Our Mission Involvement

Click on the map above to see a larger version. This map shows the different places around the world that our Diocese has relationships and mission involvement. For contact information to learn more about any of these projects email Robin Denney. To submit information about any projects not depicted above, please post a comment here or email Robin Denney: redenney AT gmail.com

Discussion Topic -- MDGs

How do you see your current involvement or desire to be involved in furthering the work of the MDGs?
Can you vision this work in the context of partnerships?
Are partnerships important to you?

Background
There has been much talk about the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) throughout the Episcopal Church and the Anglican Communion. (See link below for more info on the MDGs)
* Goal 1: Eradicate extreme poverty and hunger
* Goal 2: Achieve universal primary education
* Goal 3: Promote gender equality and empower women
* Goal 4: Reduce child mortality
* Goal 5: Improve maternal health
* Goal 6: Combat HIV/AIDS, malaria and other diseases
* Goal 7: Ensure environmental sustainability
* Goal 8: Develop a Global Partnership for Development

Of the 8 goals, the first 7 are directed to the "Two-Thirds World" (also called the developing world). The 8th goal is the goal which is directed to the Global North. The 8th goal is the goal upon which the other 7 hinge. Sustainable, healthy, long-term development can only occur when the vision of the local community is lifted up, and the people are empowered to work toward the completion of their own goals. Unfortunately, it is the 8th goal that has been most neglected. In our attempt to help, the Global North has often worked unilaterally, without the input of the Two-Thirds World.

How can we change the course, and make the 8th goal a reality?

More information on the Millennium Development Goals: http://www.undp.org/mdg/

Companion Relationship

Our diocese has begun the process of seeking a Companion Diocese Relationship. A Companion Diocese Relationship is an official relationship entered into by two dioceses in different parts of the Anglican Communion.

Companion Relationships exist to strengthen each participant in ministry and mission. Ideally, such relationships will involve the partners in increased awareness of the single mission to which each is called. That mission includes: Mutual encouragement and prayer for one another, Intensified knowledge of and concern for one another, and the exchange of resources both spiritual and material. (Guidelines for Companion Relationships, http://www.episcopalchurch.org/agr/companion/)

Bishop Mary asked us to begin the diocesan World Mission Network to celebrate, vision, and empower each other in our mission together. Part of that work has been the beginning of the discernment process for where we may be called to form a Companion Relationship. We gathered at a discernment day (see earlier blog entry) in April. From that day, we came up with some guidelines for Bishop Mary to use as she meets with bishops from around the world at Lambeth this summer. On September 6, the World Mission Network will be having a meeting at St. George’s Salinas (9:30am-12:30pm), everyone who is interested in companionship, mission, or the world, should join us! Bishop Mary will be reporting to us about her time at Lambeth, and the process of moving forward with a Companion Relationship.

Please look at the “Next Steps” section under the blog entry for April 19, and add your comments. What would you add? What points do you think are most important?

Discussion Topic -- Anglican Communion

How do you see the importance of the Anglican Communion? What is it's value?

Background
Until the last 5 years, many Episcopalians did not know that we are part of a global body called the Anglican Communion. The Anglican Communion is a difficult thing to understand! We are connected around the world to a group of 44 independent churches (the Episcopal Church is one of these). In total, there are more than 80 million people in the Anglican Communion in 160 different countries. The Episcopal Church, with 2.6 million, makes up just over 3% of the population of the Anglican Communion). All 44 churches of the Communion have ties to the Church of England (either in historical roots, or current practice). The Archbishop of Canterbury is one of the four "Instruments of Communion", in other words, one of the four bodies that unite the churches of the Communion. (you can read about the other instruments of communion at the link below). The Archbishop of Canturbury is not the head of the church, but rather the "first among equals". He can make no decisions for other churches, but acts as a spiritual leader, and a uniting force (as the one who invites all the members to a common table).

More information, profiles of Provinces around the world: http://www.anglicancommunion.org/