Episcopal Relief & Development Responds to Flooding in Pakistan

Episcopal Relief & Development will be contributing through the ACT Alliance's general appeal for those affected by the recent flooding in Pakistan. Disaster response activities will help vulnerable people in the provinces of Khyber Pakhtoonkhwa, Balochistan and Sindh. Donations can be sent through ERD.

After three weeks of what appear to be the heaviest monsoon rains in 35 years, over a third of Pakistan is now under water. This flooding is the worst natural disaster in the country's history. Beginning in the northern part of the country, the waters are continuing to move downstream, affecting major parts of the country in the south as well. According to recent estimates, nearly 14 million people are affected, and the figures are rising. The death toll has reached over 1,600 and around 2 million people are homeless. "The scale of this disaster is tremendous," said Nagulan Nesiah, the International Program Officer overseeing Episcopal Relief & Development's response. "Especially for those who are more at risk in a disaster, like women, children, the elderly and people with disabilities, the need for relief is great."

Additionally, Episcopal Relief & Development is in touch with the Diocese of Peshawar of the Church of Pakistan. There are Episcopal Relief & Development funds available in the Diocese which are being redirected for flood assistance to 1,340 families in affected areas where the church has a presence and can deliver assistance. We continue to offer our prayers and stand in solidarity with their efforts.

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Congregations in Good Standing

The diocese is moving toward establishing Congregation in Good Standing as the standard for participation in all aspects of the governance of the diocese, from applying for a grant or loan to speaking and voting at Diocesan Convention. In brief, a Congregation in Good Standing is current in all of its diocesan financial and reporting responsibilities, e.g. parochial report including Net Disposable Income, audit, assessment and loan repayments. To get more information read the letter from Bishop Rickel.

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Canon for Multicultural Ministries Jerry Shigaki announces departure

The Rev. Canon Jerry Shigaki recently announced plans to leave his position effective Dec. 31, 2010. A member of the bishop's staff since September 2000, Shigaki came to the decision after a long discernment process. He is looking forward to spending time with his grandchildren, hiking and listening for where God might call him next. Read more about Shigaki's decision and ministry here.

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Diocese of Olympia fulfills commitment to We Will Stand With You and COTA

On May 21, Canon for Planned Giving/Stewardship and Evangelism Carl Knirk sent a check for $30,000 to St. Paul’s Church and School, New Orleans, fulfilling the pledge made five years ago to raise $500,000 toward Hurricane Katrina relief efforts. Click here to read the letter and here for the letter from Bishop Rickel.

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Bishop Rickel responds to Arizona Immigration Law

To the Good People of the Diocese of Olympia,

I write regarding current events in the state of Arizona and particularly the passage of SB1070 there, which has struck much fear and concern, most especially in our immigrant communities. The value which we hold as Christians of everyone being a child of God, does not match this new law. The Episcopal Church's policy regarding the hope for comprehensive immigration reform, and the humane treatment of those that have been detained, is very clear. I stand with you in the hope for comprehensive immigration reform. I stand with you in the belief that local police should be available to keep all families safe without discrimination. The Episcopal Church and the Bishop in the Diocese of Arizona are working in solidarity with the immigrant community and immigrant rights organizations to prevent SB1070 from actually taking effect. I will attempt to keep you informed as these efforts proceed and as opportunities present themselves for action on our part.

Until then, please know you, and the fears and concerns surrounding this development are in my prayers.

Faithfully,
The Rt. Rev. Gregory Rickel
Bishop of Olympia

Al Pueblo Santo de la Diócesis de Olimpia,

Estoy escribiendo a cerca de los eventos en el estado de Arizona y especialmente del proyecto de ley SB1070 de allí, que ha causado mucho miedo y preocupación en nuestras comunidades de inmigrantes. Esta nueva ley va en contra de nuestros principios y valores como Cristianos, en que creemos que todos somos hijos e hijas de Dios. La Iglesia Episcopal ha pronunciado claramente sobre su esperanza para una reforma comprensiva a las leyes de inmigración, y sobre la necesidad de un trato humano a todos los detenidos. Estoy en solidaridad con ustedes en esperanza de una reforma migratoria comprensiva. Comparto con ustedes la idea de que la policía local debe de estar listos y prestos para guardar la seguridad de todas las familias sin distinción ni discriminación. La Iglesia Episcopal y el Obispo de la Diócesis de Arizona están trabajando en solidaridad con la comunidad inmigrante y con organizaciones para la defensa de los derechos de los inmigrantes para que esta ley nunca entre en vigencia. Yo les mantendré informados acerca de esos esfuerzos y cuando se presenten oportunidades para acción por parte nuestra.

Hasta entonces, sepan que ustedes, con el miedo y la preocupación de esta situación, están en mis oraciones.

Fielmente,
El Reverendísimo Gregory Rickel
Obispo de Olimpia