The Episcopal Diocese of Northern Philippines (EDNP) is one of the six dioceses of the Episcopal Church in the Philippines (ECP). It has more than 42,000 members in 124 congregations, with more than 50 clergy.

The diocese focuses on five main areas of mission, which reflect the concerns of the national church. They are children’s ministry, youth ministry, adult/lay organisations, clergy, and parish growth.

The children’s ministry focuses on Sunday school and a vacation church school, among other activities, while providing skills training for voluntary teachers and leaders. These programmes also serve as outreach to children of other churches who are always welcome to attend.

Youth ministry includes youth camps, bible studies and ideas for church services. There is a particular emphasis on training leaders and raising awareness of environmental issues.

The adult ministry is more or less self-governing. The Episcopal Church Women runs its own programme. The Brotherhood of St Andrew is the men’s group, which has a focus on prayer, study and service.

A fourth area of work focuses on continuing education for the existing and new clergy, and this receives funding from USPG. Last year we conducted a seminar on the healing ministry and another on psycho-social counselling. Earlier this year we conducted training in pastoral care and counselling for selected clergy. We also run fellowship and study events and retreats.

Lastly, the diocese also assists in stewardship education to encourage all members to grow in the spirit of giving and support for the life of the church.
By the Revd Lioba Achawon, Episcopal Diocese of Northern Philippines

O Great God and watcher of the people’s struggle,
O Lord, let our every step follow the path you’ve made
Till tomorrow’s light shall have dawned upon us all.
Rodolfo Vera, from The Asian Institute for Liturgy and Music Collection

This week's prayers

Sunday 29

13th Sunday after Trinity This Sunday pray for the Philippines and the outreach of the church there. In particular, we pray for all human rights protesters who have been labeled ‘enemies of the state’ and victimised after speaking out on behalf of marginalised communities.

Monday 30

Gives thanks for dedicated outreach work of the Episcopal Church of the Philippines and the Philippine Independent Church, both members of the Anglican Communion.

Tuesday 31

Pray for Philippines’ new president Benigno Aquino as he guides a country with huge disparities in wealth and opportunity. Pray that he will be guided by God’s love and seek justice for all.

Wednesday 1

Pray for tighter control of mining companies that are poisoning streams with chemicals and cutting down trees, making land prone to dangerous landslides. Pray for rural communities that are suffering as a consequence.

Thursday 2

Pray for all marginalised communities in the Philippines, including peasant workers, indigenous peoples, women and human rights advocates. May they feel God’s presence in their daily struggles.

Friday 3

Give thanks for the bravery and resilience of Christians in rural parts of the Philippines as they seek justice while trying to earn a living in a situation of great hardship.

Saturday 4

Pray that churches in Britain and Ireland will stand alongside USPG and other organisations in showing practical solidarity for our brothers and sisters in the Philippines.