Greetings, friends!
With all the discussion surrounding COVID-19 and its effects on the health and well-being of ALL God’s children, I hope the importance of Michigan’s primary last Tuesday didn’t escape you and you made the effort to get out to the polls and VOTE. (Washing your hands thoroughly as soon as you were able, of course!) Our democratic form of government has its flaws for sure but I think we sometimes forget how very fortunate we are to have a government that is “of the people, by the people, and for the people.”
Many people around the world are living in countries run by leaders the people did not elect, who don’t have the best interests of the people in mind. While it isn’t the job of The Episcopal Church to interfere with how other countries are governed, it is the responsibility of each baptized Episcopalian to “seek and serve Christ in all persons,” and to “strive for justice and peace among all people, and respect the dignity of every human being.” Resolution D096 speaks to how that applies to our brothers and sisters in countries lacking fair systems of government:
Resolution D096: Support for Good Governance
Resolved, That the 79th General Convention be concerned about a worldwide surge in autocratic governments; and be it further
Resolved, That the 79th General Convention affirms that governments function best when they are responsive, participatory, and transparent, and ensure adequate protection for minorities; and be it further
Resolved, That the 79th General Convention encourage the Office of Government Relations to partner with Anglicans and Anglican provinces globally to support one another in advocating for good governance and free and fair participation of its citizens in civic processes; and be it further
Resolved, That the 79th General Convention encourage individual Episcopalians, parishes and dioceses in all provinces of The Episcopal Church to engage their own governments and civic institutions to be responsive, transparent, and participatory, and urge their governments to promote these principles of good governance globally.
While the rationale for D096 is not a part of the actual resolution, it does give us some insight into what the writer was thinking when it was drafted:
Explanation
Recent trends show that there is a rise of autocratic governments across the globe, and principles of human rights and good governance that are essential to economic, political, and social advancement of nation states are increasingly being compromised. Episcopalians in all contexts of The Episcopal Church can be effective advocates for governments that respect the dignity of all people, ensure the well-being of children and families, function transparently, and allow its citizens to participate in democratic and civic processes freely and timely without fear of repercussions.
According to their website, the Office of Government Relations (OGR) represents the policy priorities of The Episcopal Church to the U.S. government in Washington, D.C. and helps to shape the discussion of political issues throughout the Church. OGR aims to influence policy and legislation on critical issues, highlighting the voices and experiences of Episcopalians and Anglicans globally. All policy positions are based on General Convention and Executive Council resolutions, the legislative and governing bodies of the Church.
From the OGR regarding Resolution D096: Support for Good Governance:
OGR has advocated for the Combating Global Corruption Act of 2019, which would make corruption an American national security priority, encouraging transparency in foreign assistance and publicizing efforts and results on anti-corruption initiatives. We work closely with Jubilee USA who leads coalition efforts on corporate transparency, debt relief, and anti-corruption. Our staff has also spoken at events on the importance of socially responsible investing and shareholder engagement in fostering effective, lasting global development.
The Combating Global Corruption Act of 2019 was passed by the Senate on December 19, 2019, and was referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs. In addition to posting updates about this act on their website, the OGR posts Action Alerts whenever there is legislation that requires action on our part in the form of letters to our representatives. You can sign up to support individual alerts or sign up to be notified whenever a new alert is posted here.
Establishing and maintaining a fair, democratic form of government doesn’t just happen. It takes the hard work and dedication of all the people being governed. It means we all must be willing to become knowledgeable and informed citizens. It requires the willingness of all Americans to speak out and make our voices heard. With the November election only a matter of months away, I hope and pray that each of us will acknowledge the blessings we enjoy living in this country and educate ourselves on the positions of those running for office so we can ensure that the blessings we now enjoy continue into our future generations.
Let us pray ~
O Lord our Governor, bless the leaders of our land, that we
may be a people at peace among ourselves and a blessing to
other nations of the earth.
Lord, keep this nation under your care.
To the President and members of the Cabinet, to Governors
of States, Mayors of Cities, and to all in administrative
authority, grant wisdom and grace in the exercise of their
duties.
Give grace to your servants, O Lord.
To Senators and Representatives, and those who make our
laws in States, Cities, and Towns, give courage, wisdom, and
foresight to provide for the needs of all our people, and to
fulfill our obligations in the community of nations.
Give grace to your servants, O Lord.
To the Judges and officers of our Courts give understanding
and integrity, that human rights may be safeguarded and
justice served.
Give grace to your servants, O Lord.
And finally, teach our people to rely on your strength and to
accept their responsibilities to their fellow citizens, that they
may elect trustworthy leaders and make wise decisions for
the well-being of our society; that we may serve you
faithfully in our generation and honor your holy Name.
For yours is the kingdom, O Lord, and you are exalted as
head above all. Amen. (BCP pg. 821 – Prayer for Sound Government)
~ The Rev. Diana Walworth, Resolution Review Committee, Diocesan Council
