The following is a true copy of a Resolution adopted by the Executive Council at its meeting on January 27-30, 2003 in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, at which a quorum was present and voting.

Resolved, That the Executive Council expresses our dismay of the bombing of Ahli Arab hospital’s chapel [an institution of the Episcopal Diocese of Jersualem] in Gaza, January 24, 2003 by a U.S.-made helicopters operated by the Israeli Armed Forces, and be it further

Resolved, that Council calls upon the United States government to press the Israeli government to make a full and public report of this incident and to make full restitution to the diocese for the damages done, and be it further

Resolved, that Council sends it warmest affection and concern to the staff and patients at the hospital, and to the Bishop of Jerusalem, the Rt. Rev. Riah abu El Assal and all the people of the diocese of Jerusalem who grieve over this attack on one of its venerated institutions that has brought healing and comfort to so many, and be it further

Resolved, that Council continues this Church’s long time commitment to stand with all people of goodwill on both sides of the Israeli/Palestinian conflict who seek a just and lasting peace that brings an end to the Occupation and provides security for all the people of Israel.

Explanation:

Past policy statements of General Convention and Executive Council support a two state solution, Israel and Palestine, with Jerusalem serving as the capital of both countries.

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