EpiscoPols

Support the American Dream and Promise Act

Mon, 03 Nov 2025 17:50:00 -0000

This ⁠podcast⁠ from the church’s Office of Government Relations aims to help educate, equip, and inspire Episcopalians to weave public policy advocacy into their personal lives and church communities.

In Season 4, Episode 6, policy advisor Troy Collazo talks with host Alan Yarborough about ways to support proposed legislation that offers a pathway to citizenship for DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) recipients and “Dreamers.”

Host: Alan Yarborough, Director of Government Relations and Global Partnerships

Speaker: Troy Collazo, Policy Advisor for the Office of Government Relations

New episodes come out each Monday. Subscribe to EpiscoPols on ⁠Apple Podcasts⁠, ⁠Spotify⁠.⁠⁠⁠ ⁠Listen to the podcast and find shownotes and resources here,⁠⁠⁠⁠ or watch the video on YouTube ⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Next Steps

Take action: https://www.votervoice.net/EPISCOPAL/Campaigns/123317/Respond
Register for the Episcopal Church Immigration Updates - Every Tuesday 1:00-1:30p.m. ET: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJMlfu6qqjIpHdav-xm_G83OMLdkNV7YKZas#/registration
Register for the Office of Government Relations Weekly Network Call - Every Thursday 1:00-1:30p.m. ET: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJwkcemtrz0jHNMX0okGlkW1lTiNDUIysNLQ#/registration
Learn more: iam.ec/OGR

Resolution Links

2024-C031: Migration with Dignity https://digitalarchives.episcopalarchives.org/cgi-bin/acts/acts_resolution.pl?resolution=2024-C031
2018-D009: Set Forth Christian Principles to Guide Responses to Human Migration https://digitalarchives.episcopalarchives.org/cgi-bin/acts/acts_resolution.pl?resolution=2018-D009
2015-D079: Urge Church-Wide Assistance to Undocumented Persons https://digitalarchives.episcopalarchives.org/cgi-bin/acts/acts_resolution.pl?resolution=2015-D079
2012-D067: Support the DREAM Act https://digitalarchives.episcopalarchives.org/cgi-bin/acts/acts_resolution.pl?resolution=2012-D067
2009-B006: Advocate for Immigration Reform https://digitalarchives.episcopalarchives.org/cgi-bin/acts/acts_resolution.pl?resolution=2009-B006
1985-D113: Request Congress to Reform Immigration Legislation https://digitalarchives.episcopalarchives.org/cgi-bin/acts/acts_resolution.pl?resolution=1985-D113

Protect the Arctic Refuge

Mon, 27 Oct 2025 16:00:00 -0000

In Season 4, Episode 5, policy advisor Susie Faria talks with host Alan Yarborough about the ecological and cultural importance of the Arctic Refuge, how wildlife and Indigenous rights are threatened, and legislation aimed at permanently protecting the region, among other topics.

Host: Alan Yarborough, Director of Government Relations and Global Partnerships

Speaker: Susie Faria, Policy Advisor for the Office of Government Relations

Coming Nov. 3: ‘Support the American Dream and Promise Act’

Partner Organization Links

The Gwich’in Steering Committee: https://gwichinsteering.org/
Alaska Wilderness League: https://alaskawild.org/
National Religious Partnership for the Environment: http://www.nrpe.org/

Resolution Links

2015-C053: Support Subsistence Rights of Indigenous Cultures: https://digitalarchives.episcopalarchives.org/cgi-bin/acts/acts_resolution.pl?resolution=2015-C053
1991-D125: Oppose Oil Development in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge: https://digitalarchives.episcopalarchives.org/cgi-bin/acts/acts_resolution.pl?resolution=1991-D125

Support Global Nuclear Disarmament

Mon, 20 Oct 2025 14:00:00 -0000

This podcast from the church’s Office of Government Relations aims to help educate, equip, and inspire Episcopalians to weave public policy advocacy into their personal lives and church communities. In Season 4, Episode 4, policy advisor Susie Faria talks with host Alan Yarborough about the human and environmental impacts of nuclear exposure and testing and how the church advocates for disarmament.

