by Sonja Bennett and Daphne Mack
Episcopal News Service, February 9, 2007
[Raleigh, North Carolina] Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori addressed nearly 200 members of the Episcopal Urban Caucus (EUC) on February 8 and commended the organization on its mission to relieve oppression and suffering in the world and encouraged members to further examine how its mission can connect to that of the larger church in reconciling the word of God because "the world is not reconciled as long as some live without."
Jefferts Schori was among the keynote speakers for the 27th assembly of the caucus meeting February 7-10 at the Holiday Inn Brownstone, in Raleigh, North Carolina. Bonnie Anderson, president of the House of Deputies; and the Rev. Nelson Johnson, pastor of Faith Community Church, also spoke.
Under the theme "Making the Contacts: Locally and Globally," caucus members have addressed issues including the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), slavery and reconciliation, Truth and Reconciliation, economic justice and promoting justice for all people of the Episcopal Church without regard to race, sexuality, or social class.
"This assembly provides an opportunity for members to meet and simply be with each other," said Diane Pollard, EUC treasurer.
Jefferts Schori told those gathered that the work of the church should be focused on building a world of Shalom; providing everything necessary to improve the lives of those living in the margins of society.
"When the least among us are served, the entire community flourishes," she said.
She cited the MDGs as the framework around which reconciliation and the relief of suffering should be built. Referencing the Gospel of Matthew as a call to service and reconciliation, Jefferts Schori said further that the MDGs are today’s illustration of the work of Jesus and his followers.
"The MDGs are the Shalom for the world," said Jefferts Schori.
However she reminded the caucus that while the campaign call for a 0.7 percent contribution by dioceses, parishes, and individuals is a good start to eradicating poverty and lack, it will take funding from federal, state, and local government to finish the job.
Episcopalians must use more than just silent prayer to influence change in systems of injustice in this country and the world, she said. Adding that it is essential for the church to become advocates, and contact lawmakers, challenging them to live up to a higher standard when it comes to giving financial support to the MDGs and campaigns like it.
"Protesters say the church and politics don’t mix, but politics is simply the art of living in the community," said Jefferts Schori. "Members of the church must be willing to use all gifts at our disposal, including government."
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