February 16, 2005

The following is a true copy of a Resolution adopted by the Executive Council at its meeting on February 11-14, 2005 in Austin, Texas, at which a quorum was present and voting.

Resolved, The Executive Council of the Episcopal Church, USA meeting in Austin, Texas February 11-14, 2005, reaffirms the commitment of the 70th General Convention asserting the right of all individuals to medically necessary health care, including long-term services; and be it further

Resolved, that the Executive Council calls on the President of the United States and the United States Congress to preserve and protect the Medicaid and Medicare programs as an essential national commitment to serve the needs of the least among us; and be it further

 Resolved, that the Council calls on Episcopalians and the Episcopal Church to advocate for Medicaid and Medicare coverage that ensures access to affordable, comprehensive health care as well as long-term care for children, the working poor and elderly of this country.

Marian M. Conboy

First Assistant Secretary of Executive Council and

the Domestic and Foreign Missionary Society of

the Protestant Episcopal Church in the United States of America