Events

Join us for future events and catch up on what you missed by exploring recordings and other resources from the past. Events include in-house produced trainings, educational webinars, and advocacy actions, as well as events created or co-created by other Episcopal Church offices and partner organizations.

Upcoming Events

Ecumenical Advocacy Days are back in person! – May 17-19 in Washington, D.C. Join for “Faith in Action: Advancing Human Rights and Peace for All.” The 2024 EAD Spring Summit will include advocacy training for new and growing participant categories (seminary students, young adults) and will offer a chance for those who work with domestic and international priorities to connect and share.

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Weekly Network Calls: Join the Office of Government Relations for a 30-minute, weekly conversation about the policies and legislation we are advocating for. This is a chance to take part in a conversation on advocacy asks, the political environment, and the legislative outlook. Thursdays, 1:00-1:30pm ET, registration required. We also offer a Network at Night monthly EPPN call at 7:30pm ET the first Thursday of every month. If you are unable to attend our weekly EPPN calls at 1 pm ET, we hope this additional time slot will make our updates more accessible. Registration Required.

Local Events

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OGR staff speak conduct advocacy strategy trainings, civil discourse trainings, and even speak to specific advocacy issues at local venues throughout the church (often virtually). For more information on how to host a local event, or to see about guest speakers for your own event, write to us at eppn@episcopalchurch.org.

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Past Events

A Closer Look: Immigration Series

Part 1: LGBTQIA2S+ Migrants – Aired April 26th. The Office of Government Relations (OGR) and Episcopal Migration Ministries (EMM) delve into the experiences of LGBTQIA2S+ migrants, in the first of three installments of our “A Closer Look” Immigration Series. This session features LGBTQIA2S+ migration expert Craig Mortley, MSc, who provides a deeper understanding of the unique challenges and legal hurdles faced by this community as they navigate the complexities of migration. Through personal stories and expert insights, we explore the intersections of sexual orientation, gender identity, and the immigrant experience. You’ll gain valuable knowledge on the barriers LGBTQIA2S+ migrants encounter, from accessing essential services to securing legal status. Additionally, we discuss effective ways to advocate for the rights and well-being of this marginalized group, empowering you to become a stronger ally and advocate for positive change. Recording available soon.

Election Protection in Action – April 9, 3:00pm EDT Join the Office of Government Relations along with guest speaker Armani Eady, a national organizer from the Voting Rights Project at the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law. Explore Election Protection’s crucial role in the 2024 U.S. election, discovering how you can collaborate with them to ensure confidence in the electoral process. Learn about their year-round non-partisan voter protection program, featuring 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.

Interfaith Faith Vigil for Peace in Ukraine – Aired 2/23/2024. Let us pray together and lament the human harm caused by violence and conflict. Faith leaders offer prayers for the people of Ukraine, Russia, and across the region, and for those displaced, and for a peaceful resolution to the crisis that prevents further human suffering. Organized by the Friends Committee on National Legislation and The Episcopal Church. Watch here.

A Closer Look with Dean Richard Sewell, St. George’s College in Jerusalem – Aired 12/12/2023. Join the Office of Government Relations and the Office of Global Partnerships for a conversation with Richard Sewell, Dean of St. George’s College in Jerusalem. He provides a perspective on what is happening in the Holy Land and share updates on the situation for Palestinian Christians. Watch here.

Archbishop Hosam in conversation with Presiding Bishop Curry – Aired 11/21/2023. A conversation between The Most Reverend Hosam Elias Naoum, Archbishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem and Primate of Jerusalem and the Middle East, and the Most Reverend Michael B. Curry, Presiding Bishop and Primate of The Episcopal Church, moderated by Archdeacon Paul Feheley, Middle East Partnership Officer for The Episcopal Church. You can access opportunities for advocacy and direct support as well as church and partner statements through our Resources for the Conflict in the Holy Land page.

