Episcopal Relief and Development (ERD) http://www.er-d.org/
Ron and Toni Noah, Co-Coordinators harimau@thenoahs.net

            Episcopal Relief and Development (ERD), as the official relief and development agency of the Episcopal Church, provides emergency assistance in times of disaster; rebuilds devastated communities and offers long-term program development solutions to fight poverty.  

            ERD’s mandate is found in Matthew 25: 37-40:

                    “For I was hungry and you gave me food,

                    I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink,

                    I was a stranger and you welcomed me,

                    I was naked and you gave me clothing,

                    I was sick and you took care of me,

                    I was in prison and you visited me…

                    Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the

                    Least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me.”

            As the official relief and development agency of the Episcopal Church, ERD receives support from the National Episcopal Church through in-kind contributions which keeps administrative overhead low.  The contributions of the National Church mean that 92 cents from each dollar that ERD receive goes directly towards its programs.  This ratio is phenomenal as most other organizations send on average about 75% of their gifts into program. 

            All of Episcopal and Relief and Development’s international programs are now designed to address the Millennium Development Goals. In the fall of 2007, ERD is launching the MDG Inspiration Fund, in partnership with Jubilee Ministries and the Executive Council of the Episcopal Church, to raise $3 million to fight malaria and other preventable diseases. Over the next two years, from 2007-2009, the Executive Council has designated $924,000 and ERD will identify additional contributions to reach a goal of $1 million for the MDG Inspiration Fund. The $1 million will be used to inspire individuals, congregations and dioceses to contribute $2 million with the aim of raising a total of $3 million by 2009.

            Episcopalians can most effectively achieve the MDGs through ERD, which works through provincial and diocesan Anglican program partners worldwide. ERD carefully monitors these programs to ensure their effectiveness.

            Congregations can choose a variety of ways to support the work of Episcopal Relief and Development.  Direct, unrestricted donations are always important as they allow the Board of Directors immediate access to funds so they can grant money in emergency relief situations, as well as for development needs.  Other means include donating funds designated to a particular area of need, selecting from the GIFTS FOR LIFE catalog, or purchasing Bishops Blend Coffee.  (Bishops Blend is a fair traded, shade grown, product, provided by a non-profit company, Pura Vida.)