Tuesday, January 14, 2014

Virginia Interfaith Center for Public Policy hosts Episcopal Day at State Capitol


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
Parking is extremely limited during the General Assembly. Please try the following options: Central Parking System, 101 N. 6th St; Central Parking System, 700 E. Franklin St.; CityParking Inc., 801 E Main St #1002. For more information or to register, please e-mail news@thediocese.net