Episcopal Press and News

Gathering Explores Ministry by Ethnic Minorities

Episcopal News Service. November 21, 1994 [94189B]

Jep Streit

Invited to a three-day conference to explore the possibility of Christian ministry, 34 young African American, Asian American, Hispanic and Native American Episcopalians met at Washington's College of Preachers and visited various ministries in the area. "The spirituality you need for leadership in the church should come from the experience of oppression," said State Rep. Byron Rushing of Massachusetts, a prominent black layman who served as chaplain to the House of Deputies at the recent General Convention. Brett Wormley of San Jose, California, said the conference gave participants a "powerful sense that the church is in our hands and that following our Lord's direction, and with his grace, we will carry the banner into the next generation.... It is a time to share the joys and fears of being called to a holy mission -- to tend God's sheep." The conference was initiated by the Diocese of Massachusetts and Episcopal Divinity School, with support from the Episcopal Church Foundation's Cornerstone Project, several diocesan bishops and the College of Preachers.