Episco-Pols

Episcopal churches can not only motivate people to vote through individual outreach, but they can also play integral roles in the processes that make our election happen. A parish serving as a polling site can be a critical way to help make voting more accessible. Serving as a polling site is also a helpful way to have a visible impact in our communities. While particularities will vary by state and location, the overall process can be surprisingly easy and is centered on forming important relationships around your community. In this episode, we speak with Antoinette Cheney, parish administrator at Saint John’s Episcopal Church in Memphis, Tenn., a parish that has served as a polling site in the past and plans to again in 2024. She will explore the details of how this process impacted the parish and offer inspiration for others considering this action. The Office of Government Relations aims to represent the policy priorities of The Episcopal Church to the U.S. government in Washington, D.C., and to influence policy and legislation on critical issues, highlighting the voices and experiences of Episcopalians and Anglicans globally. The office facilitates the Episcopal Public Policy Network, a grassroots network of Episcopalians engaged in the ministry of public policy advocacy. Links: Election Engagement Resources including the Vote Faithfully toolkit and the Election Activators volunteer application The National Disability Rights Network can help with polling site accessibility The Office of Government Relations Internship Program

Our guest speaker is Armani Eady, a national organizer from the Voting Rights Project at the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, where she is a part of the non-partisan coalition, Election Protection. Ms. Eady speaks about Election Protection’s crucial role in the 2024 U.S. election. You will learn how you can collaborate to ensure confidence in the electoral process, including year-round non-partisan voter protection. The Voting Rights Project features a network of over 400 coalition members and a suite of voter protection hotlines, including 866-OUR-VOTE. From aiding voters in polling places to countering disinformation, Election Protection is dedicated to safeguarding the democratic process. Through our office, The Episcopal Church is a national partner. The Office of Government Relations aims to represent the policy priorities of The Episcopal Church to the U.S. government in Washington, D.C., and to influence policy and legislation on critical issues, highlighting the voices and experiences of Episcopalians and Anglicans globally. The office facilitates the Episcopal Public Policy Network, a grassroots network of Episcopalians engaged in the ministry of public policy advocacy. Links: Election Engagement Resources, including the Vote Faithfully toolkit and the Election Activators volunteer application Election Protection Common Cause The Office of Government Relations Internship Program

The 2024 U.S. election season is well underway, as is our Episcopal election engagement, yet much remains to be done and much will unfold in the coming months. In our first installment for season 3 of Episco-pols, we set the stage for what it means to vote and vote faithfully. Rebecca and Alan explore aspects of election engagement, emerging concerns for this year, how Episcopalians can get involved, and why it is important to embody healthy, faith-informed civic engagement. Speakers: Rebecca Linder Blachly, director, Office of Government Relations, and Alan Yarborough, church relations officer, Office of Government Relations The Office of Government Relations represents the policy priorities of The Episcopal Church to the U.S. government in Washington, D.C., and to influence policy and legislation on critical issues, highlighting the voices and experiences of Episcopalians and Anglicans globally. The office facilitates the Episcopal Public Policy Network, a grassroots network of Episcopalians engaged in the ministry of public policy advocacy. Links: Election Engagement Resources including the Vote Faithfully toolkit and the Election Activators volunteer application The Office of Government Relations Internship Program

