EPISCOPAL
PUBLIC POLICY NETWORK
Who We Are
The
Episcopal Public Policy Network (EPPN) is a nationwide grassroots network of
Episcopalians who call and write their members of Congress and the
Administration to advocate positions of the Church. Members of the EPPN receive
policy alerts updating them on what is happening in Washington, the Church's
position on public policies, and techniques and information on contacting their
government leaders. EPPN members also receive a congressional directory and
action guide, legislative updates and newsletters, training in advocacy
methods, online resources and sample letters.
What We Do
The
Office of Government Relations—Home of the Episcopal Public Policy
Network, is located on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC., brings the positions of
the Episcopal Church to our nationŐs lawmakers. We represent the social
policies established by the General Convention and Executive Council, including
issues of international peace and justice, human rights, immigration, welfare,
poverty, hunger, health care, violence, civil rights, the environment, racism,
and issues involving women and children.
Why We Do It
Every
congregation elects delegates to an annual diocesan convention. Each diocesan
convention then elects deputies, both lay people and clergy, as representatives
to the General Convention of the Episcopal Church. Bishops also represent their
dioceses at General Convention. The General Convention meets once every three
years and is composed of two legislative houses, much like our U.S. House and
U.S. Senate. At General Convention, the two branches of our government are
known as the House of Deputies and the House of Bishops. Once a resolution
passes both houses, it becomes Church policy.
Any
member or group of the Church may submit a resolution either to a diocesan
convention for referral to General Convention, or to a deputy or bishop who can
submit it for them. The programs, action, and ministry of the EPPN and the
Office of Government Relations are based solely upon resolutions approved by
General Convention, or in the interim, by the ConventionŐs Executive Council.
Why You Should Join Us
So
to make a long story short, this office does not formulate policy, but strives
to implement the policies passed by The Episcopal ChurchŐs legislative bodies.
As
Episcopalians, we promise in the Baptismal Covenant to "strive for justice
and peace." Striving for a just and peaceful world can take the form of
helping those in need one-on-one. It can also involve pursuing broad, social
change through public policies designed to help the needy. The EPPN is
committed to the ministry of justice and peace through public policy advocacy.
Your national leaders need to hear from you, as Episcopalians. Each year,
Congress considers hundreds of bills that impact the mission of the Church.
Many organizations are actively engaged in the debates on Capitol Hill. If we
are not, others wind up speaking for us. We have a Christian view of public
policy that our nationŐs leaders need and want to hear. Your letters and calls
make a difference.
Engage GodŐs Mission Today—join the growing network of Episcopalians who
are answering the call to public witness. Become a member of the EPPN by
visiting www.episcopalchurch.org/eppn,
or calling 1-800-228-0515. Our strength is in numbers, so encourage your
friends to join EPPN.