In our participation of the CSW, we encouraged consideration within our community and fostered links with other delegations.  Further, we deliberated the sources and effects of violence, education, health and poverty.  By listening with honesty and trust, we enhanced our understanding of the body of Christ, recognizing the hurt and pain, hopes and joys of women and children across the Communion.

During the two week session, ECUSA delegates attended UN plenaries and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGO) symposiums at the UN Church Center.  We organized the caucus for US NGO’s, fostering greater unity before the CSW.  Through our efforts, we unanimously support the Political Declaration adopted on March 4th that reaffirms the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action and call for its full and effective implementation.

ECUSA delegates strongly confirm the realization of the Beijing Platform. We affirm and encourage the advancement of human rights law.  We promote this law particularly as it relates to the dignity and status of all women, especially those who face discrimination in the inter-sectionality of gender with race, class, ethnicity, age, and sexual orientation.

We maintain our commitment for social justice, for peace-building, for the dignity of all humankind, and for the integrity of creation and fullness of life. Our churches, like many institutions, struggle with patriarchy and political processes that exclude and marginalize women. Furthermore, our churches have responded inadequately to urgent issues such as the HIV/AIDS pandemic and environmental degradation. This underscores our own dedication to the Beijing Platform for Action and the outcome of the General Assembly 23rd Special Session.

Ten years after the adoption of the Beijing Platform, women and girls worldwide continue to suffer much of the burden of war, poverty, all forms of violence and discrimination, and economic injustice. Regretfully, these global trends, combined with   influence of religious fundamentalism, disproportionately harm women and girls. Now, more than ever, we call on the Executive Council to:

1. Evaluate the church structure and ensure full participation of women at all levels of decision-making acknowledging that the goal of 30% representation of women in all decision-making bodies applies to the church as well;

2 Ensure equal pay for equal work;

3 Pressure Congress to:

• Implement, effectively, the Beijing Platform for Action;
• Guarantee women's health care, sexual and reproductive rights and services;
• Dedicate sufficient resources to address poverty and unemployment,  especially among young people;
• Reduce military expenditures, arms trade, investment for arms production and  acquisition and reallocate resources to social and economic development,   poverty alleviation, promotion of human security and the advancement of  women.

Finally, we underscore the significance of human rights protections, especially economic and political rights, for achieving the Millennium Development Goals. Combined with the Beijing Platform, we anticipate a strategy for moving forward to empower the most vulnerable women and girls in all regions.

We look forward to a time when the Anglican Communion, as part of the body of Christ, brings women's and men's voices into balance to reflect the true and inclusive nature of God.