Stories

I feel very strongly about foot washing. My feelings around foot washing are not particularly popular. There is around me a certain pressure to give people space, a feeling that I should not insist that people who show up to church on Maundy Thursday participate, that people should be made to feel invited and comfortable, that foot washing in the times of Jesus had a cultural meaning that western Christians cannot truly appreciate, etc., etc., and so we should just let it be. My gut reaction to all of these very hospitable solutions to the awkwardness of foot washing is to slyly roll my eyes and mutter under my breath, in a most fourteen year-old exaggerated tone, “What-ever.” 

Episcopal Relief & Development takes an integrated approach to the health and well-being of the those we partner with around the world. Our international partnerships address challenges in remote communities around the world, as well as in urban environments where extreme poverty persists. This World Health Day, we want to highlight some of our efforts in supporting unique, local, long-term initiatives that address the effects of hunger, poverty, disaster and disease.

Board member and Rector for the All Saints’ Episcopal Church Steven Paulikas sat down with Teri Lawver, Global Vice President of Johnson & Johnson Corporation and the new Board Chair of Episcopal Relief & Development. Teri shares stories of growing up Episcopalian and also talks about Episcopal Relief & Development’s focus on true, long-term change and impact.

As we begin our Lenten journey, Presiding Bishop Michael B. Curry reminds us of two remarkable aspects of Lent and connects us to The Way of Love.

Tamara Plummer, Program Officer for Asset Recognition, recounts her time in the Golden State late last year during and after the tense moments of the wildfires and Thousand Oaks shooting.

Outgoing Board Chair Neel Lane (Province VII) wraps up his eight-year term with a message for the New Year. The San Antonio-based attorney imparts final reflections on his journey with Episcopal Relief & Development, which took him from relief work in the US to a pilgrimage to Ghana. We thank him for his dedicated service to the organization and wish him all the best in his continuing work in 2019 and beyond.