Stop the Torture: Ending Solitary Confinement – Aired October 30, 2023. Join The Episcopal Church and the National Religious Campaign Against Torture for an online presentation and discussion on ending prolonged solitary confinement. You will hear from a survivor of torture in U.S. prisons and jails and what they are doing to stop this practice, and you will learn how faith allies can engage in advocacy for the abolition of this practice. This multimedia presentation will leave you inspired to take action, with practical tools for advocacy in your community. Recording here.

International Climate Advocacy Day – Aired October 10, 2023. The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Conference of Parties (COP) 28 is approaching. During this conference, political leaders from around the world will gather to discuss the next steps in the global approach to climate change. For the COP targets to be met, the US and other actors need to take ambitious steps. We can help the US to meet the targets by advocating to our elected leaders to make this a priority. During this advocacy training, we give an overview of what progress has been made, what still needs to be done, tips for setting up and having meetings with elected officials, and more! Watch here.

Two Years Later: Fulfilling our Promise to Our Afghan Allies and Neighbors – Aired August 23, 2023. 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. Join The Episcopal Church and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America for a webinar presentation to learn about the current status of Afghan resettlement and 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. Watch here.

Hope Away from Home: A Multifaith celebration on World Refugee Day – Aired June 20, 2023. A world where refugees are always included is the UNCHR theme for World Refugee Day 2023. Join representatives from The Episcopal Church, US Conference of Catholic Bishops Department of Migration and Refugee Services, Islamic Relief USA, and HIAS for a timely conversation on this year’s theme and the role of the faith community in providing resources and welcome to refugees upon their arrival to a new country and advocating for lasting solutions for refugees around the world. Watch here.

Opening Remarks: Assistant Secretary Julieta Halls Noyes

Moderator: The Right Reverend Mariann Budde, Episcopal Bishop of the Diocese of Washington

Panelists: Anwar Khan, President of Islamic Relief USA; Bill Canny, Executive director of the USCCB’s Department of Migration and Refugee Services; Mark Hetfield, President and CEO of HIAS

Climate Change: A Conversation with Katherine Hayhoe – Aired April 26, 2023. Katharine Hayhoe is a leading climate scientist and a voice for why climate change matters to us as individuals and to society collectively. She has written the bestselling book Saving US on how to build support for addressing climate transition. In this seminal work, Katharine discusses how, by engaging people on how climate impacts the things that we love and care about, we can move our congregations and leaders to action. During this conversation, moderated by Susie Faria of the Office of Government Relations, and JoAnn Hanson, President of the Church Investment Group, Katharine shared how the work is progressing, the roles churches can play, and how she sees the climate transition gaining head way. Watch here.

Taking Stock of U.S. Engagement in Africa – Aired March 21, 2023. Following the Biden Administration’s Africa Summit at the end of 2022, just the second in history, there is a renewed focus on U.S. foreign policy in Africa. During this 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. Watch here.

A Closer Look with OGR: Asylum Rule – Aired March 3, 2023. On February 23, the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) proposed a new rule that would make it so that migrants who ask for asylum at our southern border are assumed to be ineligible for asylum unless they have pre-scheduled an appointment to enter or were first denied asylum protection in a country through which they traveled on the way to the United States.

This policy not only violates U.S. law but puts in danger the lives of countless migrants and their families who are seeking protection in our country at our border.

There is an opportunity for the public to respond to the proposed rule, but the window is only open until March 27. After the comment period has closed, the DOJ and DHS will be required to read all the submitted comments and take them into consideration in finalizing the rule.

Please watch as we explain the substance of the rule, how it affects those seeking asylum at the U.S. southwest border, and how you can draft and submit a public comment on this proposed rule before it is finalized. Watch here.

Faith Vigil for Peace in Ukraine – Aired February 24th. Join us to pray together and to lament the human harm caused by violence and conflict. We offered prayers for the people of Ukraine, Russia, and across the region, and for those displaced, and for a peaceful resolution to the crisis that prevents further human suffering. Organized by the Friends Committee on National Legislation and The Episcopal Church. Watch here.