Host: Alan Yarborough, Director of Government Relations and Global Partnerships

Speaker: Susie Faria, Policy Advisor for the Office of Government Relations

New episodes come out each Monday. Subscribe to EpiscoPols on Apple Podcasts, Spotify.⁠ Listen to the podcast and find shownotes and resources here,⁠ or watch the video on YouTube ⁠here ⁠.

Coming Oct. 27: 'Protect the Arctic refuge'

Next Steps

Learn more: iam.ec/OGR
Take Action: https://www.votervoice.net/EPISCOPAL/Campaigns/129387/Respond
Register for the Office of Government Relations Weekly Network Call - Every Thursday 1:00-1:30p.m. ET: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJwkcemtrz0jHNMX0okGlkW1lTiNDUIysNLQ#/registration
Register for the Episcopal Church Immigration Updates - Every Tuesday 1:00-1:30p.m. ET: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJMlfu6qqjIpHdav-xm_G83OMLdkNV7YKZas#/registration

Partner Organization Links

Back from the Brink: https://preventnuclearwar.org/
Episcopal Peace Fellowship - https://www.episcopalpeacefellowship.net/

Resolution Links

2022-C027: Endorse "Back from the Brink: A Call to Prevent Nuclear War” - https://digitalarchives.episcopalarchives.org/cgi-bin/acts/acts_resolution.pl?resolution=2022-C027
2009-D060: Dismantle US Nuclear Weapons and Explore a Nuclear Arms Moratorium - https://digitalarchives.episcopalarchives.org/cgi-bin/acts/acts_resolution.pl?resolution=2009-D060
1997-D022: Support the Goal of Total Nuclear Disarmament - https://digitalarchives.episcopalarchives.org/cgi-bin/acts/acts_resolution.pl?resolution=1997-D022

Say No to Expanding Immigration Detention

Mon, 13 Oct 2025 16:00:00 -0000

This podcast from the church’s Office of Government Relations aims to help educate, equip, and inspire Episcopalians to weave public policy advocacy into their personal lives and church communities. In Season 4, Episode 3, policy advisor Troy Collazo talks with host Alan Yarborough about the current state of immigration detention in the U.S. and how public support has shifted since the 2024 election, among other topics.

New episodes come out each Monday. Subscribe to EpiscoPols on Apple Podcasts, Spotify.

⁠
Listen to the podcast and find shownotes and resources here,⁠ or watch the video on YouTube ⁠here ⁠.

Coming Oct. 20: ‘Support global nuclear disarmament’

Partner Organizations and Community Engagement

The episode highlights collaboration with groups like Church World Service and the National Immigration Law Center, and encourages ecumenical partnerships to support immigrants and refugees at the local level.

Resolution Links

2022-D031: Advocate to End Immigrant Detention and Surveillance: https://digitalarchives.episcopalarchives.org/cgi-bin/acts/acts_resolution.pl?resolution=2022-D031
2018-A178: Denounce Inhumane Immigration Policies and Advocate on Behalf of Migrants: https://digitalarchives.episcopalarchives.org/cgi-bin/acts/acts_resolution.pl?resolution=2018-A178
2018-D029: Condemn Prolonged Solitary Confinement as a Form of Torture: https://digitalarchives.episcopalarchives.org/cgi-bin/acts/acts_resolution.pl?resolution=2018-D029
2009-B006: Advocate for Immigration Reform: https://digitalarchives.episcopalarchives.org/cgi-bin/acts/acts_resolution.pl?resolution=2009-B006

Ending Gun Violence

Mon, 06 Oct 2025 21:02:00 -0000

This podcast from The Episcopal Church's Office of Government Relations aims to help educate, equip, and inspire Episcopalians to weave public policy advocacy into their personal lives and church communities.

New episodes come out each Monday. Listen to the podcast and find shownotes and resources here, or watch the video on YouTube here.

