Dear Sisters and Brothers;

 

As we reflect on the celebration of Pentecost and the outpouring of God's Spirit upon all flesh, let us consider life, death and the Lord's special agency in restoring the lives of those who suffer from addiction and their families and their communities.

Substance abuse disorders affected 20.8 million Americans-almost 8 percent of our adolescent and adult population*, which is comparable to the rate for diabetes and more than 1.5 times the rate for all cancers combined. Certainly, no faith denomination or spiritual path is exempt from this plague. The General Convention directs dioceses to work in partnership with The Episcopal Church Medical Trust, Recovery Ministries of The Episcopal Church, and community-based organizations to most effectively address prevention, intervention/diversion, education, advocacy, treatment, and recovery.

 

The Diocese of Pennsylvania has long championed these efforts, and we now call for the revitalization of the Addiction Resource Recovery Committee. The Rev. Richard Vinson (Trinity, Solebury) and Martin McElroy (St. Peter's in the Great Valley) have been tasked with creating a network of dedicated and knowledgeable persons throughout the Diocese to make a real difference. To that end, We encourage every parish to appoint a Recovery Advocate as a link to this network, and a resource to the parish, to address the entire spectrum of addictions. Parish Recovery Advocates need not be in recovery personally, but should be versed in and committed to education, prevention, intervention, treatment and sustained recovery. 

 

If you have questions, or wish to introduce your parish's Recovery Advocate to the Episcopal Diocese of Pennsylvania's Addiction Resource Recovery Network, please contact The Rev. Richard Vinson at 215 297-5234 or [email protected].

 

Please help us convey Christ's compassionate healing through educational, clinical and spiritual resources to those among us who are desperate for a reprieve from addiction and restoration to health, wholeness and faith.