Grieves urges Episcopalians to join Public Policy Network, become 'a full-bodied chorus in Washington'
Episcopal News Service. June 13, 2008 [061308-01]
With elections this fall and a new Congress and administration taking office in January 2009, the Episcopal voice on public policy should be "a full-bodied chorus in Washington," says the Rev. Canon Brian Grieves, senior director for Mission Centers and Advocacy Center director for the Episcopal Church, urging Episcopalians to join the Episcopal Public Policy Network (EPPN) which is conducting its annual Pentecost membership drive.
Mary Getz, EPPN coordinator, is seeking "more Spirit-filled voices to speak the Church's mission boldly." Getz notes that during last year's drive, the EPPN crossed the 20,000-member mark and more people were involved in the membership drive than ever before.
In her message to EPPN members this year, Getz wrote: "Like the disciples who went out and spread the good news after the Holy Spirit's anointing, we celebrate our renewal of purpose, mission, and calling as God's people during this season after Pentecost."
"I invite those Episcopalians who aren't yet members of the EPPN to join up and those who are to recruit new members through their friends and parishes," says Maureen Shea, director of the Church's Office of Government Relations.
Joining EPPN is free and members receive timely information on key actions taking place in Congress and within the administration, as well as legislative updates and other resources. All actions are based on resolutions passed at General Convention or by Executive Council.
"The issues the nation is facing -- peacemaking in Israel/Palestine and many places of conflict, global climate change, protecting the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, fighting deadly poverty and HIV/AIDS, canceling debt for poor countries, comprehensive immigration reform, and advocating for a federal budget that addresses the needs of those on the margins -- call us to act," says Grieves. "We need record numbers of Episcopalian to help raise these issues during the campaigns and to be ready for the 111th Congress and the 44th President of the United States."
EPPN is offering prizes for the people who recruit the most new members during the summer.