In this special episode, we’re in conversation with Tom Hart, President of the ONE Campaign and former Director of The Episcopal Church’s Office of Government Relations. We discuss the U.S. President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), the role of the faith community in the success of this program, and the urgent need for reauthorization. He will share his insights on the program and share his perspective on what steps must be taken to ensure that progress is not erased. About PEPFAR: In 2003, President George W. Bush launched PEPFAR, elevating the prevention and treatment of HIV/AIDS as a foreign policy priority. The faith community was instrumental in the development of this program, and we have continued to play a critical role in its success. PEPFAR has saved more than 25 million lives and fundamentally changed the course of the global HIV/AIDS pandemic. PEPFAR’s authorization expired on September 30, and reauthorization is needed. Tom Hart is President of the ONE Campaign. Tom has been with ONE since 2003 and most recently served as acting CEO while Gayle Smith was on leave at the U.S. State Department. Tom has years of experience in driving the fight to end extreme poverty, a deep knowledge of and experience in making change happen, and an undying commitment to ONE’s mission. Prior to serving as acting CEO, Tom was the North American executive director, where he oversaw ONE’s advocacy in the United States and Canada, as well as ONE’s global campaign against the COVID-19 pandemic. Tom has been part of the adoption of significant initiatives to support global health, increase electrification and private sector investment in Africa, and raise billions of dollars in poverty-fighting assistance. Previously, Tom was the senior director of government relations at ONE. Before joining ONE, Tom was the director of government relations for The Episcopal Church. The Office of Government Relations aims to represent the policy priorities of The Episcopal Church to the U.S. government in Washington, D.C., and to influence policy and legislation on critical issues, highlighting the voices and experiences of Episcopalians and Anglicans globally. The office facilitates the Episcopal Public Policy Network, a grassroots network of Episcopalians engaged in the ministry of public policy advocacy. Learn more at https://www.episcopalchurch.org/ministries/office-government-relations/. MENTIONED IN THIS PODCAST: Take action to support PEPFAR The One Campaign The Office of Government Relations Internship Program

Episcopal Election Activators is a volunteer program leading the church’s voter engagement efforts around the U.S.! Tune in to this episode to learn more about them, what’s expected if you sign up, and details for joining. Voter engagement is not just about making sure Episcopalians vote - it's also a matter of the church serving our broader community in helping facilitate participation in our elections. The Office of Government Relations aims to represent the policy priorities of The Episcopal Church to the U.S. government in Washington, D.C., and to influence policy and legislation on critical issues, highlighting the voices and experiences of Episcopalians and Anglicans globally. The office facilitates the Episcopal Public Policy Network, a grassroots network of Episcopalians engaged in the ministry of public policy advocacy. Learn more at https://www.episcopalchurch.org/ministries/office-government-relations/. MENTIONED IN THIS PODCAST: Episcopal Election Activators Becoming Beloved Community Article on Voter Engagement Sign up for the Racial Reconciliation Newsletter The Office of Government Relations Internship Program

Did you know The Episcopal Church is part of the third largest Christian body in the world—the Anglican Communion—and that we have a lot of policy positions on foreign policy matters? Join Patricia Kisare, our legislative representative for international policy, in a review from the broad to the regional in our U.S. foreign policy engagement. The Office of Government Relations aims to represent the policy priorities of The Episcopal Church to the U.S. government in Washington, D.C., and to influence policy and legislation on critical issues, highlighting the voices and experiences of Episcopalians and Anglicans globally. The office facilitates the Episcopal Public Policy Network, a grassroots network of Episcopalians engaged in the ministry of public policy advocacy. Learn more at https://www.episcopalchurch.org/ministries/office-government-relations/. MENTIONED IN THIS PODCAST: The Office of Government Relations Internship Program

As we mark the Season of Creation and the feast of St. Francis, we sat down for a discussion with Susie Faria, our policy analyst for environmental advocacy. She leads us in a review from the broad to the specific in our engagement to protect the environment at the scale needed to address today’s challenges; our discussion includes the importance of environmental justice that addresses the concerns of the most marginalized, who are often most affected by environmental degradation. The Office of Government Relations aims to represent the policy priorities of The Episcopal Church to the U.S. government in Washington, D.C., and to influence policy and legislation on critical issues, highlighting the voices and experiences of Episcopalians and Anglicans globally. The office facilitates the Episcopal Public Policy Network, a grassroots network of Episcopalians engaged in the ministry of public policy advocacy. Learn more at https://www.episcopalchurch.org/ministries/office-government-relations/. MENTIONED IN THIS PODCAST: The Office of Government Relations Internship Program Environmental Advocacy Resources Season of Creation Resources Prophetic Voices Podcast

In this first in a series of episodes this season, we are again joined by Lindsey Warburton to talk about the resolutions of The Episcopal Church that pertain to immigration, migration, and refugees. Yes, we are actively engaged in advocating for legislation and policy change in the U.S. government today, but what forms the basis for our positions in that process? Join to learn more about what the church’s governing and legislative bodies have said about immigration over nearly a century of speaking out about immigration reform. We hope this episode is helpful to listeners as the church gears up for its 2024 General Convention in Louisville. The Office of Government Relations aims to represent the policy priorities of The Episcopal Church to the U.S. government in Washington, D.C., and to influence policy and legislation on critical issues, highlighting the voices and experiences of Episcopalians and Anglicans globally. The office facilitates the Episcopal Public Policy Network, a grassroots network of Episcopalians engaged in the ministry of public policy advocacy. Learn more at https://www.episcopalchurch.org/ministries/office-government-relations/. MENTIONED IN THIS PODCAST: The Office of Government Relations Policy for Action Internship Program

