A Recognition of the Global Implications of the COVID-19 Pandemic
Resolution text
Resolved, That The Executive Council, meeting virtually from June 8, 2020, to June 11, 2020, is mindful of the global effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and, through conversation, reflections, and presentations during this meeting, we have perceived anew the place of The Episcopal Church in the larger global community; and be it further
Resolved, That we express our deep and continued appreciation for the vital work being undertaken by the Anglican Alliance, of which Episcopal Relief and Development is a part, as it continues its mission of Development, Relief, and Advocacy, reaching out to all parts of the globe, particularly in communities that are isolated and marginalized; and be it further
Resolved, That The Episcopal Church, through its mission partnerships, expresses its profound concern for those areas of the world where COVID-19 is still in its early stages of infectious spread, particularly in Africa, and we express our thankfulness for the relationship with the Council of Anglican Provinces in Africa (CAPA) as we anticipate working together to address the tragedy and suffering that surging infection rates will bring; and be it further
Resolved, That we emphatically condemn the racial, socio-economic, and ethnic inequalities in the provision of health care, mental health support, food distribution, social and economic assistance, and education that the current pandemic has laid bare, both in the United States and throughout the world; and be it further
Resolved, That Native Americans in the United States, the First Nations people in Canada, and indigenous peoples throughout the Americas are bearing a disproportionate burden in this pandemic, due to historic and ongoing inequalities in the provision of health care, social support, and education, which we call upon governments to recognize and enact such legislation that will correct these inequalities; and be it further
Resolved, That The Episcopal Church has recognized the severity of this pandemic, its leadership having responded with careful and determined actions to safeguard the health of its people, and that as many communities begin to lift the public health restrictions applied at the beginning of the COVID crisis, the Executive Council calls upon that same leadership to remain committed to the health and wellbeing of its people, when initiating new and relaxed protocols, and carefully deliberate and consider public health protocols that continue to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.