NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Church Pension Group (CPG), a financial services organization that serves The Episcopal Church and its people, in partnership with The Episcopal Church Foundation (ECF) and Episcopal Relief & Development, hosted a three-day wellness conference for clergy, lay employees, and lay leaders of the Diocese of Ecuador Litoral who were impacted by the April earthquake. CPG covered the cost of attendance for clergy who participate in the benefits programs it offers, and financial support from ECF and Episcopal Relief & Development made it possible to expand the conference to include lay employees and lay leaders in the diocese.
The three-day conference, which took place from July 21 to July 24 in Guayaquil, Ecuador, addressed the psychological, physical, and spiritual needs of attendees who were affected by the earthquake that killed more than 650 individuals and displaced more than 30,000 people. It also offered them assistance in developing coping skills that they can utilize as they continue to minister and serve those impacted by the earthquake.
“The Diocese of Ecuador Litoral was at the epicenter of this devastating earthquake, and we were fortunate to be able to collaborate with other Episcopal Church organizations on a wellness conference for those who were on the frontline and experienced the devastation firsthand,” said Mary Kate Wold, CPG Chief Executive Officer and President. “We hope this conference provided them the support they needed and further assists them in their ongoing efforts to minister and serve the community.”
ECF President Donald V. Romanik commented, “We are inspired by the tireless efforts of the people of the Diocese of Ecuador Litoral and hope that this conference has helped to begin the healing process for all our brothers and sisters in the region. We are proud to have been able to help involve lay leaders in this experience of transformation and positive change.”
Episcopal Relief & Development President Robert W. Radtke remarked, “Great things are possible when we come together as a community, and this conference was designed to help those who serve the Church in their efforts to rebuild their communities devastated by the earthquake.”
The Rt. Rev. Alfredo Morante, Bishop of the Diocese of Ecuador Litoral, said, “We are extremely grateful to be the beneficiaries of this support from the Church Pension Group, Episcopal Church Foundation, and Episcopal Relief & Development. Our clergy, lay employees, and lay leaders benefited greatly from this conference and will utilize what they learned as they continue to serve those impacted by the April earthquake.”
About The Church Pension Fund
The Church Pension Fund (CPF) is an independent financial services organization that serves The Episcopal Church. With approximately $12 billion in assets, CPF and its affiliated companies, collectively the Church Pension Group (CPG), provide retirement, health, and life insurance benefits to clergy and lay employees of The Episcopal Church. CPG also offers property and casualty insurance as well as book and music publishing, including the official worship materials of The Episcopal Church. Learn more at cpg.org
About The Episcopal Church Foundation
The Episcopal Church Foundation (ECF) is a lay-led and independent organization, serving the Episcopal Church since 1949. ECF partners with congregations, dioceses, and other Episcopal faith communities, empowering them to engage in strategic visioning and planning, develop effective lay and clergy leadership teams, and raise financial resources for ministry. ECF’s programs, products, and services help congregations respond to the changing needs of The Episcopal Church in the 21st century. Learn more at episcopalfoundation.org
About Episcopal Relief & Development
For over 75 years, Episcopal Relief & Development has served as a compassionate response to human suffering in the world. The agency works with more than 3 million people in nearly 40 countries worldwide to overcome poverty, hunger, and disease through multi-sector programs, using the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as a framework. An independent 501(c)(3) organization, it works closely with Anglican Communion and ecumenical partners to help communities create long-term development strategies and rebuild after disasters. Learn more at episcopalrelief.org