Two years after the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan, much remains to be done to provide permanent safety and security for our Afghan allies, refugees, and their families both in the United States and abroad. Despite large-scale efforts on behalf of resettlement agencies, faith communities, and others to welcome this community, Afghans in the United States lack a path to permanent residency and Afghans abroad remain at risk of persecution and harm. The Episcopal Church and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America present this amazing panel about the current status of Afghan resettlement, the situation of those who were left behind, updates on the Afghan Adjustment Act, and how people of faith can continue to support Afghans and advocate for policy to help them. Speakers include: Dario Lipovac, Refugee Services Director, Interfaith Ministries for Greater Houston; Campbell Dunsmore, Policy and Advocacy Officer, International Rescue Committee; Lans Rothfusz, Norman Coalition for Refugees; Giovana Oaxaca, Program Director, Migration Policy, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America; and Lindsey Warburton, Policy Advisor, Office of Government Relations, The Episcopal Church. The Office of Government Relations aims to represent the policy priorities of The Episcopal Church to the U.S. government in Washington, D.C., and to influence policy and legislation on critical issues, highlighting the voices and experiences of Episcopalians and Anglicans globally. The office facilitates the Episcopal Public Policy Network, a grassroots network of Episcopalians engaged in the ministry of public policy advocacy. Learn more at https://www.episcopalchurch.org/ministries/office-government-relations/. MENTIONED IN THIS PODCAST: Take Action by Writing Congress on the Afghan Adjustment Act Ways to Welcome from Episcopal Migration Ministries The Episcopal Church Office of Government Relations Public Policy Internship Program

Not an episode about the A word and the E word! Yes, advocacy AND evangelism in the same space, but don’t let that scare you. Jerusalem Greer from the Office of Evangelism and Discipleship joins us to explore the concept of evangelism (as The Episcopal Church approaches it) and how advocacy folds into that part of carrying out our faith. We talk about story sharing, making biscuits, Good News Gardening, and more as we emphasize the importance of relationship building to our faith and to influencing policy and legislation. The Office of Government Relations aims to represent the policy priorities of The Episcopal Church to the U.S. government in Washington, D.C., and to influence policy and legislation on critical issues, highlighting the voices and experiences of Episcopalians and Anglicans globally. The office facilitates the Episcopal Public Policy Network, a grassroots network of Episcopalians engaged in the ministry of public policy advocacy. MENTIONED IN THIS PODCAST: Register for and learn more about It’s All About Love Good News Gardens The Office of Evangelism and Discipleship The Office of Government Relations

We get a lot of questions from Episcopalians (and want more! Send your questions our way to eppn@episcopalchurch.org), so we thought it would be helpful to do a brief FAQ episode covering just a few of these. Check out this episode to hear what folks often ask us about and how we respond. The Office of Government Relations aims to represent the policy priorities of The Episcopal Church to the U.S. government in Washington, D.C., and to influence policy and legislation on critical issues, highlighting the voices and experiences of Episcopalians and Anglicans globally. The office facilitates the Episcopal Public Policy Network, a grassroots network of Episcopalians engaged in the ministry of public policy advocacy. Learn more at https://www.episcopalchurch.org/ministries/office-government-relations/. MENTIONED IN THIS PODCAST: The Office of Government Relations Internship Program

Opportunities for advocacy abound far beyond Congress if you just know where to look. Join Lindsey Warburton, our immigration and refugee policy advisor, as she talks about the basics of rules and regulations, how they matter in the immigration space, and why this is an important area to engage in as an advocate. The Office of Government Relations aims to represent the policy priorities of The Episcopal Church to the U.S. government in Washington, D.C., and to influence policy and legislation on critical issues, highlighting the voices and experiences of Episcopalians and Anglicans globally. The office facilitates the Episcopal Public Policy Network, a grassroots network of Episcopalians engaged in the ministry of public policy advocacy. Learn more at https://www.episcopalchurch.org/ministries/office-government-relations/. MENTIONED IN THIS PODCAST: The Office of Government Relations and The Episcopal Public Policy Network Details on the rulemaking process Learn about current regulations under consideration and open for public comment

