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The Office of Government Relations—established in 1979—represents the policy priorities of The Episcopal Church to the U.S. government and supports civic engagement throughout the church. Our witness in the public square is guided by our desire to “seek and serve Christ in all persons.”

Our advocacy is structured around more than 700 official church policy positions from resolutions passed by the General Convention and Executive Council. Our work often focuses on climate and environment; racial reconciliation; poverty; migration; and human rights and peacebuilding. We aim to influence legislation on these issues, highlighting the voices of Episcopalians and Anglicans worldwide.

In discerning when and how to use our voices, we follow our “LEAPS” framework, which stands for litigation, education, advocacy, prayer, and service—and helps us focus our energy for effective witness and influence.

Through our Episcopal Public Policy Network, we work to educate and engage Episcopalians in the work of advocating for just government legislation and policies. Learn more through the links below about resources we offer and ways you can get involved in issue advocacy.

Advocacy resources

Find multiple guides to help individuals, small groups, and congregations in the work of social justice advocacy.

Explore resources

Action alerts

We regularly post action alerts on pressing legislation related to our policy areas, inviting Episcopalians to email their elected officials through a pre-populated form.

Take action

Election engagement

Visit this page to learn specific ways that you and your congregation can be involved in preparing for elections, as well as what The Episcopal Church has said about voting.

Get involved

Issue areas

We organize our advocacy around these policy areas, identified by Episcopalians and affirmed in church resolutions by our governing bodies, the General Convention and Executive Council. Click the links below to learn how to take action in each area and what we’re working on specifically.

Climate and environment

Believing that God calls us to care for creation, The Episcopal Church supports policies that protect the natural resources that sustain all life on Earth.

Ending poverty

We advocate for policies that seek to eliminate poverty and help people live with dignity, in the U.S. and around the world.

Human rights and peacebuilding

The Episcopal Church supports legislation and policies that protect human rights and prevent atrocities, promote gender justice, and build peace.

Migration

As a church, we are committed to advocating for policies that honor every human being and that help keep people safe.

Racial reconciliation

We challenge policies that perpetuate systemic racism and injustice and strive to change legislation that harms communities of color.

Ongoing work

We advocate for policies and legislation that seek to prevent gun violence and that protect democracy and disability rights, among other topics.

Civil discourse curriculum

Available in multiple formats for individuals or groups, “Make Me An Instrument of Peace” is a five-part curriculum on how to engage in respectful conversations when faced with differing views or contentious debate.