The Diocesan Commission on Christian Social Relations has been an assembly of committees engaged in outreach and advocacy for the poor & marginalized in Rhode Island. It has received its funding from Episcopal Charities and has been seen as a partner in Charities’ ministry.

Its purpose is to:

• be the organized outreach ministry for the Diocese
• serve as a vehicle for the distribution of small grants-in-aid for programs with immediate and short term needs.
• give focus, visibility and support to specific ministries of the Diocese. Most of these ministries will work through a committee structure, but in some instances a chair person will work alone.
• help individuals and congregations recognize the admonitions of our Lord to create a just society by helping the weak and the poor.
• serve as a support and resource for individuals and groups engaged in these special ministries; for example: deaneries, deacons, and other committees.

The committees that are currently working with CSR are: Accessibility, chaired by Ms. Joy Twelves, 254-8810 ptwelves@msn.com Aging, chaired by the Rev. Dn. Patricia Bailey, 245-0397 deaconpat@aol.com Environment, chaired by the Rev. Dn. Mary Hitt, 331-7936 mlhitt@aol.com Housing, chaired by Ms. Jeanne Mason, 433-2702 Racism, chaired by the Rev. Michael DeVine, 722-9449 ap735@osfn.org Public Policy,

We are currently looking for persons to serve on the above committees, or to form new groups with special ministries. We especially need persons to form a Hunger or Feeding committee, Economic Justice committee, legislative liaison committee, or a children and youth committee. If you are interested, please advise Michael DeVine, interim chair of CSR (phone and email above.)

"In as much as you have done it for the least of these..."