[May 11, 2016] Episcopal Church Presiding Bishop and Primate Michael Curry has been named by Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby to an Anglican Communion Task Force to "maintain conversation" among the Primates.

The request for the Task Force was presented during the Primates meeting in January to further their commitment to walk together despite "deep differences."

"I support the establishment of this Task Force and I look forward to focusing on how we as Anglican Christians can "walk together" following the way of Jesus and living his way of love," Presiding Bishop Curry stated. "I also look forward to working and praying together with our brothers and sisters on the Task Force."

In addition to Presiding Bishop Curry, other Task Force members are:

Archbishop Richard Clarke, Church of Ireland; Bishop Govada Dyvasirvadam, Moderator of Church of South India; Archbishop Ian Ernest, Church of the Province of the Indian Ocean; Archbishop Philip Freier, Anglican Church of Australia; Archbishop Ng Moon Hing, Province of South East Asia; Canon Rosemary Mbogo, Provincial Secretary of the Anglican Church of Kenya; Bishop Linda Nicholls, Coadjutor Bishop of the Diocese of Huron, Anglican Church of Canada; Canon Elizabeth Paver, the former vice-chair of the ACC,  Church of England; and Bishop Paul Sarker, Moderator of the Church of Bangladesh. Anglican Communion Secretary General Josiah Idowu-Fearon is secretary for the Task Force.

Applications are now being accepted for the 2016 Jubilee Ministry grants to further the mission and ministry of The Episcopal Church.

"Every year, The Episcopal Church provides grants to assist currently-designated Jubilee Ministries in their work," noted the Rev. Canon E. Mark Stevenson, Episcopal Church Domestic Poverty Missioner. "These grants are intended to help ministries in their mission to create a more just society and confront structures that promote cycles of poverty and inequality."

The 2016 Jubilee Grants will be awarded in two categories, totaling $65,000: Jubilee Development Grant and Jubilee Impact Grants.

The Jubilee Development Grant, up to $25,000, will be awarded to a new or existing ministry that can demonstrate a new or re-visioned strategy and methodology to address systemic issues affecting domestic poverty. This grant is intended to seed a sustainable program that makes a difference locally and can inspire others for similar work beyond itself.

The Jubilee Impact Grants, in amounts of $750 to $1,500 for a total of $40,000, will be awarded for initiatives of Jubilee Centers that make a positive and measurable impact in the lives of those in need.

Application forms are available HERE. Deadline for applications is June 17, at 5:00 pm Eastern. All currently-designated Jubilee Ministries are eligible. Proposals must be approved by bishop of the diocese and, if applicable, the Diocesan Jubilee Officer.  READ MORE

In 2000, the United Nations named June 20 as World Refugee Day, deeming it an annual opportunity to celebrate the resilience and success of the former refugees who bless our communities with their wisdom and irrepressible spirit and to examine the root causes of violence and persecution that force people to flee at an alarming rate.

 

This year, The Episcopal Church, in partnership with congregations, volunteers and our network of 30 local affiliate offices in 26 states will welcome more than 5,000 refugees to the United States from 32 countries, from places like the Democratic Republic of Congo, Burma, Afghanistan, and Syria.

 

"With more than 60 million displaced people across the globe, our work to welcome refugees to the United States is more important than ever," commented Deborah Stein, Director of Episcopal Migration Ministries. "To raise awareness and support, Episcopalians across the church are encouraged to find a local World Refugee Day activity or plan one of their own."  READ MORE

Authors and publishers are invited to share news about their religious and theological books and publications in the newest section to be launched on the Episcopal Digital Network, the Featured Books section.

The Episcopal Digital Network is an ad-supported media network that delivers news, information and resources to church leaders, members and general audiences through the Episcopal News Service, Sermons That Work and Lesson Plans That Work websites.

The Featured Books section offers a free space to promote new books and publications, with the option of purchasing a featured listing on the homepages of the network websites and in the newsletters of the Episcopal News Service and Sermons That Work. The price of a one month featured listing is $199.  READ MORE

Students at 'Iolani School that have been taking a course entitled Critical Service Learning: Poverty, Homelessness and Hunger in Hawai'i, have put together a presentation about what they've learned during the semester.  The presentation will take place, on Wednesday, May 25, at the school's Sullivan Center.

The course, offered through the Religion Department and in partnership with Family Promise Hawai'i, focuses on the systemic causes of poverty in Hawai'i, while allowing students to serve the homeless and explore the religious and spiritual call to compassion through engaging in acts of mercy, justice and advocacy. 

The event will begin at 5:30 PM, with light pupus and refreshments, followed by the student presentation and Family Promise Panel at 6:00 PM.  For those interested in attending you can register online HERE, or e-mail the Rev. Nicole Simopoulos, by Friday, May 20.