Roe 50 Years Later: Faith Communities’ Response to a Post-Roe America: Aired on January 20, 2023. The Office of Government Relations hosted a discussion about the reproductive rights policy landscape on the 50^th anniversary of the landmark Roe v. Wade decision, especially following the Dobbs Supreme Court decision in last June.

Policy Advisor Rushad Thomas moderated a panel featuring Carolyn Davis, Founder and Principal of CJD Strategies, and Glenn Northern of the National Council of Jewish Women as we explored where the pro-choice faith community goes from here. Watch here.

Evening Election Day Prayers online Aired November 8, 2022. As polls begin to close for the U.S. midterm elections, all are invited to join an Election Day Prayers gathering online hosted by The Episcopal Church Office of Government Relations Viewers do not need a Facebook profile to participate. Watch here.

Throughout the event, special guests from around the church offered 10-15 minutes of reflection and prayer. Participants were encouraged to engage in prayerful conversation in the comments. Scheduled guests included Presiding Bishop Michael Curry; House of Deputies President Julia Ayala Harris; the Rev. Charles Graves IV, missioner for Houston Canterbury; the Rev. Donna Gleaves, an Episcopal Public Policy Network ambassador; and Willis H.A. Moore, an Episcopal Election Activator.

Love God Love Neighbor: Advocacy in Action Aired September 21, 2022. A virtual half-day advocacy training offered by The Episcopal Church’s Office of Government Relations (OGR) and Episcopal Migration Ministries (EMM). This training was designed for those interested in gaining advocacy skills and messaging tools in the immigration space. Participants received an overview on migration messaging and framing techniques from EMM, briefings on current urgent immigration issues and how to advocate for them, and an optional session on how to conduct an in-person or virtual Congressional meeting. You may request access to the recordings and resources by reaching out to eppn@episcopalchurch.org

Calling all Episcopal Deacons! “Helping Episcopalians Vote Faithfully in U.S. Elections” Aired September 8, 2022. With the Association for Episcopal Deacons and special guest Bryce Bennett from Vote Early Day and Civic Holidays. All can watch, but we will take a particular angle for deacons. Recording will be available soon.

EPPN Advocacy Training Day: The Environment. Aired August 10, 2022. The Office of Government Relations conducted a network wide virtual EPPN Advocacy Training Day to address Creation Care. During this advocacy training, we help you go deeper in your advocacy with training from the Office of Government Relations staff. You will come away with best practices for setting up, conducting, and following up on advocacy meetings, ideas for how to expand your advocacy meeting into a longer-term relationship building, and tips for building an effective strategy for engagement. This training day focused on climate provisions and the Inflation Reduction Act, in which our experts shared details about an advocacy ask that we will use as an example during the training. When you’ve completed the training, we want you to go out and advocate! Recording available upon request.

A Closer Look with OGR: Religious Liberty and the Supreme Court with BJC. Aired July 26, 2022. Holly Hollman, General Counsel and Associate Executive Director of the Baptist Joint Committee for Religious Liberty, joined OGR and Mary Kostel, Chancellor to the Presiding Bishop of The Episcopal Church, for a conversation about the implications of recent Supreme Court decisions on religious liberty. The discussion addressed the case of the praying football coach, and taxpayer support for religious schools in Maine, and helped shed light on the framework for these decisions and what it means for those of us committed to religious freedom. Watch here.

A Closer Look with OGR: The Dobbs Decision and the Future of Reproductive Rights. Aired July 1, 2022. We hosted Professor Sally Frank of Drake University, who provided an overview of the Supreme Court’s holding in Dobbs and its implications for reproductive rights going forward.

A Closer Look with OGR: Gun Violence Prevention Aired June 24, 2022. Guest speakers from the Prevention Institute gave us information about ongoing gun violence prevention efforts at the local and federal levels. Watch here.

A Closer Look with OGR: DACA Aired June 15, 2022. On the 10th anniversary of DACA, OGR gave an informational presentation about the past, present, and potential future of DACA. Watch here.

