PLEASE CONSIDER AN EASTER DONATION TO ERD

The Episcopal Relief and Development organization works in partnership with other ecumenical and governmental entities in 40 different countries impacting the lives of over 3 million people.  They depend upon donations from all over the world, especially form the Anglican Communion.  Two examples of outreach, shared in their recent newsletter “Seek and Serve” highlight their work.  Since the beginning of the war in Ukraine, ERD has supported over 70,000 people a day with food and other resources and has helped supply a regional hospital in  northwestern Ukraine with medicine and emergency equipment.  ERD has also assisted rural communities in El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras deal with extreme food insecurity, violence and social injustice. Both examples live up to their vision to “seek and serve Christ in all persons”.

This organization began in 1940 with a mission to help with the refugee situation of World War II.  The organization was originally called The Presiding Bishop’s Fund for World Relief. The name changed to Episcopal Relief and Development in 2000 to reflect its work in community development work as well as disaster relief.  By 2003 it shifted from a grant system to longer term development programs that involved local leaders and institutions—making the work more sustainable.  In 2004, the organization worked with 21 countries.  It is now up to 40 countries and is partnering with ecumenical entities, established churches, local agencies and governmental partners to bring aid, development and social justice to a hurting world,

Last year, ERD adopted a new strategic plan called, “Working Together for Lasting Change.” By the year 2030, through working will all partners and entities within local and vulnerable communities, ERD will focus on:

1.   Early Childhood Development with programs from birth through 6 years old.

2.   Gender-Based Violence with programs challenging behaviors and attitudes that promote violence, injustice and discrimination.

3.   Climate Resilience actions such as teaching sustainable agriculture techniques, and fostering greater preparation for weather extremes.

4.   Disaster Relief programs that provide both rapid responses and long-term recovery programs that focus on the most vulnerable and underserved.

Please, go to the website listed below and give generously to this worthy organization that is working so hard to heal a hurting world.

Earth Steward Action:  In thanksgiving for the joys of Easter, consider a donation to the work of ERD.

Sources:  https://www.episcopalrelief.org  (Donations can be taken online or mailed.  Check out their other resources,