Episcopalians for Global Reconciliation (EGR)

"EGR is a way for Anglicans and all Christians of all theological persuasions to work with each other around a common goal given us by Jesus: To feed the hungry, to heal the sick, and to care for the poor by eliminating poverty and its causes.

"It is important for the larger Trinity Community to join in solidarity with other parishes, our diocese and other dioceses, the national church, the Anglican Communion to lend weight and importance and encouragement and to all who are uniting around the Millennium Development Goals."

Warren Radtke, Parishioner

Episcopalians for Global Reconciliation (EGR) is an emerging movement of Episcopalians across the country, raising awareness about the causes of global poverty and the potential for alleviating that poverty. EGR focuses on the United Nations Millennium Development Goals, advocating for individuals and organizations, including churches, to commit 0.7% of their budgets to global poverty relief, an effort supported by both the national Episcopal Church and the Episcopal Diocese of Massachusetts. EGR is committed to:

• God's mission of justice, wholeness, and reconciliation in Jesus Christ.
• Supporting the spiritual renewal of the Episcopal Church through prayer and action for global justice and reconciliation.
• Giving 0.7% of our personal budgets - and working towards giving 0.7% of our parish, diocesan, Church, and national budgets - to help achieve the Millennium Development Goals overseas.
• An essential shift in the economic and social practices of Episcopalians, the Episcopal Church, and the citizens, corporations, and government of the U.S.
• Holding our national leaders accountable for fulfilling their promises to achieve the Millennium Development Goals.
• Solidarity with the Anglican Communion and faith partners around the globe for a re-ordering of global economic priorities and practices away from consumption and self-absorption towards compassion, justice, and dignity for all.

A group of Trinity parishioners currently meets several times a year to learn more about EGR and to share with others. Discussions center on the Christian call to global reconciliation, affirming the work that Trinity parishioners are already doing to alleviate global suffering, and developing strategies to build awareness of this global challenge. For more information, please contact Judith Radtke. More information on EGR is also available at www.e4gr.org.

What are the Millenium Development Goals?
The Millennium Development Goals are a set of eight goals to reduce human suffering across the globe. In September 2000, the United Nations, non-governmental organizations, the World Bank Group, and 189 governments pledged to accomplish these goals by 2015.

1. Eradicate extreme hunger and poverty.
2. Achieve universal primary education.
3. Promote gender equality and empower women.
4. Reduce child mortality.
5. Improve maternal health.
6. Combat HIV/AIDS, malaria, and other diseases.
7. Ensure environmental sustainability.
8. Develop a global partnership for development.

"Economists tell us that, if we work together, we have the means to make significant progress toward eliminating extreme poverty in the world, turning the tide on treatable diseases, providing all boys and girls a basic education, reducing child mortality, and reducing the deaths of mothers during childbirth. Come learn about how for 0.7% (less than 1% of our income), the peoples of the developed countries and their governments can make a difference. The problem is not a lack of means. The issue is living God's dream and will for our planet."

Carol Milam
Former EGR organizer
and Trinity parishioner,
now living in India