The Church Pension Group, the Episcopal Church Foundation, and Episcopal Relief & Development Host Wellness Conference for the Diocese of Ecuador Litoral

Three-Day Conference Was Developed for Clergy, Lay Employees, and Lay
Leaders Impacted by April Earthquake

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

Contacts

CPG Media:
C. Curtis Ritter, 212-592-1816
Senior Vice
President of Corporate Communications
critter@cpg.org
or
ECF
Media:
Charis Bhagianathan, 212-870-2843
Communications
Coordinator
charis@episcopalfoundation.org
or
Episcopal
Relief & Development Media:
Faith Rowold, 855-312-HEAL
(4325)
Communications Officer
frowold@episcopalrelief.org