The Acts of Convention

House of Bishops

The House of Bishops Committee on Social Justice and International Policy presented its Report #25 on Resolution D060 (Support For a Solution to the Crisis in Haiti) and moved adoption with amendment.

Original Text of Resolution:

(D060)

Resolved, the House of Deputies concurring,

That the Episcopal Church laments the current situation in Haiti resulting in an environment of political chaos, insecurity and fear for many Haitians; and be it further

Resolved, That Episcopal Church work to support a solution to the crisis Haiti that includes:

• Supporting an UN-authorized security mission with all necessary human rights safeguards, while addressing political drivers of insecurity and working to support democratic norms;
• Restarting a transitional government clearly focused on supporting democratic norms and ensuring trusted elections, while respecting Haitian sovereignty;
• Stabilization of mechanisms for basic necessities, such as food, water, fuel, healthcare and the opening of airports;
• Encouraging international humanitarian support to help fund both basic necessities and recovery;
• Assist Haiti in rebuilding its justice system, in a rights-respecting way;
• Advocating to genuinely engage and heed the voices of Haitians, who are suffering from food and healthcare insecurity, gang violence and human rights threats;
• Work towards the elimination of gang violence, and arms and drug trafficking;

And be it further

Resolved, That the Episcopal Church work with the clergy of Haiti to bring a Bishop’s presence to Haiti; and be it further

Resolved, That the Episcopal Church stands with the Episcopal Diocese of Haiti through prayer and listening, to support them and assist in their needs.

Committee Amendment:

Resolved, the House of Deputies concurring,

That the Episcopal Church laments lament the current situation in Haiti resulting in an environment of political chaos, insecurity and fear for many Haitians; and be it further

Resolved, That the Episcopal Church, including the Office of Government Relations, work to support a solution to the crisis Haiti that includes:

• Supporting an UN-authorized security mission with all necessary human rights safeguards, while addressing political drivers of insecurity and working to support democratic norms;
• Restarting a transitional government clearly focused on supporting democratic norms and ensuring trusted elections, while respecting Haitian sovereignty;
• Stabilization of mechanisms for basic necessities, such as food, water, fuel, healthcare and the opening of airports;
• Encouraging international humanitarian support to help fund both basic necessities and recovery, including by supporting qualified non-profits and NGOs;
• Assist Haiti in rebuilding its justice system, in a rights-respecting way;
• Advocating to genuinely engage and heed the voices of Haitians, who are suffering from food and healthcare insecurity, gang violence and human rights threats;
• Work towards the elimination of gang violence, and arms and drug trafficking;

And be it further

Resolved, That the Episcopal Church, through the Presiding Bishop's office, work with the clergy of Haiti to bring a Bishop’s presence to Haiti; and be it further

Resolved, That the Episcopal Church stands stand with the Episcopal Diocese of Haiti through prayer and listening, to support them and assist in their needs.; and be it further

Resolved, that Executive Council provide a report to the 82nd General Convention on the actions taken regarding Haiti as described above.

Motion carried

Resolution adopted with amendment

(Communicated to the House of Deputies in HB Message #92)