Resolved, the House of _______ concurring, That this 76th General Convention of The Episcopal Church dedicate the first Sunday in Lent as Episcopal Relief & Development Sunday and that congregations and individuals be encouraged to support Episcopal Relief & Development's life-saving work through prayer and a special offering that will help heal a hurting world; and be it further

Resolved, That any costs incurred by the Domestic and Foreign Missionary Society to implement this action shall be reimbursed by Episcopal Relief & Development, provided such costs are approved by Episcopal Relief & Development in advance.

EXPLANATION

The Episcopal Church's ongoing commitment to fight poverty and disease around the world is lived out in a variety of ways. Advocacy with our government for the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals is one vital way. Another is through the ministry of Episcopal Relief & Development, which, as the relief and development arm of The Episcopal Church, works globally to alleviate hunger, fight disease and strengthen communities.

In 2008, the Presiding Bishop designated the first Sunday in Lent as Episcopal Relief & Development Sunday and as an annual celebration of Episcopal Relief & Development's role in our collective mission to seek and serve Christ in all persons.

The Board of Episcopal Relief & Development believes that a Resolution of General Convention designating the first Sunday of Lent as Episcopal Relief & Development Sunday would focus the church's attention on the important work of healing a hurting world.