Relevant Links

Action alert direct link: https://www.votervoice.net/EPISCOPAL/Campaigns/129092/Respond

Partner Organizations Links

Find Your Local Brady Chapter: https://www.bradyunited.org/take-action/join-movement/brady-chapters
Find Your Local Moms Demand Action Chapter: https://momsdemandaction.org/about/chapters/
Find Your Local NAACP Chapter: https://naacp.org/take-action/become-member
Rawtools: https://rawtools.org/swords-to-plowshares/
Be SMART: https://besmartforkids.org/secure-gun-storage/
Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: https://988lifeline.org/
Mental Health First Aid: https://www.mentalhealthfirstaid.org/population-focused-modules/adults/

Resolution Links

You can find a link to our listing of resolutions dealing with gun violence here.

How We Can Address Homelessness

Mon, 29 Sep 2025 16:54:00 -0000

Join host Alan Yarborough, director of government relations and global partnerships for The Episcopal Church, for Season 4 discussions about recent “action alerts” from the Episcopal Public Policy Network. This episode, featuring policy advisor Lindsey Delks, looks at the rise in homelessness; how housing intersects with health care, food access, and education; what Episcopal parishes are doing to help unhoused people; how you can take action to advocate for better programs; and more. New episodes come out each Monday.

Host: Alan Yarborough, Director of Government Relations and Global Partnerships

Speaker: Lindsey Delks, Policy Advisor for the Office of Government Relations

Relevant links

Action alert direct link: https://www.episcopalchurch.org/ministries/office-government-relations/action-alerts/

Partner organizations links

Habitat for Humanity: https://www.habitat.org/
National Low Income Housing Coalition https://nlihc.org/

Resolution links

2024-D057: Advocate for Housing Solutions: https://digitalarchives.episcopalarch...
2018-C041: Advocate for Policies Supporting Nutrition, Healthcare, Housing as Human Rights: https://digitalarchives.episcopalarch...

#TrustedInfo2024 - Getting Accurate Information About Elections

Mon, 17 Jun 2024 09:00:00 -0000

This episode of Episco-Pols features two guest speakers in conversation about the role of secretaries of state and how voters can get trusted information about the upcoming election. The Rev. Canon C.K. Robertson, canon to the presiding bishop for ministry beyond The Episcopal Church, interviews the current president of the National Association of Secretaries of State (NASS), the Honorable Scott Schwab of Kansas. NASS is the nation's oldest, nonpartisan professional organization for public officials. Their president is elected from within the membership, and each term alternates political party affiliation. How might a secretary of state play an important role in our country’s election? Listen to the episode to find out.

NASS has also continued their “Trusted Info” initiative this year with #TrustedInfo2024 to help voters connect to their local election officials and learn trusted, accurate information about our country’s elections. We hope you will make use of their resources and recommendations this election.

The Office of Government Relations aims to represent the policy priorities of The Episcopal Church to the U.S. government in Washington, D.C., and to influence policy and legislation on critical issues, highlighting the voices and experiences of Episcopalians and Anglicans globally. The office facilitates the Episcopal Public Policy Network, a grassroots network of Episcopalians engaged in the ministry of public policy advocacy.

Links:

Election Engagement Resources including the Vote Faithfully toolkit and the Election Activators volunteer application
National Association of Secretaries of State
#TrustedInfo2024
The Office of Government Relations
Internship Program

Getting Ready to Vote Early!

Tue, 21 May 2024 18:06:00 -0000

Getting Ready to Vote Early!

Tune in to hear from Bryce Bennett, executive director of Vote Early Day, about how this organization and the civic holiday it represents can help you in your personal efforts to vote and in boosting your church’s impact on voting in your area. Vote Early Day is October 29th, a moment to celebrate opportunities to cast our votes early, taking advantage where we can of early voting that can minimize the chances of unexpected disruptions preventing us from voting on Election Day.

