Full Legislative History
Resolution Number: 2012-D005
Title: Develop a Christian Ethical Response to the Crime of Terrorism
Legislative Action Taken: Concurred as Substituted
Final Text:

Resolved, That the 77th General Convention call on all Episcopalians to respond to terrorism, not by demonizing and dehumanizing terrorists, but rather with a courageous passion for justice cultivated through prayer, study and moral leadership; and be it further

Resolved, That the 77th General Convention acknowledge the need for the United States government to shift rhetoric and responses to terrorism away from treating terrorists as warriors in the context of a “war on terror,” to treating terrorists as criminals; and be it further

Resolved, That the 77th General Convention call upon the Standing Commission for Anglican and International Peace with Justice Concerns, in collaboration with the Bishop Suffragan for the Armed Forces and Federal Ministries, Episcopal Peace Fellowship, ethicists and other interested groups, to develop a comprehensive Christian ethical paradigm, rooted in the Christian tradition of working for justice and peace that shapes just and efficacious responses to the crime of terrorism, that recognizes international political realities, is grounded in the worth and dignity of every human being and that emphasizes the rule of law, justice, and law enforcement protocols rather than warfighting; and be it further

Resolved, That the 77th General Convention call on the President of the United States to use law enforcement protocols, national resources, and international cooperation to apprehend and bring to justice individuals and organizations who have adopted and implemented terrorist tactics or strategies.

Citation: General Convention, Journal of the General Convention of...The Episcopal Church, Indianapolis, 2012 (New York: General Convention, 2012), p. 322.