Fr. Chris at General Convention

Here are the budget priorities for the Episcopal Church that have been proposed by the commitee on Program, Budget and Finance (to me this is much more exciting than listenign to everyone argue about sexuality):

1. JUSTICE AND PEACE: Promoting justice and peace for all of God’s creation and continuing and accelerating the leadership role and programs of the Episcopal Church, which support the eight (8) Millennium Development Goals* in the dioceses of the Episcopal Church and in the world.
2. YOUNG ADULTS, YOUTH AND CHILDREN: Reaching out to young adults, youth and children through intentional inclusion and full incorporation in the thinking, work, worship and structure of the Church.
3. RECONCILIATION AND EVANGELISM: Reconciling and engaging those who do not know Christ by participating in God’s mission of reconciling all things to Christ and proclaiming the Gospel to those who are not yet members of the church.
4. CONGREGATIONAL TRANSFORMATION: Revitalizing and transforming congregations through commitment to leadership development, spiritual growth, lifelong learning, dynamic and inclusive worship, greater diversity, and mission.
5. PARTNERSHIPS: Reaffirming the importance of our partnerships with provinces of the Anglican Communion and beyond and our relationships with ecumenical and interfaith partners.

* The Millennium Development Goals

v Eradicate extreme poverty and hunger

v Achieve universal primary education

v Promote gender equality and empower women

v Reduce child Mortality

v Improve maternal health

v Combat HIV/AIDS, malaria, and other diseases

v Ensure environmental sustainability

v Develop a global partnership for development