A Conversation on Ukraine and the Church with Prof. Scott Kenworthy Aired March 18, 2022. The Office of Government Relations will be joined by Prof. Scott Kenworthy to discuss the Orthodox church in Ukraine and Russia and the current conflict.

Faith Vigil for Peace in Ukraine: Aired February 23. Please join us to pray together and to lament the human harm caused by violence and conflict. We will offer prayers for the people of Ukraine, and for a peaceful resolution to the crisis that prevents further human suffering. Joining us are Presiding Bishop Michael B. Curry of The Episcopal Church, Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton of the ELCA, Bridget Moix, general secretary of the Friends Committee on National Legislation (FCNL), and more. Organized by the FCNL and The Episcopal Church. Watch here.

Guantanamo 20 Years on: A Religious Perspective Aired January 11. To mark the 20th anniversary and to advocate for closing Guantanamo, The Episcopal Church and the National Religious Campaign Against Torture hosted this webinar to provide more information about why the prison at Guantanamo was opened, the human rights abuses that occurred there, the long-running failure of the military commissions process to provide justice, and what steps we, as people of faith, can take to close the prison for good. Watch here.

Nation in Crisis: Haiti Today Aired October 5, 2021. This CEEP Network webinar explores ongoing challenges in Haiti from the perspective of several Episcopal-related ministries there. You will hear from ministry partners at Food for the Poor and representatives from St. Vincent’s Center for Children with Disabilities in Haiti (SVC). The panel is moderated by OGR’s church relations officer and Haiti advocate, Alan Yarborough. Watch here.

Lift Every Voice and Sing: A New National Hymn: Aired September 30, 2021. The Office of Government Relations and the Office of Black Ministries hosted a live virtual event to celebrate the history and legacy of “Lift Every Voice and Sing” and urge the passage of H.R. 301 to make this uplifting, unifying anthem our new national hymn. Special guests include Presiding Bishop Michael B. Curry, Congressman James E. Clyburn, Rev. Canon C.K. Robertson, Byron Rushing, Vice President, House of Deputies, Dr. Carl MaultsBy, UBE representative, and more! The event also features two special musical performances of “Lift Every Voice and Sing” by The St Thomas Gospel Choir, Philadelphia, PA, Waltier Blocker, Music Director. Watch here.

An Evening in Conversation with Episcopal HCBU Leaders: Aired September 29, 2021. Hosted by The Episcopal Church Office of Development: a webinar panel discussion highlighting the importance and history of two Episcopal Historically Black Colleges and Universities: Saint Augustine’s University in Raleigh, North Carolina, and Voorhees College in Denmark, South Carolina. Both university presidents join with Presiding Bishop Michael B. Curry and special guest Congressman James E. Clyburn of the 6th District, South Carolina, about the current challenges facing HBCUs and their role in supporting the development of leaders of color in a diverse array of professions. The conversation is moderated by Rebecca Linder Blachly, Director of The Episcopal Church Office of Government Relations. Watch here.

Doing Well by Our Allies: An Overview and Recommendations for the Biden Administration’s Evacuation of Afghan Allies of the U.S. Armed Forces: Recorded August 13, 2021. With the U.S. withdrawal of its armed forces from Afghanistan, the fate of Afghan allies who supported our troops has emerged as an urgent issue. In order to help The Episcopal Church’s community learn more about these issues around the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan and ways it can advocate for these groups, the Office of Government Relations hosted this panel. Watch here.

Haiti Below the Surface: Challenge and Opportunity: Recorded July 12, 2021. Recent turmoil in Haiti and a late outbreak of COVID-19 have drawn attention to the failings of the political system and international involvement, but have overshadowed many other aspects of society in need of attention, including the economy, environment, humanitarian concerns, and human security. Panelists will discuss the most pressing challenges in Haiti today and how civil society, the government, religious communities can address them. This program was hosted by The Episcopal Church Office of Government Relations and the Haiti Advocacy Working Group. Watch here.

