Resolved, the House of _________________concurring, That the Executive
Council in consultation with the Board of the Episcopal Society for
Ministry on Aging, Inc., consider what response the National Church should
make financially and programmatically to the enormous increase expected
in the aging population in the Church, the country, and the world,
including the possibility of an Office on Aging with appropriate staff and
budget and be it further
Resolved that this study be completed and a plan developed and implemented
by December 31, 2001 and the results communicated to the 74th General
Convention in 2003.
Explanation:
1. From 1964 until the present, The Episcopal Society for Ministry on
Aging (ESMA), has been responsible for the development and support of
ministries on aging through a network of volunteer laity and clergy. They
served the spiritual, mental and physical needs of older persons while
fostering the use of their unique gifts and talents for contributions to
the Church and to society. In addition to those who are infirm and need
support, housing and medical attention, there is an increasingly large
number of healthy older people with the vitality and desire to continue
actively participating in their churches and in society.
2. Due to loss of funding by the National Church and insufficient outside
revenue to keep the programmatic work of the Society functioning
effectively, ESMA found it necessary to let go of all paid staff and
office space. Despite loyal volunteer staff assistance and severe budget
reductions, drastic cuts had to be made in ESMA's activities. Support from
the National Church in terms of financial and programmatic assistance are
essential to developing a vigorous and visionary plan of action for the
future.
Proposer: The Rev. Canon Anne W. Robbins,
Deputy from Southern Ohio
5 /24/00,
St. Patrick's Church,
7121 Muirfield Drive, Dublin, OH 43017.
Telephone: 614-766-2664.
Additional endorsement signatures are being obtained.
E-mail: arobbins@siscom.net
