* FINAL VERSION - Concurred
Resolution:D084
Title:Solidarity with the Church and People of Pakistan
Topic:International Relations
Committee:09 - National and International Concerns
House of Initial Action:Deputies
Proposer:Ms. Hisako M. Beasley

Resolved, the House of Bishops concurring, That the 76th General Convention of The Episcopal Church express its solidarity with the Church of Pakistan and the whole Christian community in Pakistan and especially the Diocese of Peshawar, which borders Afghanistan; and be it further

Resolved, That The Episcopal Church facilitate the visit to the United States of one or more representatives of the Christian community in Pakistan to speak to the American people about the situation in Pakistan, and what Christians in the USA can do to help; and be it further

Resolved, That the 76th General Convention of The Episcopal Church call upon all parties to seek a peaceful resolution of the difficulties in Pakistan; and be it further

Resolved, That the 76th General Convention of The Episcopal Church call upon the international community to provide food, clothing, shelter and medical care for the people of Pakistan who have fled from their homes, both those who are refugees and those who are internally displaced persons, especially the persecuted Christian community; and be it further

Resolved, That church members and the Office of Government Relations communicate the position of The Episcopal Church on this issue to the President and leaders of both houses of Congress, and advocate passage of federal legislation consistent with this resolution; and be it further

Resolved, That the General Convention request the Joint Standing Committee on Program, Budget and Finance to consider a budget allocation of two thousand dollars ($2,000) for the implementation of this resolution.


EXPLANATION

Ongoing fighting between the Pakistani armed forces, conservative Muslim militias and Taliban forces have caused more than three million Pakistani people to flee their homes. Most have taken refuge in huge camps within the territory of Pakistan. This is the largest civilian exodus since the genocide in Rwanda, and the largest mass migration in southern Asia since the partition of India 60 years ago.

Most international assistance for refugees is focused on people who are displaced from one country to another. The people who fall through the cracks are those who are displaced in their own country. The people in the camps need increasing amounts of food, water, shelter and medical care.

The Church of Pakistan is a united church which is part of the Anglican Communion and a member church of the World Methodist Council. It was established in 1970 with a union of Anglicans, Scottish Presbyterians (Church of Scotland), Methodists, and Lutherans. Most of its 800,000 members are Anglicans. The Church is laboring under difficult conditions, and its members and leadership are frequently victims of persecution.

Compounding the problem is that the United States has been bombing targets within Pakistan using pilotless drones and Hellfire missiles. Since August 2008, nearly 50 strikes have killed at least 450 people, both militants and civilians. On the deadliest day, June 24, 2009, more than 60 people died when a drone struck a funeral party. The government of Pakistan has condemned the drone and missile attacks, and has stated that the U.S. is violating international law.


* Note: The final language, as well as the final status of each resolution, is being reviewed by the General Convention office. The Journal of the 76th General Convention and the Constitution and Canons will be published once the review process has been completed.