While the the news is full of stories of our disagreements, Episcopalians are working to make a difference in our world. Anglican/Episcopal networks are active connecting people who want to use their gifts for creating a better world. Developing ways to provide food security for those who lack resources, providing treated mosquito nets to prevent malaria, lobbying governments to enact just laws, working to stop global warming, volunteering to teach children and adults, offering technical skills for clean water and sharing technology are some ways people are busy and involved. Some networks are all volunteer, others have paid staff to track efforts and offer specialized organizational talents.
Here are just a few that might be of interest:
Episcopalians for Global Reconciliation A Grass Roots Movement Supporting the Millennium Goals is not your typical development organization. In fact, its not a development organization at all. According to their web site: “We don’t build clinics and schools. We don’t collect money for projects. We don’t lobby politicians. EGR doesn’t do these things … we help everyone else dream them and do them with excellence. The organization fuels the movement. The movement transforms the Church and the world.” The group offers connections, resources, ideas, worship and prayer to make the Millennium Development Goals a reality.
Beijing Circles is a resource for women of faith changing the world. This program forms circles – small groups of women – around the world working on issues that especially affect women’s abilities to survive and thrive in the world of violence, poverty, and inequality for girls and women. The circles educate themselves on issues and connect with others around the world to make a difference in the lives of all people.
Episcopal Ecological Network (EpEN) helps the Episcopal Church in the USA to advocate and articulate protection of the environment and preserving the sanctity of creation. This network extends throughout the various congregations, Dioceses and Provinces of the Church and includes interaction with other Christian churches in the USA and around the world.
Episcopal Peace Fellowship is a national organization with local chapters across the United States. While we are affiliated with the Episcopal Church in America, we are an independent entity striving to work for peace in justice in our communities, our church, and the world.
Episcopal Public Policy Network connects more than 15,000 Episcopalians across the country, brings the positions of the Episcopal Church to our nation’s lawmakers. It represent the social policies of the church established by the General Convention and Executive Council, including issues of international peace and justice, human rights, immigration, welfare, poverty, hunger, health care, violence, civil rights, the environment, racism and issues involving women and children. EPPN offers email action alerts for members to speak to the leaders of the US on issues of concern.
Prison Ministries offers support to volunteers and assigned chaplains working in jails and prisons. Visiting those in prison and bringing hope is one of the clear calls of Jesus in the Gospel of Matthew chapter 25.
The Network for Science, Technology and Faith” offers connections between and among the communities science, medicine, technology and faith.
Episcopal Relief and Development responds to human suffering around the world. The organization provides emergency assistance after disasters, rebuilds communities, and help children and families climb out of poverty. ER-D is a channel for giving and working to change lives. Opportunities to participate in Nets for Life – preventing malaria, to provide food security around the world and rebuild after disaster are just some of the programs.
This is not an exhaustive list of networks of care that exist to connect those who want to “do something” and those who seek support. There are many more depending on where one wants to invest time, talent and treasure. Loving God and our neighbors as ourselves through action is at the heart of this work. Check with a local diocese in your state or The Episcopal Church web site to find those who are working on areas of interest and concern.