From the Rev. Devon Anderson, Executive Director of E4GR:
July 24, 2009
Dear EGR Board, Friends, Affiliates, and Enthusiasts:
Well, we did it! Despite the fact that the General Convention had to cut nearly $23 million from the Episcopal Church budget over the next three years, the 0.7% funding for Millennium Development Goals was restored in the approved budget, totaling a little under $900,000. Because of the work of EGR for the past three years, the momentum to reinstate the 0.7% was in full gear from the very beginning of General Convention. EGR members fanned out and delivered moving testimony at all budget and related hearings. We built a historic coalition with Episcopal Relief & Development and the Episcopal Church Women, testifying together with passion and resolve. In the House of Deputies and the House of Bishops, EGR members called our church to stay focused on its call to partner with the world's poorest people in eradicating global poverty.
"Now is the time to recommit ourselves to the MDGs," our members said, "not back away. Before us is a defining moment. We can choose to slowly erode our commitment to the global community out of our own sense of economic fear and uncertainty, or we can step out in faith in God's abundance and take a chance on mission, despite the cost."
Resoundingly, our General Convention chose mission, and sacrificially placed it in the very heart of our budget. This choice is a very proud moment for the Episcopal Church - a decision in which we can all rejoice and give thanks.
EGR also enjoyed successes with its other two top legislative priorities: D018, which commits the church to a season of prayer, study and action concerning the global economic crisis during Lent 2010, and A178 which designates one Sunday every Lent when the church recognizes and engages the work of Episcopal Relief and Development.
As the dust settles the emerging question is: What now? The answer? Seize the moment!
The Episcopal Church has recommitted itself - in every possible way - to the MDGs. In these tough economic times, it will be tempting for congregations and dioceses to eliminate their 0.7% MDG funding. Now is the time for EGR friends--new and old--to get out there and be the prophetic voice in your church and diocese as 2010 budgets are being comprised. Attend meetings of your Diocesan Council, Vestry, or finance committees and encourage them to follow the model of the Episcopal Church; a recommitment to global mission at the heart of who we are and what we do.
In the coming weeks, look for EGR talking points and testifying "dos and don'ts" to help spark your prophetic voice. Look for exciting resources from EGR as to how to engage action at the parish and diocesan levels.
Thank you - to each and every one of you - for your commitment, imagination, and persistence in responding to God's clear and resounding call to mission in the world. We just could not have done it without all of you.
