B029 Reaffirmation of Jubilee Ministries
Resolved, the House of Deputies concurring,
That the 79th General Convention reaffirm the Jubilee Ministry Program established by the 67th General Convention as a ministry of joint discipleship in Christ with poor and oppressed people, whenever they are found, to meet basic human needs and to build a just society as an incarnational expression of the core mission of the church; and be it further
Resolved, That training be provided to center staff and Diocesan Jubilee Officers (DJOs) in the biblical roots of the Jubilee movement and how to connect with the Jesus Movement work of racial reconciliation and economic and environmental justice work; and be if further
Resolved, That the Executive Council recognize the Jubilee Ministries as the most effective “outreach arm” of the Church and continue designations of Jubilee Centers in a timely and scheduled manner; and be it further
Resolved, That Jubilee Centers enhance the work by engaging the Asset Map, Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD), the Jesus Movement and offering their ministries as models for others; and be it further,
Resolved, That Program, Budget and Finance be directed to allocate $60,000 to support staffing, and nurturing and expanding the network of DJOs and the network of Jubilee Centers.
Explanation
Due to no fault of current administrative staff, a once vital network of over 600 Jubilee Ministry Centers supported by a network of Jubilee Ministry Officers and church center staff has been allowed to atrophy. Funding is available for grants but staff support is inadequately funded. The processes of appointing DJOs and certifying new centers are not working. Communications with and among centers and with and among DJOs need to be strengthened. This work should be seen as part of the formation work involved in the Jesus Movement. Jubilee is in the forefront of the movement in the Episcopal Church to alleviate poverty. The vision of the current administration to integrate it with other efforts such as the Poor People’s Campaign and justice work should be encouraged.