What is the Office of Government Relations?

The debut episode of Church and State features Rebecca Linder Blachly, Director of The Episcopal Church Office of Government Relations. It is hosted by The Rt. Rev. Scott B. Hayashi, Bishop of The Episcopal Diocese of Utah. Few seem to know that our church has lobbyists on Capitol Hill in Washington D.C. who are dedicated to advocating for General Convention resolutions about poverty, immigration, equality, and dozens of other topics. The Episcopal Church's Office of Government Regulations also assists congregations and dioceses about advocacy strategies and organization. Bishop Hayashi, who frequently advocates for social justice issues, wants all to know of this important ministry and well-respected presence in Washington D.C., especially as politics and social issues have become part of daily life in this political time.