The Episcopal Ecological Network (EpEN)

Prepare for Jubilee 2000

Resolution D029

Prepare for Jubilee 2000

Resolved, the House of Bishops concurring, That the year 2000, which will commemorate and joyfully celebrate two millennia since the birth of Jesus, the herald of God's Jubilee, be a Jubilee Year, to be known as Jubilee 2000; and be it further

Resolved, That the Episcopal Church prepare for this Jubilee Year by seeking to implement the biblical imperative of debt forgiveness by:

• participating in the development of sound financial plans for the reductions and cancellation of debts owed by the poor in our own society; and
• encourage stewardship discipline and a dialogue in each parish and mission among people of all ages on the subject of debt and the responsible use of money and other resources; and
• affirming current initiatives to reduce and cancel debts presently owed by nations in the Two-Thirds World [sic] to governments and financial institutions in the western industrialized world, and offering this Church's voice and vision to the strengthening of such efforts;

and be it further

Resolved, That the Episcopal Church prepare for Jubilee 2000 by seeking to implement the biblical Jubilee imperative of faithful stewardship of God's creation by:

• working to alter lifestyle patterns of resource use among Episcopalians and fellow citizens at home and abroad through implementation of this Church's vision for "communion with the environment"; and
• working to encourage responsible use of the earth's resources by other peoples and nations;

and be it further

Resolved, That the prospect of Jubilee 2000 be publicized throughout our Church; and be it further

Resolved, That the Executive Council in consultation with the Standing Commission on Stewardship and Development, be instructed to develop plans for the implementation of this resolution through appropriate agencies of this Church and interim bodies of General Convention, and provide a progress report to the 72nd General Convention. (No additional funding required).

Originating Committee: Committee on Stewardship and Development

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.