Resolves of the Executive Council

Resolved, That the Executive Council, meeting in the Diocese of Fond du Lac, June 14-18, 1999, give thanks for the agreement reached between NATO and Yugoslavia that ends both the horror of the ethnic cleansing campaign in Kosovo and the resultant air war, which has severely damaged the infrastructure of Yugoslavia; and be it

Resolved, That the Council is relieved to see that the United Nations, through the Security Council, has given its endorsement to the peace building operation that will now follow, and Council further supports the work of an ecumenical committee of the National Council of Churches, which includes Episcopal representation, that is studying the appropriate role of NATO in the post cold war period; and be it

Resolved, That the Council express its dismay and sorrow that one of the consequences of the war was the bombing of the Chinese embassy in Belgrade and joins the Presiding Bishop in sending condolences through the China Christian Council to the families of those who died in the bombing and support a mission of reconciliation by the government of the United States with the people and government of China; and be it

Resolved, That the Episcopal Church pledge its support to ecumenical and interfaith initiatives that seek healing and reconciliation in the Balkans, particularly through our Church's deep ties of affection with the Patriarch of Moscow and the Ecumenical Patriarch in Istanbul, and ask the Presiding Bishop to carry assurances of our deep concern when he visits the Patriarchs in July; and be it

Resolved, That the US Government continue, and if necessary, expand its offer of resettlement to Kosovar refugees to ensure that neighboring countries continue to provide asylum to those whose early return to Kosovo is not possible because of uncertain conditions in Kosovo and therefore need additional time to assess prospects for repatriation; and be it

Resolved, That the United States government maintain a generous program of resettlement for those refugees unable to return home because of their vulnerability resulting from the conflict, their need for special medical attention and a desire to reunite with family members in the United States; and be it

Resolved, That the Council commend the Presiding Bishop and his staff for coordinating the church's response to this crisis, both through quiet diplomatic initiatives and humanitarian efforts, and applauds the generosity of Episcopalians across the country for their response to this crisis through Episcopal Migration Ministries and the Presiding Bishop's Fund for World Relief, and encourage ongoing support as the crisis enters a new phase; and be it

Resolved, That copies of this resolution be sent to the President of the United States, appropriate members of Congress, the China Christian Council, the General Secretary of the United Nations, the head of NATO and other appropriate bodies.