The Episcopal Church through the Office of Government Relations is an official partner of Vote Early Day once again this year, building upon years of collaboration celebrating democracy and encouraging early voting across the United States.

The Office of Government Relations represents the policy priorities of The Episcopal Church to the U.S. government in Washington, D.C., and influences policy and legislation on critical issues, highlighting the voices and experiences of Episcopalians and Anglicans globally. The office facilitates the Episcopal Public Policy Network, a grassroots network of Episcopalians engaged in the ministry of public policy advocacy.

Links:

Churches as Polling Sites

Tue, 07 May 2024 09:00:00 -0000

Episcopal churches can not only motivate people to vote through individual outreach, but they can also play integral roles in the processes that make our election happen. A parish serving as a polling site can be a critical way to help make voting more accessible. Serving as a polling site is also a helpful way to have a visible impact in our communities. While particularities will vary by state and location, the overall process can be surprisingly easy and is centered on forming important relationships around your community.

In this episode, we speak with Antoinette Cheney, parish administrator at Saint John’s Episcopal Church in Memphis, Tenn., a parish that has served as a polling site in the past and plans to again in 2024. She will explore the details of how this process impacted the parish and offer inspiration for others considering this action.

Links:

Election Protection in Action

Thu, 25 Apr 2024 09:00:00 -0000

Our guest speaker is Armani Eady, a national organizer from the Voting Rights Project at the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, where she is a part of the non-partisan coalition, Election Protection. Ms. Eady speaks about Election Protection’s crucial role in the 2024 U.S. election. You will learn how you can collaborate to ensure confidence in the electoral process, including year-round non-partisan voter protection.

The Voting Rights Project features a network of over 400 coalition members and a suite of voter protection hotlines, including 866-OUR-VOTE. From aiding voters in polling places to countering disinformation, Election Protection is dedicated to safeguarding the democratic process. Through our office, The Episcopal Church is a national partner.

Links:

Vote Faithfully: Setting the Stage for Elections

Thu, 11 Apr 2024 09:00:00 -0000

The 2024 U.S. election season is well underway, as is our Episcopal election engagement, yet much remains to be done and much will unfold in the coming months. In our first installment for season 3 of Episco-pols, we set the stage for what it means to vote and vote faithfully. Rebecca and Alan explore aspects of election engagement, emerging concerns for this year, how Episcopalians can get involved, and why it is important to embody healthy, faith-informed civic engagement.

Speakers: Rebecca Linder Blachly, director, Office of Government Relations, and Alan Yarborough, church relations officer, Office of Government Relations

The Office of Government Relations represents the policy priorities of The Episcopal Church to the U.S. government in Washington, D.C., and to influence policy and legislation on critical issues, highlighting the voices and experiences of Episcopalians and Anglicans globally. The office facilitates the Episcopal Public Policy Network, a grassroots network of Episcopalians engaged in the ministry of public policy advocacy.

Links:

PEPFAR: A Conversation with OGR and Tom Hart

Tue, 07 Nov 2023 05:00:00 -0000

In this special episode, we’re in conversation with Tom Hart, President of the ONE Campaign and former Director of The Episcopal Church’s Office of Government Relations. We discuss the U.S. President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), the role of the faith community in the success of this program, and the urgent need for reauthorization. He will share his insights on the program and share his perspective on what steps must be taken to ensure that progress is not erased.

About PEPFAR: In 2003, President George W. Bush launched PEPFAR, elevating the prevention and treatment of HIV/AIDS as a foreign policy priority. The faith community was instrumental in the development of this program, and we have continued to play a critical role in its success. PEPFAR has saved more than 25 million lives and fundamentally changed the course of the global HIV/AIDS pandemic. PEPFAR’s authorization expired on September 30, and reauthorization is needed.

