Responding to General Convention Resolution A123
In accordance with Resolution A123 passed by the 75th General Convention in Columbus, Ohio in 2006, dioceses are directed to document instances where the diocese has been complicit in and has benefited from the institution of Transatlantic Slavery. (Click here for the complete text of the resolution). We realize that the actions requested in this resolution are complex and may be difficult for you to visualize.
To facilitate your efforts we have asked several dioceses who have already begun this work in their local areas to share with others what they are already currently doing. To that end we have posted the following PDF documents below and will print the same material in hard copy so that it can be sent to your diocese by request.
- Sample implementation initiatives from several dioceses
- Other material and articles on this topic that may be of interest and useful to you
- A Reporting Form (see PDF below) which should be returned to the Social Justice Office by March 31, 2008
Please know that we stand ready to assist you as you embark on this project or as you continue with the plans you have already begun.
Secondly, note that the resolution asks that you submit a report to the Social Justice Office that will be sent to Executive Council by March 31, 2008, on what progress you have made. There is no expectation that you will have completed your work. In fact, as you continue to explore this area, you may find that it may be ongoing for quite some time. That is to be expected and valued. But we would like to know what your initial actions have been.
May God bless all of your actions and discoveries and open your hearts and minds as we continue to explore this most important area in the history of our church and our country.
