wfn.org | Episcopalians: Episcopalians urge Congress to pass hate crimes bill

[dmack@episcopalchurch.org]

May 9, 2002

2002-116

Episcopalians: Episcopalians urge Congress to pass hate 
crimes bill

by Jan Nunley

(ENS) With comprehensive hate crimes bills just a few days away 
from appearing on the Senate's agenda, more than 130 Episcopal 
clergy have signed a letter calling on Congress to pass 
legislation to fight hate crimes in the United States. The 
letter in support of the Local Law Enforcement Enhancement Act 
of 2001 (S.625/H.R.1343) is part of an effort organized by the 
Episcopal Church's Office of Government Relations in coalition 
with the Leadership Conference on Civil Rights and the 
Interfaith Alliance. The bills are cosponsored by 51 senators 
and 206 representatives.

"At a time when hate crimes are all too prevalent, political 
leaders must stand with the religious community. We must make it 
clear that neither hate nor violence is a traditional American 
value[,]"said the letter. "Though legislation cannot remove hate 
from the hearts and minds of individuals, hate crimes 
legislation can help to create a society that is unbending in 
its intolerance of hate-motivated violence." 

The U.S. Senate is expected to consider hate crimes 
legislation prior to the Memorial Day recess at the end of May. 
Hate crimes legislation would expand federal jurisdiction to 
serious, violent hate crimes based on the perceived race, color, 
religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender or 
disability of the victims.

Presiding Bishop Frank T. Griswold and 20 Episcopal bishops 
joined the effort. The Rev. Rosemari Sullivan, secretary of the 
General Convention, and the Rev. George Werner, president of the 
House of Deputies, also signed, representing the leadership of 
the Episcopal Church and the General Convention. More than 60 
Episcopal lay leaders added their support.

The 2000 General Convention passed no fewer than three 
resolutions regarding hate crimes including resolution CO29, 
entitled "Violence: Hate Crimes Legislation."

A press conference with sponsors of the legislation and 
religious leaders is scheduled for the week of May 13 to raise 
support for Congress to pass the bills. "The strong support from 
the clergy and Episcopalians from across the country will no 
doubt send the clear message that the church expects this 
important legislation to be taken up and considered soon," said 
John B. Johnson of the Office of Government Relations.

While the deadline for signing onto the letter was May 8, 
Johnson indicated that members of the clergy could continue to 
e-mail their support and his office would pass it on to members 
of Congress directly. Clergy and lay leaders who wish to add 
their name in support of the "hate crimes" legislation can 
e-mail John Johnson at jjohnson@episcopalchurch.org.

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--The Rev. Jan Nunley is deputy director of Episcopal News 
Service.