The 1988 General Convention marked a high point in the evolution of a consensus on the role of economic justice ministries in the life of the Episcopal Church. Resolution 1988 (C030) established and funded a ministry for community-controlled economic development programs for the disadvantaged, and urged the Church at every level to support this ministry. This “Michigan Plan” led to the establishment of the Community Development Loan Fund. Another aftermath was the establishment of ENEJ in 1996.

The 2006 General Convention marks another high point in the evolution of thought and practice. General Convention approved Resolution D022 by the Rev. Randolph Dales (New Hampshire). By supporting the Millennium Development Goals of the United Nations in new ways the church made clear that our concerns for economic justice are global in scope.

The convention adopted three ENEJ initiated or related resolutions introduced by the Diocese of Newark delegation One (C012) commended the study of economic justice and an allocation of $7,000 for such study. Two resolutions related to worker justice. Resolution D047, proposed by the Rev. Sandye A. Wilson of Newark, supported the right of workers to form a union, the passage of “living wage” legislation, and the use of hotels that pay a living wage for General Convention. The other (C008) reaffirmed the right of workers to organize unions.

Several other resolutions endorsed by ENEJ were adopted.

 “The response to ENEJ’s presence at the convention surpassed the 2003 (Minneapolis) response five-fold,” said ENEJ President Michael Kendall. Delegates and visitors received over 200 copies of ENEJ’s new Economic Justice How-To Manual. ENEJ hosted a luncheon and a visit to a local Jubilee Center, Neighborhood House, Inc., which is transforming an entire neighborhood. 100 people wore ENEJ identifying buttons.

The ENEJ luncheon, at Trinity, Capitol Square included a keynote address by the Rev. Cn. Richard Gillett of Los Angeles on the subject of The New Globalization. The official unveiling of ENEJ’s new manual and a legislative briefing followed Gillett’s address. ENEJ’s convention brochure listed 22 economic justice resolutions before General Convention.

The Jubilee Ministry site visit was co-sponsored by the Office of Jubilee Ministries. Those who attended were inspired by the work of Alan Huff and other staff of Neighborhood House, Inc.  Their program included prenatal health, a business incubator, and microenterprise education.  The center also operates alcohol and drug treatment and youth and family services.

“We believe the very best way to strengthen our neighborhood is to work with our families,” says the agency’s brochure.

Other ENEJ activities during convention were getting the manual posted on the web site, writing daily articles for the Consultation’s Issues paper, and networking with other organizations, which have an economic justice concern.