of all human beings, invites all dioceses and congregations to contribute 0.7% of their annual budgets to fund international development programs.

Committee Amendment:

Resolved, the House of Deputies concurring, That The Episcopal Church rejoices in the progress made on the Millennium Development Goals during the past three triennia, but recognizing that much remains to be done, continues itsour commitment,especially as reflected in the Church-wide budget, of the 0.7% dedicated to the Millennium Development Goals, or other such title as adopted by the United Nations (i.e., Post-2015 Development Agenda, or Sustainable Development Goals, as mentioned by the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations), of the Church-wide budget to investment in similar programs throughout the 2016-2018 triennium and beyond; and be it further

Resolved, That the Convention, recognizing that funding for nutrition, education, health care, gender equality and sustainable development programs is essential to achieve not only the Millennium Development Goals, but also to recognize ensure respect for the dignity of all human beings, invites urges all dioceses and congregations to continue to contribute 0.7% of their annual budgets to fund appropriate international development programs; and be it further

Resolved, That funds in the General Convention budget for the 2016-2018 triennium specified for MDGs be allotted for a grants program that supports congregational and diocesan efforts in international development programs.

Motion carried

Resolution adopted with amendment

(Communicated to the House of Deputies in HB Message #36)

House of Deputies

The House of Deputies Committee on Social Justice and International Policy presented its Report #6 on HB Message #36 on Resolution A021 (Continue Our Commitment of 0.7% of the Millennium Development Goals) and moved concurrence.

Motion carried

The House concurred

(Communicated to the House of Bishops in HD Message #84)

Resolution Concurred by Both Houses, June 29.

Report Reference:   Executive Council, Reports to the 78th General Convention, 2015, pp. 137-169.
Abstract:   The 78th General Convention continues its MDG commitment to contribute 0.7% of the annual budget to fund appropriate international development programs and urges dioceses and congregations to do the same.