Inspired by her study of liberation theology at EDS, the Rev. Sarah Monroe used an EES grant to visit several street ministries and to research and prepare a series of Bible studies and liturgies for use with economic refugees in the Diocese of Olympia. Her subsequent work in the Chechalis River Basin of Grays Harbor County, Washington was awarded a TEC Justice and Advocacy Fellowship.
Monroe continues to develop leadership from within the Chaplains on the Harbor community. In addition to ongoing worship, feeding and prison visits, the group has become known for advocacy for the poor. Locally, members of Monroe’s congregation celebrated a victory in 2019 against the city of Aberbeen, WA; the lawsuit challenged to city to provide humane accommodations for anyone they displaced by closing residential camps. Nationally, they are members of the Poor People’s Campaign: A National Call for Moral Revival and frequently participate in their rallies and events.
Watch a video of a visit by the Rev. William Barber, co-chair of the Poor People’s Campaign, to the homeless encampment where Chaplains on the Harbor ministers:
Monroe was awarded the Morgan Directors’ Award in 2013. Her consistent witness brings God’s Good News to the poor and challenges the privileged to act with compassion and mercy.
