On
Thursday, Jan. 23, the Virginia Interfaith Center for Public Policy
will sponsor an Episcopal Day at the State Capitol in Richmond. This is
an opportunity for people of faith to learn how the General Assembly
functions. Attendees will spend time in conversation with delegates and
others knowledgeable about the General Assembly, and will also receive
briefings on a number of issues at play in the legislature.
The
Virginia Interfaith Center is a nonpartisan coalition of faith
communities that works to create progressive public policy by engaging
people of faith about the call to advocacy. As Episcopalians, we have a
unique voice to lend to issues of the day, particularly when it comes to
matters of social justice. The Episcopal Church General Convention has
passed a number of resolutions that call for dioceses to take action and
reach out to their state and federal legislators. Episcopal Day will be
an opportunity for us to strengthen that voice and learn how to be
effective advocates in the name of Jesus Christ.
Episcopal
Day will take place from 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m. on Jan. 23, with lunch
provided. A light breakfast and lunch will be provided for a donation of
$14/person, payable to St. Paul's Episcopal Church. Schedule of the day's events:
- 8:30 a.m. - Gather at St. Paul's, 815. E. Grace St., Norwood Room
- 8:45 a.m. - Welcome and Opening Prayer
- 9 a.m. - Policy Briefings from VICPP
- 10:30 a.m. - Move to the General Assembly Building
- 10:45 a.m. - Visit with Legislators
- 11:45 a.m. - Gathering in the Galleries of the House and Senate
- 12 p.m. - Observe House and/or Senate session
- 12:30 p.m. - Return to St. Paul's
- 1 p.m. - Lunch catered by Boaz & Ruth (vegetarian options available)
- 1:45 p.m. - Debriefing, Closing Prayer
