Full Legislative History
Resolution Number: 1997-D030
Title: Challenge Congregations to Establish Direct Ministries to the Poor
Legislative Action Taken: Concurred as Amended
Final Text:

Resolved, That this 72nd General Convention proclaim the responsibility of the Church for ministries to and with the poor including development of faith-based ministries such as meal-sharing, food distribution, clothing provision, vocational placement, shelter, housing assistance, education, and child care; and be it further

Resolved, That this Convention challenge every Congregation within the Episcopal Church to establish at least one direct, person-to-person ministry to and with the poor and that this ministry include the explicit sharing of the Gospel of Jesus Christ; and be it further

Resolved, That this Convention ask that both the Executive Council and the House of Bishops set a goal that every Congregation have a direct ministry to and with the poor by the year 2000; and be it further

Resolved, That this Convention request that the National Jubilee Ministries Center Network help organize and sustain faith-based ministries by disseminating to Congregations, resources on establishing ministries that make faith in Jesus Christ's life, death, and resurrection, the basis for selfless service to and with the poor who are members of our communities.

Citation: General Convention, Journal of the General Convention of...The Episcopal Church, Philadelphia, 1997 (New York: General Convention, 1998), pp. 788-789.