Resolves of the Executive Council

Resolved, That the Executive Council meeting in San Antonio, Texas, February 21-25 2002, reaffirms past resolutions established by the General Convention and the Executive Council supporting the work of the Church to reduce domestic poverty and calls on the U.S. Congress and Administration to support federal programs that value not only reducing caseloads, but offering dignity and opportunities for the working poor to move out of poverty; and be it further

Resolved, That the Church be focused on the support for and improvement of the federal government’s network of programs to reduce the numbers of those living in poverty, support workers’ efforts to achieve self-sufficiency and ensure continuing benefits for those who require a safety net to feed their families. Specifically the Church supports the reauthorization of Temporary Assistance to Needy Families, Food Stamps and Child Care Development Block Grant programs that should be reauthorized by Congress during 2002; and be it further

Resolved, That drawing on the vast experience of our Church in delivering social services through parish-based ministries and Episcopal service providers, Episcopalians should mobilize and engage policy makers in Washington to support programs to reduce poverty; and be it further

Resolved, That the Church find creative ways to engage the broader Church on poverty reduction nationwide.