Grant will help fund documentary on Episcopal ministries in Appalachia

By ENS staff, January 27, 2011 [Episcopal News Service] The ministry and work of the Episcopal Church to people residing in the vast Appalachian area of the United States will be the focus of an in-depth video exploration, funded by a grant from Odyssey Networks, according to a release from the Episcopal Church’s public relations office.

Appalachia covers a large area of the Eastern United States, including mountain territory as far north as southern New York and as far south as Mississippi, Alabama and Georgia. Episcopal Church work there includes efforts to combat persistent poverty.

The grant was one of many awarded by Odyssey Networks on Jan. 12, according to the release.

"In a time when budgets are being cut and funding for documentary work, particularly pieces dealing with faith and values content, it's a wonderful gift to be awarded from our friends at the Odyssey Networks," Mike Collins, director of digital media for the Episcopal Church, said in the release. "This film wouldn't be made without this grant."

Collins said he expects the video, tentatively named "Appalachia," to debut later in 2011.

According to the release, Odyssey Networks "seeks to tell the positive stories of faith in action around the globe, helping to present the voices of people of faith as they work towards bridging religious divides and promoting interfaith dialogue." In the past year, Odyssey has distributed $335,000 in grants to 17 organizations.