B003 On the Status of Jerusalem
Resolved, the House of Bishops concurring,
That the 79th General Convention strongly re-affirm its long-established position calling for the city of Jerusalem to be the shared capital of both the State of Israel and of a future Palestinian state; and be it further
Resolved, That the 79th General Convention likewise affirm its call for the safeguarding of Jerusalem as a place where full respect is accorded to the civil rights and religious interests of Christians, Muslims, and Jews, to include free and secure access to their respective holy sites; and be it further
Resolved, That all dioceses be encouraged to engage earnestly in education, advocacy, and prayer for the renewal of a diplomatic and political process for peace in the region, and for the peace of Jerusalem.
Explanation
The Episcopal Church has been clear and consistent in strongly advocating these positions, as expressed in such past General Convention actions as D089 (1979), A147 (1991), A107 (1997), and B010 (2012). The recent decision to locate the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem has contributed to a growing despair over the possibility of a two-state solution, and confusion regarding the role of the U.S. in the peace process. A public reaffirmation of the Episcopal Church’s commitment will be a timely encouragement for many.