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The Episcopal Diocese
of New York

1047 Amsterdam Avenue
New York, NY 10025
Tel: (212) 316-7400
info@dioceseny.org
 

Social Concerns

The following advocacy and outreach committees operate under the umbrella of and together form the Social Concerns Commission, which advocates, educates, and organizes on a range of social, economic, and political issues. The committees and task forces are generated through the bishops’ offices based upon the concerns of the diocesan community. Working with Diocesan Convention and our Bishops, the Commission strives to add the diocese’s voice to conversations in the public square through legislative advocacy, educational workshops, rallies, marches, and one-on-one engagement.  The Commission’s work is engaged in the context of the Biblical command to do justice, love mercy and walk humbly with God. For current leadership and contact information for these committees, please consult the current diocesan directory, or send email to mission@dioceseny.org

The Advocacy Committee

The Advocacy Committee is the place to bring campaigns and other actions that connect back to resolutions passed at Diocesan Convention. That can include joining campaigns, signing petitions, providing letters of support, or taking other actions on issues supported by the diocese.

Anti-Racism Committee

This ministry aims to educate clergy and laity about racial justice. The Committee offers anti-racism trainings several times a year in various locations throughout the diocese; organizes the annual Absalom Jones service; leads the Jonathan Daniels pilgrimage; and arranges book groups and speakers for the diocesan community. Visit the Anti-Racism page.

The Credit Union Task Force

The task force is establishing the charter and operations for the proposed New York Episcopal Federal Credit Union. The credit union will serve New York Episcopalians and those who receive services from our ministries with a missional focus for those with limited or no access to other banking services.

The Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault (DV & SA) Task Force

The committee offers training programs to recognize, prevent, and intervene to empower domestic violence or sexual assault victims. The committee develops resources of many kinds including brochures and signs to be distributed and posted in parishes with resources for victims of domestic violence. The committee joins campaigns to promote awareness and prevention. Visit the Task Force’s Page.

The Human Trafficking Committee

This committee creates and joins programs and campaigns to raise awareness about and work to end Human Trafficking. Visit the Human Trafficking Page.

Economic Justice

The committee works in partnership with Westchester IAF on campaigns to empower local communities as community organizers on issues of concern and action raised up by the community.

Environmental Committee

The ministry seeks to educate the people of the diocese about environmental issues, particularly what parishes and individuals can do to make our lives more sustainable and honoring of God’s creation.  The committee works on programming at the intersections of race, class, and environment, as well as offering programming and support for parishes seeking to transform their buildings and sites. Visit the Environment Committee’s Page.

The Pride Committee

This ministry promotes the visibility, equality and well-being of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning Episcopalians and their families in the diocese of New York. The Committee  coordinates the diocesan presence at the annual Pride march in New York City and organizes training on equity and inclusion. Visit the Pride Page

Prison Ministry Committee

The ministry aims to educate and advocate on all issues related to incarcerated persons and their families.

Reparations Committee

The ministry works to educate regarding slavery in the U.S. and its continuing effect.  The Committee produced a DVD documentary on the issues related to slavery and reparations and held a celebration of the 200th anniversary of the end of the slave trade in the U.S. at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine.  Go to the Reparations Committee pages.

 

Mission Office Contacts

The Rev. Yamily Bass-Choate
Liaison for Global Mission

Office: 212-316-7432
Fax: 212-932-7345
ybass-choate@dioceseny.org

The Rt. Rev. Mary D. Glasspool
Bishop Assistant

Office: 212-316-7442
bpglasspool@dioceseny.org

Ms. Michelle Chang
Executive Assistant to the Bishop Suffragan and the Assistant Bishop

Office: 212-316-7484
Fax: 212-316-7405
mchang@dioceseny.org

Documents and Resources