A press release from the Episcopal Church Office of Public Affairs describes how the Domestic and Foreign Mission Society and Episcopal Relief & Development have partnered to produce a map of Episcopal resources, missions, and ministries across the country.
The Episcopal Asset Map, available here, is an online service showing the location and the array of ministries offered by Episcopal congregations, schools and institutions throughout the United States in dioceses that are participating in the project. The Episcopal Asset Map is available at no fee.
“I deeply value the important work diocesan and local leaders have put into building the Episcopal Asset Map thus far, and hope that more dioceses will join in the coming months,” said Bishop Stacy Sauls, Chief Operating Officer of The Episcopal Church and Episcopal Relief & Development ex-officio board member. “I know that both The Domestic and Foreign Missionary Society and Episcopal Relief & Development are supporting this endeavor with training and resources to encourage widespread participation. The collaboration and partnership between these two important service organizations of The Episcopal Church is a great asset to our mission. It is very exciting to watch the map bloom with information that will lead to new connections, partnerships and ministries.”
The Episcopal Asset Map displays pins on a map interface, with scan and search functions allowing users to explore their local area or the entire country. Clicking on a pin (or a link from the list view) provides contact information and descriptions of programs at that particular location.
“The Asset Map will help tell the stories of some of the truly inspiring Gospel ministry being done in local contexts across the country,” said the Rev. Canon E. Mark Stevenson, Domestic Poverty Missioner for the Domestic and Foreign Missionary Society. “Episcopalians on the front line of mission will be the driving force behind this resource as it continues to develop for many years to come.”
What began as a pilot in the Episcopal Diocese of Louisiana in 2012 and Diocese of New York in 2013 has grown to active participation of 16 Episcopal dioceses as of March 2015* and more are welcomed. Episcopal Relief & Development’s US Disaster Program worked with leaders in Diocese of Louisiana and Diocese of New York to build an online platform to catalog and celebrate the ministries and facilities in their dioceses. Now, these maps serve as models for other dioceses to get involved in building their own presence.
“The Asset Map is a visual catalog of The Episcopal Church at large, enabling diocesan leaders, church members and church seekers alike to see at a glance and in depth what the Church’s presence looks like in their area, both infrastructure and programs,” said Abagail Nelson, Episcopal Relief & Development’s Senior Vice President of Programs. “It has wide-ranging potential to facilitate the development of new ministries and partnerships, and support the mobilization of resources and expertise.”
The full press release includes instructions on how to join the map, and describes how it may help when disaster relief is needed. Explore the map here.
Posted by Rosalind Hughes