Resolved, the House of Deputies concurring,

D013 Conference Committee Agreement

Resolved, That the 81st General Convention of The Episcopal Church affirm our hope for all the people of Israel and Palestine to enjoy freedom, peace, justice, and national self-determination, and affirm our hope for the creation of a Palestinian State, coexisting with the Jewish State of Israel; and be it further

Resolved, that the October 7, 2023, attack on Israel by Hamas was an indefensible act of terrorism; that Israel’s counterinsurgency in Gaza has exhibited a reckless disregard for the civilian population; that Hamas has shown reckless disregard for that civilian population by sheltering its armed combatants underneath and within places where civilians live or shelter; that the current government of Israel continues to commit acts and pass laws that result in fragmentation, segregation, and dispossession against the Palestinian people and the Occupied Territories; and be it further

Resolved, That the General Convention acknowledges that the language it uses to name and describe this horrific conflict divides the Church and many of God’s people even where we have strived otherwise, for all of which we pray for forgiveness and guidance to find language that unites us in the effort to bring peace and justice to Palestine; and be it further

Resolved, That the 81st General Convention affirm the resolution of The Executive Council of The Episcopal Church (MB013) in lamenting the violence and loss of life in Gaza, demanding the speedy provision of food and medical aid, and calling for an immediate ceasefire and the release of hostages and other captives; and be it further

Resolved, That the 81st General Convention call on the Office of Government Relations to continue its work on human rights, justice, and other issues affecting the region while redoubling our church’s advocacy of the two-state solution, especially by lobbying for linkage between military aid for Israel and the degree of its participation in the peace process as well as lobbying for sanctions against nations that support Hamas, Hezbollah, and other extremist anti-Israel groups; and be it further

Resolved, That the Office of Government Relations also promote The Episcopal Church’s view that rebuilding Gaza, continuing to build up the economy of the West Bank, and promoting security for both Palestinians and Israelis are the responsibility of the United Nations, Israel, the U.S., Israel’s other allies, and Israel’s Arab neighbors, all of whom should be prepared to join in historic levels of aid and investment; and be it further

Resolved, That the 81st General Convention invite all Episcopalians to play a role in working for a durable, just peace through philanthropy, study, advocacy, investment in Palestinian enterprises, divestment from all firms doing business in or with West Bank settlements (2018-B016, Develop Investment Criteria for Israel and Palestine Based on a Human Rights Screen), and deepening personal relationships with those living in the region, through pilgrimages and by other means, standing in solidarity with the Diocese of Jerusalem.