Positions on Social Issues

Anti-Semitism, Bail, Religious Bigotry

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Anti-Semitism

The Convention in 1975 and again in 1990 and 1992 denounced anti-Semitism and called upon the people of the Diocese to cause this form of prejudice and discrimination to disappear from our national and personal lives. Detecting a rise in frequency and violence in acts of anti-Semitism at home and abroad, the 1982 Convention urged the people of the Diocese "to search for and find ways and opportunities to stand shoulder to shoulder with our Jewish friends and neighbors against the evils of discrimination and prejudice." A 1985 Convention resolution called on "diocesan clergy and laity, parishes, and other institutions to further dialogue between Christians and Jews," urging each parish to form a committee to work on "instituting a structured dialogue between Christians and Jews" and directing the Diocese to "take a more active role in supporting the work among Christians and Jews already under way within its boundaries."

 

 

Bail: Release of Accused Persons

In 1965 and again in 1971, Convention endorsed the practice of releasing without bail (in the custody of responsible persons or on their own recognizance) all accused persons except when such release would endanger public safety. Both resolutions noted the plight of those accused persons "imprisoned solely because they are too poor to raise bail." The 1971 resolution took note of the "understaffed and overcrowded conditions of our courts and prisons." Council in 1973 endorsed in principle the establishment of a Diocesan bail bond fund for the indigent, the capital (gifts and/or loans) to come from congregations and individuals.

 

 

Bigotry, Religious

In 1992 the Convention resolved to address specific areas of religious bigoty and ignorance, particularly as in relations between Christians, Jews and Muslims. In 1997 Convention expressed concern at the rising level of religious persecution worldwide, and noted the increase in anti-Christian violence.

 

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