Tom Hart is President of the ONE Campaign. Tom has been with ONE since 2003 and most recently served as acting CEO while Gayle Smith was on leave at the U.S. State Department. Tom has years of experience in driving the fight to end extreme poverty, a deep knowledge of and experience in making change happen, and an undying commitment to ONE’s mission. Prior to serving as acting CEO, Tom was the North American executive director, where he oversaw ONE’s advocacy in the United States and Canada, as well as ONE’s global campaign against the COVID-19 pandemic. Tom has been part of the adoption of significant initiatives to support global health, increase electrification and private sector investment in Africa, and raise billions of dollars in poverty-fighting assistance. Previously, Tom was the senior director of government relations at ONE. Before joining ONE, Tom was the director of government relations for The Episcopal Church.

MENTIONED IN THIS PODCAST:

Get Ready for the 2024 Election!

Tue, 31 Oct 2023 09:00:00 -0000

Episcopal Election Activators is a volunteer program leading the church’s voter engagement efforts around the U.S.! Tune in to this episode to learn more about them, what’s expected if you sign up, and details for joining. Voter engagement is not just about making sure Episcopalians vote - it's also a matter of the church serving our broader community in helping facilitate participation in our elections.

MENTIONED IN THIS PODCAST:

What Has the Church Said on U.S. Foreign Policy?

Tue, 17 Oct 2023 09:00:00 -0000

Did you know The Episcopal Church is part of the third largest Christian body in the world—the Anglican Communion—and that we have a lot of policy positions on foreign policy matters? Join Patricia Kisare, our legislative representative for international policy, in a review from the broad to the regional in our U.S. foreign policy engagement.

MENTIONED IN THIS PODCAST:

What Has the Church Said on the Environment?

Tue, 03 Oct 2023 09:00:00 -0000

As we mark the Season of Creation and the feast of St. Francis, we sat down for a discussion with Susie Faria, our policy analyst for environmental advocacy. She leads us in a review from the broad to the specific in our engagement to protect the environment at the scale needed to address today’s challenges; our discussion includes the importance of environmental justice that addresses the concerns of the most marginalized, who are often most affected by environmental degradation.

MENTIONED IN THIS PODCAST:

What Has the Church Said on Immigration?

Tue, 19 Sep 2023 09:00:00 -0000

In this first in a series of episodes this season, we are again joined by Lindsey Warburton to talk about the resolutions of The Episcopal Church that pertain to immigration, migration, and refugees. Yes, we are actively engaged in advocating for legislation and policy change in the U.S. government today, but what forms the basis for our positions in that process? Join to learn more about what the church’s governing and legislative bodies have said about immigration over nearly a century of speaking out about immigration reform. We hope this episode is helpful to listeners as the church gears up for its 2024 General Convention in Louisville.

MENTIONED IN THIS PODCAST:

Two Years Later: Fulfilling Our Promise to Our Afghan Allies and Neighbors

Tue, 05 Sep 2023 09:00:00 -0000

Two years after the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan, much remains to be done to provide permanent safety and security for our Afghan allies, refugees, and their families both in the United States and abroad. Despite large-scale efforts on behalf of resettlement agencies, faith communities, and others to welcome this community, Afghans in the United States lack a path to permanent residency and Afghans abroad remain at risk of persecution and harm. The Episcopal Church and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America present this amazing panel about the current status of Afghan resettlement, the situation of those who were left behind, updates on the Afghan Adjustment Act, and how people of faith can continue to support Afghans and advocate for policy to help them.

Speakers include: Dario Lipovac, Refugee Services Director, Interfaith Ministries for Greater Houston; Campbell Dunsmore, Policy and Advocacy Officer, International Rescue Committee; Lans Rothfusz, Norman Coalition for Refugees; Giovana Oaxaca, Program Director, Migration Policy, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America; and Lindsey Warburton, Policy Advisor, Office of Government Relations, The Episcopal Church.