Effective advocacy means taking a long-view approach to structural change and problem solving in our community. It also centers relationship building with government officials for the sake of bringing our personal and church gifts to the table to address issues in our communities and around the world. The Faith and Citizenship Guide is a resource from the Office of Government Relations that can help you improve your advocacy. Tune in to this conversation for a glimpse at this great resource. The Office of Government Relations aims to represent the policy priorities of The Episcopal Church to the U.S. government in Washington, D.C., and to influence policy and legislation on critical issues, highlighting the voices and experiences of Episcopalians and Anglicans globally. The office facilitates the Episcopal Public Policy Network, a grassroots network of Episcopalians engaged in the ministry of public policy advocacy. Learn more at https://www.episcopalchurch.org/ministries/office-government-relations/. MENTIONED IN THIS PODCAST: Faith and Citizenship Guide

Following the Biden Administration’s 2022 Africa Summit, just the second in history, there is a renewed focus on U.S. foreign policy in Africa. During this episode, a recording of a recent webinar, we explore the history of U.S. government engagement in Africa and reflect on ways to strengthen U.S.-Africa relations. Please join our international policy advisor, Patricia Kisare, and The Episcopal Church’s Africa partnerships officer, the Rev. Daniel N. Karanja, for this enlightening conversation and opportunities for further engagement. The Office of Government Relations aims to represent the policy priorities of The Episcopal Church to the U.S. government in Washington, D.C., and to influence policy and legislation on critical issues, highlighting the voices and experiences of Episcopalians and Anglicans globally. The office facilitates the Episcopal Public Policy Network, a grassroots network of Episcopalians engaged in the ministry of public policy advocacy. Learn more at https://www.episcopalchurch.org/ministries/office-government-relations/. MENTIONED IN THIS PODCAST: Discover more about The Episcopal Church’s Office of Government Relations and the Episcopal Public Policy Network. Learn about The Episcopal Church’s Office of Global Partnerships, including the YASC and EVIM missionary programs.

This week, Alan Yarborough interviews Office of Government Relations (OGR) policy advisor Rushad Thomas about the Farm Bill. They discuss our federal food assistance programs, ways to make the programs better, and potential threats to the programs from Capitol Hill. Alan asks Rushad why The Episcopal Church cares so much about feeding the hungry, and Rushad bids OGR farewell as he prepares to transition out of his position. You don’t want to miss it! The Office of Government Relations aims to represent the policy priorities of The Episcopal Church to the U.S. government in Washington, D.C., and to influence policy and legislation on critical issues, highlighting the voices and experiences of Episcopalians and Anglicans globally. The office facilitates the Episcopal Public Policy Network, a grassroots network of Episcopalians engaged in the ministry of public policy advocacy. Learn more at https://www.episcopalchurch.org/ministries/office-government-relations/. MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Act now through our Action Alerts. Join the Episcopal Public Policy Network today! Explore our resources to improve your advocacy.

In our first episode of Episco-pols, we begin with the basics—who we are, what we represent, and how you can get involved. If you’ve just recently learned of our office, please consider this an invitation for you to get involved. If you’ve been a part of the EPPN for some time, even as a “green postcard person,” we hope this episode provides perspective you weren’t aware of, and perspective you can use to help bring more Episcopalians into our network. The Office of Government Relations aims to represent the policy priorities of The Episcopal Church to the U.S. government in Washington, D.C., and to influence policy and legislation on critical issues, highlighting the voices and experiences of Episcopalians and Anglicans globally. The office facilitates the Episcopal Public Policy Network, a grassroots network of Episcopalians engaged in the ministry of public policy advocacy. Learn more at https://www.episcopalchurch.org/ministries/office-government-relations/. MENTIONED IN THIS PODCAST: Act now through our Action Alerts. Join the Episcopal Public Policy Network today! Explore our resources to improve your advocacy.