October 17, 2002

The following is a true copy of a Resolution adopted by the Executive Council at its meeting on October 11-14, 2002 in Jackson Hole, Wyoming at which a quorum was present and voting.

Resolved, That the Executive Council of the Episcopal Church, meeting in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, Oct. 11-14, 2002 endorses the Presiding Bishop’s Statement and the House of Bishops’ letter urging the President and Congress to pursue resolution of the present crisis regarding Iraq in company with our allies and with other nations, resisting the use of absolute force until the need for a military solution has been unmistakably established; and be it further

We recognize that there are Americans, including fellow Episcopalians, who in faith support the President and Congress in their pursuit of Iraq, including the likely use of force. However, we find the President’s idea of a preemptive strike to be an unacceptable form of action for Christians who are called by Christ to be peacemakers, not least because it may result in extensive loss of life on both sides.

We find that the American people have not been given sufficient information to permit the conclusion that we face an imminent attack by the nation of Iraq.

The Rev. Rosemari G. Sullivan
Secretary of the Executive Council and the Domestic
and Foreign Missionary Society of the Protestant
Episcopal Church in the United States of America