The Diocesan Dialogue
Current Issue
August 2007

MDG: Getting Everyone in Utah Involved

By Kathy Horvat

At the 75th General Convention last summer, deputies not only reaffirmed a commitment to the Millennium Development Goals that they had made three years earlier, but they increased its scope and importance. Resolution D022 has four parts that affect its implementation at the Diocesan, parish and individual levels. The resolution is meant to be implemented in the following ways:

• Education about the MDG's and the need for them in the world. This can take the form of presentations, workshops, or extended study, as well as making use of publications and service bulletin inserts
• Financial Contributions: 0.7 percent of income, as adopted at the Utah Diocesan Convention
• Political Advocacy:
  • Becoming a ONE Episcopalian—on-line sign-up to be informed about upcoming events and political action
  • Becoming a ONE Congregation—committing to three of five actions: Feature the MDG's in a sermon or rector's forum; Organize an "Offering of Letters" and ask participants to sign the ONE Declaration; use ONE resources in Christian education classes for youth and adults; meet with Members of Congress to advocate for the MDG's; and collect an offering once a year for the MDG programs of Episcopal Relief and Development
• Worship in the form of special services, litanies and prayers

Use of study programs, service bulletins and brochures and posters is also encouraged. Sources for those resources can be found in Episcopal Life.

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