Impacts of Climate-Induced Migration: An Anglican Perspective Recorded July 1, 2021. This event was hosted by The Episcopal Church Office of Government Relations and Anglican Working Group on Migration. Join us to explore how Anglicans around the world can address the climate crisis, support and care for migrants, and protect those most at risk in a changing climate. Watch here.

CEEP Webinar: Promoting Health Equity: Paid Family Leave Recorded June 30, 2021. Currently, the United States is the only industrial country without a federal paid family leave policy. The 79th General Convention (in 2018) called for a task force to research and create a proposal for a Church-wide paid family leave policy for consideration at the 80th General Convention (now scheduled for 2022). Join CEEP and Rebecca Linder Blachly, Director of the Office Government Relations, for a panel on this important topic. Watch here.

COVID-19 in India: A Christian Response: Recorded in May 2021. As the U.S. focuses on summer vacations, Indians are facing overwhelmed hospital systems and networks, drastic shortages of supplies, and the terrifying reality of high community spread. Hear from these expert panelists about the conditions in India and how we can help. As Christians, we must remain committed to the reality of our interconnectedness and realize that for pragmatic and ethical reasons, we must take action to help during India’s crisis.

Reflecting on the Geneva Convention: The State of Global Refugee Trends and Refugee Policy Today Recorded May 20, 2021. Episcopal Migration Ministries and The Episcopal Church’s Office of Government Relations hosted this program to better teach about the current state of refugees and refugee policy. In addition to the church’s migration ministry and policy staff, the event will feature a number of industry experts. Watch here.

The Middle East in Transition, and the Future and Role of its Christians Recorded May 13, 2021. Part of the United Church of Christ’s “Wednesdays with the World” webinar series, this program focused on how the countries of the Middle East region continue to experience major social, political, and economic shifts with uncertain outcomes. Watch here.

Gerrymandering and Redistricting in a Faithful Democracy Recorded May 4, 2021. Join the CEEP Network and The Episcopal Church Office of Government Relations for this digital workshop to understand what redistricting is, why it is important, and how you and your congregations can be informed and engaged not just to combat partisan gerrymandering, but to help shape our voting districts in ways that improve fair representation in our government. Watch here.

Global Vaccine Access: Ensuring Equity for all God’s Children Recorded April 14th. Failing to efficiently and thoroughly vaccinate people in every country – regardless of income – raises the risk for variants of the virus that could potentially expose all of us, and continue to kill thousands of people. How can we ensure that all people have access to the vaccine and not just those in rich countries? Hear from the Office of Government Relations and our Anglican Communion partners about global perspectives on this important question. Watch here.

Is the Biden Administration Turning a Page on Humanitarian Protection for Immigrants? Recorded April 2021. Join Episcopal Migration Ministries and the Office of Government Relations to learn more about the current state of humanitarian protection and ways the Episcopal Church can engage on these issues. Watch here.

Voting Rights for a Faithful Democracy Recorded April 13, 2021. Join the CEEP Network and The Episcopal Church Office of Government Relations for this digital workshop on protecting and guaranteeing voting rights. Watch here.

Ferguson Revisited Recorded February 22, 2021. Church leaders and participants from the Episcopal Church’s pilgrimage to Ferguson, Missouri, discuss lessons learned about being Church since the Ferguson Uprising and how we keep moving forward with reimagining our communities – both in the Church and society. Watch here.

Mr. Biden Goes to Washington: What a New Administration Means for the Church Recorded January 12, 2021. A webinar from The CEEP Network. Watch here.

Presiding Bishop Curry on Healing Our National Divides Recorded November 20, 2020. Bishop Curry joined Russel Moore of the Southern Baptist Convention’s Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission in a conversation moderated by Krista Tippett from the podcast On Being. You can watch the recording of the event, which was hosted by the Washington National Cathedral and the National Institute for Civil Discourse, Watch here.

