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Becoming a Jubilee Ministry

What is a Jubilee Ministry?


Jubilee Ministry is faith in action. Faith that can be expressed as that which grows out of loving God with all your heart, mind, soul and strength; Action that can be expressed as that which compels us to love our neighbor as ourselves. Jubilee Ministry seeks to hold these two important dynamics of the spiritual journey in tension so that God’s reconciling work is known by our witness.

The mandate for Jubilee Ministry follows.

Resolution Number:               1982-A080
Title:                               Implement “The Jubilee Ministry”
                                      to Meet Basic Human Needs
Legislative Action Taken:     Concurred As Amended

Resolved, the House of Deputies concurring, That the 67th General Convention affirms that a ministry of joint discipleship in Christ with poor and oppressed people, wherever they are found, to meet basic human needs and to build a just society, is at the heart of the mission of the Church; and be it further

Resolved, That the Executive Council is directed to implement and co-ordinate with other programs of the Church the following functions of a priority ministry commitment by this Church to be called “The Jubilee Ministry”: Consciousness Raising, Designated Jubilee Centers, Training; Human Resources, Research and Evaluation, Publications, Network for Public Policy, Evangelism and Congregational Development, and Jubilee Ministry Grants.

How do you apply to become a Jubilee Ministry?

The application process for becoming designated as a Jubilee Ministry is straightforward. 

Step 1]             First, indicate your interest by contacting the Advocacy Center for an application. You can accomplish this by using the hot link in this step or by email at AdvocacyCenter@episcopalchurch.org or send your request by mail to: 

The Episcopal Church Center
815 Second Avenue
New York, NY 10017
Attn: Office of Jubilee Ministry
Phone 800-334-7626 

Step 2]             Complete the application and return as indicated 

Step 3]             Plan to meet with your Diocesan Jubilee Officer or a representative of Jubilee Ministries.

During your meeting you will be able to share first hand how the work you are doing finds its expression in the criteria for designation provided above, introduce the representative to key members of your staff and/or leadership committee, and ask any questions you may have about Jubilee Ministry. 

Step 3]             The Diocesan Jubilee Officer or Jubilee Ministry representative will share information about your ministry with the bishop of your diocese. The criteria established by Executive Council are confirmed by the bishop. The ministry is designated a Jubilee Ministry at the bishop’s discretion. A Certificate of Designation may be issued by the Diocesan Bishop for presentation.

Step 4]             Once designated by the bishop, the Advocacy Center will share the story of your ministry with the Executive Council of the Episcopal Church seeking affirmation as a newly designated Jubilee Ministry. A Certificate of Affirmation will be issued by the Presiding Officers on behalf of the Executive Council for presentation.

Step 5]             Welcome to the Jubilee Ministry network! Plan to participate in scheduled activities by the Jubilee Ministry network in your diocese and in those events offered provincially or church wide when you are able.

What are the criteria for being designated a Jubilee Ministry?

EXC021983.29           Criteria for the Designation of a Jubilee Center
Committee:                National Mission
Citation:                    Executive Council Minutes, Feb. 9-11, 1983, Charleston, SC, p. 45-46.

Resolved, That the Executive Council, acting on behalf of the Coalition for Human Needs, does hereby establish the following criteria for designation of an Episcopal congregation* or ecumenical cluster as a "Jubilee Center":

  1. the Episcopal congregation* or ecumenical cluster must be engaged in mission and ministry among and with poor people wherever located;  
  2. the mission and ministry must be rooted in worship; 
  3. the mission and ministry must include several programs, including at least one human rights advocacy program and one human services program; 
  4. once designated a Jubilee Center, the congregation or cluster must be willing to:
    a.   demonstrate the operation of its programs to others as models;
    b.   maintain “how to” files;
    c.   act as a resource center and funnel for information; and
    d.   be subject to annual review

    * this was amended on June 16-17, 1983 to include "Episcopal clusters"


Jubilee Forms
Application Requesting Designation as a Jubilee Ministry (MS Word Document)
DJO Letter of Agreement
Application Requesting Designation as a Jubilee Ministry (Fillable Microsoft Word Document)
Diocesan Jubilee Annual Report
Photo/Media Release Form
This form is to be used whenever you are submitting photographs or videos with your Jubilee application. There must be a signed form for each person in the photo. Parental consent must be granted on the form if children under the age of 21 are included.