Seeking "wise and peaceful solutions" to conflicts and the need for fair aid, debt and trade policies that will benefit impoverished people worldwide, the third annual Ecumenical Advocacy Days for Global Peace with Justice will meet under the theme "Make All Things New" at the Doubletree Hotel Crystal City in Arlington, Virginia, March 11-14.
Maureen Shea, director of the Episcopal Church's Washington-based Office of Government Relations, described the event as an opportunity for participants to discuss a wide variety of issues, "and lobby the 109th Congress on how we go about building a more just global community."
More than 30 faith-based groups are sponsoring or supporting this year's Ecumenical Advocacy Days, which will provide church leaders, laypersons and others interested in advocacy with a mix of worship, music, prayer, issue briefings, plenary speakers and advocacy training workshops, capped with visits to U.S. Senators and Representatives or their key staff.
Workshops will examine U.S. policy regarding Africa, the Middle East, Asia, Latin America, global economic justice, global security, eco-justice and U.S. domestic issues. In 2004, more than 600 advocates representing a wide range of churches and organizations worldwide gathered for Ecumenical Advocacy Days. Because of local, national and global crises, organizers are expecting an even stronger turnout at this year's event, which will include an opportunity for Episcopalians to gather together as well as meet the Episcopal Church's Government Relations staff.
Bishop Vashti McKenzie, the first woman bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, and Elder Rick Ufford-Chase, moderator of the Presbyterian Church (USA), are among the speakers who will address the participants. Also speaking will be Dr. Maryann Cusimano Love, a professor at the Catholic University of America and a U.S. foreign policy and international affairs expert.
"We hope many Episcopalians will attend this year's Ecumenical Advocacy Days," said Shea. "...[It] is another important way in which to fulfill our baptismal covenant that we 'will strive for justice.'"
For more information and to register, please visit www.advocacydays.org, or email info@advocacydays.org; telephone, 202.544.2350. Episcopalians who are interested are encouraged to sign up for the Episcopal Public Policy Network at www.episcopalchurch.org/eppn.
