'Ministry of Whole Church for Whole World'

by the Rev. Larry Beach
The Most Rev. Frank T. Griswold, Presiding Bishop of the Epsicopal Church, has described the ministry of Episcopal Relief and Development (formerly the Presiding Bishop’s Fund) as “A Ministry of the Whole Church for the Whole World.” He goes on to say, “Our ministry is for the whole world, without qualification. Episcopal Relief and Development (ERD) reaches across cultural barriers, religious differences, and all the wall of division that separate people and nations. Through the ministry of ERD, we are working to combat both the causes and the effects of poverty, malnutrition, illiteracy, homelessness, and economic disadvantage. In so doing, we demonstrate the reconciling power of Christ’s unconditional love.”

There are many ways available for us to participate in this ministry of our Church. We may think only of donating money. While that is important to much of the work to be done, there are also other ways that individuals, groups and parishes can become involved.

One of the duties of diocesan coordinator for ERD is to work with parish representatives to enable them to bring the opportunities for outreach offered by ERD before the parish.

For information on parish representatives or ERD projects, please contact Beach via eMail (lawrencebeach@comcast.net), phone (865.539.4456) or USPS at:

The Rev. Larry Beach
8520 Oxford Drive
Knoxville, TN 37922

• Read more about Episcopal Relief and Development

The Rev. Larry Beach is the Diocese of East Tennessee Episcopal Relief and Development representative and Deacon serving at St. James Church, Knoxville.