Monserrate Molina, 5, and her cousin Kevin, 2, outside a temporary shelter in the Divino Niño neighborhood of Pedernales, Ecuador • UNICEF Ecuador/Flickr • http://bit.ly/2afEQgq |
Church Pension Group hosted a wellness conference for clergy, lay employees, and lay leaders of the Diocese of Ecuador Litoral who were affected by an April 16 earthquake that killed more than 650 individuals and displaced more than 30,000 people.
The conference, which met July 21-24 in Guayaquil, addressed the psychological, physical, and spiritual needs of participants. It offered participants assistance in developing coping skills that they can use as they continue to minister and serve those harmed 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, Church Pension Group’s chief executive officer and president.
“We are extremely grateful to be the beneficiaries of this support from the Church Pension Group, Episcopal Church Foundation, and Episcopal Relief & Development,” said the Rt. Rev. Alfredo Morante, Bishop of Ecuador Litoral. “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.”
Church Pension Group covered the cost of attendance for clergy who participate in the benefits programs it offers. Financial support from the Episcopal Church Foundation and Episcopal Relief & Development made it possible for the conference to include lay employees and lay leaders in the diocese.
