Resolves of the Executive Council

Resolved, That the Episcopal Church, meeting in Burlington, VT, June 11-14, 2004, in recognition of the importance of the Diocese of Haiti to the life of the Episcopal Church and the ongoing suffering endured by the people of Haiti, calls on the US Government to take actions that would help alleviate this suffering and bring peace and justice to the people of Haiti; and be it further

Resolved, That the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security be urged to extend temporary protected status (TPS) to Haitians now residing in the United States until such time as stability returns to Haiti; and be it further

Resolved, That the Congress be urged to pass the Haitian Refugee Immigration Fairness Act to protect those Haitians now residing in the United States without legal status to be allowed to remain legally in the United States in order to avoid deportation to Haiti; and be it further

Resolved, That the U.S. Administration be urged to end its policy of interdicting Haitians fleeing violence and persecution or being otherwise prevented from having their claims for protection fairly assessed and institute fair and humane screening process in accordance with international law that would ensure that Haitians having bona fide asylum claims be able to have their claims properly assessed and, where warranted, be granted asylum; and be it further

Resolved, That U.S. Government be asked to concur that an independent body appointed by the Secretary General of the United Nations be established to investigate the circumstances leading to the departure of former President Aristede and human rights abuses and make recommendations concerning the establishment of a legitimate government that will enjoy the support of the Haitian people and protect their human rights; and be it further

Resolved, That the U.S. Government endorse and contribute as necessary to an international peace keeping operation that would remain as long as is necessary to assist in the restoration of peace and stability in Haiti and to allow for fair and open elections; and be it further

Resolved, That the U.S. Government serve as a major donor nation in supporting the rebuilding of Haiti’s infrastructure, especially in view of the civil upheaval of the past several months and the recent devastation caused by widespread flooding in the country.

Resolved, That a delegation of the Episcopal Church with an invitation from the Bishop of Haiti visit Haiti on a fact finding mission and as an expression of solidarity with the Haitian people in their struggle for peace and justice.