Whereas the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem is the Anglican Church in the Holy Land. It is involved in multiple critical initiatives to improve the life of all persons particularly through education, healthcare and the creation of religious dialogue between people of each of the three great Abrahamic traditions.
Whereas the work of the Diocese is threatened by the precipitous emigration of Christians from the Middle East, particularly from the occupied West Bank and Gaza. The support of its two hospitals, 22 parishes, 18 schools, institutes for the deaf, disabled and mentally impaired in Palestine, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon and Syria cannot be borne alone by a population that is struggling with the loss of its agriculture to settlements, massive unemployment, travel restrictions that are obstacles to trade and education, and the loss of basic human rights.
Whereas the Presiding Bishop has called on all Episcopalians to “learn more about the ministries of the Diocese of Jerusalem and to prayerfully consider what you might do to support those ministries through partners like Episcopal Relief and Development andThe American Friends of the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem.
Resolved, the Episcopal Church in Minnesota recognizes its partnership with the Diocese of Jerusalem and its dedication to the survival of Christianity in the “Holy Land.” (Passed individually.)
Resolved, this Convention urges President Obama, US Senators Klobuchar and Franken, and the Minnesota Congressional delegation to resist any efforts in Congress to cut off American funds for the Palestine Authority, but rather to bring American influence toward a final just settlement of the Israel-Palestine conflict. (Passed individually)
* The “Resolved” clauses were passed individually by Convention.
