ERD receives historic $300,000 pledge from Puerto Rico diocese

December 11, 2008 [Episcopal News Service] The Diocese of Puerto Rico has made a three-year commitment to Episcopal Relief and Development (ERD) to contribute a total of $300,000 to the organization in support of the Millennium Development Goals Inspiration Fund. "This will be the largest gift ever received from a single diocese in Episcopal Relief and Development's history," an ERD news release said.

In 2007, the Millennium Development Goals Inspiration Fund was launched by ERD, Jubilee Ministries and the Executive Council of the Episcopal Church to stop the spread of malaria in Africa, develop a pilot project in Asia and promote health in Latin America and the Caribbean.

"We are proud to support Episcopal Relief and Development in their work towards achieving the Millennium Development Goals," said Bishop David Alvarez of the Diocese of Puerto Rico. "We hope that our gift will inspire other dioceses and Episcopalians to partner with Episcopal Relief and Development in their work towards alleviating poverty and disease."

"This historic gift from the Dioceses of Puerto Rico will significantly help Episcopal Relief and Development in their work towards achieving the Millennium Development goals. This support truly represents Christianity in action," said Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori.

The Diocese of Puerto Rico is part of Province IX and one of 12 Episcopal Church dioceses located outside of the United States. It has about 42,000 baptized members.

"To receive a gift of this magnitude from a former mission diocese in Province Nine is truly astounding. The Diocese of Puerto Rico's stewardship is a testament to their commitment to ending poverty," said Robert Radtke, ERD president. "Because of the Diocese of Puerto Rico's unprecedented generosity we are now within $500,000 of reaching our goal of raising $3 million for the Millennium Development Goals Inspiration Fund."

To make a donation to help ERD meet its goal of raising $3 million for the Millennium Development Goals Inspiration Fund, visit www.er-d.org, or call 1-800-334-7626, ext. 5129. Gifts can be mailed to: Episcopal Relief and Development "Millennium Development Goals Inspiration Fund," P.O. Box 7058, Merrifield, VA 22116-7058.

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