In an emergency meeting held on Thursday, March 19, members of the Board of Directors of the Foundation for the Episcopal Diocese of Wyoming committed $1 Million Dollars ($1,000,000), in support of relief for those negatively impacted by the COVID-19 global pandemic. Members acknowledged that the situation caused by the growing, global pandemic is dynamic, so guidelines for the distribution of the relief dollars are not yet created. However, the board voted unanimously to allocate funding to the resource citing Jesus’ teaching to “love our neighbors.”

While the virus disrupts weekly worship across the mostly rural state, Wyoming Episcopalians are busy supporting their local community by checking in on vulnerable neighbors, providing food and financial resource to local food banks and other helping agencies, as well as holding virtual prayer services. The Right Reverend John Smylie, Bishop of the Diocese of Wyoming, was encouraged by the energy and urgency of the Foundation to address the needs of our community. “The Diocese of Wyoming is committed to serving the people of this state and beyond. We’ve been providing nurture and care in the name of a loving God across the region for more than 100 years. It’s our duty and privilege now to step up in this way.”

While members of the board did not direct relief funds immediately, the board plans to host weekly meetings to discern the needs of our Wyoming community. Conversation included support for front line workers, health care professionals and support staff, those who have lost employment and issues related to food insecurity, as well as support for local parishes and missions. The Reverend Jimmy Bartz, Board Member and Rector of St. John’s in Jackson said, “Episcopalians in Wyoming are Monday-Saturday followers of Jesus, who happen to get together on Sundays. We’re already working hard seven days a week to dream of ways we can make a love-spreading difference in the lives of those negatively impacted by this crisis. It’s our hope that other dioceses across the country will create ways to generously and faithfully support their communities.”

Those wishing to add to this support effort may make a gift to the Episcopal Foundation for the Diocese of Wyoming designated for COVID-19 Relief. https://thefoundation.diowy.org

For more information, contact Press Stephens, Executive Director of The Foundation for The Episcopal Diocese of Wyoming – press@wyomingdiocese.org