WASHINGTON, DC – The National Council of Churches (NCC), representing over 36 Protestant, Anglican and Orthodox denominations, joined the growing coalition of religious, ethnic, human and civil rights organizations supporting legislation marking the 15th anniversary of the U.S. implementation of the Genocide Convention, reported the Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA.) The coalition already has over 60 members.

“We are deeply gratified by the participation of the National Council of Churches in the growing coalition of religious, human and civil rights, educational and ethnic organizations supporting the passage of the Genocide Resolution,” said ANCA Executive Director Aram Hamparian. “The faith community clearly grasps – as a matter of fundamental morality – the imperative of reaffirming our national commitment to applying the lessons of past genocides in order to prevent future crimes against humanity.”

Founded in 1950, the National Council of Churches is a leader in promoting ecumenical cooperation among Christians in the United States. Their 36 Protestant, Anglican and Orthodox member denominations include more than 50 million persons in 140,000 local congregations in communities across the nation. Among the churches comprising the council are the African Methodist Episcopal Church; Alliance of Baptists; Greek Orthodox Diocese of America; Episcopal Church; Diocese of the Armenian Church of America, and; Presbyterian Church. For the full list, visit the NCC website, www.ncccusa.org.

The Genocide Resolution was introduced in the House on April 10th by Representatives George Radanovich (R-CA), Adam Schiff (D-CA), and Congressional Armenian Caucus Co-chairs Frank Pallone (D-NJ) and Joe Knollenberg (R-MI). With 110 cosponsors, the legislation (H.Res.193) was unanimously adopted by the Judiciary Committee on May 21st and currently awaits consideration by the full House. Senators John Ensign (R-NV) and Jon Corzine (D-NJ) introduced the Senate version of the resolution (S.Res.164), which currently has 31 co-sponsors.

As a result of extensive outreach efforts, the coalition supporting the Genocide Resolution has grown to include a broad range of ethnic, religious, human and civil rights, and educational organizations. Among the groups in the coalition are the NAACP, National Organization of Women, Union of Orthodox Rabbis, American Hellenic Institute and all major Armenian American organizations.