Office of Government Relations
Faith and Citizenship: A Guide to Effective Advocacy
Effective advocacy means taking a long-view approach to structural change and problem solving in our community. It also centers relationship building with government officials for the sake of bringing our personal and church gifts to the table to address issues in our communities and around the world. The Faith and Citizenship Guide is a resource […]
Taking Stock of U.S. Engagement in Africa Webinar
Following the Biden Administration’s 2022 Africa Summit, just the second in history, there is a renewed focus on U.S. foreign policy in Africa. During this episode, a recording of a recent webinar, we explore the history of U.S. government engagement in Africa and reflect on ways to strengthen U.S.-Africa relations. Please join our international policy […]
The Farm Bill: U.S. Domestic Perspective
This week, Alan Yarborough interviews Office of Government Relations (OGR) policy advisor Rushad Thomas about the Farm Bill. They discuss our federal food assistance programs, ways to make the programs better, and potential threats to the programs from Capitol Hill. Alan asks Rushad why The Episcopal Church cares so much about feeding the hungry, and […]
The Episcopal Church and Federal Advocacy
In our first episode of Episco-pols, we begin with the basics—who we are, what we represent, and how you can get involved. If you’ve just recently learned of our office, please consider this an invitation for you to get involved. If you’ve been a part of the EPPN for some time, even as a “green […]
Episcopal Church Statement on Ukraine – One Year Later
February 24th marks the one-year anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Thousands of people have died, with many more being injured or displaced as a result of this war. We lament the loss of life and the human suffering this conflict has caused. Last year, the 80th General Convention of The Episcopal Church passed […]
The Family and Medical Leave Act: 30 Years Later
On February 5th we will celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). This transformative legislation requires employers to provide unpaid leave for qualifying family or medical reasons. Recently, the National Partnership for Women and Families released a study finding American workers have accessed the protections of the FMLA more than […]
What Happened at the U.S.-Africa Summit?
This past December, the Biden administration hosted heads of states and other leaders from Africa for the second U.S.-Africa summit. Eight years had lapsed since the first U.S.-Africa summit of 2014. The summit sent a signal to the world that the U.S. wants to strengthen its partnership with African countries, its people, and its institutions. Amid […]
Episcopal Church Statement on the Asylum and Border Policy Announcement
Updated 2/22/2023 This year, the Biden Administration announced several changes to its immigration policy: a new program to allow for legal entry through humanitarian parole for nationals of certain countries, expanded use of Title 42 expulsions to Mexico for those who arrive outside of this program, and a rule to block access to asylum to […]
Reflecting on the 117th Congress
This week, the 118th Congress convened. And while the dramatic (and as yet unsuccessful) Speaker’s election has dominated the headlines, the Office of Government Relations is focused on the opportunities for meaningful advocacy in a new Congress. But before we look ahead, we want to take this opportunity to reflect on some of the successes […]
National Vigil for All Victims of Gun Violence: Praying for the Dead and Fighting for Change
On Wednesday, December 7, I had the privilege and honor of attending the 11th National Vigil for All Victims of Gun Violence, held at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. The vigil provided space for the survivors, families, friends, and all Americans to pray, mourn, lament, and organize for continued action […]
Contact:
The Office of Government Relations
eppn@episcopalchurch.org