The Acts of Convention

Resolved, That the 70th General Convention of the Episcopal Church:

1. affirms the importance of the Church in the exercise of its prophetic role by standing on the side of the oppressed, including both the Palestinian people and the people of Israel, in their struggle for justice, and by promoting justice, peace and reconciliation for all peoples in the Middle East; and
2. reaffirms the existence of the State of Israel and its right to secure borders recognized by all nations, as well as the civic and human rights of all those who live within its borders; and
3. commits itself to continued prayer for Israelis and Palestinians, for Muslims, Jews and Christians, for the achievement of justice, peace and reconciliation for all;

and be it further

Resolved, That this 70th General Convention of the Episcopal Church goes on record in support of Secretary of State Baker's efforts to convene a conference to resolve the Palestinian/Israeli conflict in which all parties involved are included; and be it further

Resolved, That this 70th General Convention of the Episcopal Church urges the President and the Congress of the United States:

1. to require the State of Israel to account to the Government of the United States for all aid in whatever form that the United States grants to the States of Israel and its instrumentalities in compliance with all sections of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, as far as all sections of the Act are applied to Arab governments in the region; and
2. to hold in escrow aid to Israel by an amount equal to any expenditures by the Government of Israel to expand, develop or further establish Israeli settlements in the West Bank, Gaza and East Jerusalem and only release the aid from escrow if proof is given that settlements are not being established;

and be it further

Resolved, That the Episcopal Church in the United States urges each diocese to take an active interest in the events taking place in the Middle East through study programs, sponsoring forums and workshops; and be it further

Resolved, That a copy of this resolution be sent to the President, the Secretary of State and all Members of the Congress of the United States.