Episcopal Relief & Development invites Episcopalians and people of all faith backgrounds to reflect on the question “Who is My Neighbor?” this Lent through the 2023 Lenten Meditations. This year’s reflections are written by the Rev. Robin Denney, rector of St. Mary’s Episcopal Church in Napa, California.

“The 2023 Lenten Meditations provide an opportunity for supporters to reflect deeply on Jesus’ call to love our neighbors as we love ourselves,” said Josephine Hicks, Vice President, Episcopal Church Programs, Episcopal Relief & Development. “Everything Episcopal Relief & Development does is inspired by our call to seek and serve Christ in all persons and to respect the dignity of every human being. The meditations ask us to reflect on what that means in practice.”

The Rev. Denney is deeply familiar with Episcopal Relief & Development’s work having served as a missionary in The Episcopal Church in Liberia and South Sudan, where she worked with the organization’s partners. Over the six weeks of Lent, she reflects on the themes of Humility, Care of Creation, Relational Faith, Restoration, See As God Sees, Hope and Salvation.

In addition to a downloadable booklet, this year’s meditations will also be available online at episcopalrelief.org/lent. New meditations will be posted each Sunday and readers will be invited to share their responses to weekly reflection questions related to each theme. As in past years, supporters may also subscribe to receive daily emails as well. 

Supporters are also invited to observe Episcopal Relief & Development Sunday on February 26, 2023, or another convenient time during the season. Lent was officially designated at the 2009 General Convention of The Episcopal Church as a time for dioceses, congregations and individuals to remember and support the work of Episcopal Relief & Development. Although the first Sunday in Lent is the official day of observance, churches may hold a special service on any Sunday. Liturgical resources to help congregations observe Episcopal Relief & Development Sunday are available at episcopalrelief.org/sunday.

“I am so grateful for the work of Episcopal Relief & Development to transform lives around the world,” said Julia Ayala Harris, President of the House of Deputies of The Episcopal Church. “At a time in our lives when we may feel more disconnected than ever, I hope all Episcopalians will spend time this Lent reflecting on our global community and join me in supporting the lasting change we can help make possible through the work of Episcopal Relief & Development.”

Read the Lenten Meditations and learn more about planning an Episcopal Relief & Development Sunday at episcopalrelief.org/lent.

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For over 80 years, Episcopal Relief & Development has been working together with supporters and partners for lasting change around the world. Each year the organization facilitates healthier, more fulfilling lives for more than 3 million people struggling with hunger, poverty, disaster and disease. Inspired by Jesus’ words in Matthew 25, Episcopal Relief & Development leverages the expertise and resources of Anglican and other partners to deliver measurable and sustainable change in three signature program areas: Women, Children and Climate.