The Episcopal Ecological Network (EpEN)

To Establish a Program for the Alleviation of Domestic Poverty

Proposed Resolution for the 76th General Convention of the Episcopal Church, USA, July 2009

Resolution A155: To Establish a Program for the Alleviation of Domestic Poverty

Resolved, the House of ___________ concurring, That the 76th General Convention commend the Presiding Bishop's Summit on Domestic Poverty that met in May, 2008, recognizing with gratitude the witness and ministry of all those who work to address domestic poverty and stand with the poor and marginalized; and be it further

Resolved, That The Episcopal Church recognize the pressing challenges to those living in poverty and the working poor throughout this nation and call for new and innovative strategies to address issues related to nutrition, employment, childcare, education, healthcare, environment, housing, as well as equal protection under law and cultural affirmation; and be it further

Resolved, That the Church as a special focus in the new triennium, recognizing that many of the poorest counties in the United States are among Native Peoples living on reservations, gives priority to our sisters and brothers of this land whose population has increased while disparities in income, economic security, health and health care, and quality of life continue unabated; and be it further

Resolved, That a program be developed at the Church Center, reporting to Executive Council, with measurable goals for an advocacy program to federal, state and local governments to reduce poverty in these counties, and measurable goals to build capacity and sustainable communities through development initiatives, working with local dioceses and tribal governments, and that a minimum funding level of $400,000 be made available from the General Convention for these initiatives; and be it further

Resolved, That primary coordination be in the Advocacy Center, particularly the Office of Jubilee Ministries and Domestic Justice, the Office of Native American Ministries and the Office of Government Relations, working with the Executive Council Committee on Indigenous Ministries and in partnership with other appropriate offices from the mission centers and other bodies as may be identified, such as the Episcopal Church Foundation; and be it further

Resolved, That the General Convention request the Joint Standing Committee on Program, Budget and Finance to consider a budget allocation of $400,000 for the implementation of this Resolution.

Proposer: Executive Council Jubilee Advisory Committee

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