The Millennium Development Goals

The 188th Convention of the Diocese of North Carolina in 2004 endorsed (resolution 2004-1) the United Nations’ Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), which pledge to

• eradicate extreme poverty and hunger;
• achieve universal primary education;
• promote gender equality and empower women;
• reduce child mortality;
• improve material health;
• combat HIV/AIDS;
• ensure environmental stability; and
• develop a global partnership for development.

As an expression of that endorsement, the Diocese set as a goal, beginning in 2005, to give 0.7% of the annual diocesan budget to fund international development programs.

The resolution also challenged all congregations in the Diocese to give 0.7% of their budgets to fund international development programs.

It also called for education and engagement with works of reconciliation, including using our connection in the Anglican Communion to build relationships with people and communities in the developing world.

Finally, it encouraged all Episcopalians in the Diocese to contact their elected representatives urging them to support the United States government’s fulfillment of its commitment to funding international development aid at 0.7% of the gross national product (GNP) of the United States.

The diocesan resolution followed a similar initiative at General Convention, leading to the passage of a resolution, “Supporting international relief and development.” Enter 2003-D0006 in the search box.

The School of Ministry has released a parish study, Mission and Ministry through the Millennium Development Goals (2006). Details about it, and the text of the study, are available on this website.

Further information and resources can be found in the document: The MDGs: Resources for study, reflection and action.