The Acts of Convention

House of Deputies

The House of Deputies Committee on Social Justice and United States Policy presented its Report #26 on Resolution D011 (The Prohibition of Assault Weapons) and moved adoption with amendment.

Original Text of Resolution:

(D011)

Resolved, the House of Bishops concurring,

That the 81st General Convention of the Episcopal Church hereby again urge that the United States Congress adopt a new ban on the purchase and ownership of all assault weapons, automatic weapons, semi-automatic weapons, or weapons that operate similarly thereto; and be it further

Resolved, That the 81st General Convention direct, consistent with established policies and procedures, that the Executive Council refer this Resolution to the Office of Government Relations, so that it may take all actions necessary to accomplish the intentions and purposes of this Resolution.

Committee Amendment:

Resolved, the House of Bishops concurring,

That the 81st General Convention of The Episcopal Church reaffirm Resloution 2015-C005; and be it further

Resolved, That the 81st General Convention acknowledge that since the passage of 2015-C005, as a nation, we have experienced some of the worst mass killings in the world – such as the 2016 Pulse Night Club Shooting, the 2017 Las Vegas Strip Shooting and the 2022 Uvalde School Shooting; and it be further 

Resolved, That the 81st General Convention strongly urge of the Episcopal Church hereby again urge that the United States Congress to ban, except for military and law enforcement agencies, the possession of all military-style assault weapons and high-capacity magazines;adopt a new ban on the purchase and ownership of all assault weapons, automatic weapons, semi-automatic weapons, or weapons that operate similarly thereto; and be it further

Resolved, That the 81st General Convention direct, consistent with established policies and procedures, that the Executive Council to refer this resolution to the Office of Government Relations, so that it may take all actions necessary to accomplish the intentions and purposes of this Resolution.

Debate ensued.

Point of Order

Deputy Litzenberger of Massachusetts requested the Chaplain lead the House in prayer before voting. The President called on the Chaplain for prayer.

Point of Order

Deputy Sisson of Mississippi brought to the President’s attention that he had pre-filed a floor amendment.

Proposed Amendment:

Deputy Sisson of Mississippi moved an amendment to the resolution (FA048) to insert “, bump stocks” in the third Resolve clause, following “military-style assault weapons”.

Debate ensued on the amendment.

A voice vote was taken on the amendment.

Motion carried

Amendment adopted

The President called on the Chaplain for prayer.

A voice vote was taken on Resolution D011 as amended.

Motion carried

Resolution adopted with amendment

(Communicated to the House of Bishops in HD Message #165)