Holding on to Hope: A National Service for Healing and Wholeness: Presiding Bishop Michael Curry leads a live-streamed prayer service from Washington National Cathedral on All Saints Sunday. In the midst of pandemic, racial reckoning, and a historic election, the live-streamed service gathered Americans for prayer, song, lament, hope, and a call to love God and neighbor. Watch here.

YOUR BALLOT, YOUR VOICE: Faith & Politics: Hosted by VoteAmerica, our director Rebecca Linder Blachly will speak on this election cycle. The event convenes individuals and organizations to continue the voter conversation to include a discussion of faith & politics. Answering whether it is possible to reconcile faith & politics and whether the divide is about faith or politics and where the bridge is between the two. Watch here.

EPPN 2020 Election Webinar Series: In collaboration with the Church’s Reconciliation, Justice & Creation Care and Ethnic Ministries departments, the first webinar is all about empowering your vote and helping those in your community vote as well. Watch here. The second webinar is looking ahead beyond November 3rd into 2021 and the cycle of advocacy that must continue even after the votes have been counted. Watch here.

Uniting Against the Epidemics of Racism and Gun Violence: Rebecca Linder Blachly, director of the Office of Government Relations, speaks on this webinar sponsored by Bishops United Against Gun Violence for an online conversation with key gun violence prevention partners. Together we’ll explore how the intersection of racism, gun violence, and the COVID-19 pandemic informs our Christian obligation to vote faithfully. Watch here.

Advocacy Tools for Loving Your Neighbor: This training event was jointly hosted by The Episcopal Church and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, and explored the nature of faith-based advocacy, what issues to speak on, and the ways to make one’s voice heard. This event had contributions from both Presiding Bishop Michael B. Curry and Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton. A recording of the event is available here.

Absalom Jones Reimagining Policing: This three-part webinar series was hosted by the Absalom Jones Center for Racial Healing and discussed the ongoing mass incarceration and police brutality that has resulted in the deaths of many Black and brown men, women, and children and that has called us as people of faith to reimagine the role of policing today. Two members of our office participated in part three of this series on the role and impact of disinformation in our society today.

Love God, Love Neighbor: June marked the Episcopal Month of Action on immigration issues. Along with Episcopal Migration Ministries, the Office of Government Relations hosted three webinars that make up a series to learn and advocate with and on behalf of immigrants, DACA recipients, refugees, and asylum seekers. The three webinars can be accessed here.

Walking in Welcome: Ministry Opportunities for Congregations: Aired live on October 8th, this webinar is a part of Episcopal Migration Ministries’ series for congregations interested in supporting and walking alongside asylum seekers, in partnership with the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America (ELCA) and Lutheran Family Services of the Rocky Mountains (LFSRM). Watch the recording here.

Immigrant Detention during COVID-19: Prophetic Action and Compassionate Response: The Episcopal Church’s Office of Government Relations and Episcopal Migration Ministries gathered clergy and lay experts from the Dioceses of Georgia, Ohio, and Western Louisiana to discuss practical actions that anyone can take to speak out for and respond with compassion to the needs of our siblings in detention. The presentation provides viewers with an understanding of our country’s immigration detention system, including reports of inhumane conditions and privately-owned prison facilities; an understanding of the reasons immigrants may be detained and how they may be released; and, a discussion of the current situation in detention facilities during COVID-19. A recording of the event is available here.

Responding to Racist Violence Sermon from Presiding Bishop Michael Curry: In this time of national upheaval, outrage, and fear, The Episcopal Church’s Department of Reconciliation, Justice and Creation Care and the Office of Government Relations have assembled resources to assist individuals, congregations, and communities seeking to LEARN, PRAY and ACT. Watch the Presiding Bishop’s sermon and access other resources to learn, pray, and act here.

An Interfaith Reflection on the ADA: 30 Years Later: The Interfaith Disability Advocacy Coalition’s (IDAC) virtual prayer event, conversation, and call to action with faith leaders in celebration of the 30th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). OGR’s Lindsey Warburton contributes to this important event. Watch here.