The Episcopal Ecological Network (EpEN)

Respond to the Current Crisis in Rural America
Caused by the Drought

Resolution 1988-D150

Respond to the Current Crisis in Rural America
Caused by the Drought

Resolved, the House of Bishops concurring,
That the 69th General Convention respond to the deepening rural crisis exacerbated by the current drought by requesting the appropriate entities of the Church to:

1. Urge the dioceses and congregations of this Church with the assistance of the Presiding Bishop's Fund for World Relief, the Church Center Staff and other available resources to alert, organize and expedite assistance to the stricken rural communities, their congregations and families in concert with other churches, ecumenical and inter-faith agencies, and governmental units;
2. Press for relief and remedial action by local congregations, dioceses and the Washington Office of the National Church to governmental agencies with responsibility for rural assistance with the expectation that the short-and long-term issues related to the present crisis will receive attention and the response required to help recover the vitality of rural America;
3. Seek to encourage at all levels public discussion and response to the interrelated issues contributing to our deteriorating environment by providing relevant information on these matters to congregations, dioceses and other concerned parties, enlisting the public advocacy and assistance of the National Church organization, the support of our ecumenical and inter-faith sisters and brothers in conveying to our legislative and governmental leaders concern about these issues;
4. Establish a network under the Office of Rural and Small Town Ministries with the oversight of the Standing Commission on Church in Small Communities to implement a coordinated response locally and regionally to the crisis through programs such as companion relationships between parishes;
5. Urge each congregation to include in the Prayers of the People prayers for seasonable weather and comfort for those suffering in the present crisis and such other expressions of our concern which will provide our people the opportunity to voice their compassion and raise their level of awareness.

Source: Archives of the Episcopal Church

The EpEN is a national network of active lay and clergy persons within the Episcopal Church, USA, who share a common concern for the environment and a common belief in the presence of God in all Creation and who work to make these concerns and beliefs known throughout all Provinces and Dioceses within the church.  Members come from around the Episcopal Church USA.  The activities of the EpEN are focused on the areas of Reflection, Education, and Action. 

If you would like to contact any of these groups or to find out more about the EpEN, please click on the links on the left.