Sandra Swan, President of Episcopal Relief and Development (ERD), received a standing ovation during her presentation to the House of Bishops on Wednesday, July 30, at the 74th General Convention of the Episcopal Church in Minneapolis. 
 
Ms. Swan's report focused on ERD's work since the last triennium. She highlighted many of the agency's new programs such as building communities in Honduras and El Salvador following major natural disasters and helping disadvantaged women in South Africa achieve economic self-sufficiency.
 
"Episcopal Relief and Development works to give people the tools to control their own lives, to make their own choices, and live into the fullness of life," said Swan.
 
Ms. Swan also discussed changes in ERD's ministry and outreach to two areas: hunger and health. While Episcopal Relief and Development will continue to respond to emergencies worldwide, the agency's work will expand to accommodate complex issues such as hunger, health, and the HIV/AIDS pandemic. "ERD's programs will focus on primary health and food security which are the two of the most basic needs in the world today," Swan explained.
 
Episcopal Relief and Development is celebrating its expanded program during the 74th General Convention.  Each day, ERD's Every Day Counts campaign will highlight a different program area such as poverty reduction, preventable diseases, or HIV/AIDS orphan care.  ERD is also promoting a new line of Fair Trade coffees, Bishops Blend. 
 
Formerly known as the Presiding Bishop's Fund for World Relief, the international agency's name was changed to Episcopal Relief and Development at the 73rd General Convention.  For more information about Episcopal Relief and Development, visit http://www.er-d.org/ or call (800) 334-7626, ext. 5129. 
 
Episcopal Relief and Development is an effective, reliable, and vital ministry of the Episcopal Church in communities around the world. Episcopal Relief and Development provides emergency assistance in times of disaster, rebuilds devastated communities after the immediate crisis is over, and offers long-term solutions to help people sustain safer, healthier, and more productive lives.