MENTIONED IN THIS PODCAST:

Coming Soon: Episco-Pols, Season 2

Wed, 30 Aug 2023 13:48:37 -0000

Advocacy As Evangelism

Thu, 29 Jun 2023 20:00:00 -0000

Not an episode about the A word and the E word! Yes, advocacy AND evangelism in the same space, but don’t let that scare you. Jerusalem Greer from the Office of Evangelism and Discipleship joins us to explore the concept of evangelism (as The Episcopal Church approaches it) and how advocacy folds into that part of carrying out our faith. We talk about story sharing, making biscuits, Good News Gardening, and more as we emphasize the importance of relationship building to our faith and to influencing policy and legislation.

MENTIONED IN THIS PODCAST:

Register for and learn more about It’s All About Love
Good News Gardens
The Office of Evangelism and Discipleship
The Office of Government Relations

FAQs About Advocacy

Thu, 22 Jun 2023 09:00:00 -0000

We get a lot of questions from Episcopalians (and want more! Send your questions our way to eppn@episcopalchurch.org), so we thought it would be helpful to do a brief FAQ episode covering just a few of these. Check out this episode to hear what folks often ask us about and how we respond.

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Rules and Regulations – The “Unseen” Work of Advocacy

Thu, 25 May 2023 18:00:00 -0000

Opportunities for advocacy abound far beyond Congress if you just know where to look. Join Lindsey Warburton, our immigration and refugee policy advisor, as she talks about the basics of rules and regulations, how they matter in the immigration space, and why this is an important area to engage in as an advocate.

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Faith and Citizenship: A Guide to Effective Advocacy

Thu, 11 May 2023 15:00:00 -0000

Effective advocacy means taking a long-view approach to structural change and problem solving in our community. It also centers relationship building with government officials for the sake of bringing our personal and church gifts to the table to address issues in our communities and around the world. The Faith and Citizenship Guide is a resource from the Office of Government Relations that can help you improve your advocacy. Tune in to this conversation for a glimpse at this great resource.

MENTIONED IN THIS PODCAST:

Faith and Citizenship Guide

Taking Stock of U.S. Engagement in Africa Webinar

Thu, 27 Apr 2023 09:00:00 -0000

Following the Biden Administration’s 2022 Africa Summit, just the second in history, there is a renewed focus on U.S. foreign policy in Africa. During this episode, a recording of a recent webinar, we explore the history of U.S. government engagement in Africa and reflect on ways to strengthen U.S.-Africa relations. Please join our international policy advisor, Patricia Kisare, and The Episcopal Church’s Africa partnerships officer, the Rev. Daniel N. Karanja, for this enlightening conversation and opportunities for further engagement.

MENTIONED IN THIS PODCAST:

Discover more about The Episcopal Church’s Office of Government Relations and the Episcopal Public Policy Network.
Learn about The Episcopal Church’s Office of Global Partnerships, including the YASC and EVIM missionary programs.

The Farm Bill: U.S. Domestic Perspective

Thu, 13 Apr 2023 09:00:00 -0000

This week, Alan Yarborough interviews Office of Government Relations (OGR) policy advisor Rushad Thomas about the Farm Bill. They discuss our federal food assistance programs, ways to make the programs better, and potential threats to the programs from Capitol Hill. Alan asks Rushad why The Episcopal Church cares so much about feeding the hungry, and Rushad bids OGR farewell as he prepares to transition out of his position. You don’t want to miss it!

MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

Act now through our Action Alerts.
Join the Episcopal Public Policy Network today!
Explore our r esources to improve your advocacy.

The Episcopal Church and Federal Advocacy

Thu, 30 Mar 2023 09:00:00 -0000

In our first episode of Episco-pols, we begin with the basics—who we are, what we represent, and how you can get involved. If you’ve just recently learned of our office, please consider this an invitation for you to get involved. If you’ve been a part of the EPPN for some time, even as a “green postcard person,” we hope this episode provides perspective you weren’t aware of, and perspective you can use to help bring more Episcopalians into our network.

MENTIONED IN THIS PODCAST:

Act now through our Action Alerts.
Join the Episcopal Public Policy Network today!
Explore our resources to improve your advocacy.

Coming Soon: Episco-Pols

Wed, 15 Mar 2023 16:00:00 -0000