Episcopal Press and News

Lay Professionals Told They Can 'Change the World'

Episcopal News Service. January 24, 1992 [92020K]

More than 50 lay persons employed in parish, diocesan, and other church offices were given a rousing reminder of their leadership potential at a recent meeting of the National Network of Lay Professionals in Delray Beach, Florida. "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it's the only thing that ever has," Dr. Anne Rowthorn, author of The Liberation of the Laity, told the gathering in her keynote address. Among the "10 commandments" she offered to those working in lay ministry were the need to challenge the church to face its "denial" of potentially divisive internal problems and the need for lay professionals to "let it begin with me."