November 16, 2007

The Episcopal Public Policy Network (EPPN) is calling on Episcopalians to contact their Senators and urge them to support legislation S. 1668, the Gulf Coast Housing Recovery Act of 2007.

An EPPN alert, which is emailed to more than 16,000 Episcopalians and religious advocates, said: "In the wake of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, Episcopalians across the country mobilized and responded in prayer, financial support and direct service to those in need in the Gulf Coast. Sadly many needs in the Gulf Coast remain unmet. Even more tragic, those who were poor and vulnerable before the storms have continued to be neglected in the recovery process."

The legislation (S. 1668), which passed the House as H. 1227 with strong bipartisan support, "is an opportunity for concerned Episcopalians across the nation to give the Gulf Coast a tremendous boost with our voices," the EPPN alert said. "The Senate could soon consider S. 1668, which will help ensure that all residents – homeowners, renters, first-time homebuyers and public housing residents alike – have a way to come home. Episcopalians and people of faith are doing our part; we must encourage our Government to fulfill its commitment to Gulf Coast Rebuilding."

At its September 19-25 meeting in New Orleans, the House of Bishops called upon Congress to fulfill its moral obligation "to create a new vision for recovery of the Gulf Coast." The EPPN alert says that S. 1668 provides an important foundation for that vision.

"We believe that the restoration of the Gulf Coast is an American opportunity to restore one corner of God's creation to greater wholeness," the bishops said.

Support the Gulf Coast Housing Recovery Act at http://www.episcopalchurch.org/3654_91886_ENG_HTM.htm.

Further information about EPPN is available at http://www.episcopalchurch.org/eppn.htm.

EPPN represents the social policies of the church established by the General Convention and Executive Council, including issues of international peace and justice, human rights, immigration, welfare, poverty, hunger, health care, violence, civil rights, the environment, racism and issues involving women and children.

Episcopal News Service