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The Acts of Convention

Resolution Number: 2024-A018
Title: Create a Task Force on Pacifism and Just War
Legislative Action Taken: Concurred as Amended
Final Text:

Resolved, That the 81st General Convention authorize the establishment of a Task Force on Pacifism and Just War to deepen understanding of the Church’s pacifist and just war traditions, including the Anglican Communion’s distinctive contributions to these traditions, among military chaplains, missionaries, seminarians, clergy, congregations, and others engaged in the Church’s global mission, for application to contemporary war, peace and human rights issues; and be it further

Resolved, That the Task Force draw upon the experience and expertise garnered from the Military Chaplains Just War Education Project funded through the 2020-21 Constable Grant program to prepare a report recommending educational programs, public policy positions, and outreach initiatives consistent with the Task Force’s mandate for consideration by the 82nd General Convention; and be it further

Resolved, That this Task Force be appointed jointly by the President of the House of Deputies and the Presiding Bishop, in consultation with the Standing Commission on World Mission, and consist of three bishops, three priests or deacons, and six laypersons from a diverse representation of the Church, and include military chaplains and those living in jurisdictions outside the United States; and be it further

Resolved, That $5,000 be budgeted for work of the Task Force over the next triennium.

Citation: General Convention, Journal of the General Convention of...The Episcopal Church, Louisville, 2024 (New York: General Convention, 2024), pp. 717-718.

Legislative History

Author: Secretary of General Convention
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 A018 (Task Force on Pacifism and Just War) and moved adoption with amendment.

Original Text of Resolution:

(A018)

Resolved, the House of Bishops concurring,

That the 81st General Convention authorize the establishment of a Task Force on Pacifism and Just War to deepen understanding of the Church’s pacifist and just war traditions, including the Anglican Communion’s distinctive contributions to these traditions, among military chaplains, missionaries, seminarians, clergy, congregations, and others engaged in the Church’s global mission, for application to contemporary war, peace and human rights issues; and be it further

Resolved, That the Task Force draw upon the experience and expertise garnered from the Military Chaplains Just War Education Project funded through the 2020-21 Constable Grant program to prepare a report recommending educational programs, public policy positions, and outreach initiatives consistent with the Task Force’s mandate for consideration by the 81st General Convention; and be it further

Resolved, That this Task Force be appointed jointly by the President of the House of Deputies and the Presiding Bishop, in consultation with the Standing Commission on World Mission, and consist of three bishops, three priests or deacons, and six laypersons from a diverse representation of the Church, and include military chaplains and those living in jurisdictions outside the United States; and be it further

Resolved, That $5,000 be budgeted for work of the Task Force over the next triennium.

Committee Amendment:

Resolved, the House of Bishops concurring,

That the 81st General Convention authorize the establishment of a Task Force on Pacifism and Just War to deepen understanding of the Church’s pacifist and just war traditions, including the Anglican Communion’s distinctive contributions to these traditions, among military chaplains, missionaries, seminarians, clergy, congregations, and others engaged in the Church’s global mission, for application to contemporary war, peace and human rights issues; and be it further

Resolved, That the Task Force draw upon the experience and expertise garnered from the Military Chaplains Just War Education Project funded through the 2020-21 Constable Grant program to prepare a report recommending educational programs, public policy positions, and outreach initiatives consistent with the Task Force’s mandate for consideration by the 81st General Convention; and be it further

Resolved, That the Task Force draw upon the experience and expertise garnered from the Military Chaplains Just War Education Project funded through the 2020-21 Constable Grant program to prepare a report recommending educational programs, public policy positions, and outreach initiatives consistent with the Task Force’s mandate for consideration by the 82nd General Convention; and be it further

Resolved, That this Task Force be appointed jointly by the President of the House of Deputies and the Presiding Bishop, in consultation with the Standing Commission on World Mission, and consist of three bishops, three priests or deacons, and six laypersons from a diverse representation of the Church, and include military chaplains and those living in jurisdictions outside the United States; and be it further

Resolved, That $5,000 be budgeted for work of the Task Force over the next triennium.

Motion carried

Resolution adopted with amendment

(Communicated to the House of Bishops in HD Message #28)

House of Bishops

The House of Bishops Committee on Social Justice and United States Policy presented its Report #19 on HD Message #70 on Resolution A018 (Task Force on Pacifism and Just War) and moved concurrence.

Motion carried

The House concurred

(Communicated to the House of Deputies in HB Message #95)

Resolution Concurred by Both Houses, June 25.

Abstract:   The 81st General Convention creates a Task Force to draw on the experience gained from the Military Chaplains Just War Education Project to deepen understanding of the Church’s pacifist and just war traditions.
Notes:  

Many actions completed by the House of Deputies resulted in two messages being sent to the House of Bishops. The Acts of Convention followed the Journal Editor’s lead in using the first message number as the official message. House of Deputies Message #28 was followed by House of Deputies Message #70.

Resolution A018 was removed from the Consent Calendar and placed on the Legislative Calendar.