The Episcopal Ecological Network (EpEN)

Establish the Millennium Development Goals as a Mission Priority

Resolution 2006-D022

Establish the Millennium Development Goals as a Mission Priority

Resolved, That the 75th General Convention of The Episcopal Church commend the leaders and members of The Episcopal Church, including Episcopal Relief and Development and program ministries of The Episcopal Church, for their leadership on behalf of the Millennium Development Goals, both through public advocacy and implementation of MDG programs in the developing world; and commend parishes, missions, congregations, and dioceses, and others, like Episcopalians for Global Reconciliation and the Micah Challenge, for their support of the implementation of the MDGs in fulfillment of our Baptismal Covenant and as an expression of the hunger of this Church for far deeper communion with all of God's beloved; and be it further

Resolved, That the General Convention establish the work toward the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals as a mission priority for the coming triennium, and that each diocese, congregation, and parishioner be urged to commit to 0.7% giving toward these goals by July 7, 2007 (07/07/07); and be it further

Resolved, That the General Convention request the Joint Standing Committee on Program, Budget and Finance to consider a budget line item of no less than an additional 0.7% (circa $900,000) of the non-government revenue of The Episcopal Church for work that supports the implementation of the Millennium Development Goals:

1. Eradicate extreme poverty and hunger
2. Achieve universal primary education
3. Promote gender equality and empower women
4. Reduce child mortality
5. Improve maternal health
6. Combat HIV and AIDS, malaria and other diseases
7. Ensure environmental sustainability, and
8. Create a global partnership for development with a focus on debt, aid, and trade.

And be it further

Resolved, That the General Convention encourage parishes, missions, congregations, and dioceses to designate the Last Sunday after Pentecost, or such days as may be designated ecumenically for commendation of the MDGs, as special days of prayer, fasting, and giving in The Episcopal Church toward global reconciliation and the Millennium Development Goals; and be it further

Resolved, That the General Convention request that all dioceses establish a global reconciliation commission or similar body dedicated to mobilizing Episcopalians toward the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals; and be it further

Resolved, That the Standing Commission on Anglican and International Peace with Justice Concerns report to the 76th General Convention on the progress that has been achieved in implementing this resolution; and be it further

Resolved, That the General Convention endorse "The ONE Campaign," the U.S. movement for the MDGs, through The Episcopal Church's "ONE Episcopalian" campaign; call on all parishes, missions, congregations, dioceses, and individuals to join the ONE Episcopalian campaign; and publicly endorse The ONE Campaign's call for the United States government to annually spend an additional one percent of its budget to combat global poverty, and to be active advocates for the achievement of this work.

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.