Resolution Number: 2015-A092
Title: Affirm Support for Government Funding of Social Safety Net Programs
Legislative Action Taken: Concurred as Amended
Final Text:

Resolved, That the 78th General Convention of The Episcopal Church affirm that God has provided for all of creation, forming a world of sufficiency for all, and that inequality exists not because there is not enough, but because of the way resources are distributed; we depend on God and one another and are commanded to feed the hungry, clothe the naked, and comfort the suffering and afflicted; and be it further

Resolved, That this Convention affirm its support for full and adequate funding of social safety net programs such as Social Security, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Medicare, Medicaid, the Affordable Care Act, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), food assistance for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), and the National School Lunch Program, all of which lift and keep people out of poverty and address basic food and health care needs in vulnerable populations.

Citation: General Convention, Journal of the General Convention of...The Episcopal Church, Salt Lake City, 2015 (New York: General Convention, 2015), p. 277.

Legislative History

Author: Standing Commission on Social Justice and Public Policy
Originating House: House of Deputies
Originating Committee: Social Justice and United States Policy

House of Deputies

The House of Deputies Committee on Social Justice and United States Policy presented its Report #4 on Resolution A092 (Affirm Support for Government Entitlements) and moved adoption with amendment.

Original Text of Resolution:

(A092)

Resolved, the House of Bishops concurring, That the 78th General Convention of The Episcopal Church affirm that God has provided for all of creation, forming a world of sufficiency for all, and that inequality exists not because there is not enough, but because of the way resources are distributed; we depend on God and one another and are commanded to feed the hungry, clothe the naked, and comfort the suffering and afflicted; and be it further

Resolved, That this Convention affirm its support for full funding of government programs such as Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), food assistance for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), the National School Lunch Program, and the Affordable Care Act, all of which lift and keep people out of poverty and address basic food and health care needs in vulnerable populations.

Committee Amendment:

Resolved, the House of Bishops concurring, That the 78th General Convention of The Episcopal Church affirm that God has provided for all of creation, forming a world of sufficiency for all, and that inequality exists not because there is not enough, but because of the way resources are distributed; we depend on God and one another and are commanded to feed the hungry, clothe the naked, and comfort the suffering and afflicted; and be it further

Resolved, That this Convention affirm its support for full and adequate funding of governmentsocial safety net programs such as Social Security, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security,the Affordable Care Act, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), food assistance for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), and the National School Lunch Program, and the Affordable Care Act, all of which lift and keep people out of poverty and address basic food and health care needs in vulnerable populations.

Motion carried

Resolution adopted with amendment

(Communicated to the House of Bishops in HD Message #40)

House of Bishops

The House of Bishops Committee on Social Justice and United States Policy presented its Report #3 on HD Message #40 on Resolution A092 (Affirm Support for Government Entitlements) and moved concurrence.

Motion carried

The House concurred

(Communicated to the House of Deputies in HB Message #100)

Resolution Concurred by Both Houses, June 29.

Report Reference:   Standing Commission on Social Justice and Public Policy, Reports to the 78th General Convention, 2015, pp. 437-447.
Abstract:   The 78th General Convention affirms full funding support for safety net programs that address poverty, nutrition and health care of vulnerable populations.