Positions on Social Issues

Disabilities, Police Violence, Poverty

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Persons with Disabilities

The needs of persons with disabilities were addressed in two resolutions of 1992, which called for the formation of at least one "Open Congregation" in each Interparish Council (and for the implementation of accessibility guidelines at the Cathedral), and for the inclusion of training for ministry with persons with disabilities in seminary curriculums.


Police Violence

In 1991Convention expressed "dismay over the increase in police violence in the cities and communities within our Diocese, especially violence against African-American, Latino, Asian, Gay and Lesbian people, Native American people and the destitute," and called "upon local law enforcement officials to halt this destructive development."

The 1999 Convention, in response to the killing af Amadou Diallo, deplored the actions of the police officers involved and the failure of City officials to repond appropriately. The Convention protested the failure of City leadership to acknoweldge the existence of "racial profiling" and called on the New York City Police Department "formally to adopt strong policies and procedures that prohibit racial profiling and to work closely with its personnel and community leaders to eradicate race as the basis for interventions by police." (see also Hate Crimes)


Poverty

Support of anti-poverty programs of the federal government, especially Community Action Programs and legal services for the poort, was voted by Convention in 1967, 1968, and 1973, and by Council in 1970. (See also Advocacy; Hunger)

 

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