Published by: World Tibet Network News, Sunday, March 3rd, 1996

The Episcopal Diocese of Southwestern Virginia

Resolution from Peace in the Valley, Nellysford

(unanimously approved by the 77th Annual Council of the Diocese of Southwestern Virginia in Blacksburg, Virginia on January 28, 1996)

RESOLUTION NO. 11A

Whereas all Christians, both as individuals and as a corporate Church, are called by God to oppose injustice, oppression, and the violation of human rights; and Whereas we are called by Christ in the parable of the Good Samaritan to care for persons in need regardless of their faith or nationality; and Whereas the eradication of a culture, heritage, and religion profoundly committed to peace and nonviolence diminishes all people; Now, therefore, be it resolved that the Diocese of Southwestern Virginia:

give thanks for the faith and courage demonstrated by the Dalai Lama and all Tibetans in their efforts towards freedom and world peace;

urge China to end immediately all efforts to eliminate native Tibetan culture and religion;

urge China to end immediately the deliberate colonization of Tibet by Chinese citizens, who now outnumber Tibetans in Tibet;

urge China to end immediately all human rights abuses in Tibet;

urge the granting to Tibet of full independence and self-rule under a democratically elected government.

Be it further resolved that:

this Council request that Delegates to Province III and Deputies to the General Convention join in a resolution in support of the Tibetan people; and

copies of this resolution be forwarded to the Dalai Lama and the government of China; and

that the parishes of this Diocese be encouraged to include the Tibetans people in their prayers.