ECSLA exists to serve the poor, work for justice, and build “The Beloved Community” throughout the Diocese of Louisiana. This mission is carried out by facilitating the church’s response to crisis—both in short-term disasters and long-term wounds of poverty, racism, exclusion and lack of opportunity—seeking always to serve the most vulnerable members of our communities. Through this ministry, ECSLA also creates opportunities for service learning and the mutual transformation that occurs when we encounter one another as neighbors.
- ECS’s ministry goes beyond simply meeting immediate needs, to include prophetic ministries of justice and the transformation of our communities.
- ECS gives priority to the needs of the most vulnerable members of our community.
- ECS affirms the dignity of every human being.
- ECS works ecumenically and with a wide range of community partners.
- Meaningful and lasting relationships are at the center of ECS’ work.
- ECS encourages the creative use of our church’s resources for community building and community empowerment.
- ECS does its work for the love of God. It does not proselytize or seek institutional gain from its ministry.
- ECS seeks to remain accountable to those it serves and to support leadership from within the communities it serves.
- The work of ECS involves ministry within communities rather than charity to the poor.