D089 Equitable Access to General Convention for Non-Domestic Diocese Deputies
Resolved, the House of Bishops concurring,
That the 80th General Convention of The Episcopal Church directs the Executive Council to find ways to assist deputies and alternates from non-domestic dioceses who are not citizens or eligible nationals of a Visa Waiver Program country obtain U.S. visas and subsidize the costs of obtaining visas for deputies and alternates to the General Convention to enter the United States.
Explanation
To aid each deputation from non-domestic dioceses to exercise their prophetic voice in and for The Episcopal Church and its General Convention, the Church directs its Executive Council to work with all deputies from non-domestic requiring visas to enter the United States of America assistance in obtaining all necessary travel documentation required by the United States for entry.
This resolution intends that this assistance is initiated by the Episcopal Church and commences immediately after the election of each deputy and alternate, and includes all advocacy before Federal agencies should a visa application be rejected.